Michael Oliver and PGMOL chief Howard Webb agreed on worst player to referee

12 January 2024 , 10:12

878     0

Michael Oliver has made clear who he thinks the hardest player to officiate was

Both current Premier League referee Michael Oliver and ex-official Howard Webb have previously identified Craig Bellamy as the worst player to officiate.

The ex-Wales international enjoyed a fantastic career with multiple top-flight clubs, including stints at the likes of Manchester City and Newcastle as well as two separate spells at Liverpool. Given Oliver himself has an affection for the Magpies, he may have expected to boast some kind of chemistry with the former St. James' Park star.

The reality was in stark contrast, as Oliver told The Athletic back in 2021, revealing that Bellamy was often difficult to keep in check. The referee also explained how he can spot when a team are likely to prove challenging to officiate.

"Craig Bellamy was incredibly difficult. What you find is that some teams are difficult," Oliver explained. "Teams that aren't winning for a starter — that's the same at every level — and teams who aren't used to losing, the frustration level is higher for them.

"But one player, it would be Bellamy. I watched him for two or three years — I'm a Newcastle fan and you wanted him in your team because he was a winner. But he was a nightmare to referee because he would argue about everything. If you told him it was black, he'd tell you it was white."

Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush

Webb, former Premier League referee and current head of the PGMOL, echoed a similar sentiment when he was faced with the same question. The 2010 World Cup final referee explained that Bellamy was quick to give his opinion without seeing the side of the official.

"The player that gave me the most grief would have to be Craig Bellamy," WebbMirror Football in 2016 when he was asked about some of the fans, players, and managers who had given him an especially hard time in his years in charge. "I struggled to gain any kind of a rapport with Craig.

HAVE YOUR SAY!Who is the best referee in the Premier League? Comment below

Craig Bellamy (middle) was the most difficult player to referee according to Howard Webb

"He might have been a great footballer and a lovely kid away from the game but on the pitch, he was quick with an opinion and didn't really listen to yours. There were other players you might think would fall into a similar category - like Joey Barton or Robbie Savage - who would give their opinion but actually enter into some dialogue with you."

Bellamy ended his torment of referees in 2014 when he called time on his playing career. He made the switch to coaching with Belgian side Anderlecht alongside former teammate Vincent Kompany and still works alongside the City legend at Burnley to this day.

Josh O'Brien