9 Feb 2009Referee Bennett to be questioned over bookings claims

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

Premier League referee Steve Bennett is to be questioned over his alleged claims that some players intentionally get themselves booked or red-carded in order to get some time off.

Speaking to an undercover News of the World reporter, the official said that players often made dangerous tackles or even asked to get booked in order to get a suspension.

He made the alleged comments during a Uefa conference for Europe's leading referees in Spain this week.

Responding to the rumours of Bennett's supposed accusations, a Premier League spokesman said that the reported comments do not reflect the views of Premier Game Match Officials (PGMO), the group responsible for appointing referees.

"As such, we will be asking him for an explanation," the spokesman added.

Bennett, who was the appointed official for the 2007 FA Cup final at Wembley, has reached the compulsory retirement age for Premier League referees and is therefore set to stand down at the end of the season.

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