Week 31 of the Premier League season and after two weeks of shocking decisions in almost every game, we had a week where there weren’t all that many debatable decisions to discuss. However, despite the lack of dodgy decisions, there were plenty that we marked as incorrect and one or two game-changing ones at that. I wonder how Martin O’Neill felt about that Gardner penalty shout when he was told to leave the Stadium of Light!

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 have 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 keepers 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 judgement 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.

Many legends of football have gone on 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 has found something else that he is pretty good at. Jan Molby has learned how to play poker, and believe it or not, might take it up as 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 for many of today’s sports celebrities.

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 opponent’s 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.

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

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

Man City – Reading

Tabb Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – I think there is the slightest of nudges on Tabb from the City defender. You could argue that a slight nudge shouldn’t send a player down, but when they’re travelling at speed to try and get on the end of a cross I think even a slight nudge could send them flying.

Simon F – The defender clearly gives Tabb a nudge which stops him competing for the ball. It would have been in the ‘soft’ category, but I’d have given a penalty for it.

David – I don’t think so. He has eyes for the ball and bangs into the side of him. An accidental collision at worst.

Callum – Not for me.

Michael – I don’t think that is a foul at all. Neither has the ball, neither deviates their run to impede the other, and the stronger man won. Bit sick of people wanting to punish strength and reward players for being soft.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Possible Handball In City Area (Not Given)

Simon M – Arms down by his sides, but he moves his body and arms towards the ball. I would have given this. Difficult one to catch for the officials, though.

Simon F – The defenders arms are down by his sides, not in an unnatural positions and I don’t think this was a penalty.

David – He’s moving his arm out of the way and it is close to his body. I couldn’t give that.

Callum – Handball. Penalty, and a yellow card.

Michael – I think the referee has to give that, although don’t think he had the best position to see it. Definite move towards the ball with the arm and a it gets a telling touch. Penalty kick.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Barry Possibly Climbing As Scores

Simon M – What’s Barry supposed to do? Leave it because there’s a defender in the way? He goes for the ball and Shorey backs into him. If anything Shorey is fouling Barry rather than the other way round.

Simon F – For Shorey to have been impeded, he would have had to made some attempt to compete for the ball. He didn’t, his only movement was to back into Barry and for me Barry was already in the air before putting his hands on Tabb. No foul.

David – He does shove the Reading defender’s head downwards at a crucial moment. I think he’s impeding his movement, illegally.

Callum – Can’t say I know enough of this rule, but it seems like a combination of the two would mean that play would go on – Defender not jumping so Barry has to climb over him. Goal stands in my eyes.

Michael – It only looks like climbing because Shorey makes no attempt to contest it. The defender gambled that he could ease Barry away from it and lost. I think that if Shorey tried to jump and was held down then you’d have to say it was a foul, but that wasn’t the case, so let it go.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

West Ham – Everton

Osman Goal Disallowed

Simon M – I really hate goalkeepers getting the rub of the green ahead of attackers and we’ve seen some really bad examples of it this season, but this isn’t one of them. If Anichebe had just been standing his ground, fair enough, but he’s also holding Jaaskelainen.

Simon F – Anichebe clearly has his arm wrapped around Jaaskelainen which prevents the goalkeeper from coming out and challenging for the ball. A definite foul.

David – By the book, it’s probably obstruction on the keeper, but this happens all the time and never gets called. I personally hate seeing keepers blocked like that, so I’ll call it a foul, but there needs to be greater clarity on what is and isn’t allowed in the box during a set-piece.

Callum – Should have been allowed. The ‘keeper has made no attempt to go for the ball because someone is in his way. Poor refereeing.

Michael – I didn’t understand the fuss around this one being disallowed. It isn’t that Anichebe is just standing his ground and making the goalkeeper come around him, he is also holding the goalkeeper and preventing him from coming for the ball. It was rightly ruled out for me.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Carlton Cole Red Card

Simon M – He isn’t looking at the player and just tries to play the ball, very harsh.

Simon F – Reckless, yes and possibly worthy of a yellow card, but certainly not red.

David – I know these have been rescinded, but it would be dishonest of me to change what was my initial opinion when I saw them. I think this is too high and makes potential injury-causing contact with the player. Intent is unimportant here. A red.

Callum – Foot is high, really high. Hasn’t won the ball. Red card.

Michael – A total nonsense. The foot was high but so what? Yellow card at the very most.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Darren Gibson Red Card

Simon M – I’m going to mark this as incorrect because it was rescinded, but I don’t actually think it was. Gibson could win the ball, but doesn’t. I think he’s made a move to stamp on the opposition player.

Simon F – Exactly the same as the Cole red, definitely not worthy of one, and good to see it overturned.

David – Pretty much the same as the Cole one. Way too high and makes contact with the upper body of the opponent. Red.

Callum – Same as for Cole. Probably less control of himself then Cole had. Red card.

Michael – An attempt from the referee to make a right out of two wrongs. Very poor. Another ludicrous decision.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

West Brom – Norwich

Free Kick for Norwich Goal

Simon M – Unlike one or two of the free kicks we’ve seen awarded to Norwich recently this one does look like it was the correct decision. He’s been cleaned out by the West Brom player and the referee had no choice.

Simon F – There is enough contact to send the Norwich player over, simple decision for me and the referee got it right.

David – He does pretty much bundle him to the ground without getting close to the ball. A foul.

Callum – Free-kick.

Michael – Definite foul this one. West Brom can have no complaints.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Norwich Penalty Shout For Handball (Not Given)

Simon M – Na, that’s hit incredibly hard and the West Brom lad has his arms down by his sides.

Simon F – The player’s arms are down by his side and any penalty given for this would be very harsh.

David – Arms by his sides, turning to get out of the way. If you start giving these, there will be penalties galore.

Callum – Not for me.

Michael – Even if it did hit the arm, and I am not all that convinced that it did, I don’t think a case can be made for it being intentional or especially avoidable. No penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Olsson Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – One of those decisions that we saw go Stoke’s way so often last season. I think it’s a foul and I think a penalty should have been awarded.

Simon F – Olsson is clearly being held by Bassong and again it’s enough to impede, so he should have had a penalty.

David – He wasn’t going to get the ball anyway, but a tugs a tug. By the rules, a foul and a penalty.

Callum – Had Macauley not won the ball, and that was going through to Olsson, I’m certain it would have been a penalty. Think it should have regardless though, incorrect decision.

Michael – I think I’d have been inclined to give that. Clear pull on the shirt and strong enough of one to impede the player.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Wigan – Arsenal

Walcott Penalty (Given)

Simon M – That looks really, really soft and I know I often mention how little contact is needed to send a player in full flight down, but I think it would be a real stretch of the imagination to say that Walcott was actually impeded there.

Simon F – It’s difficult to tell as neither of the camera angles are conclusive, but based on the evidence available I have to say that I don’t think Beausejour impeded Walcott, who went down very easily.

David – Soft. I think Walcott makes the most of very slight contact. Not enough in it for me.

Callum – No penalty.

Michael – It was clumsy and untidy but I think there is enough in it to justify a penalty. Correct call.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Possible Gibbs Handball in Arsenal Area (Not Given)

Simon M – Nope, yet another silly handball decision that we have to cover, but never a penalty.

Simon F – Gibbs puts his arms up between the ball being struck and it hitting him, so he definitely had time to get them out of the way. Given the distance the ball has travelled and the movement of the arms towards the ball, I would have given a penalty.

David – Close to the body, he raises his hands to protect himself, and the ball would have just bounced off his chest anyway. No real advantage gained for Arsenal as a result. No penalty for me.

Callum – It’s going towards his body. No penalty.

Michael – I don’t think so. No attempt to use the arm and if it didn’t hit the arm it would have hit him anyway. I don’t think you can give a penalty for it.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Southampton – Sunderland

Mayuka Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – I don’t see any contact. Honestly. Nowhere near a penalty.

Simon F – Again difficult to judge from what we have available, but I think Mayuka is clipped and should have had a penalty.

David – He’s done well to get to the ball and Mayuka hits the ground so fast. I’m not inclined to give this.

Callum – No penalty.

Michael – Yeah, I think that should have been given. Certainly doesn’t win the ball and there is enough contact there to take him off his feet.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Chelsea – Aston Villa

Torres Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – Similar to the Barry goal against Reading, if a player is going to stand there and not go for the ball and a defender needs to get to it then going over them is fine by me.

Simon F – A 50/50 shout in my book and I certainly wouldn’t argue if the decision comes out the other way, but for me this comes under the same type as Barry’s goal for Man City. Torres isn’t jumping to compete for the ball and Baker was already in the air, so just about no foul.

David – I’m not usually one to tell players to get over it, but come on. Torres has to man up a bit here and challenge for the ball more effectively.

Callum – Could see it given, he’s wrapped his arms round him. Not for me though, Torres hasn’t made any effort to jump so he isn’t impeded in any way.

Michael – Similar to the Gareth Barry one earlier. As long as Torres isn’t trying to compete for it, he isn’t being impeded. No penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Free Kick For Chelsea Goal

Simon M – Fair enough free kick, definite foul.

Simon F – It’s late and does catch the Chelsea player, definite foul.

David – It’s hard to tell how much contact there from the angle I saw, but it looks like the Chelsea man just ran into him after the defender had legitimately gone for the ball. Not a foul for me.

Callum – Don’t see how that’s debatable. Free-kick.

Michael – I think it’s reasonable enough. Certainly nothing about it that makes me really question it, anyway.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Oscar Penalty (Given)

Simon M – I feel there was enough to send Oscar down and would have awarded the penalty.

Simon F – Herd definitely tugs Oscar but I don’t think it was enough to put him off balance or impede him, so it shouldn’t have been a penalty.

David – I can see the little grasp on the arm and the contact with the right foot, but it seems very slight. Oscar is looking for it. Again, I’m just not inclined to give that, there isn’t enough of an infringement in my eyes.

Callum – Soft, but he’s got his arms round Oscar and turns him around. Penalty.

Michael – Another clumsy one, and Oscar has gone down very easily, but it’s a foul nonetheless.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Piazon Penalty (Given)

Simon M – Nightmare afternoon for Villa. Another clear penalty.

Simon F – Piazon is definitely caught and impeded, a nailed on penalty for me.

David – Chelsea players just seem to be falling all over the place in this game, for me. This looks like a bit of a dive.

Callum –Penalty. Brought him down.

Michael – That one looked a little soft, but again the defender is doing enough to ask the question so he can’t rally have any complaints.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Swansea – Man Utd

Possible Davis Handball In Sawsea Area #1 (Not Given)

Simon M – Not for me. No time to move his arm, arm not in an unnatural position etc etc etc.

Simon F – Correct decision. His arm is not in an unnatural position and he doesn’t have time to get it out of the way. No penalty.
David – Can’t give it. Trying to move it out of the way, close to body, etc.

