Judge Darren Drysdale apologized for head lock with Ipswich Town midfielder Alan Judge during the club’s goalless draw against Northampton Town.
In a statement from Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the 49-year-old Drysdale said he “did not keep calm”.
The Lincolnshire clerk moved his head toward the Referee late in the game and briefly seemed to pose for him.
“I can only apologize to Alan and Ipswich Town,” Drysdale said.
“I fully understand that it is important for us as referees to keep our composure throughout the game and always communicate professionally with the players.
“I’m sorry I didn’t do it.”
In addition to reserving a referee for the simulation as players from both sides pulled him, Drysdale then ruled out Ipswich midfielder Flynn Downes for using offensive words a few minutes later.
Ipswich manager Paul Lambert considered it a “diluted apology”.
“I hope the Football Association will look into the whole incident, including Flynn’s red card,” Lambert told BBC Radio 5 Live Drive.
“According to Darren, he said he had no control.”
‘It’s unacceptable’
Lambert also asked the EFL to investigate the conflict in the schedule of the first game on Tuesday.
“I spoke this morning with (EFL Chief Justice) Mike Jones,” Lambert confirmed. “He found the whole thing a bit discouraging to his judges.
“Had Alan Judge treated the judge the same way, he would probably have looked at the six-month ban.
I asked the referee after the game, ‘did you put your head on my player?’ and he told me where to go.
“I told him,‘ if you are, and the footage proves it, you’re in big trouble. ’I think that’s unacceptable.
“I see it’s a judge’s job to deal with the pressure. You have to get into that environment and be able to handle it.
“When a player goes to the referee, he has to control his feelings, and also the referee has to control their emotions.”
PGMOL has confirmed that the incident is being investigated by the Football Association.
“In accordance with their usual disciplinary proceedings, it would not be appropriate to make further comments,” a PGMOL spokesman said.
0 Comments