MX23RW : Tuesday, November 12 19:54:28| >> :600:121682:121682:
[monks data]
Attendance: 27,442
Stoke logo
Premier League
Apr 18, 2016 at 8pm UK
 
Spurs logo

0-4

FT(HT: 0-1)
Kane (9', 71'), Alli (67', 82')

Everton boss Roberto Martinez "surprised" by referee Kevin Friend's removal

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is "surprised" that referee Kevin Friend was removed from Stoke City vs. Tottenham because of his apparent allegiance to Leicester City.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has admitted his 'surprise' over referee Kevin Friend being removed from the Premier League game between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night because of his apparent allegiance to Leicester City.

League bosses switched referees for the game, which could impact on Leicester's title campaign.

It has been claimed that Friend, who is believed to be a Bristol City fan, has attended a handful of Leicester games in a personal capacity as he now lives in the East Midlands.

When asked for his thoughts on the matter, Martinez told reporters: "When I arrived in England I was surprised referees were asked about the team they were supporting, that doesn't happen in other countries. I just think there is no question about the integrity of our referees, which is cleaner than any other country."

Leicester have a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, and Spurs are their closest challengers with five games left to play.

ID:270693: cacheID:270693:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1596:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Roberto Martinez watches on during the Premier League game between Everton and West Ham United on March 5, 2016
Read Next:
Martinez satisfied with Everton's draw at Palace
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!