Refs' boss slams British press over Meier attack

The chairman of the Euro 2004 referees' committee launched a stinging attack on the British media yesterday, saying their treatment of Swiss referee Urs Meier was completely unacceptable.

Tabloid newspapers published Meier's phone number and e-mail address, encouraging fans to vent their fury after the official disallowed a Sol Campbell goal in the last minute of normal time in England's quarter-final against hosts Portugal.

England, who were drawing 1-1 at the time, went on to lose the game on penalties.

Meier said his family had been worried and upset by the deluge of calls and e-mails they received in the days after the game.

"We are disappointed with the behaviour of some of your colleagues, especially in the case of Urs Meier," referee's committee chairman Volker Roth told a news conference yesterday.

"As chairman of the German football federation I'm used to handling the press, even the yellow (tabloid) press, but the way some of the English press have blamed Urs Meier after a correct decision is completely unacceptable.

"They have gone into his private life, given details of his car, his wife... this is unacceptable."

The committee said they unanimously agreed with Meier's decision to rule out the goal because of a challenge by defender John Terry on Portugal keeper Ricardo.