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Controversy

Wenger slams decision to remove referee Friend from Spurs game

The official will no longer take charge of Tottenham’s clash against Stoke.

Updated at 10.54

ARSENAL MANAGER ARSENE Wenger has criticised the decision to remove referee Kevin Friend from taking charge of Tottenham’s trip to Stoke.

Friend was originally due to officiate Monday’s Premier League clash at the Britannia Stadium, but has been taken off the game by Professional Game Match Officials Ltd because he is based in Leicester, who are Spurs’ main rivals for the title.

Leaders Leicester sit seven points clear of second-placed Spurs in the race for the league crown and the decision was taken in order to avoid “extra scrutiny on the refereeing appointment”.

However, although Friend has attended Leicester matches with friends, Sky Sports understand he is a Bristol City supporter.

Neil Swarbrick has been chosen to replace Friend, who is now down to referee Manchester United against Aston Villa on Saturday, as well as Newcastle versus Manchester City three days later.

But Arsenal boss Wenger has slammed the call to remove Friend, arguing the decision unfairly questions the integrity of referees.

“I am completely against it,” said Wenger speaking ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The referees are professional and you have to be impartial. I have always been against the rule.”

Asked whether he felt social media had an impact on PGMOL’s choice to switch Friend to another game, Wenger added: ”Social media does not dictate what happens.

“People have the responsibility to make the decision and I am very surprised.”

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