Adam Wharton faces the prospect of UEFA punishment after publicly criticising the referee following Crystal Palace’s goalless draw against AEK Larnaca in the Europa Conference League.
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett told Football Insider exclusively that the England international can expect to be charged following his post-match comments, with a financial penalty looking likely.
Crystal Palace were held at Selhurst Park on Thursday night, with Wharton picking up the only booking of the game from referee Igor Pajac. After the final whistle, the midfielder made no attempt to hide his frustration, telling TNT Sports that European referees are inconsistent and too quick to give fouls, arguing that football is a contact sport and that the officiating standard he encountered makes it impossible to play with any physicality.
Hackett was clear in his assessment, saying UEFA take a dim view of public criticism directed at their referees and that Wharton should expect to be hit in his pocket as a result. The timing is particularly unwelcome, with Palace needing to travel for the second leg next week and now facing potential distractions ahead of a tie they must win after failing to score at home.
Away from the immediate disciplinary concern, Wharton’s long-term future continues to attract significant interest. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Red Devils are monitoring him closely, though his recent performances have not been without their inconsistencies. Wharton is still inexperienced at this level, as his comments after the Larnaca game perhaps demonstrated, but his quality is not in question and a significant queue of clubs is expected to form when the summer window opens.