Stoke chairman Peter Coates believes the Football Association have lost their common sense over their rules on managers commenting on referees. Potters boss Tony Pulis was warned by the FA on Wednesday about his future conduct after praising the appointment of Howard Webb for their FA Cup semi-final against Bolton last month prior to the match taking place.
Pulis became the third Premier League boss in quick succession to be reprimanded for commenting on match officials before the game.
"I am beginning to think people are losing the plot with these things," Coates told The Sentinel. "We are all for respect for referees and officials, but let's be sensible about it all.
"Managers should not be allowed to question a referee's integrity, that is always wrong, but a manager should be allowed to say if a referee has made a mistake.
"We all make mistakes - managers, players, chairmen and officials. What is wrong with saying so?"
