Referees supremo Philip Don today heaped praise on Uriah Rennie - a 16-stone kick-boxing fan - for physically restraining Roy Keane in Manchester United's explosive weekend clash at Sunderland.
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Uriah Rennie pushes Keane away from Jason McAteer
(AntonWant/Empics) |
The Sheffield official, who is also a magistrate, went against convention when
he seized Keane's arm and chest to prevent a confrontation with Jason McAteer,
the player he later elbowed to earn the 10th red card of his United career.
Don today applauded the way Rennie, who at 6ft 2in tall towers above Keane,
seized the moment.
Ex-referee Don, the Premier League's referees' officer and head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board, told PA Sport: 'Although the PGMOB do not encourage referees to become physically involved with players, it is necessary for a degree of common sense to be exercised in each individual instance.
'Uriah Rennie's intervention on this occasion served to prevent an escalation of the situation and was part of a very commendable refereeing performance. Uriah will not be reprimanded or disciplined in any way by the PGMOB.'
Don's comments dispel speculation Rennie was in line for a dressing down when the 24 Select Group referees hold their fortnightly performance review at Staverton Park, Northamptonshire, next week.
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