Soccer: FA chief slams bias claims

The Football Association referees' chief has hit back at claims of biased refereeing following Derby’s contentious draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

The Rams were denied a late winner at Pride Park on Sunday when referee Steve Dunn disallowed Malcolm Christie’s strike after ruling that he had kicked the ball from goalkeeper Fabien Barthez’s grasp.

Derby boss John Gregory yesterday hit out at referees, claiming that such decisions often go in favour of big clubs such as Manchester United.

He also claimed after the game finished 2-2 that the goal would have been allowed in front of Stretford End at Old Trafford.

But John Baker, head of refereeing for the FA, rubbished Gregory’s suggestions, telling BBC Radio Five Live: ‘‘Generally speaking there is no doubt that our officials when they get these games raise their own performance to a very high level.

‘‘It is unfair to say any particular team gets better treatment from officials. I think it makes their jobs more challenging.

‘‘With the system we have now with our top 24 referees, everyone is in fact on top of their own form.

‘‘Our match observers are aware of the anxieties and criticisms of managers but I would like to assure John Gregory in particular that everyone who referees Manchester United at home and away are very much up to the task.’’