Styles apologises to Bolton for Ronaldo penalty blunder

Referee Rob Styles has apologised to Bolton for the penalty decision that condemned Gary Megson’s side to a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United.

Bolton were level with United at Old Trafford on Saturday until Styles gave a spot-kick in the 60th minute for Jlloyd Samuel’s challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo.

Samuel clearly won the ball but Ronaldo converted the penalty to give United the lead in a game they went on to win 2-0.

The Professional Game Match Official Board (PGMO) told the BBC that Styles spoke to Bolton on Monday to apologise, even though Megson had insisted after the game that he didn’t want to hear from the official.

It is unknown in what manner Styles contacted the club or who he got in touch with, but it is not the first time Styles has made an apology for a mistake on the field – last season he apologised to Liverpool for a penalty error when Steve Finnan challenged Chelsea’s Florent Malouda.