Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has further explained his comments about the referees after last weekend’s loss at Tottenham.
Heckingbottom reacted furiously after the game, slamming referee Peter Bankes and insisting that they were ruining the game.
However, speaking today ahead of the game with Newcastle, Heckingbottom has further clarified his comments, referencing a conversation with Howard Webb and John Moss today.
Heckingbottom references Manchester United in explaining Tottenham comments
Speaking in his pre-match presser today, Heckingbottom got onto a wide range of issues.
And when it came to the comments after Tottenham, Heckingbottom offered further clarity and insight into his comments and worries.
“There’s two big things for me. Two. And this is why I won’t change that approach. If I think we aren’t getting treated fairly, then I have to stick up for us, which I have done. But then there’s also the game, what we all want to be better. We want the ball in play more, get rid of time wasting. I’ve got no issue with the time added on. My point is, add 30 minutes on if you want, but let us play them how we want to play,” Heckingbottom said.
“My big issue was the goal kicks. I’ve just shown them (Howard Webb and John Moss). In the first half we were averaing 18.25 seconds per goal-kick. Man United were 2-0 down against Spurs and taking 20 seconds a goal kick. Brentford played them the week before and were taking 29 seconds per goal kick, and we were getting threatened with a booking. That’s what I can’t have.”
Sheffield United News View: Hecky speaks brilliantly yet again
There was a big misconception after Heckingbottom’s comments that he was being bitter over the defeat and the time being added on. But those who chose to listen properly, knew that wasn’t what he was getting at from the get-go.
Hecky speaks brilliantly in response to some questions at times and he is a credit to the club. Hopefully, he gets the time to see out the job and that ends with United remaining a Premier League club.
Right now, it’s all about football and getting a win. United will be six games into the season after this weekend and if there’s no win, it will start to eat away at some players and fans.