Richard Keys blasts Premier League for treating one club like ‘guinea pigs’ for referees

Richard Keys has accused the Premier League of treating one particular club like ‘guinea pigs’ when it comes to referees.

In his most recent blog, Keys was heavily critical of VAR and PGMOL chief Howard Webb.

The former Sky Sports presenter blasted the decision to not give Brentford a penalty after Andy Robertson appeared to foul Ivan Toney inside the area.

He wrote: “Robertson knew it was a pen. You can see that by the way he limply kicks the ball away after clattering Toney. The only person in the ground that didn’t think it was a pen was Michael Oliver.

“What happened to VAR? David Coote went missing because he knows that Oliver is never going to accept someone he regards as inferior to him sending him to a monitor. Operators are scared of Oliver so they back off. We know this because Mike Dean admitted as much early in the season. Refs help their mates out and duck controversy.”

In addition, Keys accused the Premier League of treating Fulham like guinea pigs when it comes to referees.

He added: “Oh - one other thing. Fulham fans have got every right to ask why their club are always used as guinea pigs when it comes to giving new refs a run-out.

“Of course the process of finding new blood is important - but it doesn’t always have to be at Craven Cottage. Fulham’s games matter every bit as much as any other teams.”

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Fulham boss Marco Silva was critical of referee Sam Barrott back in December, he said: “It was a really strange performance from the referee from the first minute to the last minute.

“I'm not saying red card, but a clear foul. You need referees with experience and to be able to handle the pressure.”

Silva ended up being fined for his comments about the referee.