The Whistle Blower

Germany 4-0 Australia | Özil onside in build up to Cacau goal

2010-06-13T22:11:00.000+01:00

Description: In the build up to Cacau's goal, Germany's 4th, there was a suspicion of offside when Özil was found with a through ball down the left wing. The referee and linesman saw nothing and play was allowed to continue.

Date of Game: Sunday 13th June 2010

Home Team: Germany | Away Team: Australia

Referee: Marco Rodriguez Moreno (MEX) | Linesman: Jose Camargo (MEX) & Alberto Morin (MEX)

Decision Type: Offside | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 4/5 | Affect on result: 1/5 | Score: 5

Affect on Result: None. 3-0 or 4-0, Germany were on their way to a comfortable victory | Winner: Germany | Loser: Australia

Players Involved: Mesut Özil & Cacau (Germany)

Summary: Good spot by the linesman as it was a close call when watching at full speed. Özil was definitely onside.

View highlights & match summary of Germany vs Australia on BBC

Cheers,
WB

Germany 4-0 Australia | Khedira denied penalty

2010-06-13T22:00:00.000+01:00

Description: After missing a chance to score himself, Klose crossed into the 6 yard box for Khedira to attack. As he came in to hit the ball past the defender on the line, Moore came across to challenge. The result, no penalty and goal kick as it was adjudged to have come off Khedira last.

Date of Game: Sunday 13th June 2010

Home Team: Germany | Away Team: Australia

Referee: Marco Rodriguez Moreno (MEX) | Linesman: Jose Camargo (MEX) & Alberto Morin (MEX)

Decision Type: Penalty | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 4/5 | Affect on result: 1/5 | Score: -3

Affect on Result: None as Germany went on to win 4-0 anyway | Winner: Australia | Loser: Germany

Players Involved: Sami Khedira (Germany) & Craig Moore (Australia)

Summary: I found this a tough one to call and had to watch a number of replays before I could even force myself into a decision. Ultimately, I thought it was a penalty as Moore got none of the ball and definitely caught Khedira. My only debate was whether or not Khedira had control of the ball or whether he actually missed the chance before the collision. My conclusion, Moore's challenge occurred as Khedira went for the ball.

View highlights & match summary of Germany vs Australia on BBC

Cheers,
WB

Germany 4-0 Australia | Cahill wrongly sent off

2010-06-13T21:45:00.000+01:00

Description: Tim Cahill slid in on Bastian Schweinsteiger getting none of the ball and all of the player. To the surprise of many, the referee produced a straight red for Cahill.

Date of Game: Sunday 13th June 2010

Home Team: Germany | Away Team: Australia

Referee: Marco Rodriguez Moreno (MEX) | Linesman: Jose Camargo (MEX) & Alberto Morin (MEX)

Decision Type: Red card | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 1/5 | Affect on result: 3/5 | Score: -8

Affect on Result: Probably little affect on the result but it completely finished Australia's chance with still a good amount of time remaining. And it had a significant affect on the scoreline as it occurred at 2-0. And who's to says what future impact it will have for Australia | Winner: Germany | Loser: Australia

Players Involved: Tim Cahill (Australia) & Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)

Summary: This was an atrocious decision by the referee Rodriguez. Yes, it was a late challenge, but it was merely worthy of a yellow as Cahill seemed to lose control as he slid, colliding knees first with Schweinsteiger's boots. Hopefully FIFA will be sensible and allow/accept an appeal from Australia otherwise this stupid decision is likely to ruin Cahill's and Australia's World Cup.

View highlights & match summary of Germany vs Australia on BBC

Cheers,
WB

Germany 4-0 Australia | Garcia denied penalty for handball

2010-06-13T21:43:00.000+01:00

Description: The ball was swung into the German penalty area for Garcia to head towards goal. It flicked off of Mertesacker and there were extremely loud calls for handball from a number of Australia's players. The referee had none of it.

