Chris Wilder says Sheffield United were treated like a “testing ground for referees” after a fiery 2-1 defeat to Southampton, insisting official Adam Herczeg was not the right appointment for a top Championship fixture.
The Blades boss, sent off at half-time for accidentally booting a loose ball into the crowd, plans to appeal and says his side were on the wrong end of a string of big calls.
‘Just chuck him in’ — Wilder questions selection of Herczeg
Wilder queried why a more experienced official wasn’t assigned, pointing to Category One referee Stephen Martin serving as fourth official elsewhere while Herczeg took charge at Bramall Lane. The manager’s complaint followed a night he felt swung on officiating, including a waved-away penalty claim for Chiedozie Ogbene on 80 minutes and a stoppage-time equaliser from Sydie Peck ruled out.
The Yorkshire Post reported United staff felt the occasion was “too big” for the referee, highlighting the Ogbene incident and the late disallowed goal. The Star likewise listed “half a dozen” contentious decisions that went against the Blades.
Red Card Controversy
Wilder’s dismissal arrived as he smashed a ball back towards the pitch and it flew into the stand; he immediately apologised to the supporter but was shown a red card by Herczeg. The Times and other outlets confirmed the incident and the manager’s intention to appeal. United had led through Tyrese Campbell before two second-half goals turned the game Southampton’s way.
Wilder said he expects to be on the touchline for the weekend trip to Hull City while the club seeks clarity over the red card. He reiterated his frustration that “six big decisions” went against his team and argued that the best referees “go under the radar,” something he felt did not happen on Tuesday night.
Who is Adam Herczeg?
Herczeg is a Select Group 2 (Championship) referee with a relatively small number of second-tier appointments to date compared with long-standing officials at the level, according to public referee databases.
Wilder’s grievance centred less on the individual and more on the appointment for a high-profile midweek game between recent Premier League contenders.
Writer’s View
Strip away the emotion and Wilder’s core point is about appointments, not personalities. Championship sides expect senior officials for marquee fixtures, and Bramall Lane under the lights against promotion rivals fits that brief.
Did key calls go against United? On the evidence and the post-match reporting, there’s a fair argument they did. But appeals rarely overturn technical dismissals unless there’s a clear error in law, so the red card outcome is far from guaranteed.
The bigger takeaway is consistency: either the PGMOL leans into giving emerging referees these tests, or it protects marquee games with its most experienced names.
