Hull City boss provides insight into Kevin Friend meeting as Tigers talk to PGMOL

Liam Rosenior, the Tigers’ manager, says he hopes his meeting with EFL referees chief Kevin Friend will continue to create a good working relationship between him and the PGMOL.

Friend, a former Premier League referee, heads the Select Group 2 officials who officiate Championship games and has been eager to create working relationships with managers in the second division. Since moving to the MKM Stadium in November last year, Hull City head coach Rosenior has been vocal about refereeing performances and standards in general.

He has communicated with PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) head Howard Webb during the initial weeks of the season due to his frustration with certain decisions made on multiple occasions. Following the victory against Birmingham City in October, Rosenior emphasized the need for better protection for his attacking players, particularly mentioning Liam Delap, who had been subjected to robust challenges. Similar situations were faced by Jaden Philogene, leading to the 39-year-old manager finding himself in a controversial situation.

Furthermore, the Tigers’ manager expressed confusion about his team being the most fouled side in the Championship, yet receiving a considerable number of cautions. He believed this was due to referees not comprehending the style of play of his team. However, he noted a gradual shift in this understanding, indicating a positive change over time.