Graham Coughlan: Newport County boss wants action on refereeing 'crisis'
- Published
Newport County have a third round tie at home to National League Eastleigh after winning at Barnet in their FA Cup second round replay on Tuesday
Newport County manager Graham Coughlan has called for action over what he describes as a "crisis" in refereeing.
Shane McLoughlin is a doubt for this Saturday after suffering a "stamp" in Newport's televised 4-1 FA Cup second round replay win over Barnet.
Cameras caught the incident but no action was taken by the referee.
"I asked the officials if it was their children in the playground and somebody stamped on them how would they react," said Coughlan.
"They would want people to see it and speak up but we are not allowed to say anything, we are not allowed to be passionate about the game."
The incident involving Barnet winger Idris Kanu is just one of the concerns Coughlan has about the way games are being handled by referees, and he believes the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) must act to improve standards.
"I call upon the PGMOL to do something about it, to protect this beautiful game because there is no doubt we are in crisis with the decision makers.
"We just have to get these decisions right and it always seems to be going the other way - the arms, the flags the referees, the cards, the decisions always seem to go the other way.
"If we don't speak up about it or don't say anything about it, then it does not get highlighted, it does not get noticed. All we get is an apology.
"We get an apology every Monday morning, it's standard. I just think something needs to be done. That was clear, the nation saw that the other night. That is what we are up against as a football club."
FA Cup: Newport thrash Barnet to progress to third round
Newport are also sweating over 14-goal top scorer Will Evans for Saturday's home game with Grimsby Town. Evans missed the win over Barnet with an ankle injury.
The visit of Grimsby pits Coughlan against David Artell, the former Crewe manager, who has recently taken charge of the Mariners. Coughlan did his coaching badges alongside Gibraltar international Artell but any friendship will be put aside at kick off.
Coughlan said: "I know Dave well he is a good lad, I was on a pro-licence course with him. I am delighted he got back in, he is a good type, a good sort. But as far as tomorrow afternoon goes there won't be any hugging and kissing or embracing.
"It's football you go to war, you go to battle between 3 o'clock and five o'clock."