Sheffield United: Chris Wilder fined £11,500 after referee criticism
- Published
Chris Wilder was frustrated at the referee because he believed a number of key decisions went against his side
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has been fined £11,500 by the Football Association for comments about referee Tony Harrington after his side's loss to Crystal Palace in January.
Wilder described Harrington's display as "ridiculous".
He also said he had been told by a Premier League referee before the game that every 50-50 decision would go against his team.
The FA said his comments constituted improper conduct.
As well as criticising Harrington, Wilder also accused one of his assistants of showing a "lack of respect" for eating a sandwich when he went to speak to them after the game.
He was charged on 14 February, with the FA saying his comments "imply bias and/or attack the integrity of the referee, or referees generally, and/or bring the game into disrepute".
Wilder subsequently accepted the charge., external
After his side lost the game at Selhurst Park 3-2 despite leading twice, Wilder said: "It's yet again another ridiculous performance from the referee.
"I was told by a Premier League referee, who I've known for a long time and who's as honest as the day is long. He said every 50-50 decision will go against you.
"We had two bookings in the first half of the game but they weren't bookings. They were just a coming together.
"But I'm not just going to go under the radar and not say anything. I've been to see the referee and I've told him that."
He was also critical of the assistant eating a sandwich, adding: "Hopefully he enjoyed his sandwich while he was talking to a Premier League manager".
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