Refereeing body responds to Halsey's claims

A day after former Premier League referee Mark Halsey made explosive claims about his experiences as a top-flight match official, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has denied the accuracy of the candid statements.

In discussions concerning Sergio Aguero's three-match ban for elbowing West Ham centre-half Winston Reid, the legitimacy of Manchester City's appeal was judged based on whether or not referee Andre Marriner witnessed the incident.

Had Marriner seen the Argentine's flailing elbow strike the Kiwi defender and punishment was not levied on the pitch, City's retrospective assertions would have grounds for appeal.

Related: Former ref Halsey sparks corruption claims with Twitter response

When Halsey, who retired after the 2012-13 Premier League season, was asked about his perspective on the incident, he offered, "Paul I have been in that situation when I have seen an incident and been told to say I haven't seen it."

Halsey even clarified his comments, putting the responsibility not on the English Football Association, but on the PGMOL, saying, "To be fair to the FA ... it's not them. It comes from within the PGMOL.

Understandably, the PGMOL was quick to quell talk of corruption with a statement:

"Match officials submit their reports, including critical incidents, directly to the FA. Match officials ensure that their reports are a full and accurate description of the incident.

"There is no pressure from the PGMOL to include or omit anything."