Swans focus : Anthony Backhouse : Is he fit to referee ?
Sunday, 1st Mar 2026 10:50 by Liam Walters & Keith Haynes

When we see certain officials tied to Swansea City games it’s only fair we look back on their performances when officiating other Swansea City fixtures. Anthony Backhouse is one of those who always fills us with dread. His game management is often flawed and on far too many occasions he has determined the outcome of Swansea football matches.

Yesterday, yes the Swans were pretty poor in all areas and in no way deserved anything after a pitiful collapse from minute one to the end of the game. However, there were two key moments again where Backhouse dismissed Swansea penalties. The first a clumsy challenge on Melker Widell, the second a blatant penalty after an obvious shirt pull on Marko Stamenić. Backhouse dismissed both and on both occasions didn’t seek out the ‘assistance’ of the referee’s assistant.

⚽️ Melker Widell claim

⚽️ Marko Stamenić claim

As stated this isn’t the reason why the Swans lost this game, but it signifies Backhouse as the factor why the...