Graham Poll: We should highlight when refs get it right
Get this: There has been some outstanding refereeing recently.
You didn’t read about it because… well, you only know about referees when they make a mistake or a manager decides to deflect attention from another defeat, or a supporter rings into 5 Live or talkSPORT to complain about a decision (often correct) given against his team.
Styles
Webb
Riley
- At the Emirates, Mike Riley played a superb but risky advantage when Cesc Fabregas caught Gareth Barry with a late, reckless challenge which was worthy of a caution. Riley signalled that play should continue, the ball was moved swiftly upfield into the penalty area and Aston Villa were correctly awarded a spot-kick. Riley returned to Fabregas and issued the yellow card.
More from Graham Poll for the Daily Mail...
- Cesc Fabregas HAD to be sent off and referee Mike Jones was also right not to dismiss Darren Fletcher 18/05/15
- Chelsea's referee 'campaign' continues as Cesc Fabregas and Oscar are denied penalties by Michael Oliver against Arsenal 26/04/15
- Vincent Kompany deserved a red card for his dangerous tackle on Daley Blind... but Mark Clattenburg was right to confer with his assistant if he wasn't 100 per cent 12/04/15
- GRAHAM POLL: UEFA have set a dangerous precedent with this bizarre decision to replay 18 seconds... what if something similar happens at Euro 2016? 09/04/15
- Assistant should not be blamed for Glenn Murray goal against Manchester City 06/04/15
- It's time to use video technology to save our game and help referees make the right calls 23/03/15
- Steven Gerrard had to go! Martin Atkinson was right to send off Liverpool captain 22/03/15
- Samir Nasri lucky not to be sent off after kick on Neymar in Manchester City's Champions League defeat at Barcelona 18/03/15
- Referee Mike Dean gave Jose Mourinho no cause for complaint and had an overall solid game in Chelsea's draw with Southampton 15/03/15
- VIEW FULL ARCHIVE
- A similar advantage was played by Rob Styles immediately before the cross which led to Dirk Kuyt’s goal for Liverpool at Bolton.
- Howard Webb allowed play to continue after a clear foul by an Everton player in the build-up to Middlesbrough’s goal at Goodison Park
These examples are not the only ones but highlight the fact referees are not just making ‘Mickey Mouse’ mistakes; in all three cases, they would have been entitled to stop play and award free-kicks.
However, they all used the experience they have gained over the years and made superb decisions, which enhanced the matches they controlled and the entertainment.
I wonder if any of the managers who benefited from those decisions went to see the referees to thank them for the wisdom of their experience, or highlighted the refereeing excellence in their press conferences? How difficult would it have been for just one
of them to come out with praise for a change? And, given that two of the games were live on Sky, couldn’t they have highlighted good refereeing in their match coverage?
One thought for the Premier League in their continuing quest for respect and understanding: stop the ban on referees speaking to the media and suggest that your broadcast partners ask referees about good decisions.
Often, controversy comes about from a lack of understanding, which could be cleared up by allowing referees to give the reasons why certain decisions were made. And if they are wrong, would it be such a bad thing if referees actually admitted to the odd human error?
That would allow referees to be seen as caring human beings who get things right far more often than is perceived.
The referee's clinic
Rory Delap has made throw-ins fashionable and Alan Brown is among many readers who would like to know the criteria for taking a legal throw-in.
Trend-setter: Delap launches another monster throw-in
Law 15 states that, at the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must face the field of play, have part of each foot either on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline, use both hands and deliver the ball from behind and over his head.
Opponents must not stand within two metres from the point at which the throw-in is taken.
Did you see that?
Paul Durkin suggested the FA could overturn the incorrect second yellow for Emmerson Boyce if Andre Marriner sent a letter with his reports.
The FA told referees a long time ago this was not possible and that all yellow cards must stand unless there is a case of mistaken identity.
Respect
Manchester City players showed scant respect either for the Laws, or referee Phil Dowd, when they faced a free-kick in the dying minutes of a super Barclays Premier League game at Hull.
The game was finely balanced at 2-2 and the home side had a free-kick just outside the Manchester City penalty area.
Twice, players broke from the defensive wall and on both occasions Dowd correctly ordered a retake and issued first Shaun Wright-Phillips and then Stephen Ireland with yellow cards.
At the second caution Dowd was surrounded by seven City players, incredulous at his temerity to apply the law.
That intimidation of a referee went unpunished and if the FA are to succeed with the campaign they will need to act in such situations.
Watch out for...
Stuart Attwell (right) returning to the Premier League this afternoon for his third top-flight game this season.
Portsmouth versus Hull City has been carefully selected for Attwell as he has handled both teams well in his previous two Premier League outings.
All match officials will be hoping Attwell can referee well and get through the game without controversy.
The rest of football should be on his side as well — we need young referees to be encouraged to come into the game.
- Conor McGregor looking wild and ready at fierce UFC weigh-in
- Louis van Gaal confirms Matteo Darmian arrival at Man United
- Gareth Bale reports back to Real Madrid for training
- Gatlin clocks 9.75s in Diamond League win over Gay and...
- Memphis Depay: It's a dream come true to play for Man United
- 7 year old Miah Davis dazzles on the pads with Floyd's Uncle...
- UFC 189: Conor McGregor vows to defeat 'novice' Chad Mendes
- Steve McClaren leads Newcastle squad in pre-season training
- Solar cycle: The sun's 11-year heartbeat explained
- Beach goer captures aftermath of beach explosion
- Horrifying moment slingshot ride cable SNAPS
- First look behind the scenes: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- Bastian Schweinsteiger set to join Manchester United as...
- Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes clash during weigh-in ahead...
- Iker Casillas agrees Porto transfer as Real Madrid confirm...
- Wimbledon live! Serena Williams claims sixth Wimbledon title...
- FIFA front covers through the years after Jordan Henderson...
- Manchester United complete Matteo Darmian signing from...
- UFC stars gather in Las Vegas for pool party as the...
- Transfer news LATEST: Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea,...
- Sergio Ramos back in Real Madrid training despite interest...
- Robin van Persie says farewell to his friends as he prepares...
- Manchester United new boys Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian...
- Robin van Persie and Louis van Gaal were all hugs and...