WHY is it that our Bolton Wanderers always seem to be the team targeted by referees?

Whenever there is a 50/50 decision, it always goes against the Wanderers and, usually, gives the opposing team an opportunity to score.

Recent examples are when Jussi Jaaskelainen could not clear the ball because of Shearer and on Tuesday night an innocuous challenge by Anthony Barness led to the penalty.

There have been a number of occasions this season when decisions have gone against the Wanderers, who must be pondering what they have to do to get a fair deal from referees. When the penalty was given on Tuesday night at White Hart Lane, it seemed as if the team were thinking "here we go again" this is another game we can't win because of the ref and, from that moment, it seemed the will to win was not there. The number of good referees officiating at a match between Bolton and any other side can be counted on one hand.

It is as though there is a conspiracy to get Bolton Wanderers out of the Premiership and to keep them out if possible. The play-off against Ipswich was an example.

The Wanderers have proved they can compete with the best, provided they get a fair deal from referees.

JLP Thomas

Freshfield Avenue

Atherton