It's anarchy! Referees don't bother to punish top managers now

England's No 1 official, before his decision to quit, caused a storm yesterday when he accused FA chief executive Brian Barwick of failing to protect referees.

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Yesterday's Sportsmail interview which rocked the world of football

Poll said a lack of support from Barwick in the wake of him sending off England captain John Terry in November had precipitated his retirement. Now, in the second part of an exclusive interview with Sportsmail, Poll reveals how his disillusionment is shared by other top referees in this country.

"At the last group meeting of this season, some senior referees agreed not to take action against managers," says Poll. "What's the point? The FA won't do anything. We're losing that war."

Poll came under fire yesterday, in particular from former refereeing colleagues. Referees chief Keith Hackett dismissed Poll's accusations and said Barwick had been very supportive on refereeing issues'.

Poll blamed his retirement at just 43 on what he alleged to be the FA's lenient approach to having his integrity questioned by Chelsea after their November 5 game against Tottenham. However Hackett, general manager of Professional Game Match Officials, said: "I'm rather surprised and slightly disappointed by Graham's comments."

Hackett sits on a board that includes Barwick, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore and Football League chief Andy Williamson, and he said: "As a body they have been extremely supportive of refereeing issues for a number of years.

"A year or so ago I went to them and expressed the concern that diving was an increasing problem. They said "fine" and as a result a campaign was launched.

"My view is that in matters of discipline, referees do the job on the field. The outcome of disciplinary procedures isn't for referees to be concerned about."

Hackett believes the fact that Terry was found guilty of undermining Poll was vindication of his referee, regardless of whether the £10,000 fine was thought sufficient, and he adds: "There is no question that Brian Barwick is supportive."

Barwick, in Switzerland yesterday to meet FIFA officials, said: "I have always been fully supportive of Graham Poll and referees in general.

"I spoke to Graham after the World Cup to offer him my support and my belief that he remained one of the best referees around. I also said so publicly."