Callum – Again, at his body. No penalty.
Michael – I don’t think the ball has traveled far enough the hand only stopped it from hitting his chest anyway. No penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Possible Foul on RvP In Build Up To Swansea Goal

Simon M – I would have given a free kick, he looks to be hauled over by Chico.

Simon F – A typical example of a centre forward leaning into a defender and expecting a free kick for it. Good on the referee for not giving it.

David – Six of one. Van Persie seems to be leaning into him as they go over so I wouldn’t put most of the blame for this interaction on the Swansea man.

Callum – I would have given it. Foul.

Michael – Looked like a fair old contest and was rightly allowed to go. Good decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Attempted Murder on RvP

Simon M – A lot of nonsense doing the rounds about this, most notably from Fergie himself. That said, I think there was intent from Williams and RvP’s reaction was understandable. Yellow for both was about right.

Simon F – A disgraceful act punishable only by a custodial sentence; preferably life without parole. Or, on the other hand, perhaps a clear cut case of unsporting behaviour, for which the sanction is a yellow card. Which is exactly what the referee gave. Well done to the referee.

David – All hyperbole aside, it looks like he went to play the ball just as, or just after, the whistle was blown and only had a mind for the clearance. I can understand why Van Persie was annoyed – with that force at point blank range, it’s gonna hurt. But there is no maliciousness in it. So, “Not Guilty” on the attempted murder charge for me. As for the afters, two yellow cards was fair enough.

Callum – Haha. Bang him up. Williams should be booked for kicking the ball away, Van Persie should be sent off for his reaction. Whilst we’re at it, Ferguson should recieve a ban for going out crying to the press about getting a ball to the head relating to being murdered.

Michael – It wasn’t very pleasant but the incident itself was little more than a storm in a tea cup. Van Persie should have been sent off for his reaction, though.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Possible Davis Handball In Swansea Area #2 (Not Given)

Simon M – Slightly different to the other one, I think he does move his arm towards the ball and I would have given a penalty.

Simon F – Again, his arm is not in an unnatural position and there is little time to move out of the way. No penalty.

David – Again, the arm is deliberately put up against the body in order to try and avoid a handball, so I can’t say this was a penalty.

Callum – No penalty.

Michael – Pretty much the same as the first one. Ball not traveled far enough and not much intent about it. Considering the punishment the offence carries, I don’t think you can justify giving it.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Man Utd – Newcastle

Cisse Possibly Offside For Evans OG

Simon M – People seem to be buying the opinion of Graham Poll on this one, perhaps because Gab Marcotti tweeted Poll’s opinion and everybody seems to be right up Marcotti’s arse, or maybe because Poll is so renowned for his knowledge of the game ….*cough* three yellows. He’s offside, simple as that. We’ve seen goals ruled out because a player who didn’t touch it was in an offside position and interfering, so why’s this different?

Simon F – I’ve looked at this time and again and studied the laws, and I think the referee was absolutely right. Cisse does not touch the ball, so is not interfering with play. He doesn’t impede Evans’ line of sight or his movement, so is not interfering with an opponent and he is not gaining an advantage, as set down by the laws, as the ball does not rebound to him. A goal correctly given.

David – You could make a case for the old “interfering with play” from an offside position, but it wouldn’t be a strong one. The linesman’s been tricked by the angle and it’s a legal OG.

Callum – Good decision.

Michael – Right! This one! The actual offside rule seems to be open to a zillion different interpretations that can seemingly be used to fully justify any decision you want, but for me that is ludicrous. Cissé is in the six yard box and singularly dictating the positions and actions of both goalkeeper and defender. For anyone to suggest that he wasn’t active or interfering in the play is crazy. He was, quite simply, offside.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Possible Colocinni Handball In Newcastle Area (Not Given)

Simon M – Think it’s inside and think it’s intentional. Penalty.

Simon F – A definite handball, but in my opinion Coloccini is just outside the penalty area. A free kick should have been awarded.

David – This seems like the 10th one of these I’ve commented on. Arms close to body, turning to get out of the way, possibly outside the box anyway, not a penalty.

Callum – Handball. Penalty.

Michael – Don’t think it travelled far enough and not certain it was even in the box. Not a penalty for me.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Possible RVP Foul Before United Goal

Simon M – Don’t think that’s a slap or a foul, just a bit of hassle between two players and neither at fault.

Simon F – Nothing in this for me. He catches Coloccini but very slightly and I don’t think it was even worthy of a foul.

David – I think he does give Collocini a swipe just as he receives the ball, and the Newcastle defender is left out of position as a result. A free to the Magpies.

Callum – He likes a slap doesn’t he? Should have been a foul, possibly a booking, maybe even a red.

Michael – Just an innocent jostle I think. I’m happy to give van Persie the benefit of the doubt there.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Valencia Possible Second Yellow

Simon M – No intent from Valencia, but it’s late and dangerous. Definitely a second yellow, possibly a red.

Simon F – How this was deemed not to be worthy of a yellow card is beyond me. It’s an easy decision to make and Valencia should have been sent off.

David – Awful challenge, late, studs out. Could easily have been a straight red and certainly worthy of what would have been a second yellow.)

Callum – Should have had another yellow card for that.

Michael – Yeah, nasty one. Definitely worthy of a second yellow. Should have been off.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Sunderland – Man City

Possible Foul on Zabaleta In Build Up To Sunderland Goal

Simon M – Not much in that, don’t see the fuss and can’t believe Michael has voted the opposite direction. Shocking.

Simon F – Not even close to a foul in my opinion.

David – I do think that’s a foul after Zabaleta cleverly got the ball away. But I also want to state my support for teams playing on when opposition players have gone down “injured” as long as they aren’t interfering with play. It’s ridiculous that games get stopped over it.

Callum – Foul.

Michael – Yes, I think it’s a foul. Possibly not decisive, and how City managed to concede from that position is anyone’s guess, but the referee definitely got it wrong.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Stoke – Liverpool

Suarez Penalty (Given)

Simon M – Clearly having his shirt pulled, no question of it not being a penalty.

Simon F – A clear foul by Shawcross on Suarez and (finally) he gets one.

David – He has a hold of his shirt alright, but it started outside the box. So, it should have been a free, not a penalty. And while it’s still a foul, Suarez is certainly simulating. Nothing makes him hit the ground.

Callum – Started outside the area. It’s a foul, but a free-kick.

Michael – He went down like a sack of spuds but was definitely being fouled. Correct decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Suarez Tackle on Begovic (Yellow Given)

Simon M – He has a look for Begovic, knows he’s not going to win it and still puts his foot in high and late. Poor show from Suarez.

Simon F – I’m surprised to have seen so many call for this to be a red card, when the same people were adamant that the Cole and Gibson decisions were so abominable. Like them Suarez had his eyes on the ball and recklessly clattered into an opposing player; a yellow card was exactly the right decision.

David – Dangerous contact certainly, but I think Suarez is trying to pull out of the challenge before they come together. The keeper is jumping into him after all, it’s hard to get out of the way. I think a yellow is fair enough.

Callum – Unnecessary to raise his leg. Red card for me.

Michael – I think a yellow card was about right. Naughty, but no more.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

QPR – West Brom

Possible Foul on Green as West Brom Score

Simon M – Slightly different to the Anichebe incident, there’s no holding involved. Green is far too weak.

Simon F – A definite foul by Fortune, he is clearly impeding Green from properly challenging for the ball, resulting in a goal.

David – He’s backing into him I suppose, but the keeper is just so weak here. He could have tipped the ball the other way or tried to punch it, but instead to palms it into his own goal for some reason. I’d like to see a bar on players being situated next to opposition goalkeepers during set-pieces, but for this incident, I think the goal stands.

Callum – Fairly sure Green could push him out the way if he wanted to. Not a foul for me.

Michael – Green got himself in an atrocious position. He essentially blocked himself. I don’t think he was fouled and it’s a genuine shame that he couldn’t be booked himself purely for his stupidity.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Possible Ridgewell Handball in West Brom Area (Not Given)

Simon M – What on earth is he playing at? Scrap that. What on earth are the officials playing at? That’s an atrocious decision.

Simon F – His arm is in an unnatural position and for that reason I would have given a penalty in this instance.

David – Now this is one I’ll give. The arm is up way too high, significant deflection of the ball to boot. A penalty.

Callum – Handball. Should have been given.

Michael – Not traveled far enough, etc etc etc. Not enough clear intent, etc etc etc. Correct decision.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Everton – Wigan

Maloney Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – He’s definitely caught, even if Osman is trying to pull his leg back. Poor piece of refereeing.

Simon F – Osman does the classic defender trick of pulling his leg away after fouling the player, making it look like he was trying to get out of the way all the time. But in my opinion he fouled Maloney and Wigan should have had a penalty.

David – I’ve had a good long look. I think it’s a dive. I can’t see enough contact to justify him going over.

Callum – Penalty.

Michael – It’s a penalty, simple as that. The defender hangs out his leg nowhere near the ball and Maloney either falls over it or has to avoid it. Either way he is impeded. Very poor from the officials.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Possible Handball By Kone As He Scores

Simon M – Fairly clear handball. He pats it down for himself and then strokes it home. Poor show referee.

Simon F – A clear handball, though I can at least understand why the officials missed it in the mêlée of players. Nevertheless, the goal should have been disallowed.

David – Yup. He raises his arm and deflects the ball downwards into a better position. It may have been accidental, but it doesn’t matter. Should have been a free.

Callum – Handball, the goal should have been disallowed.

Michael – I think he controlled it with his hand and there seemed a touch of intent about it. Has to be handball surely.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Fulham – Southampton

Baird Handball in Fulham Area (Given)

Simon M – Even worse than the Ridgewell incident, at least the officials called this one correctly.

Simon F – A definite handball and well spotted by the officials.

David – Arm goes up too high and deflects the ball away from goal. A penalty.

Callum – Definite handball. Good decision from the officials.

Michael – Cracking defensive play if Baird was playing Basketball. The act of a stupid brain dead berk in football, though. Penalty kick.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Reading – Swansea

La Fondre Goal Disallowed For Handball

Simon M – Woeful piece of cheating and the nerve to act like it wasn’t a handball and the referee had got it wrong. This drives me mad, people waffling on about diving and ignoring cheating like this. Disgraceful.

Simon F – A nice try by Diego Le Fondre, but the officials were right to rule this one out for handball.

David – A handball, a yellow card and a realisation that Maradona and Henry are not players to emulate in terms of sportsmanship should suffice.

Callum – Good decision.

Michael – This one was really galling. La Fondre knew he had handled it yet ran off celebrating which certainly suggests the whole thing was a conscious effort on his part. Well done to the referees for not falling for it, but I’d have no complaints if he received a retrospective ban for that. Worse than diving. Cheat.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Week 16 of the Premier League season and the judges were working overtime to cope with the amount of big debatable referee decisions that took place last weekend, of which an incredible 16 were incorrect. Wowzers.

