The Everton manager Asserts PGMO Reluctant to Clarify Controversial Decisions

David Moyes has claimed that the PGMO is reluctant to engage with managers because a high number of refereeing decisions this season have been hard to justify. The Everton manager said he was left speechless when Fulham were awarded what proved to be a decisive penalty against Nottingham Forest on Monday.

Lack of Uniformity in Penalty Calls Highlighted

Everton were denied a penalty on Saturday for a comparable incident during their home defeat by Arsenal. Moyes did not criticise the decision at the time but, in light of Fulham’s penalty, feels the inconsistency of referees must be addressed.

“It took my breath away last night when I saw the decision given and ours wasn’t,” said the Everton manager. “It feels as though certain clubs get those decisions and other clubs don’t. We seem to be on the latter side of that.”

Past Incidents and Mounting Discontent

Moyes also referenced an previous case in the season at Brentford involving Virgil van Dijk which was very comparable. “I think eventually it was given. It is frustrating it wasn’t given on the night and we are reviewing other instances which have been missed,” he added.

Communication Breakdown with Officiating Authorities

Questioned on whether he intended to raise the issue with referee chiefs, Moyes expressed further frustration. “It’s unclear,” he said. “They are not accommodating whatever you want. They are unwilling to have a conversation about it really. They might engage, but they don’t want to because they’re finding it probably very difficult to explain things.”

This position from the officials highlights a wider issue of openness and answerability in the sport’s refereeing, according to the long-serving coach.

Luis Miller
Luis Miller

A tech journalist and digital strategist passionate about exploring how technology shapes everyday life and culture.