Sports
Richard Keys Thinks Premier League Referees Are ‘Scared’ of Man City
Richard Keys has gone on an astonishing rant in which he has accused Premier League referees of being terrified of penalising one team in particular.
The outspoken beIN sports presenter has never been shy to express his opinion on matters such as officiating in the English top flight. It was only a few months ago when he questioned the decision to send Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah off against Brighton after Nathan Collins avoided a sending off for a similar situation when Brentford played Manchester United, labelling officials, “fools.”
Now, a separate incident from Manchester City’s 2-1 victory away to Nottingham Forest has irked the broadcaster, who has called out referees for their decision-making in the game.
Key’s Accuses Referees of Being Scared of Man City
The focus of Keys’ ire was Ruben Dias who, after being booked in the first half, brought down Forest attacker Igor Jesus shortly after the second half started at the City Ground. There was outcry from Sean Dyche and the home bench, as they believed that the Portuguese international deserved to be sent off.
Rob Jones, however, only elected to award a foul to the hosts as Dias escaped without further punishment. Dyche, speaking after the game, bemoaned multiple calls which went the way of City, and stated his belief that their captain deserved to be given his marching orders.
At the time, Keys agreed with Dyche as he raged about the decision on social media, writing on X: “I agree with Sean Dyche… Guardiola’s teams have always been masters of the dark arts.
“Apart from anything else Dias should go. He knew exactly what he was doing. Refs are scared. Oh – anyone heard about the 135 charges? Nothing? Everton are waiting to take a points deduction.”
And the presenter expanded on those thoughts in his latest column following the conclusion of gameweek 18. He said: “I mentioned on Twitter I was 100% behind Sean Dyche’s view after the game at Forest. Of course Dias has got to go after committing a second yellow card offence.
“He knew exactly what he was doing. What was the difference between that challenge and the one [Kevin] Danso was booked for at Palace last night? Only that Rob Jones was s*** scared to get a card out again because he was reffing City.
“And as for the winning goal – wow. I didn’t expect Jones to see the offence, but where was VAR? You see – useless. What’s the point?
“I’ll be a tad kind to Jones here and admit he’s not the only one overawed by reffing City. All the guys are. They must be. I can’t think of another reason they freeze when they do. I mentioned this recently and I’ll do it again – Guardiola’s teams have always been masters of the dark arts. Always. So keep a closer eye on them guys and be honest.”
Ex-Referee Gives Assessment of Dias’ Foul
The incident involving Dias and Jesus was one that was focused on during Sky Sports’ weekly segment, Ref Watch. Former referee Dermot Gallagher was asked to give his view on whether the Man City player deserved a second yellow, and he stated that he understood why Dyche was so angry about the decision.
“I have sympathy with him [Sean Dyche], I think it is a second yellow card,” he said. “Dias brings him down.
“Whether it is an accident doesn’t matter. That is a second yellow card. It was a promising attack.”
