Sunderland – Man Utd

Gardner Penalty Shout

Simon M – If Rafael had stood still and let the player come at him then I would have called this correct because I hate the concept that players need to get out of the way, but he jumps at Gardner, not at the ball.

David – Rafael shouldn’t have to get out of the way just to suit the attacker, and he turns into what could be seen as fair shoulder-on-shoulder contact. No penalty.

Callum – Penalty. No attempt to play the ball. Yellow card for Rafael too.

Michael – Definitely seemed to just jump into him. I’d have let it go though. Not sure Rafael did anything that Gardner wasn’t just as guilty of.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Bardsley Tackle (Yellow)

Simon M – That’s a nasty one. It’s late, stud showing and high. Has to be a red.

David – That’s not as bad as it first appears, but I still think it’s a late, reckless, studs out tackle onto Cleverly’s leg. Don’t like it. Red.

Callum – Late, studs in leg. Red card.

Michael – Painful one for Cleverley, and I am loath to say nice stuff about Phil Bardsley, but I think a yellow was just about right for that.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Southampton – Chelsea

Free Kick For Southampton Goal

Simon M – I don’t see anything in that. Another example of a player challenging for the ball in the only way possible and getting a free kick given against them. Is he supposed to stand back and let the opposition win it?

David – I don’t see it. Bit of contact when he had an eye on the ball. Incorrect.

Callum – There’s a shove, free-kick.

Michael – So soft it is probably scared of ice cream. Never a free kick.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Swansea – Spurs

Corner For Swansea Goal

Simon M – Very difficult for the linesman and I think he gets it right. Looks like Bale got the last touch.

David – Looks like Bale makes contact last.

Callum – Looks like it came off Bale. Corner correct.

Michael – Total 50-50. I have looked at it three or four times and still can’t decide. Therefore, I can’t really say that the officials got it wrong. Give them the benefit of the doubt.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Arsenal – Reading

Oxlade-Chamberlain Penalty

Simon M – Looks to me to be outside the area and it’s a trip, rather than a pull, so I don’t see it continuing into the area.

David – Trips him, just outside the area.

Callum – Foul. Outside the area however. Free-kick.

Michael – Might have been JUST outside, but if it was then it carried on sufficiently inside the box to justify a penalty for me.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Wigan – Norwich

Possible Martin Handball In Area

Simon M – His arms are in against his body and don’t move towards the ball, this would have been an extremely harsh penalty to award.

David – Arms down, close to chest, moving out of the way. No penalty.

Callum – If it didn’t hit his arms it would of hit his body. No penalty.

Michael – Hands down, not looking at the ball, no time to react. Standard ‘no hand ball’ rebuttal from me.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

West Ham – West Brom

McAuley Disallowed Goal

Simon M – Haha, even McAuley has a smile on his face after that one and not one single West Brom player contests it. Definite foul.

David – He jumps into the keeps outstretched arms just as he’s catching the ball. I’d call that interference. Correct.

Callum – Foul. Gone straight through everyone with his arms out, almost handing off rugby style. Correct decision to disallow the goal.

Michael – If you jump into a goalkeeper without your focus being on the ball (he was looking down), then I don’t see how it can be anything other than a foul.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Lukaku Penalty

Simon M – Two players jump either side of him, neither touches him and he ends up on the ground. Not sure if it was a dive, but definitely not a penalty.

David – I don’t see it. Seems like he’s diving to me.

Callum – There’s no attempt to play the ball by the defenders, and Lukaku is taken down, seem them given, and I would give it too.

Michael – Nothing in that for me. Less than nothing. Never a penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Aston Villa – Liverpool

Suarez Penalty

Simon M – That’s the most obvious penalty this season. Woeful defending.

David – I’ve had numerous looks. At first I was fairly sure this was a dive, but the more I look at it, the more I think the defenders leg moves unnaturally during the tackle, like he’s made contact with Suarez’ knee. Penalty.

Callum – No debate here. Penalty.

Michael – The veritable stone-waller.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Westwood Tackle (Yellow)

Simon M – That’s a really nasty one and could have caused a lot of damage had Henderson made more of an effort to get to the ball. Has to be a red.

David – Yeah, that’s bad. I said red for Bardsley earlier and this is more of the same. Incorrect.

Callum – Won the ball. No foul, no card. Simple.

Michael – Nasty one, but it’s a pure judgment call. I’d say yellow is about about fair given the speed it all happens at.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Benteke Disallowed Goal

Simon M – Hmmm, clearly offside.

David – Offside, clearly.

Callum – Miles offside.

Michael – Clearly offside. Good decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

***
You can follow our judges on Twitter; Simon M – @Deb_Decisions, David @NFBblog, Callum @CallumMaclean81, Michael @Capt_Fishpaste and Simon F – @SFurnivall.

Otherwise this was a terrible couple of weeks for the officials who made a host of big incorrect game changing decisions. The tables will be updated in due course, as will the responses of the other judges.

Reading – Aston Villa

Hunt Penalty Shout

Simon M – If that was the other way round and Hunt had got to the ball before Guzan then a free kick would have been awarded to the keeper, as such I think a penalty has to be awarded to the attacker.

David – He obviously isn’t looking at where he’s going, but he does barge into him. But I’m not inclined to give a penalty for an accidental collision, especially when Hunt didn’t really jump for the ball. Correct.

Callum – Penalty. Would be a foul if it was the other way round.

Michael – That’s a penalty. The goalkeeper has no more right to come through the back of someone to get the ball than another player.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Hunt Goal Disallowed For Offside

Simon M – The angle here is way too far away to have any sort of definitive answer for the readers so i’m going to side with the officials and call it a correct decision.

David – Just offside. Correct decision.

Callum – Correct decision.

Michael – It’s tight, but it’s a correct decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Norwich – Southampton

Holt Penalty (missed)

Simon M – That’s one hell of a theatrical dive. I wouldn’t have awarded a penalty for that, the contact is minimal and there’s no way there was enough force applied to send the forward flying.

David – His arm is up alright, but I don’t think there is enough of a forward push to justify the fall.

Callum – Looks like a penalty to me, Shaw, even if only lightly, has pushed him. Can’t be doing that in the penalty area.

Michael – Looked like Holt was offside to me and I am not sure it was even a foul anyway. Justice was done I suppose, bit no thanks to the officials.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Holt Penalty Shout

Simon M – Now that is a penalty, some might say this evens up for the earlier penalty that shouldn’t have been awarded, but it doesn’t work like that. Poor from the linesman, who really should have seen that.

David – “Completely hauled” might be a bit of an exaggeration, but holding someone’s arm back like that is an illegal infringement. Penalty.

