FA Back Souness Over Referee

Last updated : 19 August 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor

The FA's decision to listen to Graeme Souness and replace controversial referee Barry Knight for the match against West Ham on Saturday has gone down well at St James' Park. To say the two have a past history is an understatement!

Knight sent off three Newcastle players and apologised for incorrectly awarding the penalty against Villa last season, but Souness said it was "too little too late", and the referee made a point of speaking to Newcastle's senior players minutes before he officiated at the Magpies' clash against Everton a month after the Villa game.

However, in that game at Goodison he awarded a disputed free kick to Everton which ultimately cost United the match. Souness still hasn't forgot it, as he commented on the Villa game: "Mr Knight escaped without any criticism that day, and we felt hard done by him again at Everton." Souness was fined for his criticism of Knight.
Dermot Gallagher will take charge of Saturday's fixture at St James's Park against the Hammers.