LMA stand by Jewell in ref row

The League Managers Association have launched a rigorous defence of Wigan boss Paul Jewell following his criticism of referee Phil Dowd.

The Football Association are currently examining Jewell’s comments in the wake of last night’s 1-1 Barclays Premiership draw against Blackburn at Ewood Park.

A clearly angry Jewell described Dowd as “incompetent” and that his decisions were “nonsensical”, in particular in allowing Rovers’ late equaliser to stand.

Jewell fully anticipates being charged by the FA, yet the LMA feel Jewell was within his right to criticise Dowd.

An LMA statement said: “All our members fully understand and appreciate the difficulties faced by match officials.

“The LMA fully supports the right of its members to express honestly-held opinions about refereeing decisions.

“Paul was asked questions about decisions which affected the course of the game, and he gave his honest views.

“The LMA wishes to make it clear that it is in regular dialogue with the PGMO (Professional Game Match Officials, the body who regulate referees) and other footballing bodies.

“All of us share a common desire to continue to improve refereeing standards and encourage greater communication between all parties for the good of the game.”

Dowd disallowed what appeared to be a perfectly valid Blackburn goal, only to adjudge Paul Dickov had impeded goalkeeper John Filan despite minimal contact being made.

After an Arjan de Zeeuw strike was also ruled out for an incorrect offside decision, Dowd further infuriated Jewell with his call on Shefki Kuqi’s first goal since Boxing Day.

In coming to collect a Steven Reid cross, Filan was barged off the ball by Australian compatriot Lucas Neill, allowing Kuqi to score.

Jewell later said: “We were robbed in the first half and robbed at the end, but that’s about right for Phil Dowd with Wigan.

“I never usually talk about referees but he has cost us the game.

“I have seen our disallowed goal on the monitor and it’s not even close, while their goal at the end is not a foul, it’s GBH. But he didn’t think it was a foul.

“One Premier League manager once told me Dowd is the worst referee we have got in this league – and he ain’t wrong.

“He genuinely gets things wrong. He doesn’t do it on purpose, he is just not very good. He is just incompetent.”

In deciding whether to charge Jewell, the FA have to determine if his comments compromise the integrity of Dowd and his assistants.