Date of Game: Sunday 13th June 2010

Home Team: Germany | Away Team: Australia

Referee: Marco Rodriguez Moreno (MEX) | Linesman: Jose Camargo (MEX) & Alberto Morin (MEX)

Decision Type: Penalty | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 2/5 | Affect on result: 2/5 | Score: 4

Affect on Result: It would have given Australia a glimmer of hope. But that's being kind | Winner: Germany | Loser: Australia

Players Involved: Per Mertesacker (Germany) & Richard Garcia (Australia)

Summary: I feel this was a relatively straight forward decision; Mertesacker's hand wasn't too far away from his body and the ball was deflected onto it from a yard away so I do not think you can give a penalty.

View highlights & match summary of Germany vs Australia on BBC

Cheers,
WB

Serbia 0-1 Ghana | Ghana awarded penalty for handball by Kuzmanović

2010-06-13T17:36:00.000+01:00

Description: The ball was swung into the Serbian penalty area and, as Prince-Boetang lined up a volley at goal, it appeared to strike Kuzmanović's arm and the referee awarded a penalty to Ghana. Gyan duly dispatched for 1-0 Ghana.

Date of Game: Sunday 13th June 2010

Home Team: Serbia | Away Team: Ghana

Referee: Hector Baldassi (ARG) | Linesman: Ricardo Casas (ARG) & Hernan Maidana (ARG)

Decision Type: Penalty | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 1/5 | Affect on result: 5/5 | Score: 6

Affect on Result: Massive. It gave Ghana their winning goal | Winner: Ghana | Loser: Serbia

Players Involved: Zdravko Kuzmanović (Serbia) & Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)

Summary: Wow. After labelling Ghazzel of Algeria an idiot, we get an almost identical offence by Kuzmanović only this time it was in his own area and gave away a penalty (and the winning goal). I cannot offer any explanation for Kuzmanović's actions. The referee got it right and it handed Ghana a deserved victory as Serbia continued to hit the self-destruct button.

It was such an obvious handball it is a decision you'd hope referees would get right, but that doesn't mean they always will, especially when it was clear what impact it would have on the game being so late in proceedings.

View highlights & match summary of Serbia vs Ghana on BBC

Cheers,
WB

Serbia 0-1 Ghana | Luković shown red card

2010-06-13T17:28:00.000+01:00

Description: Luković picked up a yellow card when he and Milijas challanged Kwadwo Asamoah for the ball, sending the Ghanaian to the ground. The referee waved play on but went back to book Luković once the ball was out of play.

Later in the game Luković was shown as second yellow and then red card for apparently tugging at Gyan on the halfway line.

Date of Game: Sunday 13th June 2010

Home Team: Serbia | Away Team: Ghana

Referee: Hector Baldassi (ARG) | Linesman: Ricardo Casas (ARG) & Hernan Maidana (ARG)

Decision Type: Red card | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 3/5 | Affect on result: 5/5 | Score: 8

Affect on Result: Losing a man at 0-0 took away Serbia's real hopes of victory and provided Ghana with the incentive to push on for the win themselves | Winner: Ghana | Loser: Serbia

Players Involved: Aleksandar Luković (Serbia), Kwadwo Asamoah & Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)

Summary: This was a demonstration of great refereeing. The first yellow card in particular, where referee Baldassi played a good advantage to Ghana and correctly called Luković back for the yellow and not Milijas, which would have been an easy mistake to make.

The second yellow was just stupidity by Luković. Already on a yellow, he clearly tugs on Gyan's shoulder, shirt and anything else within grasp, giving the referee no option.

The reason I have scored the referee so highly on this incident is that I feel pulling play back after playing advantage doesn't happen often enough and couple that with the ref's ability to identify the true offender and it becomes a fantastic decision for me. Under other referees, Luković could have got away with the first offense, leaving us with a completely different game & result.

View highlights & match summary of Serbia vs Ghana on BBC

Cheers,
WB

Algeria 0-1 Slovenia | Ghezzal receives red card for handball & shirt pulling

2010-06-13T14:32:00.003+01:00

Description: Shortly after arriving as a substitute, Ghezzal was given a yellow card for an apparent tug on the shirt of a Slovenian defender. Around 10 minutes later, a long ball was launched into the penalty area for Ghezzal to chase and he appeared to pull the ball down with his arm and the referee responded with a second yellow for deliberate handball and then a red.

