More trouble for Sheffield

18 March 2002

Referee Eddie Wolstenholme has been speaking about his feelings following the abandoned game at Brammall Lane:

"I am just sorry it happened to me. I am upset and obviously did not enjoy what happened. I love being a referee. I enjoy every moment. But what happened on Saturday has left a sour taste in my mouth. I just hope no other referee ever has to go through the same awful experience. "

But the crucial issue, and the one that may lead to action against Sheffield United by the FA, is what is going to be in his report of the game:

"I now have to prepare an extraordinary report for the FA, as this was an extraordinary incident. All I can say is the three sendings-off will be in my report. I don't know what will happen but I have a lot of writing to do."

A clue to the contents of his report may be given by his view of the third sending-off:

"The chap who was head-butted (Derek McInnes) did his utmost to calm things down. He was professional. But what did he get for it? A head-butt."

I'm now informed that even United's own fans have admitted to hearing Warnock telling his players to go down injured or get sent off. If this turns out to be backed up by the views of the fourth official, it seems unlikely that Warnock's footballing career will last much longer.

Previous Stories:

  17 March 2002:  Knives out at the Blades

  17 March 2002:  Koumas move rumours

  15 March 2002:  Cooper move confusion

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