Ex-ref launches attack on PGMOL after history-making female official snubbed

11 January 2024 , 01:18

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Keith Hackett wants to see Rebecca Welch back in the Premier League (Image: Getty Images)

Former referee Keith Hackett has slammed PGMOL for snubbing Rebecca Welch since her historic Premier League debut.

Welch, 40, became the first woman to referee a Premier League fixture last month by taking charge of Burnley's 2-0 victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Burnley boss Vincent Kompany was among those to praise Welch after the momentous occasion.

Yet she hasn't been picked for a Premier League game since her debut and was snubbed again in the latest list of appointments up to January 22. PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) decides which referees are selected in the Premier League.

Hackett, who is a former PGMOL boss, is furious with the body's decision to snub Welch and has made his feelings known on X. He wrote: "A £26million business run by a bunch of amateurs who operate like a Mayfair gentleman's club. Job for the boys.

"When is Rebecca Welch going to be appointed to her next Premier League game? Was it (her debut) to look good from a PGMOL PR point of view. She officiated well."

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Welch, who has also officiated in the English Football League (EFL), is a FIFA-listed referee and took charge of games at last year's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She has had the honour of refereeing two Women's FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020.

Fulham manager Marco Silva had no complaints about Welch after her Premier League debut - describing it as a "normal performance" - while Kompany said: "I wanted to congratulate her because aside from the performance it’s a big moment.

Welch took charge of Burnley's 2-0 win at Fulham last month (Getty Images)

Do you agree with Keith Hackett? Let us know in the comments below!

"And I said when you’re in the game it’s not about the ref, it’s about the players, not about the coach. But after the game it’s fair to say that is a milestone moment and may there be many more. The best thing will always be when people are judged on merit but you have to have a first. Well done, I am happy to be a part of this moment."

PGMOL, which is now led by 2010 World Cup final referee Howard Webb, has faced a lot of criticism this season for several controversial decisions, most notably VAR's failure to overturn an incorrect decision to disallow a Luis Diaz goal for offside in Liverpool's 2-1 loss at Tottenham in October. PGMOL quickly apologised for the "human error".

There was more VAR controversy earlier this month, as Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin was sent off following a review during their goalless draw at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup. The Football Association have since overturned the seemingly harsh red card.

Tom Blow