Former Arsenal star Paul Merson reckons that Nick Woltemade won't win with referees if he starts complaining about Premier League centre-backs attempting to ruffle his feathers.

The German striker was fouled on multiple occasions in United's 2-1 win over Fulham at the weekend with referee Peter Bankes not clamping down on shirt pulling and grappling. At one stage Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey doubled up on the 6ft 6in centre-forward but Bankes did not penalise the Fulham defenders.

It led to Bankes being booed off at half-time and a big debate exploding within the Newcastle fanbase on the inconsistent treatment Woltemade is currently enduring. The current guidance to Premier League referees is to look for "extreme actions", such as "dragging a player to the ground in a non-footballing way". But minor tugs are getting dismissed for Woltemade.

Merson told Sky Sports News: "They are going to try to ruffle his feathers. He is a tidy player and reminds me of Peter Crouch.

"He is a good footballer, good with his feet and want to get involved in the...