Meet The Ref - Man United v Latics - Phil Dowd

Wigan Athletic travel to Old Trafford on Boxing Day for what promises to be a mouth watering clash, the Latics don't usually get too much in the way of referee decisions going in their favour when playing against Manchester United, so who will be the referee this time to make sure Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't get upset? 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. Dowd refereed our game at the Liberty Stadium against Swansea back in August, he gave us a penalty that day, unfortunately we didn't convert it, any chance of another one at Old Trafford Phil?

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 - 14
Yellows - 64
Reds - 1

Manchester United v Wigan Athletic (3pm)

Referee: P Dowd
Assistants: G Beswick, S Ledger
Fourth Official: A Taylor
Match Delegate: M McGuire
PGMO: I Blanchard

















Latics and Proud



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