Tamworth FC coach Greg Bartlett has given the standard of refereeing in the Premier League a red card, saying referees are too quick to book players and need to realise they are not officiating a “netball game”.
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Bartlett’s outburst followed two of his players – including his son Josh – being sent off in FC’s 3-2 away loss to East Armidale on Saturday.
Barlett said his son was marched for “mouthing off” while Ross Price received a second yellow card for a bad tackle.
They were sent off within minutes of each other in the second half, but it was Price’s dismissal that really irked the coach.
“This is the Premier League, the highest level these guys will play at, and the referees are treating it like they’re playing netball,” Bartlett said.
“If they referee games a bit better we’re not gonna get the cards. I don’t know how many cards there was in the game (on Saturday).
“There was a few. A lot of it was so soft.
“It’s always been the same. It’s not going to change. It’s pointless whinging about it.”
Prior to the send-offs, FC were leading 2-0 and, in Bartlett’s words, “doing it pretty easy”.
Despite being critical of the referee, Bartlett was also upset with his son.
He said his son was disappointed with himself as well.
“So he should be (disappointed). He’s let 10 other blokes down,” the coach said.
In the other game played on Saturday, North Companions defeated Joeys FC 3-0, with Scott Flanagan, Amine Lihia and Matt Kelly scoring.