I am starting this article this week with the words OH DEAR writes local referee Paul Richards.
While watching Match Of The Day before getting ready for a cup semi final I was officiating in, along comes the highlights from the Britannia. Of course, I was over the moon at the result but we won courtesy of a refereeing decision that actually made me cringe.
First off, Yannick Bolasie jumps off both feet in the direction of the ball and goalkeeper and the two collided. I would have blown up for reckless play against Bolasie unfortunately. I do so on a daily basis in the leagues I officiate in. The collision is not a penalty in my opinion and if I was a Stoke City fan I would have been gutted at the decision.
I have been asked three or four times about the apparent handball by Joel Ward. Would have I given it? Well here is my answer ….. Absolutley yes!
The ball is travelling towards goal and the rule about a players hand being in a natural position does not work here because the man was on the floor. Put it this way, if Ward is was on the goal line and that had happened he would have been sent off and a penalty given so why is it that the referee does not give a penalty in that situation? It completely comfused me.
The problem is, if you put ten referees around a table after a game and they watch the same incident, all of them will not agree. That I am afraid is something that will never change because it is the way people see the game. Just like fans or pundits.
Finally, I want to touch on is mistaken identity. It is more common than you think.
The game is so fast and it is common that when a challenge happens that you instantly forget what has just happened. I was asked on Saturday in a game I refereed after pulling the play back for no advantage who fouled who. I had no idea it was so embarrassing to say ‘I do not know‘.
I quickly ran into position at that point but my point is that it should not happen but it is not negligence, simply human error. I think we should lay off referees for that.
Anyway, it is international week but I have got three games to referee while suffering with glandular fever so let us hope I do not make the same mistakes the top officials seem to do week in week out!
