Don't you just want to punch Peter Walton in the face - how the **** can he jump and not use him arms I actually agree with Rio
It is the way its going that's for sure, but in this case his arm wasn't even far from his body, it was in the most natural position it could be - 3 refs watching it here and none of us are giving that, but well done Marcus Rashford that was ballsy
The ref had a long look on VAR. The ref in the BT studio was clear it was a penalty. So you've got to say in those situations, refs are going to award them.
They always agree with the match officials. It's a given. It's like saying Jamie Redknapp thought Liverpool deserved to win.
Truth be told Luke I am not sure that VAR is coming to the East Kent or Ashford District leagues so we won't be changing our decisions any time soon!
Although overall I have to say I have been pretty impressed by the standard of officiating in the CL. Such a refreshing change from the dross we have to put up with in the PL and only serves to underline why zilch EPL refs are used in the latter stages of major tournaments and also makes a change watching a ref who doesn't look like a quick sprint up field will cause them to keel over and have a heart attack.
If the ball is blocked by the hand or arm, refs appear to be calling it as a foul unless there is clear evidence that it was unintentional. That seems out of kilter with the law which requires the ref to decide it was deliberate. There has been a definite shift of emphasis in the application of the law. If a player turns his back on the ball and moves his arms away from his body in the process - especially in relation to a shot from distance- it will be called as a penalty nine times out of ten. It's not the first time a decision like this has been made in these circumstances.
