It’s the oldest tactic in a Premier League manager’s playbook, although not one they have ever been taught on those much-vaunted coaching courses that enable them to take a job in the first place: When it all goes wrong, just blame the referee.
Sir Alex Ferguson did it — the former Manchester United manager probably set a record for outbursts at the officials — and Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have also taken referee criticism to such an extent that they have been sanctioned by the game’s authorities with bans or fines and warned not to do it again.
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The punishment often comes with an apology and admission that they overstepped the mark and will behave better next time. But there is always a next time, and the referees continue to be subjected to all levels of condemnation and fury from the boss on the touchline. And it isn’t just men; Emma Hayes — who, sources told ESPN, is set to be appointed as the next coach of the United States women’s national team — is no stranger to lambasting officials during her time as Chelsea manager.
Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag and Arsenal‘s Mikel Arteta are the now continuing the tradition set by their predecessors. Ten Hag hit out at three key decisions that…