For future reference, there are a few decisions included this week that weren’t included in the Match of the Day highlights, but they were so big we couldn’t leave them out. As such, if you see a big decision that isn’t covered by Hansen, Shearer et al, feel free to contact us and we’ll see what we can do about including it in future weeks.

Enjoy!

Swansea v Norwich

Freekick which led to 3rd Norwich goal

Simon M – Hmm, there definitely isn’t much in this and I think the referee has been conned on this one.

Simon F – There is very brief contact between the players, but I can’t see a foul at all.

David – I’m not convinced that the contact was enough to merit a foul. Seems like a bit of a flop to me.

Callum – Not much in that for me. Replay doesn’t seem to show much contact either. Not for me, no free-kick.

Michael – Another really soft one and I hate to say it but it’s becoming a real theme from Norwich. They seem to just stop playing where they want a free kick and fall over. Their set piece delivery is brilliant, so I can understand it, but it should be in no way condoned. It’s cheating. Simple as that.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Shechter goal disallowed for foul on goalkeeper

Simon M – I really hate seeing these incidents, goalkeepers are given way too much protection with challenges like this. There’s absolutely nothing in it and the Swansea player has every right to go for the ball. Poor refereeing, as far as I’m concerned.

Simon F – I don’t think anything the Swansea player does impedes the goalkeeper from challenging for the ball, therefore no foul.

David – I think the keeper has, to quote the FIFA rules, “gained possession of the ball with his hands” before it gets headed out of his grip. That’s a foul.

Callum – Fair challenge to me, got to the ball as well. Feel Swansea should have been given the goal there.

Michael – I think the goalkeeper needs to be much stronger there. I didn’t see anything wrong with it. A goalkeeper doesn’t just decide when the ball should be his. He has to fight for it same as everyone else and he didn’t fight hard enough.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Ashley Williams foul on Holt (yellow given)

Simon M – Not sure what Webb is doing with this one. The covering defender isn’t going to get there and the tackle is definitely a last man foul. I would have shown a red.

Simon F – I think the covering defender would have got across in time to attempt a block, and therefore it isn’t a clear goalscoring opportunity.

David – It seems like a clear goalscoring opportunity to me. Sure the ball is moving a little wide, but he’s behind the defence and would have got a shot at the goal. A red for me.

Callum – It is a foul, and a yellow card was the correct decision, as the other defender may well have got across there to defend Holt’s effort.

Michael – If it’s a foul – which it is – then it’s a red card. Absolutely no justification at all for a yellow card. Desperately poor decision.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Sunderland v Chelsea 

Chelsea penalty shout

Simon M – This is a tough one, there doesn’t seem to be all that much in it in terms of sending him to ground, but in terms of getting to the ball before the keeper, I think the little pull does impede him. I’m going to go for penalty here.

Simon F – Hazard is clearly pulled and impeded and had he gone down would almost certainly have been given a penalty. The fact that he tried to stay on his feet should not stop that award.

David – The defender does grab his arm and pull him back, infringing on his movement at a critical moment. That might have prevented him from getting to the ball ahead of the keeper, so I’d call it a penalty.

Callum – Was at The Stadium Of Light giving Halsey all kinds of stick for this one. Looked a penalty from where I was at the time, and still stand by that.

Michael – I don’t think Larsson does enough to warrant a penalty there. Little pull back but not enough to impede him.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Chelsea penalty

Simon M – Poor show from Larsson and when I saw this happen I was also having a flick through Twitter and very few Sunderland fans had much sympathy for Larsson, which says it all.

Simon F – Brainless defending from Larsson and a nailed on penalty.

David – I actually think Ramirez is already falling when the contact is made with his legs. However, he might have had the chance to backheel the ball away from the line, spring up and pass it off, so I’d still call it a foul. Penalty.

Callum – Tackle from behind, hasn’t won the ball, silly tackle to make. Penalty the correct decision for me.

Michael – The most clear – and stupid – penalty you are likely to see. Nowt in the rules about letting people off who are thick as two short planks.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Arsenal v West Brom 

Arsenal Penalty #1

Simon M – Shocking. The worst part was the reaction from Arsenal fans to this, they seemed to find it funny and rejoice in the fact that they had conned the ref. Poor from the player and the fans.

David – I think he not only misses the ball, he misses the man too. A dive and not a penalty.

Callum – At first that looks like a penalty, but on closer inspection, Carzola has taken a dive. No penalty.

Michael – Embarrassing from Cazorla. You won’t see a more embarrassing dive all season, actually. He should be much better than that.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

West Brom penalty shout (foul given against Olsson)

Simon M – Good spot by the officials, I think plenty of refs would have given this as a penalty, but the pull from Olsson being given as an Arsenal free kick was the correct decision.

Simon F – I don’t think Olsson fouls Mertesacker and the Arsenal defender clearly handles the ball, so West Brom should have had a penalty.

David – Olsson is holding the front of the defender’s shirt, but the handball is obvious. The question is whether the arm is in an “unnatural” position. When you jump for a header, the arms tend to go up for balance, and I think Olsson’s tug actually guides the defender’s arm to the point where it gets hit. With the benefit of extensive review, I wouldn’t give it as a penalty.

Callum – Olsson is pulling back on Mertesacker there, which leads to his arms moving up. Correct decision for me.

Michael – Olsson has his arms draped over the defender’s shoulders so I think the referee got this one right as it only struck the arm due to his jump being impeded.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Foul by Oxlade-Chamberlain in build up to Arsenal penalty #2 and Arsenal penalty #2

Simon M – No way, the West Brom lad just seems to drop to the ground for no apparent reason. Definite penalty, though.

Simon F – I think it was just about a foul from Oxlade-Chamberlain in the build up, and West Brom should have had a free kick. There is no doubt that, having not given the foul, the referee was right to award the penalty, but I don’t think he should have had the opportunity to.

David – It’s certainly a late tackle for the penalty, but I think the Arsenal man both pushes and trips the West Brom man in the build-up. A free the other way.

Callum – Feel Oxlade-Chamberlain has fouled his man there. But once he gets into the box he is also fouled, and a penalty is the correct decision.

Michael – Think the referee got this one correct from start to finish. The ball is won firmly but fairly initially and then the foul in the penalty box is clear. Two good calls.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Wigan v QPR 

Disputed corner for Wigan goal

Simon M – It’s a really difficult one to call, but it looks to me like it’s hit the Wigan player last.

Simon F – It’s very difficult to tell from the one angle we have, but having looked at it frame by frame, I think the last touch does come off the Wigan player and it should have been a goal kick.

David – I think it does touch the Wigan guy last. A goal kick.

Callum – Looks like it came off a Wigan player. Incorrect decision.

Michael – It really is very hard to tell. So hard, in fact, that I can’t really build a case either for or against it. Therefore, I’m happy to give the referee the benefit of the doubt.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Southampton v Reading 

Reading penalty shout #1

Simon M – Just enough in this to warrant a penalty in my books, but I think the referee was put off by Tabb going to ground a second or so after the initial contact.

Simon F – What strikes me here is that there’s no claim from Tabb, but I do think his ankle was clipped and it sent him over, therefore should have been a penalty.

David – I think there is a mistimed challenge there and a trip. Enough for a penalty.

Callum – Definite contact, a penalty should have been awarded.

Michael – One of those where contact does not equate to a foul. The defender touches him but does not bring him down or impede him. No penalty. As a side note – a quite scandalous number of players behaving like tarts and throwing themselves to their knees this week. Man up, lads. For the love of all that we hold dear, man the hell up!

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Southampton goal disallowed for push

Simon M – There’s pushing and shoving going on all over the place in that area, so to single one out seems harsh. I would have allowed the goal.

Simon F – If any foul was given it should have been for the goalkeeper pushing the Reading attacker into the Reading defender, certainly the goal should not have been disallowed.

David – I suppose he does give him a bit of shove alright, but doesn’t the keeper do the same thing? If you’re going to give a foul for it once…I’d have let the goal stand.

Callum – Six of one, half a dozen of the other, I wouldn’t know what to give. I would have allowed the goal to stand.

Michael – Nothing wrong with that at all. Good delivery and the better man won a fair contest. Very poor decision.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Reading penalty shout #2

Simon M – His shirt’s being pulled so I think I would have awarded a penalty.

Simon F – A clear shirt pull and another case of Reading having been done out of a penalty.

David – His shirt does receive a quick tug. A foul.

Callum – Enough of a tug on the shirt there for something to have been given. Reading unlucky not to get a second penalty.

Michael – I don’t see it. There have been softer penalties given this season – astonishingly, but nothing in that one at all.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Villa v Stoke 

Ciaran Clark tackle (foul given against Stoke)

Simon M – Clarke is fouled before his tackle so the free kick against Stoke was the correct decision. I also think that a yellow was more than enough for his tackle, which was hard and ever so slightly late, but not dangerous.

Simon F – Whilst Clark was fouled initially, his dive into the following challenge cannot be excused. It was worthy of at least a yellow card.

David – I’ll admit to being somewhat baffled by this decision. It’s a bit of a dangerous lunge from Clark, though I wouldn’t call it red worthy. I certainly wouldn’t call it an Aston Villa free.

Callum – It was a foul on Clark before he dived into the Stoke player. Correct decision, but Clark should have booked for his tackle too.

Michael – I think Clark probably is fouled, but he was guilty of lunging in a little too much after that too. We saw the one with Tiote at Sunderland earlier this season where play had stopped for a foul on him yet he lunged at another player after the whistle and was rightly punished and the same should have happened here. Whether that punishment should have been a yellow or a red is a judgement call, though. I think a yellow would have been sufficient.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Shotton bookings (first given for walking away with ball/back chat)

Simon M – Reminds me of the Pienaar red against QPR, a second yellow for a player tripping over their own feet. Really poor decision.

Simon F – The first booking is fair enough, he walks away with the ball and talks back to the referee. The second, however, was harsh. A foul, as there was contact, but I don’t think it was worthy of a booking.

David – The first yellow, well I don’t know what he said to the Ref, so I’ll just assume there was sufficient dissention. The second, while maybe a foul, is accidental contact if anything and wasn’t worthy of a yellow.

Callum – Unlucky to be given the second booking, however the first was fair.

Michael – If you behave like a petulant little berk you always run the risk of getting a booking, so the first one seemed fair enough. The second one was ridiculous though. I don’t see what Shotton has done wrong there that a half-competent barber can’t fix.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Man City v Man Utd 

Young goal disallowed for offside

Simon M – Fairly clear that he’s onside, but it is close so a little sympathy for the officials.

Simon F – A simple one that replays clearly and quickly prove was incorrect.

David – With the Sky Sports line, this is a pretty clear cut decision. He’s onside when the ball is played and the goal should have stood.

Callum – Looks onside to me. Goal should have stood.

Michael – It is absolutely marginal but I think he was just about onside. A wrong call, but not one I think an official should be criticized for.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Free kick leading to Man Utd winner

Simon M – I had my nose pressed up against the computer screen trying to see if there was anything in this. It looks like Tevez flicks a foot out at Rafael in a bid to bring him down, but misses. Soft free kick.

