Poll attacks 'weak' FA

The row started when Poll dismissed Chelsea skipper John Terry for two yellow cards against Tottenham in November. Terry was later reported as saying Poll had changed his story over why he had been sent off, while it was suggested Poll sent him off to teach the Blues a lesson - with Frank Lampard and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wading into the row.

Poll is upset with the FA and its chief executive Brian Barwick, saying in the Daily Mail: "I just think the FA are inherently weak when it comes to these issues. We've been eroding the the power of the referee for years and years."

He added: "All you (the FA) need is for me to say 'no' (to Chelsea's claims). Full stop, move on. Charge John Terry, charge Ashley Cole, charge Frank Lampard, charge Jose Mourinho."

Poll went on to recall a conversation with Barwick in the aftermath of the Chelsea fall out.

He said: "Brian Barwick thought he could just call and say 'there you go old chap, stiff upper lip'. But he picked the wrong moment, I absolutely ripped into him and told him the truth.

"Which was this - 'It's not about Graham Poll, about vindication for me, or about Chelsea Football club'.

"It's about the FA saying 'We are the custodians of the game and we have to show the world of football that if you speak out against a referee you get punished, and if you lie about a referee - my word you're going to get punished.

"Let's make it clear to everyone who plays football and manages football teams - this behaviour is not acceptable.

"I've been refereeing in the Premiership since 1993, I'm the most experienced referee they've got and yet my credibility no longer holds."