SHEFFIELD United manager Chris Wilder has broadened his attack on decision-makers in the game by stressing that not enough 'football people' are involved at the heart of it.
After criticising the 'ridiculous' scheduling of fixtures ahead of the first international break of the 2026-27 campaign, the Blades chief also fired a broadside at officiating standards, which came into focus during Sunday's top-flight derby between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford.
That saw refereeing body Pro Ref admit to an "error of judgement" in awarding Erling Haaland's winning goal.
Matt Donohue, the video assistant referee for the game, and his assistant VAR, Blake Antrobus, have not been appointed for this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder (Image: Simon Bellis / Sportimage)placeholder image
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder (Image: Simon Bellis / Sportimage)
The decision was made by Pro Ref's chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and the management team.
Wilder was also critical of officials in his side's Championship game against Wolves at Bramall Lane on Sunday, where he felt a couple of 'outrageous' decisions went against the hosts.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Blades chief said: "I'm a football guy, so they don't take any notice of us, as seen on Sunday afternoon with the Man United-Man City game.
"They don't take any interest in what footballers, football people, coaches and managers think. So it really isn't worth it.
Refereeing supremo Howard Webb. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)placeholder image
Refereeing supremo Howard Webb. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
"And I'm debating now whether I'll ring him (Webb) up or not, so I might as well not and concentrate on what I can control, which is my team and putting in performances like we did on Sunday afternoon."
Wilder will field as competitive side as possible in today's Carabao Cup tie at Fleetwood Town, despite a turnaround of less than 72 hours before Saturday's league game at Stoke City.
Like United's previous league opponents Wolves, the Potters will have extra preparation time thanks to a blank midweek.
Wilder added: "The schedule is ridiculous. I think a couple of managers have pointed it out.
"The transfer window is ridiculous. In August, having a game on a Tuesday when the window was still going on was ridiculous. And the fixture list is ridiculous.
"We all want to progress in the Cup. I suppose that's the price that we have to pay..
"And if we manage to get through a really difficult tie on Wednesday night, we'll have the same situation."
Should United progress into round four, there's a fair chance that the prize at stake will be a tie with a Premier League club, something that Wilder is rather more effusive about.
First, they must get past an unbeaten Fleetwood side whose ranks include ex-Blades players Ched Evans, Harrison Neal and Finley Potter.
Wilder said: "I want us to go and pull a big name out on Wednesday night.
"Whether it's home or away, the competition at this stage is loaded with Premier League teams and I want to reward our supporters with one of those ties at home and away.
"But as always, to get there, we've got to deal with Fleetwood and I don't want an upset."