Merk backs Meier

Euro 2004 final referee Markus Merk has lambasted the way his fellow official Urs Meier has been treated by sections of the English press for his decision to chalk off Sol Campbell’s “goal” in the quarter-final with Portugal last Thursday.

Meier was vilified by sections of the English media when he penalised John Terry for impeding Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo’s attempt to beat Campbell to the ball but the referee was yesterday given full public support by UEFA’s refereeing committee while his fellow referees also queued up to defend him.