“I am deeply disappointed with the referee’s poor officiating during the Manchester United vs. Southampton game, particularly in the first half,” the FIFA president remarked. He highlighted all the errors made by referee John Brooks, with a strong emphasis on the penalties he failed to award Manchester United. The FA board has since penalized John Brooks for his subpar performance.
Following the recent Premier League clash between Manchester United and Southampton, FIFA President Gianni Infantino openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating, singling out referee John Brooks for particular criticism. Infantino described the officiating as disappointing, especially in the first half, and pointed to several errors, notably the failure to award Manchester United penalties. The match, played at Old Trafford, was marked by contentious decisions that drew widespread criticism from fans, players, and analysts. Multiple penalty appeals by Manchester United were dismissed by Brooks, decisions that significantly shaped the game’s dynamics and final result.
Infantino’s remarks were unusual, as it is rare for a FIFA President to publicly criticize match officials. His comments reflected the seriousness of the situation and the perceived unfairness caused by the officiating. In light of the controversy, the Football Association (FA) conducted a thorough review of Brooks’ performance and decided to impose sanctions. Although the specific penalties were not disclosed, such measures typically involve temporary suspensions or mandatory retraining sessions to address performance deficiencies.
This is not the first time Brooks’ officiating has been under scrutiny. Earlier in the 2024–2025 season, he faced backlash for a mistake during a match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace while serving as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Brooks had incorrectly disallowed a goal by Pervis Estupiñán due to a misapplication of offside lines, leading to his removal from VAR duties in subsequent high-profile games. The recurrence of such incidents has raised questions about his consistency and decision-making.
The FA’s actions underline the importance of accountability in football officiating and the need to uphold high standards in the sport. The growing reliance on real-time analysis and technological tools like VAR has intensified the scrutiny on referees, as their decisions can have far-reaching consequences. This case serves as a reminder of the critical role match officials play in ensuring fairness and integrity in football. As the season progresses, both FIFA and the FA are expected to maintain strict oversight of officiating, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and adherence to the highest standards in the game.
