Amid worries of geographical-based favouritism, Premier League referee Kevin Friend has been taken off Monday's pivotal clash between Stoke City and Tottenham.
Concerns were that the Leicester-based Friend would officiate the match with rose-tinted glasses, favouring the Potters in light of Tottenham's hopes of catching table-topping Leicester City.
Related: Leicester-based referee switched from Stoke vs. Tottenham
In light of the decision made by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), several Premier League managers commented on the ruling to move Friend from Monday's crucial clash at the Britannia.
Arsene Wenger, Arsenal
"Given the timing and context of this match, it was felt unnecessary to add extra scrutiny on the refereeing appointment," the long-serving Gunners gaffer said.
"I am surprised and disappointed," he said. "It questions the integrity of the referee and sets a dangerous precedent. The solution is you don't look where they come from and who they support, you just pick the best referees.
"I am not a specialist of judging referees - we have to accept they make more mistakes and give them more support with more technology and treat them as professionals who make decisions which are not based on their emotions."
Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham
"We never complain and I want to say we trust in all the referees but I think we need to trust."
Rarely on the same side of a decision, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino sides with Arsenal rival Wenger.
"In some point I agree with Arsene. It is important to keep the integrity of the referee and always back the referee.
"They are human and can make mistakes like us but it is important next time to behave naturally and to show the referee the trust and respect."
Eddie Howe, Bournemouth
"My initial thought to it would be; why can't a referee go to a football match without being impartial? It's dangerous ground to go into, and a few fans tweeting and getting a referee moved doesn't sit well with me - that's my initial thought.
"I'm sure a lot of people are football fans, going to games and enjoying them; it doesn't mean they're not impartial. I respect any referee because of how difficult their job is, and I think one of the beauties of our game is that it's clean."
Mark Hughes, Stoke City
"It seemed to be led by social media, which is maybe dangerous ground if people on Twitter are going to tell the Premier League who to appoint for individual games, so you have to be careful about that."
The PGMOL's decision directly affects Hughes' lot, as Monday's tilt has bearing for both Stoke and Tottenham's European ambitions.
"The one thing we all have to be comfortable about is the integrity of the referees, irrespective of who they support."
Tony Pulis, West Brom
"I can understand the feeling. It's coming to that time of the season and you don't want any cloudiness around it. But I've spoken to Kevin a few times, and he seems a decent, honest chap. The FA, refs association have decided to do it, so you go with them. It will be interesting to see what Kevin thinks.
"Social media is part and parcel of the life we live now. The refs association have done that and they think they've done it for the right reason."
Roberto Martinez, Everton
Unlike the British-born managers who have become accustomed to match officials who support clubs, the Premier League's foreign-born gaffers were initially surprised by the uncommon practice.
"When I arrived in England I was surprised that referees were asked who they support. Straight away it's a cultural thing not to allow them to ref the teams they support. That doesn't happen in other countries.
"There isn't that open feel about how you support as a referee in other countries. I just don't think there is a question about the integrity of our referees in this country. I could give many examples about their integrity.
"It's cleaner than any other country, probably. In Spain in depends on the region. Each region has its own refereeing schools. But nobody wants to know if you support a team out of your reason as not. They're just judged as impartial."
Manuel Pellegrini, Manchester City
"I suppose the FA have some reasons to do it. Normally in Spain you don't know."
