I've watched this a few times and I'm pretty sure it was not a penalty! Thoughts? http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40202208
If a free-kick can be awarded in another part of the pitch when the player wins the ball because of the follow-through, shouldn't the same apply in the penalty area?
Not only played the ball but I don't think there was any real contact, certainly not where he was holding his knee! Should have been a yellow bcard for simulation!
If a player has slid in and won the ball fairly, he will usually still be penalised if he catches the player he tackles on the follow-through, even if it is accidentally. I don't think it should be a penalty, but I think that is the logic the referee used to make his decision. I think that the IFAB and FIFA need to address the issue that there are too many laws of football that have grey areas and are open to interpretation.
But that happens all the time... a 50 50 ball etc etc.... IMO if you get the ball cleanly it is no foul
Not seen it, maybe I will get a chance Sunday, but to my interpretation of the law if the player wins the ball cleanly first then it is not a foul. However the referee may decide that the challenge is dangerous (studs up, straight legged, top of the ball) excessive force (making absolutely sure he gets as much of the player as the ball) both of which are sanctioned with a red card. I cannot see a "reckless" challenge and YC when the ball is cleanly one at first.
I'd say the ref was bent - the defender clearly won the ball, no studs showing and, at most, minimal contact. If that's what we can expect from it, it'll be an expensive waste...