Ex-PGMOL chief: Exeter boss Gary Caldwell's controversial red card claims 'not reality'

03/28/2025 01:49 PM

Keith Hackett has refuted Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell’s claims that his accent is the cause for his two red cards this season.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider referee’s are well equipped to deal with things like differing accents and nationalities.

Speaking to the BBC, Caldwell had complained that his Scottish accent “comes across very aggressive”, when in fact, and he had acted in a manner that was only deserving of a yellow card at most, when he was sent off in the Grecians 0-0 draw with Lincoln City on Saturday (24 March).

The red card was the second of the season for the former Celtic player, having received a two-match ban after being sent off in Exeter‘s 2-1 loss to Wycombe Wanderers in January.

Keith Hackett says referees well-trained to handle different accents

Speaking to Football Insider exclusively about Caldwell’s complaints, ex-PGMOL chief, Hackett, outlined the extensive experience and training given to referee’s that makes them well prepared to deal with issues like the one the Exeter City boss feels he is facing, saying:

“Referees, before they reach the professional game level, have usually spent at least eight to 10 years officiating at grassroots level.

“Turning out on a Sunday morning you see various characters and have to deal with them.This is where a practical, hands on situation adds to your experience of dealing with conflict situations.

“A referee at the professional level of the game receives a great deal of training. One of these aspects is body language and the art of non verbal communication.

“This is how you can avoid conflict, an example of this is when speaking to someone who is unhappy, the referees approach whilst looking at the player, standing facing the player at least one metre apart with both arms outstretched, palms facing down, and using the words “Calm down, calm down”.

“The idea that players or managers that have a Scottish accent are a target is perception not reality.Maybe the person getting cards from referees needs too look at their approach.

“Referees do prepare for the games they officiate and will be aware of the players and coaches and who might be a challenge.

“Top teams also prepare and will have knowledge of the referee appointed to their game.In the professional game, officials are dealing with players of different nationalities and religions.

“The task of the referee is to control the game and manage the players and deliver the laws of the game in a fair and appropriate manner.

“They do receive a lot of training with sports psychologists.”

Exeter City cope well with Millenic Alli loss to Luton

Following interest from Bristol City last summer, Millenic Alli was expected to leave the Grecians, but Caldwell managed to hang onto his star forward.

However, following an initially rejected bid of £1.3million, the Hatters followed that up with a £1.5million offer for Alli, which Exeter ultimately accepted.

In spite of losing one of their star players, the Grecians have followed up his loss with some good form and are currently a comfortable nine points above the relegation zone.

Caldwell’s side were also unfortunate to miss out on a spot in the FA Cup fifth round, having lost to Nottingham Forest on penalties.

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