Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has criticised referee Lee Masson, claiming he is "not good enough" to operate in the Premier League.
The comments came following Wolves' 2-0 Premier League defeat at the hands of Sean Dyche's Burnley.
"The referee doesn't have the quality for the Premier League.
"I am very disappointed to say it but I would not feel right if I don't...he can't control the players."
Strong words from Nuno Espirito Santo on Lee Mason 😠 pic.twitter.com/Jq1A0lbFF7— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 21, 2020
"This is a problem, we know. We had Lee Mason before," Nuno told Sky Sports. "It is not about the crucial mistake or decisions, it is about how he handles the game.
"The players get nervous - he whistles from the noises from the players. We are talking about the best competition, but he does not have the quality to whistle the game.
"I am very disappointed to say this, really, but I would not feel right if I didn't say it. It happened before.
"I just don't want to see him more, that's what I told him. All the games we have with Lee mason are always the same.
" He cannot control the players; the players are constantly arguing, both teams. With all the other referees the game flows, decisions are accepted, there is dialogue, he is just not ready to do that.
Nuno Espirito Santo Complaint
When asked if he will lodge a complaint, Nuno Espirito Santo said it is not the first time he has raised concerns about Mason.
"Of course, that's why I said it. In our previous game at home (a 1-1 draw with Newcastle), we had a similar situation, I mentioned that. I just don't understand the nomination, it doesn't make sense."
In a second post-match interview with the BBC, the Wolves boss doubled down on his comments about Mason.
"It is his job. He has to improve, he has to get better," he told BBC Sport.
"Football is a physical game, a game of contact and referees taking the decisions and being fair. But the referee is not good enough to whistle; Lee Mason is not good enough.
"It isn't about the major, crucial decisions. It is the way he handles the players - both teams lose their focus, they are always arguing the decision.
"He must improve because the game requires good refereeing and good handling of the game so the players are able to keep on performing."
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