MOSSLEY AFC manager David Fish called for honesty from officials after Tameside’s Boxing Day derby at Stalybridge Celtic was shrouded in controversy, as well as fog.
Many among the 2,015 crowd at Bower Fold were left wondering what was happening as the weather left fans at one end of the stadium pretty much unable to see action at the other.
Those sentiments were echoed by fuming Fish after he saw Michael Brewster sent off inside four minutes – although he risked that fate after a lunging tackle on Brandon Newell – and goalkeeper Fin Madigan was later red carded.
However, much of the Mossley contingent questioned what had happened with only the sight of a green-kitted player emerging from the gloom as he trudged off confirming suspicions.
Fish, however, risked the wrath of Northern Premier League hierarchy and the Football Association by making his claim.
He cursed: “It’s a shame when you see officials coming out in this league constantly making it about them and showing an unreal level of inconsistency and a lack of b*****ks to actually tell the truth.
“That’s the biggest thing. They made up three of four stories, it’s just embarrassing.
“When I saw who the official was, I gave my view to our secretary about what I thought we’d get from him. Sadly, I was right.”
Stalybridge at one stage were also wondering what was happening after Lewis Rawsthorn scored what proved to be the winner.
With 10 minutes left, Jack Irlam found the net, only for the goal to be disallowed, leaving an exasperated side wondering: “Not sure what’s going on anymore.
“Jack Irlam reacts first to a parried shot and bundles it over the line to score a third for Celtic.
“The referee gives a goal and then changes his mind and awards a free kick for Mossley.”
Fish saw Obua Mugalula cancel out Liam Tongue’s opener as Mossley made much of the running with 10 men.
When they were down to nine after Madigan’s early bath, the winger missed a glorious chance to make it 2-2 with virtually the last kick of the game.
However, the role of the official proved too much as he added, claiming his players have to get ‘in the face’ of some referees to get decisions: “I thought we were in the game for a long, long time after the first red card.
“The second was an unreal sending off and he’s not even consulted with his linesman for it. I don’t see what else Fin could do, it was absolutely ludicrous.
“But if I’d paid £12 to come in and seen it ruined by an official, then not being able to see three-quarters of the pitch for the second half, I’m not sure I’d have been very happy.
“Even as a Stalybridge fan having won that.”