Callum – Penalty.

Michael – More of a penalty than the one given, though I refuse to believe the merest tug of his shirt from a teenager could ground a tank like Grant Holt, so I’d not have given it on account of him being the one who took himself off his own feet.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

West Brom – Swansea

Morrisson Penalty (missed)

Simon M – There’s absolutely nothing in that. Very poor call.

David – Not really? He doesn’t trip or seem to push him at all.

Callum – Penalty. Pushed inside the box again.

Michael – Not too sure at all about it. Looks harsh, but can see why it was given. Let’s give the officials the benefit of the doubt.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Le Marr Goal Disallowed For Offside

Simon M – Woeful from the officials. How can you not see that ball coming off the West Brom defender. Awful.

David – It came off the defender. Should have stood. Incorrect decision.

Callum – Tough one, but I wouldn’t give it for offside. Goal should stand.

Michael – Definitely should have stood. Can see why it didn’t, as it took a few viewings to notice the WBA defender played the ball back to him and not a team mate, but incorrect nonetheless.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Liverpool – Spurs

Suarez Penalty

Simon M – Why on earth is his leg raised like that? I’m not sure there’s much he could have done either way, with the form Suarez is in, but it’s a pretty obvious call for the officials to make and not much debate to be had.

David – He does bundle into him and I have no idea what legitimate purpose the leg raised like that serves in such a situation. Penalty.

Callum – Penalty. Booking for Assou-Ekottu.

Michael – I think that one is incredibly soft. The fall was not natural. It was contrived, but the salient point is that Assou-Ekotto probably did do enough to take him off his feet.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Newcastle – Stoke

Shotton Penalty Shout

Simon M – I think it is a foul and the officials were wrong not to award a free kick, which is what you get when you’re fouled outside the box.

David – Kicks the back of his leg, but it’s outside the box for me. No penalty.

Callum – Foul. Outside the box though. Free-kick.

Michael – Sorry Stoke fans, but I thought that was a dive.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Sissoko Penalty Shout

Simon M – Sissoko hurdles the keeper in order to avoid getting taken out. He’s caught lightly and there is probably just about enough in it to award a penalty.

David – Yeah I’d say so, he trips him after the ball is past him. Wouldn’t say red card for it though, the ball was heading out.

Callum – Not for me.

Michael – Should have been a penalty. Clearly took Sissoko off his feet and got nowhere near the ball.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Walters Penalty (scored)

Simon M – Um, yeah. Correct decision.

David – Pretty clear cut. Late, trips him, penalty.

Callum – Penalty.

Michael – Pretty much the veritable ‘stone-waller’.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Free Kick For Newcastle Goal

Simon M – It’s just outside the area and there is just about enough in it to warrant a free kick. Awesome finish from Cabaye.

David – Might have been fouled from behind, but outside the penalty area when he is. No penalty.

Callum – Was waiting for it, but a foul nonetheless.

Michael – I don’t think it was a foul, but if it was then it was in the penalty box, so no idea what to think about it really! Either way, I don’t think the game should have been stopped so incorrect call.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Everton – Man City

Mirallas Goal Disallowed For Offside

Simon M – This is really tight, so a difficult one for the linesman, but difficult or not they definitely got it wrong.

David – I can’t see him ahead of the last defender. Incorrect decision.

Callum – Just onside. Goal should stand.

Michael – Looked onside to be. Bad decision.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Fellaini Penalty Shout

Simon M – That’s a rugby tackle. It’s a packed penalty area so a tough one for the referee to catch, but it’s a clear penalty and the second incorrect decision of the match to go against Everton.

David – That’s a cynical attempt to block an attacking player with no attempt to get to the ball. Penalty.

Callum – Fellaini’s gone looking for that, and made a real attempt to get the ball. No penalty.

Michael – Clear block. I think that’s a penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Pienaar Second Yellow (Possible Straight Red)

Simon M – That should have been a straight red. You see the way his shinpad shifts in his sock because of the contact. Fair enough he got red, but should be a straight red.

David – The second angle shows this up for how bad it is. Studs to leg is always asking for it. I think the Ref was happy to just give a second yellow and say no more, but I suppose rules saw it should have been a straight red.

Callum – That should be a straight red.

Michael – I think a yellow card is just about the right call there.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Fellaini Possible Handball In Area

Simon M – Three big incorrect decisions in one match and just enough time for one more, but this is possibly the worst of the lot. The referee has a clear view of the incident and it’s a good metre inside the area.

David – His arm moves up above his head into the path of the ball. I’d call that a penalty.

Callum – Handball. Penalty.

Michael – If the referee deemed it a handball, then it is a penalty. Should have been given.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Southampton – Liverpool

Free Kick For Southampton Goal

Simon M – Not for me. Skrtel just challenges for the ball, not his fault if the Southampton player backs into him.

David – Saints player doesn’t even challenge for it. I wouldn’t call it a free.

Callum – I wouldn’t give a free-kick for that.

Michael – Another case of coming through the back. It’s not allowed lads! Free kick all day long.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Swansea – Arsenal

Possible Foul In Build Up To Monreal Goal

Simon M – This has been a bad couple of weeks for the officials. That’s a clear free kick.

David – I suppose he sort of bundles into him with the shoulder and sends him down. I’ve seen them given. Incorrect decision.

Callum – That’s a foul. Just runs straight through Dyer.

Michael – Yeah, looked like a foul to me.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Wigan – Newcastle

Mcmanaman Tackle On Haidara (no card)

Simon M – I’m not going to go into too much detail about this because it’s been discussed at length by everybody and their mother. Fair to say this was a poor decisions and McManaman should have seen red for it.

David – There’s nothing else that really needs to be said for this. It should have been a straight red, and it should also have been applied retroactively. Incorrect decision.

Callum – Won the ball. Play on.

Michael – Clear red card all day long. The fact the referee missed it didn’t make the foul any worse, though, so the witch-hunt in its wake has been completely over the top.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Possible Figeuroa Handball In Build Up To Wigan Goal

Simon M – The linesman should have seen this fairly obvious handball.

David – Yeah, hits the hand which is raised way too high before travelling on. Free.

Callum – Handball. Free-kick to Newcastle.

Michael – I don’t think you can penalize that. Borderline to say the least.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Chelsea – West Ham

Carroll Goal Disallowed For Foul

Simon M – He hardly puts anything into that. It’s the smallest of pushes and no way that should be making a big centre back end up on the ground.

David – He gives him a little shove, but it’s enough to get that extra yard and space to shoot unmolested. Correct decision.

Callum – Tough one. A fair bit of force goes into the push, but Luiz makes an absolute meal of it. Free-kick.