Date of Game: Sunday 13th June 2010

Home Team: Algeria | Away Team: Slovenia

Referee: Carlos Batres Gonzalez (GUA) | Linesman: Leonel Leal (CRC) & Carlos Pastrana (HON)

Decision Type: Red card | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 1/5 | Affect on result: 5/5 | Score: 6

Affect on Result: It's hard to say for sure, especially as the game barely changed after the red card however, as it occurred prior to the goal so you have to say it affected the result significantly | Winner: Slovenia | Loser: Algeria

Players Involved: Abdelkader Ghezzal (Algeria)

Summary: Ghezzal must have a screw loose. This was one of the easiest red card decisions you'll ever see a referee make. These type of red cards really make me angry because they're unnecessary and completely the players own doing.

Moments after coming on, Ghezzal - only yards from the ref - got a good fistful of Marko Suler's shirt. Easy yellow card.

Then, with the knowledge he is already on a yellow card he raises his arm high above his head, attempting to pull the ball down inside the Slovenian penalty area and create a goal scoring opportunity. Second yellow and a very well deserved red for trying to cheat.

Deliberate handball & shirt tugging are up there with kicking the ball away, diving & arguing with the ref as "the most stupid reasons for getting a yellow". Ghezzal picked up 2 in 12 minutes. He's an idiot.

View highlights & match summary of Algeria vs Slovenia on BBC

Cheers,
WB

England 1-1 USA | First refereeing "clean sheet"

2010-06-13T01:57:00.003+01:00

Description: With all the hype around the selection of Brazilian referee Carlos Simon, it came with equal measures of irony and predictability that the game between England and the USA passed without any major, game influencing decisions coming his way.

Date of Game: Saturday 12th June 2010

Home Team: England | Away Team: USA

Referee: Carlos Simon (BRA) | Linesman: Jaltemir Hausmann (BRA) & Roberto Braatz (BRA)

Score: 0 | +1 clean sheet

Summary: The ref applied the laws of the game to the letter, even if decisions such as making Glen Johnson leave the field due to a small amount of blood seem ridiculous, modern referees are employed to apply the law consistency across all games. This means laws are black & white. Whether or not it is possible to apply laws in this way is a much bigger discussion. The ref did his job well.

View highlights & match summary of England vs USA on BBC

Cheers,
WB

Argentina 1-0 Nigeria | Maxi denied penalty for clash with Kaita

2010-06-12T16:57:00.003+01:00

Description: Maxi Rodríguez turned inside the Nigerian penalty area. Kaita came in to challenge for the ball and both players went tumbling in a sea of arms & legs. The referee had none of it.

Date of Game: Saturday 12th June 2010

Home Team: Argentina | Away Team: Nigeria

Referee: Wolfgang Stark (GER) | Linesman: Jan-Hendrik Salver (GER) & Mike Pickel (GER)

Decision Type: Penalty | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 3/5 | Affect on result: 1/5 | Score: -4

Affect on Result: None, except it would have allowed Argentina to see the game out in a more relaxed fashion | Winner: Nigeria | Loser: Argentina

Players Involved: Maxi Rodríguez (Argentina) & Sani Kaita (Nigeria)

Summary: Kaita completely missed the ball when he came in to challenge, I think it actually went between his legs and then he tumbled, raised his arm and prevent Maxi from getting around him. For me, it was a definite penalty, despite what Mick McCarthy said on the BBC commentary.

View highlights & match summary of Argentina vs Nigeria on BBC

Cheers,
WB

South Korea 2-0 Greece | Lee Chung-Yong denied penalty for clash with Torosidis

2010-06-12T13:15:00.003+01:00

Description of incident: Early in the game, with South Korea already 1-0 up, Lee Chung-Yong powered into the Greek penalty area where there was a tangling of legs between him and Torosidis. Despite the claims for a penalty, the ref waved play on.

Date of Game: Saturday 12th June 2010

Home Team: South Korea | Away Team: Greece

Referee: Michael Hester (NZL) | Linesman: Jan-Hendrik Hintz (NZL) & Tevita Makasini (TGA)

Decision Type: Penalty | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 2/5 | Affect on result: 1/5 | Score: 3

Affect on Result: None really, only denying South Korea more comfort in this easy victory | Winner: Greece | Loser: South Korea

Players Involved: Lee Chung-Yong (South Korea) & Vasilios Torosidis (Greece)

Summary: There is some debate in this decision and I have seen many similar clashes result in a penalty however, I felt it was a genuine tangling of legs as Lee raised his foot to shoot. I do not feel Torosidis was stretching for the ball when the players clashed, he was simply tracking back.