Simon F – There is just contact, and enough to impede, so a free kick was the right call.

David – My very first reaction when I saw this was “dive”. But the other angles show a slight clip on Rafael, and that’s more than enough to send you down when you’re moving at that velocity. A foul.

Callum – Rafael has gone down extremely easy there. Don’t think there’s enough contact there for him to tumble over like so. Not a foul for me.

Michael – One from the Norwich City school of attacking, I’m afraid. Wanted a free kick there and he wasn’t going to let a little thing like not actually being fouled get in the way.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Tevez kick On Jones (No Card Shown)

Simon M – Can’t believe more hasn’t been made of this and can’t believe that none of the officials called it. He takes a clear swipe at Jones’ legs. Petulant and pathetic, definitely worthy of a red.

Simon F – A stupid moment from Tevez. Jones isn’t too clever, coming in with his arm raised as he does, but the kick out is inexcusable and Tevez should have been sent off.

David – This is a stupid little interaction. Jones shoves him out of the way so he can’t get to the ball, giving him a bit of an elbow to the face (not intentional with the elbow I would think, but the push was.) And Tevez, I’m guessing frustrated with the RVP goal and his limited part in the game, lashed at with a kick that could not have been meant for the ball but was aimed squarely at Jones. They both have a bit of fault here, but Tevez is way worse. I’d have sent him off. Jones was already on a yellow, so I’d have given him a second too.

Callum – Both could have been given red cards. However at best I would have given a yellow to Jones and a yellow to Tevez.

Michael – Pretty conclusive, sadly. Petulant kick out and deserved to see red for it. Amazed more hasn’t been made of it in the press, actually.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Everton v Spurs 

Jelavic onside or offside for goal

Simon M – Wonderful goal and definitely onside.

Simon F – One that would have been easy for the linesman to call offside, given the speed of the action, so well done to him for getting it right as Jelavic was definitely onside.

David – Replay seems pretty conclusive that he was onside.

Callum – Onside.

Michael – Clearly onside. A beautifully crafted goal, I must say.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

West Ham v Liverpool 

West Ham penalty

Simon M – Arm in unnatural position is such an irritating policy, especially when no consideration seems to be given to balance when players are lunging in to make a block. I think this was ball to hand and I think his hand was in a natural position.

Simon F – A very tough one that exists firmly in the grey area of the handball rule. Allen’s arm was away from his body, but the ball was smashed at him from very close range

David – His arm is up for balance and he’s trying to move it out of the way, so for that I wouldn’t have given this.

Callum – Penalty. Hand in the way there, gaining an advantage.

Michael – I hate seeing decisions like this given. It is definitely ball to hand and shouldn’t have been punished.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Liverpool penalty shout

Simon M – Bit theatrical from Shelvey and I think the defender gets a slight touch on the ball, good decision.

David – I think that’s an unfair trip. No contact with the ball, just late. A penalty.

Callum – Looks like he just got the ball for me. Marginal, but the correct decision.

Michael – I’ll give the defender the benefit of the doubt there. I am not absolutely 100% sure he got the touch on the ball, but I am even less sure that he didn’t. No penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Taylor tackle on Sterling

Simon M – Blimey, that’s crazy and another decision that I’m shocked more hasn’t been made of. It’s late, high and dangerous. Red card.

Simon F – A terrible assault from Taylor which should have seen him sent off without question.

David – Awfully stupid thing to do. He’s going for the ball, but ends up sticking his studs into Sterling stomach. Dangerous play and red card worthy.

Callum – Red card.

Michael – It was high but not really malicious or dangerous. A foul and possible booking, but nothing anything more severe than that.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Newcastle – Wigan 

Newcastle Penalty

Simon M – I’m usually really lenient on decisions involving strikers running into defenders and going down, it’s one of my pet peaves. However, I do think the Wigan players moves towards Cisse and it isn’t a simple case of being in the way of the attacker. Penalty was correct and unfortunately a red had to be shown.

Simon F – A simple case of two players going shoulder to shoulder and one being stronger than the other. I don’t think this was a foul.

David – Looks like he runs into him from behind and adds a bit of a shove for good measure. A penalty, and as a result of the situation a red card.

Callum – Penalty. Red card also correct.

Michael – For me this was probably the worst decision of the season so far. Important game for both sides, very early, and the singularly defining factor in the whole game. Cissé has essentially been rewarded for being weaker than a fat lass in McDonalds. Shoulder to shoulder and the stronger man won. Where is the problem? The punishment of a red card and penalty for that was quite frankly a disgrace.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Caldwell Possible Second Yellow

Simon M – He knows what he’s doing and is very lucky to escape without a second booking there. I think the earlier red and the time in the game played a part in the referee’s decision.

Simon F – Welcome to the Gary Caldwell School of Defending. Back for another masterclass, this one in how to avoid what should be an obvious booking. How the referee hasn’t given him the deserved second yellow for this, I’m not quite sure.

David – It’s a pretty cynical and intentional foul as he holds on to the mans shirt after he goes to ground just so he can’t play the ball. That’s a bookable offence, of a higher seriousness than just petty fouls.

Callum – That’s a second yellow.

Michael – It was high but not really malicious or dangerous. A foul and possible booking, but nothing anything more severe than that.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

EXTRA 

Liverpool – Swansea

Jose Enrique Disallowed Goal

We made an error when we counted the Jose Enrique disallowed goal as a correct decision and the following screenshot seems to prove that he was marginally onside.

http://i.imgur.com/gJFn0.png

We have now rectified that error in both the REAL Table and Decisions Table. Apologies for the error.

However, I’d like to also mention how laughable some of the comments about it were;

“Bit of an anti Liverpool panel me thinks”

With regard to a panel that includes a Liverpool fan who judged the offside call as correct and;

“you’ve got to at least comment. It looks very bad if you don’t, please just post something for the sake of the site.”

Because we didn’t reply and rectify immediately.

Incredible.

David had this to say about the cries of conspiracy and lack of immediate reply, I agree with every word.

“People have to remember two things with this site. One, we operate from MOTD replays from certain angles, and it looked offside from the angle I was shown. And two, this is an amateur-run site. This is nobody’s job and the lack of instant replies to a complaint should not result in cries of “conspiracy”. The claims of an anti-Liverpool bias against DD are, looking at the actual decisions we have awarded for and against that club this season, pretty laughable. Was Enrique offside? No. Do we hate Liverpool? No.”

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

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Referee Mark Clattenburg during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Norwich City at St Mary’s Stadium on November 28, 2012 in Southampton, England.

We’ve been stats happy here at Debatable Decisions towers thisweek and what better stat for the number one referee analysis site to provide than how many big incorrect decisions each referee has made this season.

As you can see, Mark Clattenburg has averaged 1.3 big incorrect decisions per game he has refereed this season, a remarkably poor record for a referee with such experience who is considered one of the best in the world.

Roger East at least has the excuse of a debut season and baptism of fire to fall back on.

At the other end of the scale is Lee Probert who is yet to be involved in a big incorrect decision during his 10 games in the Premier League this season, a wonderful achievement and a marked improvement on his average of 0.6 per game last season.

Honourable mentions for Neil Swarbrick, Mike Dean and Martin Atkinson who have all made a good start to the season. However, criticising glances in the direction of Mark Halsey, Andre Marriner and Michael Oliver who only just missed out on the ignominy of joining the “one a game” club.

As we did last season, this is a list of all the big incorrect refereeing decisions we have judged this season broken down into teams, for and against. We have covered every single Premier League game so far, and we’re the only site available that offers such a comprehensive service, so if you think we’ve got something wrong drop us a comment, but remember how much time and effort goes into making this work.

Arsenal

For
Jermaine Pennant penalty shout not awarded against Stoke.
Luis Suarez penalty shout not awarded against Liverpool.
Sergio Aguero penalty shout not awarded against Man City.
Arteta goal awarded despite being offside against QPR.
Penalty awarded for handball incorrectly against Fulham.
Pienaar penalty shout not awarded against Everton.

Against
Wilkinson handball in area, no penalty or red card awarded against Stoke (2 decisions)

Aston Villa

For
Brad Guzan awarded a yellow rather than a red card for penalty decision against Southampton.
Albrighton handball in area not awarded as a penalty against West Brom.
Penalty shout not awarded against Norwich.
Herd not shown second yellow for late tackle against Norwich.

Against
Penalty awarded for handball in area against Weimann against Man City.

Chelsea

For
Torres goal awarded despite being offside against Reading.
David Luiz tackle on Walters, no red shown against Stoke.
Torres not shown straight red for high tackle on Cleverley against Man Utd.

Against
John Terry penalty shout not awarded against QPR.
Eden Hazard penalty shout not awarded against QPR.
Oscar penalty shout not awarded against Stoke.
Torres shown second yellow incorrectly for diving against Man Utd.
Hernandez goal awarded despite being offside against Man Utd.
Suarez push on Ramires in build up to goal against Liverpool.
Moses penalty shout not awarded against West Brom.
Cole goal awarded despite foul on Ivanovic against West Ham.

Everton

For
Victor Anichebe goal given despite handball in build up from Fellaini against Swansea.
Hoilett penalty shout not awarded against QPR.
Throw in incorrectly awarded in build up to Liverpool equaliser.
Suarez goal incorrectly ruled out for offside against Liverpool.

Against
Victor Anichebe shot over line not awarded against Newcastle.
Marouane Fellaini goal incorrectly ruled out for offside against Newcastle.
Kone goal allowed despite being offside against Wigan.
Jelavic penalty shout #1 not awarded against Wigan.
Jelavic penalty shout #2 not awarded against Wigan.
Pienaar penalty second yellow incorrectly awarded against QPR.
Jelavic penalty shout not awarded against QPR.
Suarez not shown red card for tackle on Distin against Livepool.
Morrison handball in area not awarded as a penalty against Reading.
Free kick which led to goal incorrectly awarded against Norwich.
Pienaar penalty shout not awarded against Arsenal.

Fulham

For
Andy Carroll penalty shout not awarded against West Ham.
Riise penalty incorrectly awarded against Man City.
Carlos Tevez penalty shout not awarded against Man City.
Goal incorrectly disallowed for foul on Schwarzer against Southampton.

Against
Penalty awarded for handball incorrectly against Arsenal.

Liverpool

For
Suarez not shown red card for tackle on Distin against Everton.
Suarez push on Ramires in build up to goal against Chelsea.
Suarez not shown red card for stamp on Wigan player.
Throw in incorrectly awarded to Liverpool in build up to goal against Wigan.
Agger goal awarded despite being offside against Southampton.

