![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/peter-walton-fires-parting-shot-at-bosses-after-being-let-go-by-tnt-sports/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/0_Screenshot-3303.jpg&description=Peter Walton was dropped from TNT Sports' panel of pundits as they prepare to replace BT Sport, but the former Premier League referee believes that decision was a mistake Former Premier League referee Peter Walton has lashed out at TNT Sports bosses, insisting they will lose viewers to rival Sky Sports after ditching him from their coverage. Walton worked as the refereeing expert for TNT's predecessor BT Sport, though was maligned by supporters for his analysis. Following their rebrand, Walton was dropped from their panel of pundits and has not been replaced by any fellow former match officials. It means that unlike Sky, who recently signed up Mike Dean to provide expert analysis on referees, TNT will not be able to provide that service. And Walton believes that decision will go on to cost them in the battle for viewers this season. 'I do think it's a mistake because, like it or not, match officials are part of that entertainment package that we now want to see. Fans are getting used to that and I think the majority welcome it because it's interesting to hear the so-called experts give their view," he told BettingSites.co.uk. "So by doing away with that I think TNT have missed a trick and certainly Sky, while they didn't want to be see to be following a competitor's initiative, as soon as it was known that TNT were not going to have a refereeing expert they said well we are because we can see the value in it. "I don't know the reasons why they've picked him but my thoughts behind that is that Mike is fresh off the field and is a known face in the game itself. You use the word divisive, well he can be but most referees are divisive it just depends on if you're wearing a blue shirt or a red shirt. HAVE YOUR SAY! Will TNT Sports miss having a refereeing expert on its coverage? Comment below. 'So I think it's good that he's on that panel and it's good that he'll be giving refereeing a voice but he has to be careful because broadcasters want entertainment as well. He's g){kind=link}
Peter Walton was dropped from TNT Sports’ panel of pundits as they prepare to replace BT Sport, but the former Premier League referee believes that decision was a mistake
Former Premier League referee Peter Walton has lashed out at TNT Sports bosses, insisting they will lose viewers to rival Sky Sports after ditching him from their coverage.
Walton worked as the refereeing expert for TNT’s predecessor BT Sport, though was maligned by supporters for his analysis. Following their rebrand, Walton was dropped from their panel of pundits and has not been replaced by any fellow former match officials.
It means that unlike Sky, who recently signed up Mike Dean to provide expert analysis on referees, TNT will not be able to provide that service. And Walton believes that decision will go on to cost them in the battle for viewers this season.
“I do think it’s a mistake because, like it or not, match officials are part of that entertainment package that we now want to see. Fans are getting used to that and I think the majority welcome it because it’s interesting to hear the so-called experts give their view,” he told BettingSites.co.uk.