What annoys me is that it has to be either a free kick or a dive. There is a middle ground and refs should be able to wave play on when players go down, something that would have been the correct call in Torres' case.
I agree, that's why a simple referral by the referee could iron out the decision in seconds. Take the challenge on Torres at the weekend, Clattenburg observes foul play but cannot be 100% sure, so he blows and stops play. The fourth official reviews the play back and confirms one fact - based on the TV replay, was there contact? The fourth official confirms there was. Clattenburg gives a free kick to Chelsea and then decides in his opinion whether the foul was likely to inhibit a goal scoring chance, or whether it contravenes the laws on foul play sufficiently to warrant a card being shown. Technology would augment the decision making this instance. Wind the play forward to the winning goal and as in tennis and cricket, the manager [and only the manager] is entitled to say 3 unsuccessful decision review appeals. RDM asks for a review and the fourth official reviews the TV replay and confirms [through his microphone] to Clattenburg that the player in question was in an offside position. Goal is rescinded and play resumes with a free kick. All sorted in a matter of moments. So, so simple. Here's the problem though that is inhibiting this, this would make it transparent. Perhaps English football needs a Hansie Cronje event for everyone to wake up and smell the coffee. Then we might get the technical support that a multi billion pound sport is crying out for.
Lee Mason - teach Mr Clattenburg how to referee a match between two talented committed teams. Now there's a ref who knows when it makes sense to show a bit of restraint. Could have easily sent off a couple of players. But chose not to ruin a superb match. Football the winner tonight. Now looking for Fergie to be contrite and humble. Not holding out much hope though.....