Against
Glen Johnson penalty shout not awarded against Man City.
Luis Suarez penalty shout not awarded against Arsenal.
Antonio Valencia penalty incorrectly awarded against Man Utd.
Luis Suarez penalty shout not awarded against Norwich.
Huth stamp on Suarez no red card awarded against Stoke.
Throw in incorrectly awarded in build up to Everton equaliser.
Suarez goal incorrectly ruled out for offside against Everton.
Suarez penalty shout not awarded against Newcastle.
Free kick awarded incorrectly that led to goal against Spurs.
Suarez penalty shout not awarded against Spurs.
Suarez penalty shout not awarded against Southampton.

Manchester City

For
Tevez goal awarded despite being offside against Southampton.
Glen Johnson penalty shout not awarded against Liveprool.
Free kick incorrectly awarded for equaliser against Stoke.
Nolan goal incorrectly ruled out for offside against West Ham.
Adebayor penalty shout not awarded against Spurs.
Penalty awarded for Weimann handball in area incorrectly against Aston Villa.

Against
Peter Crouch goal awarded despite handball against Stoke.
Andy Wilkinson elbow on Balotelli no red card awarded against Stoke.
Sergio Aguero penalty shout not awarded against Arsenal.
Riise penalty incorrectly awarded against Fulham.
Carlos Tevez penalty shout not awarded against Fulham.
Gallas handball in area not awarded as a penalty against Spurs.
Zabaleta penalty shout not awarded against Spurs.

Manchester United

For
Danny Welbeck penalty incorrectly awarded against Wigan.
Antonio Valencia penalty incorrectly awarded against Liverpool.
Cisse penalty shout not awarded against Newcastle.
Van Persie elbow no red card awarded against Newcastle.
Torres shown second yellow incorrectly for diving against Chelsea.
Hernandez goal awarded despite being offside against Chelsea.

Against
Nani penalty shout not awarded against Spurs.
Sandro handball in area not awarded as a penalty against Spurs.
Tiote tackle on Cleverley no red card awarded against Newcastle.
Torres not shown straight red for high tackle on Cleverley against Chelsea.
Van Persie shot over line not awarded as a goal against Reading.

Newcastle United

For
Victor Anichebe shot over line not awarded against Everton.
Marouane Fellaini goal incorrectly ruled out for offside against Everton.
Tiote tackle on Cleverley no red card given against Man Utd.
Suarez penalty shout not awarded against Liverpool.

Against
Cisse penalty shout not awarded against Man Utd.
Van Persie elbow no red card awarded against Man Utd.

Norwich City

For
Huddlestone red card incorrectly awarded against Spurs.
Luis Suarez penalty shout not awarded against Liverpool.
Free kick which led to goal incorrectly awarded against Stoke.
Free kick which led to goal incorrectly awarded against Everton.

Against
Robert Green handball outside area, no free kick or card awarded against QPR.
Morrison penalty shout not awarded against Spurs.
Bobby Zamora penalty not retaken despite encroachment against QPR.
Penalty shout not awarded against Aston Villa.
Herd not shown second yellow for late tackle against Aston Villa.
Free kick incorrectly awarded in build up to goal against Southampton.

Queens Park Rangers

For
Robert Green handball outside area, no free kick or card awarded against Norwich.
Bobby Zamora penalty not retaken despite encroachment against Norwich.
John Terry penalty shout not awarded against Chelsea.
Eden Hazard penalty shout not awarded against Chelsea.
Sigurdsson penalty shout not awarded against Spurs.
Pienaar second yellow incorrectly awarded against Everton.
Jelavic penalty shout not awarded against Everton.

Against
Hoilett penalty shout not awarded against Everton.
Arteta foal awarded despite being offside against Arsenal.
Penalty shout not awarded against Reading.

Reading

For
Penalty shout not awarded against QPR.
Morrison handball in area not awarded as a penalty against Everton.
Free kick incorrectly awarded leading to goal against Wigan.
Di Santo goal incorrectly ruled out for offside against Wigan.
Van Persie shot over line not awarded as a goal against Man Utd.

Against
Torres goal awarded despite being offside against Chelsea.
Kyle Walker handball in area not awarded as a penalty against Spurs.
Tabb penalty shout not awarded against Wigan.

Southampton

For
Suarez penalty shout not awarded against Liverpool.
Free kick incorrectly awarded in build up to goal against Norwich.

Against
Tevez goal awarded despite being offside against Man City
Brad Guzan awarded a yellow rather than a red card for penalty decision against Aston Villa.
Goal incorrectly disallowed for foul on Schwarzer against Fulham.
Lallana penalty shout not awarded against Swansea.
Agger goal awarded despite being offside against Liverpool.

Stoke City

For
Wilkinson handball in area, no penalty or red carded awarded against Arsenal (2 decisions)
Peter Crouch goal awarded despite handball against Man City.
Andy Wilkinson elbow on Balotelli no red card awarded against Man City.
Oscar penalty shout not awarded against Chelsea.
Huth stamp on Suarez no red card awarded against Liverpool.

Against
Jermaine Pennant penalty shout not awarded against Arsenal.
Free kick incorrectly awarded for Man City equaliser.
David Luiz tackle on Walters, no red shown against Chelsea.
Free kick which led to goal incorrectly awarded against Norwich.

Sunderland

For
Wayne Routledge penalty shout not awarded against Swansea.
Gomez red card incorrectly awarded against Wigan.
Larsson tackle on Kone no red card awarded against Wigan.

Against
Stephen Fletcher penalty shout not awarded against Swansea.
Chico tackle on James McClean, no red awarded against Swanea.
Ridgewell penalty awarded incorrectly against West Brom.

Swansea City

For
Stephen Fletcher penalty shout not awarded against Sunderland.
Chico tackle on James McClean, no red awarded against Sunderland.
Kone goal incorrectly ruled out for offside against Wigan.
Lallana penalty shout not awarded against Southampton.

Against
Wayne Routledge penalty shout not awarded against Sunderland.
Victor Anichebe goal given despite handball in build up from Fellaini against Everton.

Tottenham Hotspur

For
Morrison penalty shout not awarded against Norwich.
Kyle Walker handball in area not awarded as a penalty against Reading.
Nani penalty shout not awarded against Man Utd.
Sandro handball in area not awarded as a penalty against Man Utd.
Gallas handball in area not awarded as a penalty against Man City.
Zabaleta penalty shout not awarded against Man City.
Free kick awarded incorrectly that led to goal against Liverpool.
Suarez penalty shout not awarded against Liveprool.

Against
Huddlestone red card incorrectly awarded against Norwich.
Sigurdsson penalty shout not awarded against QPR.
Adebayor penalty shout not awarded against Man City.

West Bromwich Albion

For
Moses penalty shout not awarded against Chelsea.
Ridgewell penalty awarded incorrectly against Sunderland.

Against
Albrighton handball in area not awarded as a penalty against Aston Villa.

West Ham United

For
Cole goal awarded despite foul on Ivanovic against Chelsea.

Against
Andy Carroll penalty shout not awarded against Fulham.
Nolan goal incorrectly ruled out for offside against Man City.

Wigan Athletic

For
Kone goal allowed despite being offside against Everton.
Jelavic penalty shout #1 not awarded against Everton.
Jelavic penalty shout #2 not awarded against Everton.
Tabb penalty shout not awarded against Reading.

Against
Danny Welbeck penalty incorrectly awarded against Man Utd.
Gomez red card incorrectly awarded against Sunderland.
Larsson tackle on Kone no red card awarded against Sunderland.
Kone goal incorrectly ruled out for offside against Swansea.
Suarez not shown red card for stamp on Wigan player.
Throw in incorrectly awarded to Liverpool in build up to goal.
Free kick incorrectly awarded leading to Reading goal.
Di Santo goal incorrectly ruled out for offside against Reading.

Tottenham Hotspur – Liverpool

Free Kick For Spurs Goal

Simon M – A pretty pathetic dive from a player that has had a pretty pathetic season. I loved Henderson’s reaction, not aggressive, almost embarrassed for Dempsey and the ref.

Simon F – Henderson barely touches Dempsey, he certainly doesn’t impede him and no way should this have been a free kick.

David – Even with the arms up and moving into an impeding stance, this is just a dive in my eyes. Simply not enough contact to merit the fall.

Michael – It’s a dive, and not a very pretty one at that. It seems dives like this only get a mention if they are made by Luis Suarez or Gareth Bale, but this one was as shameful as anything else we have seen this season.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Gerrard Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – Included this because the commentator considered it a possible penalty. It wasn’t.

Simon F – A very slight touch in the back, but not enough for a foul, in my opinion.

David – Gerrard’s past him and I think the defender gives him a quick shove with the forearm as a result. Penalty.

Michael – It is one of those where I think there was contact and a nudge but not enough to warrant a foul. Gerrard just wasn’t strong enough.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Suarez Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – I think I would have given this. Gallas catches his ankle and Suarez is about to shoot, reputation preceding him once again.

Simon F – Almost certainly a case of Suárez’s reputation going before him. Gallas catches his ankle and while, from the distance he is at, I can understand the referee not giving it, Liverpool should have had a penalty.

David – Hmm. He makes contact with the ball alright, but I still consider this a trip. Penalty.

Michael – CHEAT! Diver! Ready the stake for morning and let the vile rat burn for his heresy! Etc Etc Etc. Or something like that, anyway. That is what we are supposed to do whenever Suarez dares leave his feet, I’m told. Nothing in it at all, but it wasn’t a dive either.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Wigan – Manchester City

Gomez Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – If he had gone down after the barge into his back I think I might have given it, he doesn’t and waits a few seconds and waits for some more contact and then throws himself down. No penalty for me.

Simon F – The first contact between them is just two players battling for the ball, and the second, when Zabaleta puts his arm around Gomez, is not anywhere near enough to warrant a penalty or the theatrics from Gomez. Good call by the referee

David – He gets a forearm in the back, then a bit of shirt pulling/arms around him. Enough for me. Penalty.

Michael – I don’t think you can reasonably give a penalty for that, personally. Looked like Gomez felt a little contact and tried his luck by going down. One straight from the Michael Owen school of ‘I don’t dive if I was touched’. Or, to put it another way, a dive.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Everton – Arsenal

Pienaar Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – Tough one, but it certainly looks like Arteta has his hands on Pienaar and is pulling him back. I think I would have awarded the penalty for it.

Simon F – A tight call, but I’d give this one as a penalty. I think Pienaar has been pulled back by his shoulder and it does put him off balance as he was trying to shoot.

David – His arm is just in a bizarre place. But can’t see him grabbing the shirt, and Pienaar only falls when the ball has bounced away from his control. I’ll err on the side of the ref here.

Michael – This one is a REALLY tough one to call. Someone gets a nick on the ball just before Pienaar goes down but I am struggling to figure out who exactly. I think that given the stakes involved you have to err on the side of caution in such situations and give the defender the benefit of the doubt.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Southampton – Norwich

Free Kick For Southampton Goal

Simon M – Woeful decision, really, really poor.

Simon F – I’m genuinely struggling to see what this was awarded for. Is there contact made or has the Southampton player simply fallen over? No free kick either way.

David – Can’t see the contact. Dive for me.

