Former referee Mark Halsey backs Leeds United boss after bust up with Huddersfield Town’s David Wagner.
Former Premier League referee has given his unequivocal backing to Leeds United boss Garry Monk after his touchline bust up with Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner on Sunday.
Both managers were sent to the stands after a row which occurred after Town had scored a late winner.
The FA announced yesterday on their website that both Monk and Wagner have been charged with improper conduct and have until February 10 to respond.
Leeds United Manager Garry Monk and Huddersfield Town Manager David Wagner clash
Halsey believes Monk was entitled to show his frustration, blocking Wagner’s route back to the dugout, and said in his shoes he may have been less restrained.
He told The Ref Show: “If I were Garry Monk I would be absolutely furious, because he (Wagner) has shown total disrespect to the opposition, and the opposition manager.
“What the fourth official should have been doing is saying to Garry, I’ve seen this, stay there, I will deal with him. Simon Hooper (fourth official) should have gone over to him and walked back with him, and that would have stopped all this.”
Huddersfield Town Manager David Wagner watches the game from the stands
Halsey went on to praise Garry Monk’s behaviour, adding: “I think Garry Monk was quite restrained. I might have done worse than what he done. You could understand his frustration. I wouldn’t blame him.”
Debate has continued since Sunday around who was responsible for the incident, with pundit Ian Wright telling BBC Radio 5 Live that he felt Monk was at fault.
It was the second time Monk was sent to the stands this season, with the first time being late on in a win over Bristol City back in September.
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