Former English Premier League referee Mark Halsey has made shocking claims on social media, claiming has been told to denying witnessing incidents on the pitch by the PGMOL.
The retired match official, who decided to end his career in 2013, made this claim amid controversy regarding the three-match ban handed to Sergio Aguero.
The Argentine striker was guilty of throwing an elbow at Winston Reid during the Citizens’ win over West Ham, but this incident escaped punishment from the referee.
Some footages appear to show match official Andre Marriner witnessing the incident. If true, the referee’s decision to take no action would make it impossible for the FA to slap the Argentine with a suspension.
An appeal from Pep Guardiola’s side was rejected, meaning their top scorer will sit out next Saturday’s all-important Manchester derby clash with the Red Devils.
What Mark Halsey seems to be hinting is that Marriner may have been coerced into denying seeing the incident, tweeting:
"I have been in that situation, when I have seen an incident and been told to say I haven't seen it."
@mackemcafu2 @richardajkeys Paul I have been in that situation when I have seen an incident and been told to say I haven't seen it
— Mark Halsey (@RefereeHalsey) September 2, 2016
Halsay, however, was quick to downplay any possible role that the FA could have played, writing:
"To be fair to the FA... it's not them. It comes from within the PGMOL [Professional Game Match Officials Limited]..."
@lee_greenhalgh1 @FA to be Fair to the FA Lee it's not them, it comes from with in the PGMOL
— Mark Halsey (@RefereeHalsey) September 3, 2016
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