TOTTENHAM boss Ange Postecoglou has been hailed for his response to the ongoing refereeing controversies.
Following their 4-1 loss to Chelsea on Monday, during which they had two players sent off, the Australian refused to criticise the officials.
It was a rough evening for Spurs, who lost Micky van de Ven and James Maddison to injuries, while Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie were given their marching orders.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Postecoglou said: “At some point, we’ve got to accept the referee’s decision.
“That’s how I grew up, and I keep saying that, I said that last time. This constant erosion of referees’ authority is…well, this is where the game’s going to go.
“They’re not going to have any authority, it’s gonna get diminished, and we’re gonna be in the control of somebody a few miles away watching a TV screen.
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“So, a decision is the decision. You either accept it or you don’t…Trust me, in 26 years I have had plenty of bad ones, I have had plenty that have fallen in my favour. It is what it is.”
Former England, Liverpool and Man Utd ace Michael Owen lauded Postecoglou’s response.
He wrote on Twitter: “If every manager was this gracious our game wouldn’t be in the mess it is.
“Managers have a huge responsibility to protect the game instead of whipping their fans up into a frenzy with biased nonsense.”
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And during his post-match press conference, Postecoglou doubled down on his stance that managers should stick to their job, and let the officials handle theirs.
In what Gary Neville called a “class” response, Postecoglou said: “Premier League managers should just manage their football clubs.
“I’ve never, and I never will, talk to a referee about the rules of the game. I was taught that you grow up and you respect the officials.
“You know what managers do? I’ll tell you what managers do, me included, we try and find ways to bend the rules. To get around them.
“Tell me what the rule is, and I guarantee that you’ll have a room full of managers processing ‘How can I get around this?’ We’re not the right people.”
And it seems his stance has not only impressed former Premier League stars, but also fans.
One tweeted: “Angel Postecoglou is a refreshing change in the Premier League He couldn’t be more spot on here. A stark comparison to (Mikel) Arteta and Arsenal earlier in the week.”
While another said: “Postecoglou out there showing class in the face of a bruising defeat whilst Arteta is putting PowerPoint slides together to present his next tantrum to PGMOL.
“I am dismayed at last night but delighted we have a leader & not a toddler in charge.”
The state of refereeing and the use of VAR in the Prem has come under huge scrutiny of late – not least by Arteta and the Gunners.
Following Arsenal’s 1-0 loss away at Newcastle, Arteta launched into a tirade aimed at the officiating at St. James’ Park.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, he claimed that his side “didn’t deserve to lose,” putting it down to “clear and obvious decisions” which he labelled “a disgrace.”
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These included Anthony Gordon’s goal which stood dispute three VAR checks including a potential foul by Magpies midfielder Joelinton on Arsenal defender Gabriel.
Arsenal subsequently released a statement backing their managers’ comments.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
