Chris Wilder vented his frustrations with referee Sam Allison and claimed he made a Premier League player shirt request last season.
Allison officiated at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night as Wilder’s Sheffield United lost 1-0 in their Championship clash against Millwall.
Josh Coburn scored the only goal after 21 minutes to dent the Blades’ hopes of finishing in the automatic promotion spots.
Sheffield United believe they should have been awarded a penalty when Jake Cooper appeared to pull the shirt of Anel Ahmedhodzic.
But referee Allison chose not to, which led to Wilder revealing his honest opinion of the referee in his post-match press conference.
When asked if he thought his side could have had a penalty, he said: “100 per cent.
“I’m not a fan of the referee. I don’t think I should get into trouble, by the way, on that one, I’m being honest.”
Wilder then recalled Allison refereeing Sheffield United’s 3-2 loss to Luton Town last season and asking for Ross Barkley’s shirt afterwards.
“I wasn’t a fan of him last season when he refereed us against Luton, when he was asking for Ross Barkley’s shirt.
“I don’t know who’s shirt he was after today, but maybe the shirt on Anel’s back that got absolutely ripped to pieces.
“So, I think especially when that situation that we had against Middlesbrough, you’re looking for consistency.
“I always think he wants to be the star of the show, I knew what was coming so I’m not surprised.”
Allison made history when he refereed Sheffield United versus Luton on December 26, 2023.
The 44-year-old former firefighter became the first black Premier League referee in 15 years since Uriah Rennie.
He has taken charge of five top-flight matches in total and also worked as the fourth official on numerous occasions.
Tuesday night’s clash in Sheffield was his 29th fixture of the season and 23rd in the Championship.
It ended in a second consecutive defeat for Sheffield United after their shock 1-0 loss against Oxford United on Saturday.
A minority of supporters in the away end reportedly aimed abuse at the players after the full-time whistle.
Wilder slammed the response as an ‘absolute disgrace’ and defended his squad for their efforts so far this season.
Sheffield United are third in the Championship on 83 points with five games left to play.
Leeds United have taken top spot after they beat Middlesbrough and sit level on 85 points with Burnley, but ahead on goal difference.