Michael – Really don’t see what Carroll has done wrong there. Poor decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Sunderland – Norwich

Bunn Red Card

Simon M – Definite red, no other choice for the referee. Not sure what Bunn was complaining about.

David – It’s a handball, outside the box, stopping a goal-scoring opportunity. He has to go. Correct decision.

Callum – Definite red.

Michael – I think the defining factor here is that Bunn has lead with his arms in front. Had he made any effort at all to just keep them out of the way, I’d have had sympathy for him. As it was, I don’t think the referee had any choice. Correct decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Penalty Given For Bassong Handball

Simon M – It’s a little soft, but I think there is a shift from his arm when he realises that he hasn’t controlled it properly.

David – This is harsh for me, because he gets it with his chest and then can’t really do anything about it hitting his arm with the deflection. I’m not inclined to give it as a penalty.

Callum – Penalty.

Michael – The ball rolled down his arm so probably fair enough.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Free Kick Given For Rose Handball

Simon M – That is definitely inside the area, Sunderland dodged a bullet with that one.

David – That’s inside and it’s a penalty for me.

Callum – That’s inside the area, and should be awarded as a penalty as opposed to a free-kick.

Michael – That should have been a penalty. Clearly in the box and if the referee believes it was handball, which he did, then it’s a penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Holt Tackle On Mignolet (no card)

Simon M – Why wasn’t there more made of this? It’s almost as bad as the McManaman tackle. Holt could have caused serious damage, studs first and two footed into Mignolet’s chest. Horrible tackle.

David – That looks really bad from that angle. It really does look like he’s lunging in on the head/neck area, though he tucks his legs at the last minute. I think I would have been happy giving a yellow, but it could have been a lot worse.

Callum – Red card. Awful tackle.

Michael – Arguably worse than the McManaman challenge. Red all day long. Very surprised more hasn’t been made of it.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

***
You can follow our judges on Twitter; Simon M – @Deb_Decisions, David @NFBblog, Callum @CallumMaclean81, Michael @Capt_Fishpaste and Simon F – @SFurnivall.

We’re covering everything from mid-January to mid March, with the last week or so of updates coming later in the week. If you were struggling for something to keep you occupied while we were away then you could have made the most of the soccer betting odds at Top Bet, but there’s still plenty of time for that.

In the meantime, why not have a look through the rules of the game and brush up on your Nani red card knowledge.

Enjoy!

Newcastle – Reading

Free Kick For Cabaye Goal

Simon F – Correct

David – From both angles, I can’t see contact for a trip. Incorrect.

Callum – Free-kick.

Michael – Incorrect

Overall Verdict – Correct

Le Fondre Possible Handball Goal

Simon F – Correct

David – It hits his arm(s) and gets deflected into the goal as a result. Wouldn’t give it. Incorrect.

Callum – Hand in front of body, not outstretched to where the body wouldn’t hit it. Goal stands.

Michael – Correct

Overall Verdict – Correct

Wigan – Sunderland

Sunderland Penalty

Simon F – Correct

David – High, out, moves towards the ball. Penalty.

Callum – Handball.

Michael – Correct

Overall Verdict – Correct

West Ham – QPR

Chamakh Penalty Shout

Simon F – Correct

David – I don’t see enough in either challenge to justify a spot kick. Correct.

Callum – Penalty. Definite trip there.

Michael – Looked like a penalty to me.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect

Swansea – Stoke

Free Kick For Swansea Goal

Simon F – Correct

David – Looks like a trip. Correct.

Callum – Free-kick.

Michael – Correct

Overall Verdict – Correct

Spurs – Man Utd

Man Utd Penalty Shout

Simon F – Correct

David – Rooney gets their first and gets tripped. Penalty.

Callum – Penalty.

Michael – Incorrect. Think it was a foul.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect

Chelsea – Arsenal

Ramirez Penalty

Simon F – Incorrect

David – Dive. Incorrect.

Callum – Penalty. Sending off for the ‘keeper too.

Michael – Correct

Overall Verdict – Correct

Man Utd – Southampton

Van Persie Disallowed Goal

Simon F – Incorrect

David – A head offside. Correct.

Callum – Onside, the goal should stand.

Michael – Correct

Overall Verdict – Incorrect

Arsenal – Liverpool

Podolski Penalty Shout

Simon F – Correct

David – The defender can’t suddenly not be there. Simulated fall. No penalty.

Callum – Not a penalty. Though I’m not sure what the defender is doing trying to shield the ball out from there though.

Michael – No penalty. Contact, but Podolski has to be stronger.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Everton – West Brom

Everton Penalty

Simon F – Incorrect

David – Slight contact high on back. Penalty.

Callum – Penalty

Michael – Correct

Overall Verdict – Correct

Aston Villa – Newcastle

Villa Penalty

Simon F – Incorrect

David – Makes most of it. Slightest of contact. Not convinced. No penalty.

Callum – Penalty

Michael – Correct

Overall Verdict – Correct

Newcastle – Chelsea

Coloccini High Foot (Possible Red)

Simon F – Correct

David – You boot someone in the face, you should get a red. Incorrect.

Callum – From the very top row of the away end, I didn’t see it. Thought Ba was laying on the floor because he’d missed a sitter. Upon seeing the replays that is a sending off though.

Michael – Looking back from this crazy post-Nani red world, who knows. I’d say no red card though.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Reading – Sunderland

Sunderland Penalty

Simon F – Correct

David – Takes him down. Penalty.

Callum – Penalty

Michael – Clear as day. Correct

Overall Verdict – Correct

QPR – Norwich

Samba Penalty Shout

Simon F – Incorrect

David – Not enough in it. Need more consistent rules in penalty area though. Correct.

Callum – Samba’s holding onto someone too. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. No penalty.

Michael – Let it go. No penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Mackie Penalty (missed)

Simon F – Correct

David – Right leg takes him down. Penalty.

Callum – Penalty, and a booking.

Michael – I’d probably given that. Keeper done just enough to deny Mackie his balance.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Southampton – Man City

Saints Penalty Shout

Simon F – Correct

David – Certainly not shoulder to shoulder. Penalty.

Callum – Penalty

Michael – Not much in it. No penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Spurs – Newcastle

Free Kick For Spurs Goal

Simon F – Incorrect

David – Yeah, looks like a trip. Correct.

Callum – Free-kick.

Michael – Dive all the way. Incorrect decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Spurs Penalty Shout

Simon F – Incorrect

David – Arm out, high, significant deflection. Penalty.

Callum – Penalty. Booking for Santon.