View highlights & match summary of South Korea vs Greece on BBC

Cheers,
WB

Uruguay 0-0 France | Henry's penalty shout for handball

2010-06-12T01:35:00.004+01:00

Description of incident: Late in the game, a cross was swung into the Uruguayan penalty area where it fell to Henry. His shot bounced up and hit Victorino on the hand. The referee waved away Henry's loud penalty requests.

Date of Game: Friday 11th June 2010

Home Team: Uruguay | Away Team: France

Referee: Yuichi Nishimura (JPN) | Linesman: Toru Sagara (JPN) & Hae Sang Jeong (KOR)

Decision Type: Penalty | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 1/5 | Affect on result: 5/5 | Score: 6

Affect on Result: If a penalty had been given, it would almost definitely have given France the victory | Winner: Uruguay | Loser: France

Players Involved: Waldemar Victorino (Uruguay) & Thierry Henry (France)

Summary: Both of Victorino's hands were tucked in tight to his body. There is no was you could claim it was deliberate, he didn't gain control of the ball and it hit his body as well, which it would have hit even if his hand wasn't there. Definitely the right decision...despite the extremely loud calls to the contrary.

View highlights & match summary of Uruguay vs France on BBC

Cheers,
WB

Uruguay 0-0 France | Lodeiro shown red card after two yellows

2010-06-12T01:17:00.011+01:00

Description of incident: Lodeiro came on as a late substitute for Uruguay and within minutes was in the book for, apparently, throwing the ball away when France were awarded a free-kick. Minutes later he fouled Sagna which the referee decided was worthy of a second yellow and a red card.

Date of Game: Friday 11th June 2010

Home Team: Uruguay | Away Team: France

Referee: Yuichi Nishimura (JPN) | Linesman: Toru Sagara (JPN) & Hae Sang Jeong (KOR)

Decision Type: Red card | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 2/5 | Affect on result: 3/5 | Score: 5

Affect on Result: It prevented Uruguay from making a final push for victory | Winner: France | Loser: Uruguay

Players Involved: Nicolas Lodeiro (Uruguay) & Bacary Sagna (France)

Summary: The second yellow is indisputable; Lodeiro came in late, ankle high & studs first. The first however, was extremely harsh. Lodeiro was trotting away from where the free-kick had been given when he casually scooped the ball up with both hands and rolled it behind him without looking. It went roughly in the direction if where the free-kick was to be placed but wasn't what you'd call helpful. The reason I gave the verdict of a right decision was Lodeiro had no reason to touch the ball. In this day and age you are asking for a yellow. Plus, it could be argued that it should have been a straight red for his challenge on Sagna.

View highlights & match summary of Uruguay vs France on BBC

Cheers,
WB

South Africa 1-1 Mexico | Modise denied penalty for clash with Rodriguez

2010-06-12T00:48:00.003+01:00

Description of incident: Mexico were split right down the middle and Modise raced clear. Rodriguez tracked back and challenged Modise for the ball who went tumbling to the ground calling for a penalty.

Date of Game: Friday 11th June 2010

Home Team: South Africa | Away Team: Mexico

Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (UZB) | Linesman: Rafael Ilyasov (UZB) & Bahadyr Kochkarov (KGZ)

Decision Type: Penalty | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 2/5 | Affect on result: 5/5 | Score: 7

Affect on Result: If a penalty had been given, it would have most likely led to a 2-0 lead to South Africa, so this had a massive affect on the final score | Winner: Mexico | Loser: South Africa

Players Involved: Teko Modise (South Africa) & Francisco Rodriguez (Mexico)

Summary: For me, this was a fairly straight forward decision but I'm sure there are a lot of people that would disagree. I just think it was shoulder-to-shoulder and if that was a foul, it's a sad day for football as a contact sport.

