Sheffield United Manager Charged by FA for Referee Comments

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has been charged by the FA for his comments made about referee Tony Harrington after his side’s 3-2 defeat against Crystal Palace last month. Wilder expressed his dissatisfaction with the standard of officiating during the match, which United lost despite taking the lead on two occasions. The FA has accused Wilder of improper conduct and has given him until Friday, February 16, to respond.

During a post-match interview with BBC Radio Sheffield, Wilder criticized the referee's performance, calling it 'ridiculous'. He claimed that a Premier League referee had informed him that every 50-50 decision would go against his team. Wilder also expressed his frustration with two bookings his team received in the first half, which he believed were unjustified.

Wilder further criticized one of the assistant referees for eating a sandwich during their conversation, considering it a lack of respect towards a Premier League manager. The FA's statement mentioned that Wilder's comments imply bias, attack the integrity of the referee, and bring the game into disrepute.

Sheffield United is currently at the bottom of the Premier League table and is facing the possibility of relegation. Their next match is against Brighton on Sunday, February 18.