Michael – Not for me. No penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect

Cabaye Tackle (yellow)

Simon F – Incorrect

David – Looks pretty rash and dangerous. Red.

Callum – Red card.

Michael – Really nasty one from arguably the nastiest player in the Premier League. Should have seen red.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect

Stoke – Reading

Whelan Tackle (yellow)

Simon F – Incorrect

David – Tucks the leg, the other guy jumps in too. Yellow is enough.

Callum – Yellow at best.

Michael – Another nasty one i’d have liked to have seen a red card for.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Le Fondre Penalty Shout

Simon F – Correct

David – Makes the most of it. No penalty.

Callum – Not for me, Le Fondre has backed in there.

Michael – Clumsy. Incorrect.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Aston Villa – West Ham

N’Zogbia Penalty

Simon F – Correct

David – Think he tries to run through the guy and goes down when he can’t. No penalty.

Callum – Penalty

Michael – Definite penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Reading – Wigan

Pogrebnyak Red Card

Simon F – Correct

David – Dangerous, studs, red card.

Callum – Red card.

Michael – Yeah, vicious one. Credit to the ref for spotting it. Correct decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct

West Brom – Sunderland

West Brom Penalty

Simon F – Correct

David – Arm is high, out, deflects. Penalty.

Callum – Penalty

Michael – If the one later in the game that struck Olsson’s hand wasn’t, then this one shouldn’t have been either. Incorrect decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Fulham – Stoke

N’Zonzi Punch (yellow)

Simon F – Incorrect (red)

David – Not so much a punch as an unnecessary collision. Rules say red.

Callum – Red card.

Michael – Sneaky, very sneaky. Probably deserved greater punishment. Incorrect decision.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect

Stoke Penalty (missed)

Simon F – Correct

David – Arms up, out, meant to block the ball. Penalty.

Callum – Penalty

Michael –Think that’s very harsh. Little he could do to get out of the way.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Newcastle – Southampton

Newcastle Penalty

Simon F – Incorrect

David – Arm up, out, significant deflection. Penalty.

Callum – Penalty

Michael – Again, player had no chance to react. Ball to hand. No penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Man City – Chelsea

Chelsea Penalty (missed) and Hart No Card

Simon F – Correct

David – Foul certainly, suppose it has to be seen as a clear goalscoring opportunity too. Red.

Callum – Penalty, and still of the feeling that Hart should have received a booking there.

Michael – Definite penalty, but no red card. I don’t think Ba was getting a clear goalscoring opportunity from it.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Everton – Reading

Reading Penalty Shout

Simon F – Incorrect

David – No need for his arm to be out like that. Penalty.

Callum – Handball. Penalty.

Michael – Not deliberate. No penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect

Sunderland – Fulham

Dejagah Penalty

Simon F – Correct

David – Little trip. It’s enough.

Callum – Penalty

Michael – Contact but Dejagah denied himself his footing (someone grazing your right shin does not make your entire left leg go limp as far as I know), not Gardner, so no penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Graham Penalty

Simon F – Correct

David – Looks like enough of an infringement. Penalty.

Callum – Penalty. Red card possibly too.

Michael – Looked like referee was evening it up. Never a penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Hangeland Possible Handball In Area

Simon F – Correct

David – I can’t even see a handball, the ball is bouncing around so fast. Not inclined to give it. No penalty.

Callum – Handball. Penalty. Again, another possible red card too.

Michael – Would have been very harsh. Correct decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Stoke – West Ham

Jerome Penalty Shout

Simon F – Correct

David – Don’t think there is enough contact. No penalty.

Callum – Ball won. No penalty.

Michael – Looked a great tackle to me. No penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct

Possible West Ham Handball In Area

Simon F – Correct

David – Arm low, not out. No penalty.

Callum – Could see that being given. Think West Ham are lucky to get away with that. Penalty.

Michael – Not for me. Correct decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct

***
You can follow our judges on Twitter; Simon M – @Deb_Decisions, David @NFBblog, Callum @CallumMaclean81, Michael @Capt_Fishpaste and Simon F – @SFurnivall.

Many legends of football have gone down to play their best at Anfield, and fans certainly have their say when it comes to their favourites. However, there is only one Liverpool FC legend that has made the transition from world class footballer to top class poker player. Denmark’s Jan Molby will forever be immortalized by the Liverpool faithful, with the honorary scouser being involved in some of the best Liverpool teams of the past. Yet in the recent years, he has decided to move away from football and management and found something else that he is pretty good at filling his time. Jan Molby has learned how to play poker and believe it or not, it might be his next pursuit. He took part in a European Poker Tour Main Event in Copenhagen last year, and held his own against some of the game’s more accomplished players. He definitely proved that he can mix it up with the best in the poker industry.

Molby says he finds a lot of similarities between poker and football, pointing to focus, patience and planning as keys to winning. Fans of adrenalin fuelled and suspense filled sports often find themselves drawn to the poker table when not watching or playing their own sport. From tennis greats like Rafael Nadal and Boris Becker, to football stars like Jan Molby, the same proved true to many of today’s sports celebrities. Many of these sports personalities developed their playing skills by starting out playing on online sites with friends. Most people tend to find learning online easier and quicker, as the format allows several hands to be played in a short span of time, with the software taking the burden of calculations and other inconveniences. Among the leaders in online poker, Partypoker provides a great training ground for beginners of the game, and at the same time a home to several poker tournaments as well. The onset of online poker has coincided with a huge increase in the popularity of poker over recent years. Quite possibly as a result of this, there have been a growing number of young poker players making the cut for major events including the World Series of Poker.

The retired Danish star realizes that poker nowadays is more about playing your opponents rather than the cards that you hold. It’s about picking the right spots and the right situations to try and make a play. It is also about taking advantage of and knowing your opponents strengths and weaknesses. If Molby can keep improving his already obvious talent for the game, who is to say that he cannot go on to become a very successful poker player too? Liverpool’s record penalty scorer of all time (62 goals with 42 of them on penalties) certainly has all of the attributes needed to become a high level player.

Reading – West Brom

Lukaku Goal Possibly Offside

Simon M – No fuss to be made about the officials not spotting this one, it’s way too close. However, he is offside.

Simon F – A very tight call but Lukaku looks just offside to me.

David – Very close. I think his foot might be just ahead of the last defender. Just. Offside.

Callum – Think Lukaku’s about an inch offside there, though the linesman would have done very well to see that. The goal shouldn’t stand.

Michael – As tight as tight can be, but I’d have let it go. If you pause it at precisely the moment the ball is struck then Lukaku is bang in line. Trust me on this… I spent about 20 minutes doing just that!