View highlights & match summary of South Africa vs Mexico on BBC

Cheers,
WB

South Africa 1-1 Mexico | Vela goal disallowed for offside

2010-06-12T00:28:00.006+01:00

Description of incident: Mexico swung a corner into the South African box and Khune came flapping at the ball, missing by a mile. It fell for Carols Vela who bundled it into net.

Date of Game: Friday 11th June 2010

Home Team: South Africa | Away Team: Mexico

Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (UZB) | Linesman: Rafael Ilyasov (UZB) & Bahadyr Kochkarov (KGZ)

Decision Type: Offside | Verdict:

Decision Difficulty: 5/5 | Affect on result: 3/5 | Score: 8

Affect on Result: It was still relatively early in the game so it's hard to judge, but if I was a betting man I would have say Mexico would have been likely to run out winners if the goal had stood | Winner: South Africa | Loser: Mexico

Players Involved: Carlos Vela (Mexico) & Itumeleng Khune (South Africa)

Summary: This was a really tough call so hats off to the linesman for getting this one spot on. As the South African goalkeeper came flying out in an attempt to claim the ball, Vela fell into an offside position because only one defender was on the line and he was now more advanced that Khune. It happened at such speed and is the type of incident often missed by officials. Top, top decision.

Update: Why was Carlos Vela's goal disallowed? Full explanation There seems to be some confusion over why this goal was disallowed, so I'd like to be 100% clear. The offside rule states that when the ball is played two defenders should be between the attacker and the goal. We often describe this as needing to be "level with the last man" as, invariably, the goalie will be the second "defender" between the attacker and the goal. Is this instance, the goalie was more advanced than Vela when the ball was played and therefore only one defender remained between him and the goal.

View highlights & match summary of South Africa vs Mexico on BBC

Cheers,
WB

Break in service

2010-05-29T11:34:00.001+01:00

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the site has been offline.

It will be back up & running soon, with the intention being reviews of the major refereeing decisions during the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

Here is a provisional list from FIFA of all the referee's & linesman taking part in the World Cup.

Cheers,
WB

Bolton Vs Fulham | Davies goal ruled out for push

2010-02-07T00:26:00.001+00:00

Description of incident: Extremely late in the game, the ball was swung into the Fulham penalty area. Kevin Davies climbed above Hangeland to head what would surely have been the winning goal but the referee blew for a foul by Davies much to the shock of the Bolton players.

Date of Game: Saturday 6th February 2010

Home Team: Bolton Wanderers | Away Team: Fulham

Referee: Mark Clattenburg | Linesman: Robert Madley & Jeremy Simpson

Decision Type: Free kick | Verdict: | Decision Difficulty: 2/5

Affect on Result: Clearly denied Bolton victory | Winner: Fulham | Loser: Bolton Wanderers

Players Involved: Kevin Davies (Bolton) & Brede Hangeland (Fulham)

Summary: I struggled to see what the referee had blown for on first viewing. Video replays did show that Kevin Davies had a forearm in Hangeland's back however, I don't think the contact was enough to warrant a free kick. Roy Hodgson disagreed, but I expect he is only saying that as he is Fulham boss. If Davies' challenge is a foul then it's a sad day for football as it means strength is gradually being phased out of the modern game. Wrong decision for me, the goal should have stood.

Cheers,
WB

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Stoke City Vs Blackburn | Samba red card for two yellows

2010-02-07T00:14:00.001+00:00

Description of incident: Awaiting a Blackburn corner in the first half, Samba and Shawcross were jostling inside the area. The referee called them to one side and gave both players a yellow card. In the second half, Stoke were launching a counter attack and Samba pulled back a City player. The ref brandished Samba his second yellow and then red card.

Date of Game: Saturday 6th February 2010

Home Team: Stoke City | Away Team: Blackburn Rovers

Referee: Steve Bennett | Linesman: Andy Halliday & Mike Mullarkey

Decision Type: Red card | Verdict: | Decision Difficulty: 2/5

Affect on Result: None | Winner: Stoke City | Loser: Blackburn Rovers

Players Involved: Christopher Samba (Blackburn) & Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City)

Summary: The incident for the first yellow was innocuous. Neither player deserved a yellow; you see worse than this in every single Premier League game and nothing gets said to the players. Having given Samba the first yellow, he had little choice in showing the red when the defender clearly pulled back a Stoke player who was breaking away for a promising attack. The ref got half the decision right, but unfortunately half doesn't count here. Wrong decision, Samba shouldn't have been in the position to receive a red card.

