Bernstein on Wednesday night issued a strong statement on behalf of the man who refereed the last World Cup final and who is considered one of the Premier League’s most competent officials.
“Howard Webb is a fantastic referee and a great ambassador for the sport. His ability and integrity are beyond question,” Bernstein said.
“He has the utmost respect from within football in England and around the world.
“That could not have been demonstrated more clearly than in 2010, when he was chosen to referee the Uefa Champions League final and the Fifa World Cup final, and this summer he has been selected for Uefa Euro 2012.
“We all have a duty to respect our referees. To question their integrity or imply anything other than total impartiality is reckless and unfounded.
“It harms the perception and treatment of referees at every level of football, and we must not allow that climate to exist. Referees have only one live opportunity to make a judgement call and do not have the benefit of numerous camera angles and replays. They make these decisions with honesty and integrity”
Roberto Mancini, the Manchester City manager, said that he had no option but to accept Balotelli’s ban, which will also mean he misses the Premier League encounters with Everton, Fulham and Aston Villa.
“I do not agree with this decision, but we can do nothing,” Mancini told Sky ahead of kick-off.
“I do not agree. I explained to Mario and he understood.”