The Everton manager Asserts PGMO Reluctant to Explain Debatable Calls

David Moyes has claimed that the Professional Game Match Officials is hesitant to communicate with managers because so many refereeing decisions this season have been difficult to explain. Moyes said he was left speechless when Fulham were awarded what proved to be a decisive penalty against Nottingham Forest on Monday.

Inconsistency in Penalty Calls Highlighted

The Toffees were refused a penalty on Saturday for a similar offence during their home defeat by Arsenal. Moyes did not criticise the decision at the time but, in light of Fulham’s penalty, feels the inconsistency of referees must be addressed.

“I was half choking last night when I saw the decision given and ours wasn’t,” said the Everton manager. “It feels as though certain clubs get those decisions and other clubs don’t. We seem to be on the latter side of that.”

Past Incidents and Growing Frustration

Moyes also referenced an earlier incident in the season at Brentford involving Virgil van Dijk which was very comparable. “It was later it was given. We are disappointed it wasn’t given on the night and we are reviewing other instances which have been missed,” he added.

Communication Breakdown with Officiating Authorities

Questioned on whether he intended to raise the issue with the officiating body, Moyes expressed additional concern. “I don’t really know,” he said. “They don’t make it easy whatever you want. They are unwilling to have a conversation about it really. They will have, but they don’t want to because they’re finding it probably very difficult to explain things.”

This position from the PGMO highlights a broader problem of openness and accountability in the game’s officiating, as per the long-serving coach.