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Lukaku Goal Disallowed For Offside

Simon M – Miles off.

Simon F – He’s way offside, no question.

David – I’d worry for anyone who thinks this was onside.

Callum – Offside.

Michael – Mile offside. No controversy here.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Kebe Penalty (Given)

Simon M – The defender cleans him out with a high tackle and handles the ball. A two for one.

Simon F – Pole-axed.

David – I think so. Leg isn’t illegally high, but misses the ball and goes into the body. Handball too it looks like.

Callum – Definitely a penalty. Awful tackle, handball in there too.

Michael – I think that is about as clear as we can hope to get. Not the prettiest of challenges and got what it deserved.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Stoke – Chelsea

Etherington Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – Excellent spot from Massey, but poor from the referee because it should never even have been considered slightly worthy of a penalty.

Simon F – Etherington is clearly offside (and I’m not sure it was a foul anyway)

David – Offside offence overrules the foul.

Callum – Offside, which is the reason why it wasn’t given

Michael – Definitely offside and Etherington dived anyway. Thank the lord for Sian Massey. The force is strong with her.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Mata Penalty (Given)

Simon M – This is a tough one and initially I thought it was the correct decision, however, with the benefit of replays it’s clear that the “push” from Huth was nothing more than a hand on a shoulder and shouldn’t be sending anyone to ground.

Simon F – The question here is whether the hand on the shoulder from Huth is enough to impede Mata, and in my opinion it’s not, so no penalty.

David – While the arm is up and near the back, I can’t see enough strength in it to justify the fall. Shawcross doesn’t touch him. A dive.

Callum – Hmm. Tough one this, because it looks like there’s very little contact in it. Shawcross doesn’t touch Mata, and it doesn’t look like he’s clipped, and I don’t think there’s enough contact on the push there to warrant him to fall over as it’s a lean, not a shove. Not a penalty.

Michael – Another dive for me. It was probably given in the end for a push in the back but still quite disappointed in Mata.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Walters Penalty (Given)

Simon M – I don’t see anything in this. Walters turns Terry, Terry’s leg is near Walters and Walters throws himself to the ground. Poor decision.

Simon F – Spins the defender well and his leg is caught. A well won penalty.

David – I don’t think so either. Walters turns and hits the ground, and I’m in no way convinced Terry made enough – or any – contact to justify it. A dive.

Callum – Correct decision.

Michael – I don’t think the defender did a huge amount wrong but I think he did enough. Penalty kick.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Aston Villa – Southampton

Lowton Tackle On Ramires

Simon M – I would have given a red for this. High, hard, late and studs showing. The referee really should have spotted this and I consider it a woeful decision not to award a red.

Simon F – A reckless challenge from Lowton, and I can see the argument for harsher punishment, but I would have given a yellow.

David – Did he try and pull out of it? Regardless, that constitutes serious foul play in my eyes, a potential injury causer. Red.

Callum – Red card.

Michael – Ugly but not malicious or especially dangerous. I’d have said no more than a yellow.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Ramires Penalty (Given)

Simon M – “It wasn’t a dive, there wasn’t any contact….” Eh? Is that what got Adkins the sack? He’s went mad?

Simon F – Not quite dive of the season, but not far off. It was probably his horrible foreign name what made him do it

David – Again, I don’t think so. Its close, but I can’t see the contact. A dive.

Callum – No way should that be given as a penalty. Booking for the Southampton player as well.

Michael – It is a dive. It is as clear as a Buddhist’s mind. The only thing more embarrassing than the dive itself was the fact the referee feel for it. Well, that and Nigel Adkins standing in front of a TV camera and saying ‘it wasn’t a dive’.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

QPR – Spurs

Lennon Penalty Shout (Free Kick Given)

Simon M – It’s outside the area.

Simon F – Foul clearly takes place outside the box and free kick was the right call.

David – I’m not convinced this is a foul, though he doesn’t have his hands near his arm for good reasons. Anyway, the “foul” happens outside the box and does not continue into it. A free.

Callum – Lennon trips himself up in the box. The foul takes place outside the box, free-kick the correct decision.

Michael – There was contact but I don’t even think that is a foul to be honest, and if there was one it definitely wasn’t in the box. Strange one all round.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Man Utd – Liverpool

Skrtel Possible Last Man Tackle

Simon M – I can’t see the defenders getting back in time to cover Welbeck and he’s clearly beating Skrtel for pace, as such, if it’s a foul it should have been a red.

Simon F – No way to tell from the video angle we have, from my memory of watching the game there were covering defenders, so I’m going to side with the referee.

David – Skrtel has eyes only for the ball, puts his hands on Welbeck’s back and possibly trips. A foul. Was Welbeck getting on the end of that ball before Reina? I think he could have. He was at least going to challenge for it with the keeper and that constitutes a goal scoring opportunity for me, given the situation. So, it being a foul, it should have been red.

Callum – Should be a red card for Skrtel.

Michael – It was a foul but I don’t think anyone could say with any degree of certainty that Welbeck would have reached the pass, therefore we can’t say with any degree of certainty that a goalscoring opportunity was denied. Referee got it spot on

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Possible Offside Vidic Goal

Simon M – As the other Simon says, very harsh on the officials because so few fans picked up on this, but the header is forward and Vidic is ahead of Evra. No big issue regards the officials missing it, but it was offside.

Simon F – This is insanely harsh on the officials, it didn’t even cross my mind that he might be offside as I watched the game live (mostly because I didn’t realise it had hit Vidic). He is technically just in front of Evra though, so whilst I wouldn’t expect any official to actually call that, the goal shouldn’t have stood.

David – I never even considered this watching it, but I did think it couldn’t be counted as Evra’s goal, since his header might just have been drifting wide. Since Vidic gets the contact that sends it into the net, and is beyond the last defender when Evra heads it, it’s offside.

Callum – Onside, just. Jumps into the ball that’s ahead of him as opposed to the ball being headed forward towards him.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Arsenal – Man City

Koscielny Red Card & Dzeko Penalty (Given)

Simon M – Tevez had a chance, but I think Dzeko would have had an even better chance. The tackle is hilarious and there were loads of pictures doing the rounds on Twitter that were unusually funny, given Twitter’s reputation for awful jokes.

Simon F – A definite foul and although Tevez then has a chance on goal, it isn’t as clear a chance as Dzeko would have had as Szczesny has had more time to react, so a red card was the right call.

David – What in God’s name is he doing? It’s not a total rugby tackle, it wasn’t that rough, but it was a good imitation of one, inside the area with Dzeko about to have a go from short range. A red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity and a penalty.

