15 January 2023 , 15:00
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Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton has waded into the debate over the controversy that surrounded Manchester United's opening goal in Saturday's derby and called for referees to explain their decisions to the press.
Erik ten Hag's side fought back from a goal down to record a famous 2-1 victory over Manchester City, who were downed by two quick-fire goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
United's first goal, which was scored by Fernandes, was initially ruled out by the match officials as Rashford was an in offside position. However, the decision was promptly overruled by VAR after it was decided that Rashford, who was running onto the ball before Fernandes came from deep to strike, was not interfering with play.
Already, that decision has been slammed by various high-profile names. And Barton, a former Manchester City midfielder, chimed in on social media by accusing the officials of 'making it up as they go along'.
Along with an example of a controversial decision that had gone against Bristol Rovers earlier in the season, Barton tweeted: "The offside in the Manchester Derby. How is that not interfering with play? The handball leading to the goal in our game at Accrington. How is that not advantageous to the player and team handling it? What is the point if the officials just make it up as they go along!"
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He then continued in another tweet, seemingly referring once again to the incident at Accrington: "When I go in and see him [ref] after the game, he’s standing with his rule book out reading me a passage that backs up his game changing error! Referees should be interviewed after games and held accountable for match altering decisions. They get away with it otherwise.
Join the debate! Do you think Man Utd's opening goal in the derby should have stood? Let us know here.
"We have millions/billions of pounds in our national game. Why do we have professional men refereed by part time/amateur officials in SkyBetLeagueOne and SkyBetLeagueTwo EFL. How can you expect an official who works a 9-5 job, 5 days a week to be competent. Makes no sense."
Barton concluded his posts by claiming that officials should be made to speak to the press to be held "accountable" and explain any mistakes.
"Stakes are higher now," Barton tweeted. "Too many big clubs now in those leagues. Too much money at stake. Cannot leave it in the hands of part time/amateur officials. Refereeing should move into modern era. Make them accountable. They should have to speak to the press.
"There is a former referee on every major football game or radio station, chipping in with his or her opinion of the rules. Why not allow press to ask ref questions after the game. We have to make the best ones have a voice. Better officials make a better game."