Styles to retire

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

Jump before you're pushed

 

One of the most controversial referees to officiate in the Premier League over the past decade, Rob Styles, has decided to end his officiating career early.

 

A resignation letter from Styles is expected to arrive at the FA today, calling time on a 22-year career which began in the Wessex League.

 

Former Premier League referee Graham Poll said he was 'saddened but not surprised' by the decision. Poll, who himself retired from officiating in the Premier League in 2007, told the Daily Mail: "He cared deeply about his refereeing, dedicating himself to serving the game he loves. However, the fact that the majority of the football-watching public will merely shrug their shoulders in indifference at this news or say 'Good' proves the lack of understanding of the modern referee."

 

In recent years, 45-year-old Styles attracted criticism for his decisions in a number of the Premier League's highest profile matches, notably Liverpool's match against Chelsea at the beginning of the 2007-08 season, when he awarded a disputed penalty to Chelsea before showing Michael Essien two yellow cards without sending him off.

 

In the 2008-09 season, Styles awarded Manchester United a penalty against Bolton when Cristiano Ronaldo was challenged fairly by Jlloyd Samuel in the area. Ronaldo and his team-mates did not seem to appeal for a foul before Styles awarded the penalty to the astonishment of Bolton's players. He was roundly criticised for making an incorrect decision in the following days.

[CarraLegend]

Thank god for that, one of the most inept officials you'll ever find in football. Dont think he was on the take or anything, he was just completely clueless. Giving Chelsea a penalty for Malouda fouling Finnan was amongst the worst decisions ive ever seen, only rivalled by some more of his in the same season.

[Gomez]

Excellent, more bad news for the mancs

[Swagger]

First Tevez, then Ronaldo, now Styles.

 

Plenty of sleepless nights for Fergie this summer.

[Swipe]

f***ing clown. Says it all he has to retire early

[floyd]

Retiring to a nice little nest egg.........................

[Leo No.8]

One of the most inept referees in the history of football, I feel like going out on the ale to celebrate this.

[DonRafa]

..............and a very punchable face, the twot

[SkippyjonJones]

this will affect the mancs more than the loss of Ronaldo...

[Walrus]

..............and a very punchable face, the twot

 

Ooohh...

[John am Rhein]

this will affect the mancs more than the loss of Ronaldo...

 

The're well equipped to replace Styles - plenty of refereeing talent coming through their academy

[billybunter]

and Poll can f*** off too

[Dmitch]

Dont let the door hit you on the way out.... let me hit you in the face with a axe after you get out of the door in the car park...... *Cuts rant short before i go over the top and get a ban*

Edited June 16, 2009 by daniel02mi