Michael – A bad decision. I don’t think the defender did much wrong there. Another player going down far too easily and another ref conned. Poor.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Free Kick For Norwich Goal

Simon M – Snodgrass falls into the tackle, but if he hadn’t I think he would have been cleaned out. It’s late, doesn’t get the ball and I think a free kick was the right decision.

Simon F – Well this referee had a stinker, didn’t he? Awful decision, Snodgrass has simply fallen into & over the defender’s leg.

David – I think this is a bit late and a foul.

Michael – Looks like one of those where the change of the ball’s direction suggests that the defender won enough of it to be deemed a tackle rather than a foul. I think Southampton were badly done too, but got a little comeuppance given the manner of their earlier goal.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Reading – Manchester United

Evans Penalty (Given and Scored)

Simon M – This is almost hilarious. What on earth was Tabb thinking about? He just cleans Evans out and the referee had no option.

Simon F – Wow, that’s bad defending. No questions, nailed on penalty.

David – I suppose he was looking for a shoulder charge, but misses horribly. Shoulder connects behind Evans’ shoulder, his back, and sends him flying. Poor defending and certainly a penalty.

Michael – Clear penalty for me. I have said it a few times here but if a player positions himself between the opponent and the ball then that opponent has to come around him if he wants it, not through him like the Reading defender did here.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Reading Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – Good tackle from Evra, he doesn’t go through the man, but steps into the ball and wins in cleanly. Excellent defending and refereeing.

Simon F – Evra wins the ball cleanly, then the Reading man tumbles when he realises he’s lost it and feels the contact. Good defending, good refereeing.

David – I think that’s an excellent tackle, one of the rarer moments of good play from the United defence recently. Gets his leg in front, doesn’t buckle the Reading mans legs at all.

Michael – Right on cue, here is a defender coming around a player to get the ball. Good tackle. Good decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Van Persie Shot Possibly Over Line

Simon M – Never going to be too critical of the officials when a ball is struck with such venom and there are so many players around the ball, but it’s clearly over the line and should have been awarded.

Simon F – ‘Possibly’ over the line? No possibly about it, Man Utd should have had a goal here.

David – RVP’s shot goes in with such speed, and bounces off the defender with such speed, that this could not have been spotted with just eyeballs. But it was well over the line. Should have been a goal.

Michael – Definitely over the line. A tough one for the officials as it happened so quickly, but these are the kinds of decisions football needs to be finding a way to get right.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

West Ham – Chelsea

Cech Handball Outside Area (Yellow Given)

Simon M – Understand why it’s a yellow, but he has time to change his run and train of thought and he’s denying a goalscoring opportunity. I think I would have shown red.

Simon F – Correct decision. Outside the penalty area goalkeeper’s are subject to the same rules as outfield players concerning handball, and Cech was not denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity, and therefore a yellow card was the right decision.

David – Considering that his hand stopped the West Ham player from getting a head to the ball, with the goal vacant and other players around, I’d consider this a scoring opportunity. Should have seen Red.

Michael – I think a yellow card is the right decision here. He is trying to handle the ball but probably doesn’t know for sure it is outside of his area. He also hasn’t denied anyone a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Cole Possible Foul In Build Up To Goal

Simon M – He’s climbing all over Ivanovic, who does back into him, but there’s no way someone hangs in the air for that long without gaining leverage from an opponent.

Simon F – Cole clearly stops Ivanovic from challenging for the ball and the goal should have been disallowed.

David – The attacker has to go for this header, but he does climb all over the defender in the process. He doesn’t have to do that, he’s getting an unfair advantage by limiting the defenders movement. Free for me.

Michael – High ball that is no one’s by right and two players with an equal chance to win it. One of them just wants to win it more, that’s all. Good goal. Goalkeeper should have cleared both men out and made the contest irrelevant, though.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Arsenal – Swansea

Chico Last Man Tackle

Simon M – Wonderful tackle, it’s from the side, last ditch and perfectly timed. Good decision from the referee too.

Simon F – Another borderline one. Chico does get a touch on the ball, then the momentum of the two players brings them together. I’m on the side of the referee and saying this wasn’t a foul

David – He does get the ball. That’s mostly immaterial. He still trips the attacker in the process, when he could have ran on to the loose ball and scored. A foul, and whatever comes after – free, penalty, red card.

Michael – Chico gets a good solid toe on the ball and wins it cleanly. A very fine piece of defending.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Manchester City – Everton

Dzeko Penalty (Given and Scored)

Simon M – Theatrical dive, but we’ve discussed before how players sometimes need to be theatrical because if they aren’t then referees ignore fouls that aren’t really nasty. Penalty.

Simon F – Fellaini clearly tugs on Dzeko’s shirt and arm and there was no doubt this was a penalty.

David – Fellaini is pulling his shirt and holding his arm, even if the fall was comical. Foul.

Michael – Another baffling penalty decision at the Etihad. If you give a penalty for that, we’d might as well give in and start giving penalties instead of corners just to save on time.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Liverpool – Southampton

Suarez Penalty Shout (Not Given)

Simon M – Another Suarez penalty shout, i’m going to add him into the decisions table on his own. His shorts are tugged back and in my book that’s a foul.

Simon F – Suárez was clearly impeded and although he still got a shot away, it wasn’t as clean a shot as he could have had were the defender not trying to climb into his shorts. It should have been a penalty.

David – Shorts being pulled. Pretty clear cut. Penalty.

Michael – I had to take a few views just to find anything wrong with this, but the tug on the shorts is quite clear in the end. Whether it was enough to impede Suarez in any way is another question entirely, though, and the fact he got his shot away from solid footing suggests not. No penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Agger Possibly Offside For Goal

Simon M – Slightly off, but off nonetheless.

Simon F – A very tight call and difficult to tell from the camera angle, but I think Agger is just offside. Certainly not one that I’m going to criticise the officials for missing, but I think it was wrong.

David – As the ball is played his upper body is ahead of the last defender. Offside.

Michael – If is a VERY difficult one to know for certain. Good goal I think. Just.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Jamie Mackie of Queens Park Rangers celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford on November 24, 2012 in Manchester, England.

Man Utd – QPR

Mackie Goal Disallowed For Offside

Simon M – He’s offside. Clearly offside. What more can I say?

Simon F – Not by much but he is offside.

Callum – Not as close as the commentator thinks for me, clearly offside, the correct decision.

David – Head and foot are in front of the last defender, so he’s offside.

Michael – Nice easy one to start off, that’s what we like! Clear offside. Not a lot to add to that, really.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Romelu Lukaku of West Brom scores to make it 3-1 during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion at the Stadium of Light on November 24, 2012 in Sunderland, England.

Sunderland – West Brom

Free Kick For Sunderland Goal

Simon M – Poor challenge, he clearly knocks Sessegnon off his stride and doesn’t get anywhere near the ball.

Simon F – It’s a soft one, but I think Sessegnon is impeded enough to warrant a free kick.

Callum – Well he hasn’t won the ball, don’t see why it shouldn’t be a free-kick, the challenge was clumsy.

David – He sticks the leg out and causes him to stumble, but Sunderland seemed to retain possession. One of those occasions when I’d like to see some advantage but I suppose it was enough for a free, technically.

Michael – The first nibble was definitely a foul for me. Nothing malicious in it but doesn’t win the ball and does enough to deprive Sessegnon of his balance.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Ridgewell Penalty (Given & Scored)

Simon M – Woeful decision. Amazing that there wasn’t a big fuss made about this, had it been Ashley Young or Luis Suarez then the internet would have exploded. The worst part isn’t the fact that the referee gets it wrong, which is terrible, but that the MOTD commentator calls it “clever”. What?

Simon F – Never in a month of Sundays. Ridgewell just drops to his knees without any contact or impediment and conned the ref.

Callum – As soon as I’d seen it I thought, ‘dive’. Looks like I called it correctly, should no way of been given and Ridgewell should have been booked for it and all.

David – It’s a total dive. Falls when he realises he won’t get the ball past the defender.

Michael – If this had been Luis Suarez then we would still be hearing about it now. Johnson goes to block the expected cross – no more – and doesn’t get anywhere near the ball or man. It was a dive. Cheating doesn’t get any more transparent. It was at an absolutely crucial stage of the game too. Some might say that if you go to ground in the box and get nowhere near the ball then you only have yourself to blame but last time I checked not being close to the ball was not an offence in football.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

WIGAN, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Ronnie Stam (L) of Wigan in action with Nicky Shorey of Reading during the Barclays Premier League match between Wigan Athletic and Reading at the DW Stadium on November 24, 2012 in Wigan, England.

Wigan – Reading

Free Kick For Reading Goal

Simon M – I think he’s caught, there’s not much in it, but travelling at the speed he is travelling even the slightest touch was going to send him flying.

Simon F – Not the easiest one to tell but I don’t think there’s anything in this to give a foul for.

Callum – Think the Reading player has slipped over, from the camera angle given anyway. Would not had given it myself.

David – That looks really soft to me. The ball was going out anyway, so I’d say the Reading man has chanced it and won the free.

Michael – Doesn’t look enough in it for me to be a foul. Just looks like he knew he was going nowhere so chanced his arm by doing down. Bad call.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Tabb Penalty Shout

Simon M – The defender stands on Tabb’s foot and Tabb goes down, somewhat theatrically. I think this should have been a penalty, but no doubt the referee’s view would have been obscured by the number of players chasing the ball. Still a penalty, though.

Simon F – Tabb clearly gets his ankle caught, he doesn’t help himself by going down rather theatrically, but it should have been a penalty nonetheless.

Callum – Penalty. Nowhere near the ball, and clips Tabb, Reading should have been given a penalty here.

David – Another exaggerated fall, but he caught him as he was going through. Has to be a spot-kick. Moreover, if the Ref doesn’t think it’s a penalty, then it has to be a dive and a yellow, surely?

Michael – I think that is a penalty. One of those where even if he didn’t catch him he has impeded him enough without winning the ball for it to warrant a foul.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Di Santo Goal Disallowed For Offside

Simon M – Really poor from the officials. We often talk about tight calls, but the way Reading’s defence is positioned means that it’s clear to see along the line and see that Beausejour is onside and Di Santo is onside too. Shocking decision from the linesman.

Simon F – It’s a very, very tight call but I don’t think Beasejour if offside and the goal should have stood.

Callum – Looks onside to me.

David – So hard to tell. His left foot might be beyond the last defender but the angle of the camera can fool you in these situations. I think I’d call it onside.

Michael – I think this was a shocking decision. The attacker looks to be in line with three of the defenders and behind the other. The linesman is very well positioned too and the Reading defence has made it easy for him with their relatively strong line. If we can’t expect officials to get this one right, then we can’t expect anything.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Leon Osman of Everton moves away from Bradley Johnson of Norwich City during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Norwich City at Goodison Park on November 24, 2012 in Liverpool, England.

