Red card for Tottenham's Keane clarified

Phil Dowd did not consult the fourth official before deciding to send off Robbie Keane against Birmingham, according to the referees' body.

Professional Game Match Officials have said that Dowd did speak to fourth official Uriah Rennie at White Hart Lane after Keane's tackle on Birmingham's Fabrice Muamba.

But rather than seeking guidance on whether or not to dismiss the Republic of Ireland striker, it is claimed that Dowd was simply warning Rennie of what was to come.

"After taking the decision to send Robbie Keane from the field of play the referee, Phil Dowd, spoke to the fourth official, Uriah Rennie, to inform him of the action he was taking in order to aid the management of the technical areas," a spokesman said.

"The reason why referees, assistant referees and fourth officials are miked up is in order to improve the management of these types of situations."

The PGMO's claims appear to clear up any suggestion that Dowd was influenced in his decision to issue the red card after television pictures showed him speaking into his microphone before dismissing Keane.