Cheers,
WB

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Sunderland Vs Wigan | Clean sheet for referee

2010-02-07T00:03:00.002+00:00

Date of Game: Saturday 6th February 2010

Home Team: Sunderland | Away Team: Wigan Athletic

Referee: Stuart Attwell | Linesman: Trevor Massey & Mick McDonough

Summary: No major refereeing incidents, second clean sheet of the day.

Think I've missed something? Drop me an email or tweet me or post a comment below and open up the debate to a wider audience.

Cheers,
WB

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Tottenham Vs Aston Villa | Defoe penalty appeal turned down

2010-02-06T23:39:00.000+00:00

Description of incident: Defoe controlled the ball just inside the Villa area and Petrov came in from the side to challenge. Defoe went crashing to the floor and the ref, clearly struggling to see the incident clearly, waved play on despite the loud appeals.

Date of Game: Saturday 6th February 2010

Home Team: Tottenham | Away Team: Aston Villa

Referee: Chris Foy | Linesman: Phil Sharp & Martin Yerby

Decision Type: Penalty | Verdict: | Decision Difficulty: 2/5

Affect on Result: Arguably denied Tottenham a vital victory | Winner: Aston Villa | Loser: Tottenham

Players Involved: Martin Petrov (Aston Villa) & Jemain Defoe (Tottenham)

Summary: The referee was bending and stretching to see the incident around a crowd of players. He clearly failed as this was a blatant penalty; Petrov took Defoe's leg away. If he saw it, he would have come to the same conclusion. Either way, wrong decision, the penalty should have been given.

Cheers,
WB

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Burnley Vs West Ham | Cole goal ruled offside

2010-02-06T23:28:00.001+00:00

Description of incident: A cross was delivered into the Burnley area from the right wing, missing both Parker & Cole. At the back post, Tomkins got a boot to the ball and Cole stabbed the returning ball into the empty net - only for the ref to disallow it for offside.

Date of Game: Saturday 6th February 2010

Home Team: Burnley | Away Team: West Ham

Referee: Howard Webb | Linesman: Dave Bryan & Bob Pollock

Decision Type: Offside | Verdict: | Decision Difficulty: 1/5

Affect on Result: N/A | Winner: Burnley | Loser: West Ham

Players Involved: Carlton Cole & Scott Parker (West Ham)

Summary: When the ball was originally crossed in, Parker was offside and he did make a failed attempt to reach the ball. When Tomkins returned the ball into the six yard box, both Cole & Parker were a long way offside. Easy decision, they got it right, no goal.

Cheers,
WB

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Hull City Vs Manchester City | Clean sheet for referee

2010-02-06T23:06:00.003+00:00

Date of Game: Saturday 6th February 2010

Home Team: Hull City | Away Team: Manchester City

Referee: Phil Dowd | Linesman: Nigel Bannister & Stephen Artis

Summary: In an incident packed match, there were no major refereeing decisions on the game's defining moments, so a clean sheet for Mr Dowd.

Think I've missed something? Drop me an email or tweet me or post a comment below and open up the debate to a wider audience.

Cheers,
WB

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Manchester United Vs Porstmouth | Rooney penalty shout

2010-02-06T22:54:00.001+00:00

Description of incident: With the score still at nil-nil, Rooney swiveled with the ball inside the Portsmouth area. The turn blocked off Piquionne's approach and Rooney went tumbling over the ball when Frenchman reached him. The ref waved play on despite Rooney's appeal.

Date of Game: Saturday 6th February 2010

Home Team: Manchester United | Away Team: Portsmouth

Referee: Lee Mason | Linesman: Jake Collin & Paul Thompson

Decision Type: Penalty | Verdict: | Decision Difficulty: 4/5

Affect on Result: None | Winner: Portsmouth | Loser: Manchester United

Players Involved: Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) & Frederic Piquionne (Porstmouth)

Summary: It was a wonderful turn by Rooney, confusing everyone around him. At first glance it looked as though Piquionne had maybe applied the brakes too late and giving a penalty would have been harsh however, video replays clearly show that he pushed the United striker in the back. The ref got this one wrong, although it had no affect on the result, it should have been a penalty.

