FA defend Riley decision

17 April 2009 12:27
The Football Association has defended its decision to appoint Mike Riley as the referee for the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Everton.[LNB] The FA described the official as one of the most 'highly respected referees in the world' amid David Moyes' comments in the aftermath of Riley's appointment.[LNB]Steve Bennett was scheduled to take charge of the match but he has been ruled out through injury so Riley, who was set to be fourth official in the Arsenal-Chelsea semi-final on Saturday, was chosen to take his place.[LNB]The Toffees manager questioned the choice and suggested that the official was in fact a United fan.[LNB]"Steve Bennett was originally chosen for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final," an FA spokesman said in a statement.[LNB]"When he suffered an injury last week Mike Riley, who was due to be fourth official for Saturday's FA Cup tie, was chosen as his replacement.[LNB]Highly respected"Mike is one of the most highly respected referees in this country and around the world and has handled matches at the highest level.[LNB]"His integrity is without question. [LNB]"During Mike's 13 years as a Premier League referee he has officiated in more than 300 matches and has refereed both Everton and Manchester United on numerous occasions both home and away.[LNB]"Mike has the full support of the Football Association and we have absolute faith in both his integrity and ability to referee such an important fixture."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports