Sean Dyche is set to face action from the Football Association. That follows his comments after Nottingham Forest’s recent clash with Manchester City.
The former Everton manager was unhappy with the refereeing performance at the City Ground. Several decisions went against Forest during the match on Saturday, 27 December.
According to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, Dyche will be asked to provide his observations.
Hackett told Football Insider that the FA are expected to contact the Forest manager before deciding on a charge.
The controversy centred on referee Rob Jones. He made a number of calls which angered the home side. One incident involved Ruben Dias, who avoided a red card despite already being on a yellow.
Forest also felt aggrieved by the winning goal. Rayan Cherki scored late on. However, replays showed a clear tussle between Morgan Gibbs-White and Nico O’Reilly on the goal line.
Jones waved play on and no foul was given. That decision further fuelled frustration inside the stadium.
After full-time, Dyche described the refereeing as “unacceptable”. He felt Forest were treated unfairly. He also suggested officials were reluctant to challenge Manchester City.
Hackett explained that managers often speak emotionally straight after games. He added that Dyche will now be contacted formally by the FA.
The manager will be asked to submit his observations before any charge is made. Hackett also pointed out that managers have other channels available.
They can speak to referees after matches. They can also raise concerns with the match delegate. However, once comments are made publicly, the process changes.
Dyche can now expect a letter from the FA. The situation adds further scrutiny to officiating standards.
It also leaves Dyche waiting to see whether formal charges will follow his post-match remarks.
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