Graham Poll replaces Dowd for Man United Game

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Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
09 Apr	4:00 PM	P	Manchester United (A)	0	2	Lost

Graham Poll has replaced referee Phil Dowd in the build-up to Sunday's big match between Arsenal and Man United at Old Trafford.

Over the course of the last week Dowd has come under some harsh criticism from Wigan manager Paul Jewel after his side drew 1-1 against Blackburn Rovers.

The FA, who had doubts over Poll's fitness, but after Poll declared himself fit to take charge of the game, Dowd will no longer be needed by to stand in for England's only representative in the Officiating Staff at the World Cup finals in Germany.

Premier League referees chief Keith Hackett insists that the decision was solely based on the fact that Poll confirmed his fitness and, contrary to popular belief, not a reflection after his poor performance on Monday.

''Graham had been a doubt but is now fit,'' said Hackett.

''We made this decision at the end of the week because we fit the referee to the games, and he is our World Cup referee.

''It is nothing to do with any criticism of Phil Dowd.''

Games between the two sides at Old Trafford have been fiery affairs in recent seasons and the FA will be hoping, by putting their leading man in charge of the game, the game will be played in the spirit it was meant to be played in.

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