AFC Emley boss Darren Hepworth (left) and Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager Simon Houghton say respect works both ways
Simon Houghton and Darren Hepworth have leaped to the defence of Ossett Town boss Craig Elliott over last week’s handshake snub.
At the conclusion of Ossett’s controversial 1-1 draw at Farsley AFC, referee David Benton refused to shake Elliott’s hand.
Elliott was also informed in the tunnel by Benton that he was to be reported to the FA for alleged foul and abusive language.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce boss Houghton, who was Elliott’s assistant at Glasshoughton during the 2011-12 season, says the authorities should look into the matter.
“The FA talk about respect for officials, but respect is a two-way street.
“It isn’t just ‘you respect me because I’m the referee’. To not shake the manager’s hand it just inflames the situation even further.
“Even if you have a beef, you have still got to do it. Craig is like me, he’s passionate and he wants to win. He’s not known for getting into rows with referees.
“You can throw your teddy out of the pram and say I’m not talking to that referee, but you have to remember you may have that referee again.
“(The incident) doesn’t do the referee any good either though (because his name is out there) and makes you wonder whether there is some history with him.
“If other teams get that referee then they could be scared stiff (of what might happen during a game).
“I think the FA should investigate it (the handshake snub). If they are going on about respect then they have got to investigate it and pull him in and say ‘why did you not do that?’
“They should find out why and come out publicly and say he didn’t shake it because…”
The match itself was ruined by seven yellow cards and one red card – two weeks after Benton attracted headlines for cautioning Garforth midfielder Tawanda Rupere for ‘pulling his sock up’ and then incorrectly sending him off later on in the game.
AFC Emley manager Hepworth has a similar view to Houghton and he said: “I wasn’t there so I clearly don’t know what happened.
“If that’s the case though that the referee has snubbed the hand of the manager then respect works both ways.
“As managers and players in football we need match officials, but respect has to work both ways. From eight years-old you are taught to come off the field and shake your opponent’s hand.
“You can be competitive on-the-pitch as much as you like, but you shake hands. To me it is clearly not right.
“What I do know about Craig is that he is a top coach and he’s a man with integrity, passion, desire and drive. I don’t know what was said during the game, but still he has done the right thing by going to shake his hand.
“It doesn’t surprise me about him because he’s a top bloke.”