MX23RW : Monday, November 25 21:58:58| >> :600:106157:106157:
[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
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


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!