Refs want red card clarification

Friedel claimed he could not avoid clashing with Torres

Referees are seeking clarification after the Football Association overturned a decision to send off Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Friedel was shown a straight red card for bringing down Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, who was through on goal, but the FA upheld Villa's appeal.

Referees have voiced concerns as, under current laws, Atkinson appeared to have no choice but to send the American off.

And now the officials want the FA to clarify its position.

The Professional Game Match Officials Board, which manages referees, will write to the FA to find out why the decision was reversed.

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A Premier League spokesman said: "The PGMO have sought clarification from the FA on the reasons why the appeal panel found against the referee.

"The PGMO just want to be sure to get all the detail on why the appeal panel found the way they did.

"Throughout the season you've got a number of different appeals that go forward and it's important the referees get to the bottom of precisely why the panel will have found in the way it did."

The PGMO was set up to manage match officials who officiate at the professional game level.

The board consists of the chief executives of the FA, the FA Premier League and the Football League and is chaired by Peter Heard.