I've moaned to all and sundry about referees and particularly their cards lately, and I feel credit should probably be given where it is due so here goes: The penalty sticks out obviously, and I have to say that despite being in the perfect position, I didn't see the incident at all. I had my head in my hands thinking McLean had messed up a bit and suddenly we had a penalty, so I can't really say much about the decision. However, I always say regardless of bias that to send someone off totally changes any game and should only be done when completely necessary (disgusting tackles, professional fouls, etc.) obviously today it was for a professional foul but I always think if a penalty is given, the goalscoring opportunity is not taken away, justice is done by giving the penalty, so there is no need to send anyone off unless the tackle itself is worthy of a red due to it being such an awful challenge, which wasn't the case today. But it is still the rule, whether I agree with it or not. I always moan about refs who stop the game excessively and give stupid cards. Today's ref let the game flow very fluently, particularly in the second half, and surprise surprise this allowed us to totally control the ball in the opposition's half as we are usually stopped form doing by fussy refs, so top marks to him for that. Equally, there were two incidents in the game that deserved cards, and he gave those two their cards and no others. God knows what Dawson was doing when he took Beckford down and he fully deserved the yellow card he got. There were a few incidents of the ball being kicked away after free kicks were given (Rosenior, Dawson, Nugent) and he avoided giving stupid cards each time. Also when a Leicester player in front of me tried to run off with the ball to slow down a city throw, the ref gave him a proper good bollocking immediately and so quickly that it didn't hinder us further and it didn't happen again. He seemed completely in charge of the players (how often do we see cheaters and time-wasters pulling the refs strings) again I mean the second half in particular. The more I think about the second half the more pleased I am with the ref. I haven't seen a half so fluid in ages. He just let them get on with the game and was generally in charge without being noticable. The best things a ref can be.
Todays ref should audition for the next stage production of "The Adventures of Billy Bunter" Infact did I hear the wits in the East Stand singing: "You're to fat to referee"?
Did anyone see Smiecels or whatever his fekking name his take a goal kick straight to Lesta player 10 yards offside and yet nothing was given? Bizarre!
He avoided unnecessary cards, but gave a bollocking when it was needed to ensure he was in charge but didn't disrupt the game. Usually when someone tries to be sly and waste time against us, the ref will give him a 45 minute lecture that comes to nothing and just gives the offender the time he was trying to buy in the first place. I thought the way this guy dealt with it was perfect.
One of the better refs we've seen this season, got the big calls right and he let the game flow without giving petty bookings. More of the same please!
Not sure but I think the rule is you can't be offside if the ball is directly played to you from a goal kick, throw or a corner, obviously if it takes a deflection that's different
