Styles says sorry over his mistakes

Aug 21 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

UNDER-FIRE Rob Styles has apologised to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez after admitting he made a mistake in awarding Chelsea their game-saving penalty on Sunday.

But referees’ chief Keith Hackett has confirmed the Hampshire official will not take charge of a Premier League match next weekend following his performance at Anfield.

Styles controversially pointed to the spot in the 62nd minute of a fractious meeting following a coming together between Florent Malouda and Steve Finnan inside the area.

Television replays suggested the decision was harsh on Liverpool, with the Chelsea man appearing to throw himself into Finnan as he dummied the ball.

Frank Lampard netted from the spot to equalise Fernando Torres’s opener and earn the Londoners a point and leave Liverpool livid.

And a contrite Styles said yesterday: “All referees enter into matches hoping not to make any mistakes but understanding that they may happen, what none of us want is for any mistake to potentially affect the result of the match.

“Yesterday, in mistakenly awarding a penalty, I accept that I may have affected the result of the match and for that I apologise.”

Hackett, general manager of Professional Game Match Officials Limited, has also apologised to Anfield manager Benitez for the error.

“I spoke to Rob this morning and obviously he is extremely disappointed with the decision and admitted he got it wrong,” he said.

“I have left a message with Rafael Benitez to apologise.

“Having looked at a video and seen a better angle and a better view, clearly he (Styles) now recognises that he got it wrong and he’s deeply apologetic for that.”

Styles caused confusion later in the game by brandishing a yellow card at Michael Essien – who had already been booked – but insisting it was John Terry being booked.

Asked about the apparent mix-up, Hackett said: “I’m informed by both the fourth official and Rob he retained the card shown to John Terry then held the card to indicate a direct free-kick, and failed to put the card away.

So it was a basic, if you like, admin error as against an error in application of law.

“We’ll look at the video to ensure we don’t get a repeat of that.”

Of the decision to drop Styles from the officiating list for the forthcoming round of Premier League games, Hackett added: “Accountability exists and we, the PGMOL, do expect referees to get big decisions correct.

“On this occasion it was wrong and therefore Rob will not be officiating next weekend.”

Hackett also revealed assistant referee Ian Gosling will be given next weekend off, after he denied Fulham a late goal at home to Middlesbrough when David Healy clearly forced the ball over the line.

“Clearly the assistant referee has made an error, so he won’t be operating next week for us either,” added Hackett.