Cheers,
WB

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Liverpool Vs Everton | Pienaar receives red card for second yellow

2010-02-06T16:11:00.002+00:00

Description of incident: After escaping a red card earlier in the game, Pienaar eventually received his marching orders deep into injury time. He challenged for a header with Gerrard; Gerrard won the ball and ended up on the floor, clutching his head. The ref showed a second yellow, then red to Pienaar.

Date of Game: Saturday 6th February 2010

Home Team: Liverpool | Away Team: Everton

Referee: Martin Atkinson | Linesman: David Richardson & Darren Cann

Decision Type: Red card | Verdict: | Decision Difficulty: 2/5

Affect on Result: N/A | Winner: Liverpool | Loser: Everton

Players Involved: Steven Pienaar (Everton) & Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Summary: It was a challenge borne out of frustration as he was clearly late and video replays show he was also looking at the player, not the ball. This still doesn't explain to me why Gerrard went down holding his barnet, as Pienaar did not come anywhere near his head with any part of his body. Regardless, it was a stupid challenge and Pienaar has no one to blame for his red card other than himself. Right decision, second yellow & red card.

View full match highlights

Cheers,
WB

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Liverpool Vs Everton | Kyrgiakos receives red card

2010-02-06T15:53:00.002+00:00

Description of incident: Fellaini was in control of the ball in the middle of the pitch but it was skipping tantalizingly away from him. Enough to tempt a challenge from Kyrgiakos. He was clearly on the ground, so it could not be classed as a high challenge, but it did appear two-footed. Fellaini also prepared for the contact and both players ended up in agonising heaps. As Kyrgiakos was just about to get back on his feet, the ref brandished a red card.

Date of Game: Saturday 6th February 2010

Home Team: Liverpool | Away Team: Everton

Referee: Martin Atkinson | Linesman: David Richardson & Darren Cann

Decision Type: Red card | Verdict: | Decision Difficulty: 2/5

Affect on Result: N/A | Winner: Everton | Loser: Liverpool

Players Involved: Sotirios Kyrgiakos (Liverpool) & Marouane Fellaini (Everton)

Summary: The ball was racing away from Fellaini, so Kyrgiakos was entitled to attempt to win the ball. However, he clearly went in with both feet which is an illegal challenge deserving of a red card under the current laws. In his defence, video replays suggest that Fellaini also went in two-footed, he certainly came down dangerously on Kyrgiakos' shin - which the defender complained about after receiving his red. It was a strange one because I cannot ever recall seeing red cards given to two players for one tackle on each other - but maybe there was a case for it here. I've gone for right decision overall though, only one red card warranted.

View full match highlights

Cheers,
WB

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Liverpool Vs Everton | Pienaar high challenge on Mascherano receives yellow

2010-02-06T15:36:00.003+00:00

Description of incident: Pienaar came in with a high challenge on Mascherano, connecting about knee high on the Argentine, leading with his studs. The ref gave a free kick to Liverpool and booked Steven Pienaar despite loud calls for a red card.

Date of Game: Saturday 6th February 2010

Home Team: Liverpool | Away Team: Everton

Referee: Martin Atkinson | Linesman: David Richardson & Darren Cann

Decision Type: Red card | Verdict: | Decision Difficulty: 3/5

Affect on Result: It would have put Everton down to ten men prior to Liverpool losing a man, so it's impossible to tell how different the game would have been had Pienaar received a red | Winner: Everton | Loser: Liverpool

Players Involved: Steven Pienaar (Everton) & Javier Mascherano (Liverpool)

Summary: Pienaar's challenge was awful. I don't like seeing players sent off but, under the current guidelines, it had to be a straight red. Jamie Redknapp, commenting for Sky Sports, said he was amazed that it didn't result in a broken leg for Mascherano, which I think summarises what type of challenge it was. The ref bottled this one, maybe because it was the first major incident in the game, but he definitely got it wrong, it should have been red not yellow.

Cheers,
WB

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