LAST UPDATE | 17 Feb 2021
REFEREE DARREN DRYSDALE has been charged with improper conduct over his confrontation with Ipswich midfielder Alan Judge.
The 49-year-old English official was seen to briefly square up to Judge, leaning his head into the Republic of Ireland international after the midfielder’s appeal for a penalty had been turned down during Ipswich’s goalless draw with Northampton on Tuesday evening.
Regulation and Discipline update from The @FA. pic.twitter.com/jvQDuUt9vx
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) February 17, 2021
Drysdale apologised to both Judge and Ipswich for his actions on Wednesday afternoon but the FA has now charged him with improper conduct.
An FA statement read: “Darren Drysdale has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following last night’s EFL League One game between Ipswich Town FC and Northampton Town FC.
“It is alleged that the match official’s behaviour during the 90th minute of the game amounts to improper conduct and he has until Thursday 4 March 2021 to provide a response.”
Looks to me like Drysdale (referee) has just put his head into the Ipswich player’s head! @EFL pic.twitter.com/Iet3pHI99f
— Charles Commins (@charlescommins) February 16, 2021
Drysdale had said in his earlier statement, released by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited before he was charged by the FA: “I fully understand that it is important for us as referees to maintain our composure throughout the game and always engage with players in a professional manner.
“I’m sorry that I did not do that last night and I can only apologise to Alan and Ipswich Town.”
The PGMOL statement added: “As The FA are now investigating the incident in line with their usual disciplinary process it would not be appropriate to make any further comments.”
Ah come on?! No need to apologise at all! I think it’s brilliant 👏🏻🤣 https://t.co/q05gfiFOnR
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) February 17, 2021
Ipswich manager Paul Lambert had earlier on Wednesday called for the matter to be investigated.
Lambert told talkSPORT: “I’ve text Mike Jones (EFL head of referees) this morning to say have a look at the footage of the head thing.
“To me, in my opinion, it looks as if the referee went in there and I said to him after the game, ‘Did you put your head in my player?’
“He couldn’t answer it and that’s the reason I spoke to Mike. I haven’t seen that in a long, long while.”
The incident occurred towards the end of Ipswich’s goalless draw with Northampton at Portman Road.
Ipswich pair Flynn Downes and Jack Lankester and Northampton defender Lloyd Jones stepped in and calmed the situation before Drysdale booked Judge.
Drysdale, who was appointed to the National List of referees covering EFL games in 2004, has also been a FIFA and UEFA assistant referee and was an assistant referee at the 2000 FA Cup final.
