Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has launched a scathing criticism of referee Phil Dowd, claiming that the 52-year-old is "tubby" and not fit enough to officiate at Premier League level.

Match officials have come under particular scrutiny in recent days following Martin Atkinson's performance in the game between Chelsea and Burnley, which former refereeing chief Keith Hackett called "incompetent".

While discussing the issue on talkSPORT, Collymore said: "Phil Dowd should not be reffing at Premier League level.

"He's not fit enough, he looks a bit tubby. He could maybe referee at a lower level like League One."

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was previously alleged to have criticised Dowd's weight when he took charge of their game against Tottenham Hotspur on New Year's Day.