FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick has expressed his disappointment at comments attributed to former referee Graham Poll in explaining his reasons for retiring from active refereeing.

He said: "I am very disappointed by these comments. I have always been fully supportive of both Graham Poll and referees in general.

"I actually spoke to Graham after the World Cup to offer him my support and my firm belief that he remained one of the best referees around. I also said so publicly and Graham Poll acknowledged this.

"Improving respect towards our match officials has been one of my priority areas ever since I became chief executive. I have always said referees do a very difficult job objectively, professionally and very well. Without a referee, there is no game.

"I did speak to Graham Poll at the time of the Tottenham-Chelsea Premier League game. I explained how the FA's disciplinary system worked even though I am not, understandably, directly involved in individual cases, and how we could not comment publicly while a case was ongoing to avoid prejudicing the outcome.

"I am extremely disappointed that Graham does not feel the system supported him. After all, in the case he has highlighted, John Terry was charged with improper conduct and fined by an independent commission who did say, publicly, that they were disappointed that the integrity of a referee had been called into question.

"Finally, while I am very disappointed that Graham has chosen to air these views about the FA through the media, I would like to recognise his many years at the top level and his significant contribution to refereeing in this country.

"I, and everyone at the FA, remain committed to recruiting more referees, retaining and developing them and improving respect for the challenging and vital job they do.''