Everton – Norwich

Free Kick For Norwich Goal

Simon M – Second time this season Everton have suffered at the hands of a ghost foul, a foul that isn’t even a tackle just a player falling over. Baines is behind the attacker, the attacker slips and the referee blows the whistle. Incredible.

Simon F – There may have been a very, very slight push in the back from Baines, but I’m not convinced. Either way, what made Morison fall over was his complete fresh air shot at the ball. No foul.

Callum – He may have slipped, but don’t go pushing someone in the back. Silly foul to make.

David – This is a bizarre one for me. The way he goes down is comically unnatural, but Baines does have his hands up and pushing into his back, even if it’s almost negligible. It’s a foul, albeit as unnecessary as they come.

Michael – I’m not having that at all. Good grief. I have watched it a few times and still can’t see what Baines did wrong. Can only assume it was a pity-free-kick for the fall. Awful.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Damien Duff of Fulham battles with Geoff Cameron of Stoke City during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Fulham at the Britannia Stadium on November 24, 2012 in Stoke on Trent, England.

Stoke – Fulham

Jones Goal Disallowed For Offside

Simon M – I’m tempted to give this as incorrect, purely because I feel sorry for Kenwyne Jones and how woeful he is. I can’t though. He’s clearly offside, a good yard or so in it.

Simon F – Just strayed offside, so a good call by the assistant.

Callum – Good yard offside there. Correct decision.

David – Yup, both the “scorer” and two other Stoke players are on the wrong side of the defence.

Michael – Ahhh, good old reliable offside. The oasis of fact in an ocean of opinion. Great thing about offside is that there is very little grey area about it. It either is or it isn’t, and this one quite clearly is. Correct decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Olivier Giroud of Arsenal and Ron Vlaar of Aston Villa battle for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on November 24, 2012 in Birmingham, England.

Aston Villa – Arsenal

Weimann Goal Disallowed For Offside

Simon M – Quite a few offsides this week and thankfully the majority are quite clear cut. This one is pretty obviously offside.

Simon F – Offside, no more to be said.

Callum – Offside. Doesn’t help that MOTD put the line in the wrong place though.

David – Even with the deflection, he’s “gaining an advantage” by being where he is, which is in an offside position according to the FIFA rulebook.

Michael – Another nice and kind offside call. Definitely off. Not by much, mind you.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Agbonlahor Penalty Shout

Simon M – Perfect example of a sliding tackle and winning the ball properly. No need to dive through the air, use both feet or go in studs up. A brilliant tackle and proof that good tackling is still alive and well and acknowledged by officials in the Premier Legaue.

Simon F – A case of a cleanly won tackle, then two players’ momentum carrying them into each other. No foul.

Callum – Good tackle, won the ball. No penalty.

David – I think this is a good tackle. It’s a fine line between lunging in and being correct, but the defender doesn’t scythe in to Agbonlahor’s legs or anything, he just gets in front of him.

Michael – The defender wins the ball before clearing out the man. Great tackle and a great decision by the referee.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Demba Ba of Newcastle is challenged by Adam Lallana of Southampton during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium on November 25, 2012 in Southampton, England.

Southampton – Newcastle

Fonte Tackle On Cisse (Yellow Given)

Simon M – I think it’s high, I think it’s unnecessary and I think his studs are showing. No other option other than to show a red, in my opinion.

Simon F – I think in this case the officials got it right. Fonte doesn’t jump in, his foot is high, but for me it lands in the zone marked “reckless” rather than excessive force.

Callum – Had Cisse gone over rolling around, I’m fairly sure it would have been a red. I would have given a red for it too.

David – I’m inclined to agree with the ref here. He’s on the ground, only one foot, nothing malicious. A foul certainly, but a red would have been very harsh.

Michael – I think a yellow card is just about spot-on for this. His foot ends up being high, admittedly, but that is more because it bounces up off something (possibly his other leg), and only after both ball and man have gone. Foul for being a little late and overly aggressive, but no more.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

SWANSEA, WALES – NOVEMBER 25: Swansea City player Ki Sung-Yueng in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Liverpool at Liberty Stadium on November 25, 2012 in Swansea, Wales.

Swansea – Liverpool

Enrique Goal Disallowed For Offside

Simon M – He gives the officials what for after this decision, not sure why because it’s a very good call on a very tight decision.

Simon F – Am I allowed to vote this one incorrect simply on the basis that Liverpool REALLY need the win? No? Enrique was just offside and the goal was correctly ruled out.

Callum – Just offside. Correct decision.

David – That is close alright, but I think his left leg is across the line at least. Offside, just.
Michael – Again, this one isn’t offside by much but it is definitely offside. Only one part of his body that can legally score a goal needs to be in an offside position and that is just about all there is in it, but offside nonetheless.

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.

Adebayor Red Card

Simon M – I didn’t see too many people arguing with this decision, not even Spurs fans and the focus of attention was on Adebayor’s attitude and what possessed him to go in like that when his team looked to be taking control of the game.

Simon F – I fail to see how anybody could claim that this was an incorrect decision. Adebayor jumped into the tackle and deserved to go.

David – Awful, reckless, mistimed, high, studs up. He has to go.

Callum – Red card, feet high, late etc. No complaints.

Michael – Not expecting many arguments about this one. It has high, unnecessary, and very very nasty indeed. Definite red.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Olsson’s possible handball in area

Simon M – Really tough one. Olsson has his arms down by his side, but he does lean in towards the ball and it definitely strikes his arm. I’m going to side with the officials. His arm doesn’t move towards the ball, he does and he is trying to make sure his arms are out of the action zone.

Simon F – Although Olsson had his hands down by his sides, he leaned into the ball and it hit his arm, that is intent for me and should have been a penalty.

David – His arm is down, he’s moving to get it out of the way. Accidental. No penalty.

Callum – Moves his arm towards it, and I’d be inclined to say yes that’s a handball, but his hands are by his side and he’s trying to chest the ball. No penalty.

Michael – Olsson does seem to have moved towards the ball to block it, but the arm itself hasn’t moved an inch. I don’t think you can give a handball for that.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Moses’ Penalty shout

Simon M – Crazy decision from the referee. The defender is staring straight at Moses and his intentions are clear. He just barges him over and doesn’t even pretend that he’s going for the ball. Laughable.

Simon F – Incorrect decision. And a staggering one at that. Moses is simply flattened and Chelsea for the second time were denied a penalty.

David – There is usually a bit of leeway given for “shepherding” in situations like this, or for a “fair shoulder”. But the defender only has eyes for Moses as he runs into him, shoulder to chest. That crosses the line, for me, into illegal obstruction. Penalty.

Callum – Looks like a penalty to me, didn’t try and play the ball, just went for Moses. Should have been given a penalty.

Michael – I think that’s a penalty. For me, the deciding factor is that the defender is looking directly at the man and seems to have no regard for the ball. If that one isn’t a foul, then I don’t know what is.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

City Penalty #1

Simon M – Lost for words on this one. Without doubt the worst decision of the season so far. Terrible.

Simon F – The ball isn’t even that close to Weimann’s arm, and the referee should have spotted the nudge from the City attacker anyway. An awful decision.

David – For the “handball”, I can’t see any contact. If that’s what the ref gave it for, I think he’s wrong.

Callum – Strange one, doesn’t look like there was anything to give. Wouldn’t have given it myself. Handball you say? Nope, not for me, he was fouled leading up to it.

Michael – Watched it about 8 times now and I still can’t see any offence at all. Disgraceful decision. If anything at all, it was the Villa defender on the near post who was fouled.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

City Penalty #2

Simon M – Feel a bit sorry for Bannan with this decision, but the referee had no choice, but to award the penalty. Unlucky, but correct.

Simon F – I have sympathy for Bannan on this one, but it was a penalty for me.

David – Hmm. He doesn’t mean to, and his arm is out for balance. Significant deflection of the ball though. Tough to call, but I’ll side with the ref. Penalty.

Callum – That is a handball. Penalty, the correct decision.

Michael – Slightly torn on this one. He is making an obvious effort to get his hand out of the way, but it is one hell of an important touch with the arm. If I was pushed, I’d err on the side of caution and not give it.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Morrison’s possible Handball in area

Simon M – His arms are all over the place there. You might argue ball to hand, but his hands aren’t in a natural position and I’m afraid I’d have to award a penalty here.

Simon F – His arm is up as he dives in for the block. I’d have given a penalty for this.

David – He’s turning to try and show his back, the ball is coming towards him at speed. I wouldn’t give it.

Callum – Handball, red card. Simple.

Michael – This one seems quite clearly to be a ball to hand rather than hand to ball situation. We say it every week but the ball hitting your hand is not an offence on its own. No penalty. I might actually advocate giving a penalty for handball some day. May be.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Free kick for Reading Goal

Simon M – Goes through the back of him. It’s a niggly foul, but a foul nonetheless.

Simon F – There’s just about enough in this one for me to side with the referee and say it was a foul. On a side note, when the hell did Everton sign Hitzlsperger?

David – Looks like he barges into the back of him. Distant angle, but I agree with the ref.

Callum – I would have given it, there’s contact and he’s come in from behind. Free kick the correct decision.

Michael – I dare say I’d have given that. I think the Reading player gets himself in front of the defender, so is entitled to his own footing. Nothing malicious or sinister, but a foul nonetheless.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Le Fondre Penalty

Simon M – Poor defending and, as we so often see, the defender goes too far in trying to make up for his mistake. Coleman jumps straight into the back of Le Fondre and sends him flying, clear penalty.

Simon F – Utterly brainless defending from Coleman, possibly a contender for the ‘Gary Caldwell Award for Idiotic Defending’ this season.

David – The way he jumps is very odd if he means to make a fair challenge. I always think frees for contested headers are awarded too much, but I think this is an example where the contact is over the top and an infringement of the rules. Penalty.

Callum – No brainer. Penalty. Straight into the back of him.

Michael – Very similar situation to the free kick we have just discussed. Le Fondre gets himself in front of the defender to receive the pass so if Coleman wants it, he has to go round him, not through him. Instead, he jumped into his back and knocked him over. Penalty kick.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Possible Red Card for Suarez

Simon M – We were accused of an anti-Liverpool bias this week, which I found hilarious because I’ve been talking about Suarez’s rep affecting the decisions against him all season long. This isn’t one that I feel I need to defend him. I think it’s an honest challenge that goes wrong. I don’t think it’s dangerous, intentional or out of control, but was poorly timed and looked a lot worse than it actually was. It’s very similar to the Distin tackle a couple of weeks ago, but the difference is I felt that was intentional and deserved a red, this didn’t.

Simon F – Over the ball, late, endangering his opponent. As in the incident with Distin the other week, I don’t think it was deliberate, just woefully mistimed and dangerous, and deserving of a red card.

David – Late, studs onto the foot, dangerous. Red card.

Callum – Ugly stamp, red card in my opinion.

