FA Cup final referee dismisses Man Utd and Man City allegiances after Wembley appointment
Paul Tierney, the referee chosen to officiate the upcoming FA Cup final, has dismissed claims of supporting Manchester United or Manchester City, following criticism from Liverpool supporters. Tierney faced backlash from Liverpool fans and manager Jurgen Klopp after their 4-3 victory over Tottenham last month. Klopp's post-match interview hinted at a grudge held by Tierney against him and his team, leading to an investigation into Klopp's conduct.
Referees are required to disclose any affiliations to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to ensure impartiality in their match assignments. Tierney has been officiating in the Premier League since 2014 and is the only referee in the league to have overseen matches involving all 20 teams this season. Liverpool has been subject to Tierney's decisions on seven occasions this season, and some fans have speculated about potential bias in favor of rival clubs. However, Tierney has dispelled these rumors, asserting that he does not support either Manchester club, as he was born in Belfast and only moved to Wigan at the age of 11. He expressed excitement about refereeing his first Manchester derby in the FA Cup final on June 3.
Tierney acknowledged the significance of the fixture and emphasized his impartiality, dismissing assumptions about his allegiances. Reflecting on his involvement in previous games at Wembley, including as an assistant referee in the 2009 FA Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Chelsea, he expressed his enthusiasm for the atmosphere and the honor of officiating at the iconic stadium. He described the upcoming final as a personal highlight and expressed hope for an exciting match.
Klopp's comments about Tierney have put him at risk of facing severe punishment from the Football Association (FA). The FA is considering disciplinary action following Klopp's remarks, which alluded to a contentious history between Liverpool and Tierney. Despite this controversy, Tierney remains focused on his role as the referee for the FA Cup final and is determined to deliver a top-quality performance.
As the FA Cup final approaches, all eyes will be on Tierney and his ability to officiate the highly anticipated clash between Manchester United and Manchester City. His appointment is a testament to his experience and competence as a referee. Tierney's commitment to fairness and his reassurances regarding impartiality should alleviate concerns among fans and ensure that the final is decided solely on the merit of the teams' performances on the pitch.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0