Meet The Ref - Swansea v Latics - Phil Dowd

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Wigan Athletic travel to Swansea City on Saturday for what promises to be a mouth watering clash, the Latics can expect anything but a warm welcome in South Wales, the Swans will be fired up on three sides, their first Premier League game at the Liberty Stadium, to put the disappointment of Monday nights defeat at Manchester City as far at the back of their minds as possible and of course Roberto Martinez.

When Martinez left Swansea for Wigan in the summer of 2009 it caused a little ill feeling, obviously clubs use everything at their disposal to gain an advantage in games, so we can expect the Swansea players and fans to be a little worked up for this game, so who will be the referee to try and make sure nothing goes over the top? Phil Dowd that`s who.

48 year old Dowd has been at the centre of quite a bit of controversy when officiating in Latics matches in the past, most notably when Paul Jewell was in charge at the DW Stadium, turning down numerous penalty appeals, allowing goals even though there were blatant fouls and not allowing players back on to the field of play following treatment for injury resulting in goals being conceded, yep Mr Dowd and Mr Jewell still aren`t on speaking terms apparently.

I do feel that Dowd has improved quite a lot these past few seasons, though he does like the limelight and can be fussy, he is undoubtedly a colourful character.

An interesting fact - Phil Dowd is an ex pit man and that's how he got into refereeing, whilst on strike during 1984 Miner`s Dispute he decided to learn the Laws of the Game. He enrolled on a course and after passing his referee exam started to do youth games in the local leagues, Maggie Thatcher really does have a lot to answer for!

Phil Dowd's Card Watch 2011/12

Games - 2
Yellows - 15
Reds - 0














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