Meet The Ref - Latics v QPR - Phil Dowd

Wigan Athletic entertain Queens Park Rangers this Saturday in what is a massive game for both clubs, who do we have in charge of this potential powder keg of a fixture, Phil Dowd that's who

This will be Dowd's first game in charge of the Latics since 11th April when the Staffordshire official refereed the 1-0 win against Manchester United at the DW Stadium. Not too bad after all, though the very mention of his name does strike fear in most Latics fans hearts

We are entering the pantomime season just now and it was in the Boxing Day pantomime of last season that Dowd played the part of the wicked Queen to perfection, sending off Latics striker Conor Sammon for, well for nothing

Conor Sammon can't believe that Dame Dowd has shown him the red card (later rescinded)

By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Boxing Day wasn't the first time that 49 year old Dowd had been at the centre of a bit of controversy when officiating in Latics matches, he has a bit of a record against us and in the past, most notably when Paul Jewell was in charge at the DW Stadium, he stunned fans and pundits alike by 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 did feel that Dowd had improved these past few seasons, though he does like the limelight and can be fussy, he is undoubtedly a colourful character, you might say he is made for pantomime. As well as the two United games last season, Dowd also 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 and ended up drawing 0-0

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 2012/13

Games - 14
Yellows - 54
Reds - 3

Wigan Athletic v QPR
Referee - P Dowd
Assistants - J Collin, L Betts
Fourth official - M Dean.

















Latics and Proud



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