Callum – Red card, it’s a rugby tackle, in the area, so the penalty is correct.

Michael – I am is two minds about this one. It was definitely a foul and so the penalty is indisputable. But I find it tough to reconcile the red card with the rule book. Carlos Tevez had a definite goalscoring opportunity despite the foul, so surely we can’t say that a goalscoring opportunity was denied. It was just shifted to another player. I am absolutely borderline on it and can see both sides of the argument, but if I was absolutely pushed I’d have erred on the side of caution and given a yellow.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Kompany Red Card

Simon M – The controversy around this was laughable. Because Kompany is relatively eloquent and supposedly good people jump to his defence and accept his mistakes? What a lot of nonsense. It’s two footed, off the ground etc etc, but worst of all he could easily have won the ball by making an ordinary tackle that wouldn’t even have caused the referee to think twice let alone consider red. As for the FA; did we need any further evidence as to how useless they are when it comes to refereeing and rules? The answer is no and the issue causes referees no end of problems.

Simon F – Right, rant time. We can argue until the cows come home about whether or not the rules are right, but referees have clearly been told that when a player lifts both feet off the ground when tackling, he isn’t in control and should be sent off. I don’t actually think this was worthy of a red card, but by the interpretation the referees are asked to make, it was. We then have the ridiculous situation of the FA muddying the waters by rescinding the card, yet not doing so for Nenad Milijas for Wolves last season on the same ground for a much less offensive tackle. How are defenders supposed to know where the line they can’t cross is if the FA can’t even set a consistent example in their decisions based on video evidence? An utter nonsense of a situation.

David – Both feet go up in the air, which is typically seen as “asking for it” in this day and age. However, I think there is no malicious intent, a tuck-in of the feet, no stud contact. While this is a little reckless, I’d have been satisfied with a yellow. Certainly, you can’t escape the feeling that this was a bit of a balancing act.

Callum – Not for me. Fair tackle.

Michael – I was frankly astonished that this one was rescinded. Let me start by saying that if the FA have decided that players can now tackle in this manner then I am all for it. But, that said, the players have been told that if they go to ground and leave two feet in the challenge – regardless of what has gone on before in terms of actually winning the ball – then it is deemed excessive force and therefore a red card. If the FA have changed those guidelines then fair enough, but some clarity is needed here. Personally, I think that in the interests of consistency it was a red card offence and can’t help but wonder whether it would have been rescinded had it been a less-heralded player from a less fashionable team.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

***
You can follow our judges on Twitter; Simon M – @Deb_Decisions, David @NFBblog, Callum @CallumMaclean81, Michael @Capt_Fishpaste and Simon F – @SFurnivall.

Enjoy!

Arsenal – Newcastle

Free Kick For Newcastle Goal

Simon M – Not all that much to debate about that one, Sagna is caught out by Obertan and resorts to bringing the Frenchman down to stop him getting into a shooting position.

Simon F – Is this really debatable? Clear foul by Sagna.

David – Seems like a clear-cut trip to me.

Callum – Not sure if it’s because of the angles given, but it doesn’t look like there’s all too much in it. Hasn’t won the ball though and gone through from behind so I’d say free-kick.

Michael – Yeah I think that one was fair enough. Silly challenge, got what it deserved.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Santon Tackle From Behind (Yellow Given)

Simon M – I’m surprised more wasn’t made of this because I thought it was quite a nasty tackle. From behind, two footed. A red for me.

Simon F – A very poor challenge from Santon, but punished correctly with a yellow card. I don’t think it quite strayed into red card territory.

David – It’s a pretty bad tackle, though I note he didn’t just lunge in but swept his foot into the Arsenal’s player from the side. This just doesn’t tick the “serious foul play” box for me, just.

Callum – Think a red would have been harsh. Yellow card correct.

Michael – Again, seems reasonable enough to me. A bit ugly, but no nothing more than that. Yellow about right.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Norwich – Man City

Kompany Tackle In Build Up To City Goal

Simon M – Very similar to the Kompany tackle that saw him sent off against Man Utd in the cup last season, I thought he deserved red then and I think he would have deserved a red this time too. He has to dive in, but the studs up and being off the ground means it’s excessive force for me.

Simon F – Kompany has stormed in, clatters through man and ball and in my opinion Norwich should have had a free kick.

David – This is one of those situations where the defender has to go for it, but it’s the studs out way that Kompany does it that bothers me. Getting the ball is unimportant. I’d give a free. In a harsher mood I’d send him off too.

Callum – Fair tackle.

Michael – I think it’s a good old-fashioned 50-50. Kompany’s studs are down and if he has enough control to pop back up to his feet without missing a beat then he has enough control of the tackle to make it a fair one.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Free Kick For Norwich Goal

Simon M – Very poor decisions from the referee and can’t help thinking that this might be down to the protests from the Norwich players about the earlier Kompany tackle. Very good tackle and nowhere near a free kick.

Simon F – This, however, is a textbook tackle from Kompany. A clear win of the ball, and Snodgrass’ momentum then takes him into and over the defender. No foul.

David – The only thing that I could possibly give this for is the forearm contact, but even that is negligible. The defender has to get a foot to the ball, and he can’t make the rest of his body intangible to suit the attacker. Not a free.

Callum – Won the ball, not a free-kick for me.

Michael – A harsh one. I don’t think the Norwich player dived or even bought it, though. Merely tackled. It happens in football, you know. Not that you’d think it sometimes!

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Aguero Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – Would have been harsh. Bassong has cleared the ball and ended up on the ground. Aguero trips over him, but I don’t think it has anything to do with Bassong.

Simon F – A clear dive by Aguero, he throws himself over the defender very theatrically.

David – Again, what is the defender supposed to do here, roll out of the way to suit Aguero? He trips over him accidently, it’s not a foul.

Callum – Difficult to justify because Bassong is on the floor because he has just won the ball. Aguero more runs into him than anything. No penalty.

Michael – I think it would have been harsh. Just looked like an innocent tangle. I’d have let it go.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Bassong Yellow & Nasri Red

Simon M – I thought this was a really good piece of officiating from the referee. It’s easy to get caught up in the passion fo the moment,m but he remained calm and judged each decision based on the incident it involved and I think he got it spot on.

Simon F – It’s a poor tackle from Bassong, but just about only a yellow card rather than red. Nasri can have no complaints, it may be a terrible attempt at a headbutt, but it still constitutes violent conduct

David – Bassong’s is worth a yellow and no more to me. His right foot is tucked in, and the side of his left foot hits Nasri after it has legally challenged for the ball. Just momentum, nothing else. Nasri’s red, well is it really “violent conduct”? On the sole basis of a zero tolerance approach to any sort of violent action from one player to another, I’d give him a red, but I’d be tempted to give Bassong another yellow too. He didn’t have to stay locked in to that machismo contest either.

