Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo has refused to apologise for his comments over referee Lee Mason’s performance following the 2-1 Premier League defeat to Burnley on Monday.
The Football Association has sought observations from Nuno after he said Mason “does not have the quality to whistle a game in the Premier League” and that he did not want to see the Bolton official again.
Nuno, who said he will be speaking to the FA about his comments on December 29, said: “I should apologise the timing of my comments.
“They were not in the best moment to come across because it could be a bad interpretation. I won’t apologise for my words and thoughts.”
Nuno insisted he had never questioned the integrity of referees during his managerial career.
He said: “I never ever judge or question the integrity of a referee. I never did it and I will never do it in my life.
“What I said was about the ability of the referee, what I felt and what I saw in the previous matches.
“The Premier League is the best competition in the world – the only thing missing is the fans – and we expect high levels of performance and high standards.
Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo refuses to apologise for his 'words and thoughts' in his criticism of referee Lee Mason following their 2-1 defeat at Burnley. pic.twitter.com/V34jTxvx5E
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 23, 2020
“As managers and players what we expect is from the referees to be confident, maintain their authority on the pitch, to control the players and to handle the game.”
Asked whether he would stick with his comment that Mason was not good enough to officiate in the top flight, Nuno replied: “The Premier League has the best system in referees, and when we go to a match we expect a referee not to be a protagonist of the situation.
“We want the referee to let the game flow and especially to control the players.
“We have to make players understand it is a tough job, but at the same time they have to be co-operative and help the referees, as long as the referees have the dialogue like they always do.”
Wolves line up Edouard
Meanwhile, Wolves are considering lining up a bid for an in-form Celtic striker as a temporary replacement for Raul Jimenez, a report claims.
Odsonne Edouard netted 28 goals for the Scottish champions last season, attracting attention south of the border.
The 22-year-old has scored nine goals in 19 games so far this campaign.
TodoFichajes reports that Wolves are the latest outfit readying an offer for the attacker next month.
The source states that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will make an initial €20million (£18million) bid for his services.
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