It’s better in the Czech Republic, claims Roman Bednar

The FA and Premier League’s Respect campaign took another blow today when Czech forward Roman Bednar admitted that the standard of officiating in the top-flight was poorer than in his homeland.

The Baggies striker voiced his concerns after being left disappointed by referee Mike Dean’s performance in Sunday’s Midlands derby defeat to Aston Villa at The Hawthorns. He said:

“I thought the referee’s decisions were a little bit against us. Personally I don’t think English referees are too good anyway and they are a better standard back home.”

Earlier this week, Charlton boss Alan Pardew shared his opinion that the Respect campaign was doomed to failure after being dissatisfied by a few decisions in their 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest. He said:

“We try to respect this Respect programme but what are you to do? Do we need to put the referee under pressure to make him give decisions that are the right ones?”