Callum – No booking, however Nasri is deserving of his red because of how shambolic that headbutt was. Do it properly next time.

Michael – Caused plenty of debate but I think the referee got the Nasri red card right. The intent to hurt Bassong is clear for all to see. He lost control. I think I’d have sent Bassong off too, though. One yellow for the tackle (which won the ball but was also excessive) and one for his part in the aftermath.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Aston Villa – Wigan

Maloney Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – Poor old Shaun Maloney, he’s had a few of these decisions go against him in recent week and this one is no different. The defender has been caught out and tripped Maloney. It’s pretty clear, so i’m not sure how the referee missed it.

Simon F – Maloney is pretty clearly wiped out and he’s just inside the penalty area. One that Villa got away with.

David – I think he is just beyond the line when he is very clearly fouled. A penalty.

Callum – Penalty.

Michael – Wow. What does Shaun Maloney need to do to get a penalty these days? You get the feeling a defender could pull a cartoon still giant mallet out of his sock, beat Maloney half to death with it, and the referee still wouldn’t point to the spot. It’s a penalty. Of course it’s a penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Stoke – Southampton

N’Zonzi Red Card

Simon M – Blimey, no idea what the referee is playing at here. It was rightly rescinded afterwards, but that doesn’t help Stoke much.

Simon F – Clearly not a stamp as the referee thought it was and it has been correctly rescinded by the FA.

David – Did he stamp on him? Did he kick him with his other foot? I can’t see it. This seems harsh to me.

Callum – Cork has fell over and N’Zonzi has ran into him. Doesn’t look like there’s any malice in it at all. Red card very harsh. Would have issued a warning.

Michael – Absolutely the correct decision to rescind this red card. He goes over the ball a little but there is nothing dangerous or malicious in it. Nice that sanity prevailed. Not that it did Stoke much good on the day, of course.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Sunderland – Spurs

Bale Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – Seen a lot of pundits arguing that this wasn’t a dive because there was contact……the less said about that the better. If that’s all it takes to send Bale flying then he needs to hit the gym.

Simon F – I don’t think he’s impeded and the referee was right not to award a penalty.

David – Yeah, the arm grazes his shirt at lower chest height, but that’s utterly negligible contact. Bale can complain all he likes, but he hits the ground like he’s been shot and I think that’s a dive.

Callum – No penalty, Bale booked.

Michael – There was a slight contact but that doesn’t make it a foul. Bale has whinged on like a tart about it but let’s be honest here: If Craig Gardner tickling his tummy makes Gareth Bale go weak at the knees then he has far greater problems in life than not getting a penalty. Correct decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Fulham – Swansea

Possible Offside During Fulham Goal

Simon M – Incredibly difficult to make anything out in such a packed penalty area, so i’m going to side with the officials and mark it down as correct.

Simon F – He looks level with the last defender to me.

David – I think his feet and head are on the right side of the line. Not offside.

Callum – Looks offside to me. Don’t think linesman would have seen it as it all happened so quickly. Goal should not have stood.

Michael – I think you have to let that one go. It is tough to sift through such a messy scramble to see if anyone actually WAS offside, and even if they were then they weren’t getting any advantage. Correct decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Reading – West Ham

Cole Possible Stamp

Simon M – I think you see Cole look at the opponent and then jump a little forward to catch him. Poor show.

Simon F – I don’t think there’s any intent here, just a case of Carlton Cole not being able to control his own feet.

David – That can’t be anything more than an accident. Maybe a yellow as a warning for his ill-footwork, but not a red.

Callum – I dunno how you can give that, it doesn’t look intentional. Not for me.

Michael – I don’t think so. Frankly I have never seen much evidence that Carlton Cole commands sufficient control over his feet to pull off such a precision attack.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

QPR – Liverpool

Possible Henderson Handball In Area (Not Given)

Simon M – Hahaha, that’s a ridiculous decision. How the hell does the referee miss that? Blatant handball and atrocious decision.

Simon F – A definite handball, QPR should have had a penalty.

David – His arm goes up, and it isn’t to protect his head or body. Significant deflection of the ball as a result. Handball offence for me.

Callum – Penalty.

Michael – I’d let it go. It hits the arm but as a Sunderland fan I can assure you it is safe to assume Jordan Henderson was jumping with his eyes closed so the contact was almost certainly unintentional. In all seriousness, I just don’t think there was enough in it.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Swansea – Aston Villa

Weimann Penalty (Given)

Simon M – No argument about this one. Goes through the back of Weimann and the referee had no choice.

Simon F – A nailed on penalty, Dyer makes a silly challenge and clearly clips Weimann.

David – The rear angle shows him, on a very slowed down replay, with his foot tripping the Villa man as he was turning. I’m not sure the Villa player was going to be able to stay on his feet (his other foot was on its toes) but I think it was a foul.

Callum – Handball and a sweep at Weimann. Penalty.

Michael – A veritable stone-waller. Stupid challenge that got what it deserved.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Man Utd – Wigan

Kone Goal Disallowed For Offside

Simon M – It’s very close, but he is off and it was a good spot from the officials.

Simon F – Kone’s head is just offside, and according to the laws of the game that counts, so the goal was rightly chalked off.

David – His head and left foot are ahead of the last defender. Excellent call from the linesman.

Callum – Just offside. Good decision.

Michael – Yeah, offside. Not by a great deal but it was definitely offside.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Possible Smalling Last Man Foul (Yellow Given)

Simon M – Another poor decision. If it’s a foul then it’s last man and a red. Think the referee has bottled that one.

Simon F – It’s difficult to tell which way the ball is bouncing from the video we have, and the Wigan player didn’t have the ball under control. It’s my suspicion that one of the covering defenders would have got a challenge in and it wasn’t a clear goalscoring opportunity.

David – He shoves him certainly, and I think he would have had enough space for the goal scoring opportunity. A red.

Callum – Last man, red card.

Michael – I don’t think it was a foul. That said, if the referee deemed it a foul then he should have sent off Smalling. Wrong decision, whichever way you want to look at it.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Man City – Stoke

Silva Penalty (Given)

Simon M – Stoke hardly even challenged this decision, which is incredible, not only because Stoke and Pulis are usually such massive gobshites, but because it definitely wasn’t in the area. Atrocous decision.

Simon F – It’s definitely a foul but for me it’s outside the penalty area and doesn’t continue inside, so it should have been a free kick.

