Styles apologises to Bolton for penalty error
Rob Styles apologised to Bolton
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Monday, 29, Sep 2008 08:56
Premier League referee Rob Styles has apologised to Bolton for the penalty he awarded against them in their 2-0 defeat against Manchester United.
Styles gave the champions a spot-kick for Jlloyd Samuel's challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo, which the Portuguese winger converted. But replays showed it wasn't a penalty as Samuel had clearly won the ball.
Bolton manager Gary Megson was incensed by the decision and insisted: "I don't want him to ring me up. I would have more respect from him if he just holds his hands up and says he was wrong."
But the Professional Game Match Official Board (PGMO) said today that Styles had contacted Bolton to apologise.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised Styles for having the "humility" to admit that he had made a mistake.
"Rob takes a lot of credit," said Ferguson. "It helps in terms of him showing some humility towards the game. That is the most important thing.
"It is good he has done it. It presents him in a different light. It shows he has character and is big enough to do it."
Referees have in the past suffered a one-match suspension if they make a high-profile mistake, but the PGMO confirmed that Styles would not be punished and will be in charge for the game between Tottenham and Hull City on Sunday.