Rob Styles didn’t win himself any United mates after his failings as a referee cost United crucial points last weekend. United were denied two penalties, after Rooney was fouled in the box in the first half by Reid (his late reaction to the foul swaying the ref) and a blatant handball from Emerton, blocking Carrick’s on target chance in the second half.
It seems the FA have spotted Styles’ costly mistakes and he has been relegated from Premiership action this weekend, instead, set to ref Shrewsbury’s game against Chester in League 2.
Styles has shown his incompetence several times this season, yet the FA still entrusted him with vital games in the closing weeks of the season.
Styles booked Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this season for diving in the box against Middlesbrough, although replays clearly show that Niemi charged at the player making no contact with the ball.
At Anfield at the beginning for the season, Styles was the ref guilty of awarding Chelsea a penalty, earning the blues an undeserved point in a 1-1 draw.
Last month, he awarded a penalty against City when playing Birmingham, despite the fact it was the Birmingham player, Gary McSheffrey, who initiated the shoulder charge on Sun Jihai.
His demotion is all too little too late for United though…
------------
The RoM Manchester United 2024-25 season preview is now available. It includes articles from the country's best football writers about our expectations for the season ahead and our brightest talents, as well as proposed transfer business and which youth players to keep an eye out for. All profit goes to The Christie so please support this fantastic cause.
