Wolves Coach Nuno Espirito Was Fined Rp.473 Million Due To Referee Criticism

JAKARTA - The English soccer body, FA, announced on Thursday morning WIB that Wolverhampton manager Nuno Espirito was sentenced to a fine of Rp.473 million for criticizing the performance of referee Lee Mason in the Week 14 Premier League match against Burnley on Monday, December 21.

The criticism made by Nuno Santo after his team's defeat by Burnley 1-2 was indeed sharp.

Because, he said he hoped Mason would never again lead a Wolverhampton match because he "did not have the quality to lead a Premier League match".

An FA statement quoted by Antara said Nuno Santo admitted his comments "constituted inappropriate behavior because they were personally offensive" towards Mason and had damaged football's reputation.

Before the charges were announced, Nuno said he regretted the "timing" of his criticism, but he would never "question the integrity" of a referee and would not comment on a referee's "ability".

Under FA rules, comments after matches that criticize the performance or competence of match officials are permitted, unless they are biased, offensive to official integrity or personal offensive.

Wolverhampton are currently 13th in the Premier League standings with 22 points after struggling to overcome problems up front following the injury of their flagship striker, Raul Jimenez.

Nuno Santo's team host Crystal Palace on Friday, January 8 for the FA Cup third round tie.