Wise Fumes At Ref Appointment

Last updated : 11 October 2007 By Kevin Markey
But his request for a change of official has been turned down.

Wise was ordered to the stand by Miller at Southend in March for protesting when the County Durham referee appeared to change his mind after seeming to award United an injury-time penalty.

Leeds claimed Simon Francis had handled the ball and thought a late goal was in the bag but the match finished in a 1-1 draw, leaving Leeds bottom of the Championship.

Wise was fined £1,500, severely censured and warned as to his future conduct at the subsequent FA hearing.

As he prepared for Saturday's game, Wise said: "I can't believe the Football League have given us Nigel Miller as the referee for this game. I think people who have been at this football club know the situation that happened with him and me at Southend last season.

"I hope he doesn't hold any grudges. I hope the referee is very professional and does the right thing. I am very disappointed that we have got him but that is the way it is sometimes. We asked for a change but they have not agreed to our request. Hopefully he will do a good job."