Robbie Savage described the decision by Kevin Friend to send off Wes Brown in the weekend match between Stoke City and Sunderland as "the worst decision I have ever seen."
Charlie Adam, the recipient of the tackle, said "I don't think it was a sending off."
But it is potentially more problematical than a very poor error of judgement.
Friend wasn't even going to blow for a foul until he was prompted over his earpiece.
This prompt could have been from the assistant referee, the 4th official or the Premier League match observer.
As Friend simply marched over and presented a red card without even consulting any of his on-field assistants, one is left with the conclusion that it was the Premier League match observer who made the decision.
This route to decision-making is illegal under Premier League, UEFA and FIFA rules although all three bodies utilise match observers in this illegitimate manner.
If television images are being utilised or hidden agendas enacted away from the pitch by faceless representatives then match outcomes are compromised by inappropriate inputs.
If video technology is being used surreptitiously then not only is this illicit but also it allows decisions on problematical decisions to be taken in secrecy as opposed to the more open manner of rugby and cricket and tennis.
Why can't the communications between match officials be on open microphone as is the case in legitimate sports?
And why do the Premier League insist that referees do not give post-match interviews?
And why are former referees in Premier League paid £50K on retirement as 'hush money'?
And why is the name Keren Barratt never mentioned in the media when he is the individual who makes all Premier League referee selections?
Why the secrecy?
What have the Premier League got to hide?
NB Following our intervention, the Wes Brown red card has been rescinded and Mr Friend has been stood down from officiating for a fortnight.
The full details of this case are not able to be printed in this place.
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