Time for trial by television - Megson - Sport in brief

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Referee Rob Styles denied Bolton a fighting chance to grab at least a draw at Manchester United on Saturday.

"It is only a matter of time," he said. "Rugby has it. Cricket has it. It doesn't hold those games up too much. Everybody accepts it is difficult for referees because the game is getting so much faster, so any help we can give them has to be a good thing."

Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial penalty and a superb strike from Wayne Rooney 11 minutes from time gave the Red Devils a 2-0 win, lifting them back into the top half of the table, while Bolton languish near the bottom.

But it might have been so different had Styles not decided what seemed to be a perfectly fair challenge on Ronaldo by Jlloyd Samuel merited a penalty.

Even Sir Alex Ferguson felt Styles got it wrong, so there was little surprise at Megson's irritation.

Following high-profile incidents at Stamford Bridge and Vicarage Road last weekend, the FA decided to step in to reaffirm their belief in the much-trumpeted 'Respect' campaign.

Megson is not so sure.

The Bolton boss feels officials largely have the respect of players and managers anyway. He believes a chance has been wasted to make a great impact in another area.

"They had all summer to discuss these things and came up with some nonsense about respecting referees, which is not worth bothering with," he said. "Referees are respected, even if they make mistakes. I have not been in trouble with referees for seven or eight years and I don't know that many who have."