David – A commenter actually pointed out last week that a foul started outside the box and continued (like shirt pulling) inside the box is a penalty according to the laws of the game. But this is a trip that happens outside the box with Silva falling inside it. A foul, but not a penalty.

Callum – Free-kick. Only fell into the penalty area.

Michael – I think the even if it was a foul, it happened outside the box. Scandalously poor decision.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Spurs – Reading

Free Kick For Reading Goal

Simon M – That’s not a free kick. He feels a little contact from the defender and goes over. It’s incredibly soft.

Simon F – The law says “trips or attempts to trip” and I don’t think the defender is guilty of either. He nicks the ball away and then Pogrebnyak flicks his leg into the defender to make sure there is contact as he’s going over. No foul.

David – Sticks the leg out, nowhere near the ball. Clear-cut for me. A foul.

Callum – Won the ball. No free-kick.

Michael – Looked a very good tackle to me to get a firm toe on the ball, but I can understand why it deceived the referee a little.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

West Ham – Norwich

Reid Penalty (Given)

Simon M – I saw someone say that if you give a penalty for that then you would have dozens of penalties every game. I don’t see holding like that every game and every time there is holding like that then a penalty should be given.

Simon F – The defender is clearly preventing Reid from competing for the ball.

David – Pulling his shirt and holding the front of him. Clearly infringing on his movement. A penalty.

Callum – At first, it doesn’t look like anything, but then Bennett has got a big hold of Reid’s shirt. Penalty.

Michael – I was amazed by this one. Surely this is a case of six of one and half a dozen of the other. Both players are doing the exact same thing. Should have just let them battle it out. Very poor decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Possible Reid Handball In Area (Not Given)

Simon M – Why’s his hand there? Should have been a penalty.

Simon F – Another “arm in an unnatural position” case and Reid had plenty of time to get out of the way.

David – His arm is up high, isn’t being turned from the ball and moves it in a big way. Handball for me.

Callum – Penalty.

Michael – Hit the hand but he is being wrestled to the ground a little so I don’t think it would have been fair to give it.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Kane Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – There’s not all that much in it, but I do think there’s just enough to put Kane off and send him tumbling. I would have given it.

Simon F – The Norwich player barges into Tomkins and knocks them both over. No penalty.

David – Frankly, I think this should have been two yellows cards for simulation. The West Ham man hits the ground like he’s trying to excuse his lack of pace and the Norwich lad is looking for it. I can’t see enough contact to justify either fall.

Callum – Enough there to put Kane out I think, as Tomkins has fallen into him. Penalty.

Michael – I’d have probably given that. There is some clear contact and the defender never looked in a position to win it.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Southampton – Arsenal

Possible Port Handball In Area (Not Given)

Simon M – Na. Way too close and not even sure it hits a hand.

Simon F – The defender is trying to get his arm out of the way and the ball is flicked up from close range.

David – I think it’s his shoulder. On the line anyway.

Callum – Not for me.

Michael – I think it happens that fast that it would be too harsh to give it. Plus, I am not THAT sure it was even in the box. Good call.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Disallowed Southampton Goal

Simon M – If it was offside it was wrong because the goalscorer wasn’t offside and if it was for a push it was wrong because he hardly touched the defender.

Simon F – The grey area of the rules, he’s not interfering with play and so the goal should have stood.

David – His arms touch the Arsenal mans back, but he doesn’t push off and he’s challenging for an incoming ball. Neither of the Southampton players were offside either. A bad call, should have stood.

Callum – A push?! What? Nope. Goal would stand if I was officiating.

Michael – Offside can be something of a minefield these days but the wrong player was flagged there. There is a man offside but he genuinely isn’t interfering with play at all. Goal should have stood.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Chelsea – QPR

Marin Tackle (Yellow Given)

Simon M – That’s a disgraceful tackle and a disgraceful decision

Simon F – Out of control and excessive force, a definite candidate for a straight red card.

David – That’s a dangerous, studs out lunge. The lack of contact with those studs is probably what saves him, so I’ll side with the ref on this occasion.

Callum – Red card.

Michael – Very nasty. Should have been a red card and I struggle to even conceive of an argument that claims otherwise.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Lampard Disallowed Goal

Simon M – It’s very tight, but correct. Great spot from the linesman.

Simon F – I think he’s just level and the goal should have stood.

David – Just a foot or so offside when the ball is played.

Callum – Just offside.

Michael – JUST. Wow that is close, but the right decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Liverpool – Sunderland

Possible Suarez Foul In Build Up To Goal

Simon M – Is that a dive from Culler? Maybe a slip? Certainly not a Suarez foul.

Simon F – Is there a suggestion this was a foul by Suarez? Nonsense. He was fouled by Cuellar and Phil Dowd played an excellent advantage.

David – I imagine everyone has forgotten about this incident after FA Cup weekend. The linesman is very close and has a perfect view of it, so I’m somewhat sceptical of the legality of the contact. It’s hard to see from the angle and video quality, but I don’t think it’s the shoulder contact the linesmen is waving for, but maybe a foot trip, possibly with his right leg on the Sunderland players left. However, I cannot bring myself to say so conclusively. Since I can’t judge “maybe” I’ll go with the Ref’s opinion.

Callum – Was a foul, but play can go on, and it did.

Michael – Suarez was strong, Cuellar was a tart. Simple as that. Fine piece of refereeing all round.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Allen Disallowed Goal

Simon M – He’s offside, just.

Simon F – Downing has just strayed offside.

David – Downing is just beyond the last defender and offside.

Callum – Just offside.

Michael – Quite clearly offside I think. Very little cause for debate.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Newcastle – Everton

Free Kick For Everton Goal

Simon M – Got to expect someone as strong as Fellaini to deal with that level of jostling. He goes down easily and cons the ref.

Simon F – An arm in the back from Coloccini and a clip of the legs from Tiote. A foul could have been given for either.

David – Yeesh that seems really soft to me but I suppose there was a slight trip.

Callum – Combination of the two there, looks as if the other Newcastle player clips him after the initial push too.

Michael – I think that’s a soft one. I really don’t like to see players rewarded for being weak in a physical contest, especially when the one deciding to be weak is a giant with an afro. Bad decision.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Ameobi Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – Looks like a tangle of legs rather than a foul.

Simon F – Ameobi puts himself across Neville and then his back leg catches the Everton man and sends himself flying. No penalty.

David – I don’t think so. Neville gets there first, Ameobi’s leg bangs into the defenders, he goes down theatrically, and he already has his hand in the air looking for it before he hits the ground. Not a free for me.

Callum – Neville’s leg gets caught between Ameobi’s. Not a penalty.

Michael – I’d have probably given that.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

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