February 14, (THEWILL) – Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has been charged by the England Football Association over comments he made last month regarding match officials after an English Premier League defeat. Wilder accused referees of bias against his side and criticised an assistant who was eating during a confrontation.
The charges relate to Wilder’s remarks following Sheffield United’s 3-2 loss away at Crystal Palace on January 30. Wilder told reporters that he felt “every 50/50 or tight decision goes against” Sheffield United. He also singled out an assistant referee who he claimed showed “a complete lack of respect” by eating a sandwich whilst speaking with the Blades boss.
The FA has now sanctioned Wilder with a charge of improper conduct. A statement outlined that his comments implied bias against referees and brought the game into disrepute. Sheffield United are currently bottom of the EPL table.
Wilder’s side have won just 3 of 24 league games this season. With 14 matches remaining, the Blades are seven points from safety in the fight against relegation. Wilder will now face an FA hearing over the charges.
He has come under pressure after a difficult season, despite leading Sheffield United to an impressive 9th-place finish in the 2019/2020 campaign when they performed creditably in the top flight.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
