The refereeing of the game by Major Francis Marindin was also questioned privately by many observers who felt that he had potentially shown bias towards Albion's all-English eleven (Preston's team contained a majority of Scots). At one point during the game he stopped play just as Preston were about to score to award a free kick to Albion, despite no Albion player having made an appeal as was required by the rules of the game at that time.
The refereeing of Major Francis Marindin was also privately questioned by many observers who felt that he may have shown favoritism towards Albion's all-English team (Preston's squad had a majority of Scots). At one stage during the game, he halted play to award a free kick to Albion, although no Albion player had made an appeal as required by the rules.