Premier League clubs may be requesting that certain referees do not take charge of their games.
The Daily Mail claims that there is evidence that some officials have not refereed a game for a certain club following a controversial decision against that club.
For example, back in August 2019, Aston Villa thought they had snatched a late equaliser against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park when Henri Lansbury struck in injury time. However, Kevin Friend adjudged that Jack Grealish had dived in the build-up and consequently ruled the goal out.
Over a year-and-a-half later, Friend is yet to take charge of another game involving Dean Smith’s side.