Michael – Much as I dislike giving Suarez the benefit of the doubt – ever – I think there is more than enough to suggest that the ball was his main thought here. I could have lived with a yellow for that challenge as it turned into something nasty, but not dangerous or intentional or using excessive force, so no justification for a red card.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Throw in build up to Liverpool goal

Simon M – Throw in should have gone Wigan’s way, but it was the slightest of flicks off Suarez and I do have sympathy for the officials because it would have been difficult to catch.

Simon F – The ball definitely flicks off Suarez and Wigan should have had the throw in.

David – It hits Suarez’ head. Should have been a throw to Wigan.

Callum – Wigan should have had the throw in there, but the contact is the slightest, not sure I would have seen it in real time myself.

Michael – Definitely takes a flick off Suarez so should have been a Wigan throw. Not sure it mattered that much, though. Wigan still had a chance to defend it.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Hangeland Red Card

Simon M – If I do a flying kung-fu kick through the air and kick the ball at the same time as kicking someone’s nose off, I’d get a red card. Jumping through the air, both feet off the ground, out of control and in a dangerous manner deserves a red card, getting the ball means naff all.

Simon F – Will commentators PLEASE stop trying to excuse tackles like this by saying “he got the ball”. Hangeland jumped in, a textbook case of excessive force and absolutely deserved his red card. Whether he got the ball or not is completely beside the point.

David – “Getting the ball” is immaterial here. I think is a dangerous, off the ground lunge, studs to foot. Red card was deserved.

Callum – Nope. Feet on the floor by the time contact made with the ball, one footed. Won the ball, not a sending off.

Michael – I think this was a fairly honest challenge but the moment Hangeland brought his second foot into the tackle, it crossed that line into ‘excessive force’. Everything else then becomes immaterial – including the fact he got a fair chunk of the ball.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Fletcher goal ruled out for Offside

Simon M – Clearly offside, no discussion needed.

Simon F – A clear offside and well called by the official.

David – Well offside.

Callum – Definitely offside, no question.

Michael – Definitely offside. As clear as you want it.

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.

Arsenal – Fulham

Ruiz Penalty

Simon M – An out of character mistake from Arteta and some desperate defending from the Spaniard to make up for it. I think it’s clear that he’s all over Ruiz and Ruiz does well to stay on his feet as long as he does.

Simon F – A clear penalty, Arteta bundles Ruiz over after losing the ball.

David – Pulling the shirt, pushing with the forearm, certainly a foul. Started outside the box though, so I think it should have been a free.

Callum – Ruiz has got lucky there, as the foul started outside.

Michael – Arm around midriff pulling Ruiz back, other arm on between his shoulders pushing him down, and very little detectable interest in the ball. One of the easiest penalty decisions you’ll see.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Arshavin Penalty

Simon M – He’s tucking his arm in behind his back and moving his arm away from the ball, yet the referee seems to indicate that he’s moving it towards the ball. Bizarre decision.

Simon F – Very harsh, the defender’s arm is down by his side and he’s attempting to get it even further out of the way. Not a penalty for me.

David – Arms down, it’s just not an unnatural position, I think he moves to get it out of the way. As frustrating as it can be for the team that see’s a cross deflected, this isn’t a penalty. Incorrect decision.

Callum – Now that’s unfortunate. The defender was putting his arm behind his back, unfairly penalised.

Michael – Ah the mandatory handball penalty shout! Seems very harsh to me. Barely enough time for the defender to react at all and with what time he has he is clearly trying to get his hand out of the way. I wouldn’t have given it.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Southampton – Swansea

Lallana Penalty Shout #1

Simon M – I don’t think I see anything that would make a player go down here. It looks like there might be contact coming in and Lallana prepares for it by going to ground.

Simon F – Lallana clearly anticipates that he’s going to be taken out and goes does, straight out of the Gareth Bale school of diving.

David – I’ve replayed this loads of times. I’m not convinced there is contact.

Callum – One day, Ashley Williams will give away a penalty. Lucky to get away with that, but I can see why it hasn’t been given.

Michael – I don’t think there was much in this one. Looked to me as if Lallana was going nowhere and decided to chance his arm. No Penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Lallana Penalty Shout #2

Simon M – Obstruction is a bit of a bug bear for me, defenders shouldn’t be expected to move out of the way and let attackers play through e.g. the Evans penalty in the Man Utd Braga game, but it’s completely different if the defender deliberately moves into the path of the attacker and blocks him, which Monk does.

Simon F – It’s just inside the penalty area, and Monk delivers a textbook ice hockey hip-check on Lallana. A definite penalty.

David – I can’t see this as just a coming together, I think he moves his body in such a way as to deliberately impede the attacked without going for the ball. Penalty.

Callum – Now that’s a penalty. Monk hasn’t even tried to play the ball, and has fouled Lallana. Incorrect decision.

Michael – Definite penalty this one. The defender touched the ball but touching the ball does not necessarily equate to winning the ball.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Man City – Spurs

Adebayor Penalty Shout

Simon M – I think i’d have given this, Adebayor is barged over and whilst he might not have made much of the play or got to the ball he was denied the opportunity to at least try and make a go of it.

Simon F – Adebayor is clearly given a little shove out of the way, preventing him from challenging for the ball. Borderline, but I’d have given a penalty.

David – I think he gets shoved here, by the right arm of Kompany. I’d give it.

Callum – If anything, there should be a penalty for that Kung-Fu kick on Lennon. Think there’s case for the penalty shout too, as he’s been sandwiched there.

Michael – I think Adebayor needs to be stronger here. Nothing wrong with a bit of a physical tussle and the defender was simply stronger and eased him out of the way. Good defending. No penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Gallas Possible Handball In Area

Simon M – His arm is up in the air and out to the side for no apparent reason, with the ball being blocked by that arm I think a penalty has to be given.

Simon F – There’s not much distance between defender and ball, but his arm is out, away from his body when there is no need for it, so I’d have given a penalty.

David – Arm up high, significant deflection of ball to his advantage…penalty for me

Callum – Handball. Should have been given.

Michael – I’ll refer to my ‘hand ball check list’ here immediately and it fails the first test – there was no time for the defender to react and give us any indication as to whether or not it was preventable. Therefore, I don’t think you can give a penalty against him.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Zabaleta Penalty Shout

Simon M – Blimey. I watched this game and the officials had a shocker, three incorrect penalty decisions and countless incorrect offside calls. This is a stonewaller.

Simon F – How this wasn’t given is beyond me. Huddlestone makes no attempt to get the ball, simply runs into Zabaleta. One of the proverbial ‘stonewall’ penalties.

David – Defender knows exactly what he is doing here. He runs into Zabaleta, because he knows the City man is clean past him if he doesn’t. Penalty.

Callum – That’s a penalty as well. Huddlestone has made very little attempt to win the ball, only trying to take Zabaleta out of the game.

Michael – Very difficult to make a case in defence of Tom Huddlestone on this one. His focus is singularly on taking out the man. It was not canny defending like ushering him away from the ball or easing him off it. It was just an obvious piece of foul play. I don’t think this could have been any more a blatant penalty if he had raised an eyebrow and Rock Bottomed him.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Chelsea – Liverpool

Possible Suarez Push During Goal

Simon M – Not a lot you can say about this other than the fact that Suarez clearly pushes Ramires away and wouldn’t have had such an easy chance if he hadn’t done so. Clear penalty.

Simon F – Ramires has hold of Suarez’s shirt, Suarez gives Ramires a shove, both could be given as fouls but which takes precedent? Suarez’s is the more obvious infringement and despite my Liverpool bias, should probably have seen the goal ruled out.

David – He shoves him. No question about it. Should have been a free.

Callum – Possible? That’s a fairly blatant push, had I seen it I would had given a foul.

Michael – If a defender did that, I’d urge the forward to man up and be stronger. As with the Adebayor one, tussles happen in the box and you can let them go to a certain extent. I just see that as good play from Suarez.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

West Ham – Newcastle

Taylor Penalty Shout

Simon M – The defender jumps straight at Taylor, rather than the ball. I really dislike Steven Taylor, so it hurts to have to say that he was done out of a penalty here.

Simon F – How embarrassing, to have been beaten by Steven Taylor’s movement. Having been done by Taylor, the defender does give him a shove in the back and he should have conceded a penalty.

David – Now, this I think is accidental contact. The defender has eyes for the ball, and bangs into Taylor as a result.

Callum – Think he’s looking for that. Wouldn’t give that.

Michael – Interesting theme of Premier League footballers being tarts in the box this week. It’s a contact sport, gentlemen. No penalty again for me.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Ba Shot Possibly Over Line

Simon M – We include these because they are big debatable decisions, but without goalline cameras it’s impossible to tell whether or not they have crossed the line. For me it looks like it has, but I wouldn’t want to say for definite and so i’ll side with the officials.

Simon F – It’s very difficult to tell without a camera on the goal line, the angle from five yards out can be very deceiving. I have to side with the officials on this one.

David – It’s not the best angle, but I think the whole of the ball is not over the line.

Callum – Looks over the line at first, but then the second replay shows the save taking the ball down, moreso than back into play.

Michael – Very difficult to tell. The video isn’t conclusive after multiple showings, so we can’t really expect the human eye to be sure. I don’t think an official can give that.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Santi Cazorla of Arsenal reacts after a missed chance on goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and QPR at The Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2012 in London, England.

Manchester United – Arsenal

Cazorla Handball (Penalty Awarded)

Simon M – I saw the internet’s biggest whopper, FourFourTom, claiming that this shouldn’t have been a penalty because protecting your face is allowed. That’s fair enough, shame Cazorla’s face isn’t half an arm’s length higher than his head.

Simon F – His arms are high and there’s no justifiable reason for that. A clear penalty in my view.

David – Arms up high, can’t be considered natural, significant deflection of the ball. Has to be penalty.

Callum – Looks like enough of a handball to award a penalty. Would have given a yellow card at most.

Michael – Handballs can often be a tricky business but I am not sure Cazorla left the referee with any option here. He was far enough away from the ball to react and react he did – by flinging his arms towards it

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Wilshere Two Yellow Cards

Simon M – That second one is really nasty, maybe just short of a straight red, but both tackles combined were worthy of two yellows.

Simon F – Both were nailed on yellow cards for me and Wilshere can have no complaints about either.

David – Both yellows, with the second being a case for a straight red. Clumsy, late tackles with injury potential.

Callum – First foul was a yellow card, however, I don’t think that the second foul was worthy, other than it being his ‘final warning’. He’s trying to win the ball and gets there, before reaching Evra.

Michael – There will be those who will argue that there should be a place in the game for tackles like the first, but that is immaterial. The fact is that right now there isn’t. If the referee had brandished a red card for the second challenge alone which was high and pretty dangerous, I am pretty sure he could have found some sound justification for it in the rule book. Wilshere can have no complaints.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Bryan Ruiz of Fulham (R) in action with Leon Osman of Everton during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Everton at Craven Cottage on November 3, 2012 in London, England.

Fulham – Everton

Free Kick For First Fulham Goal

Simon M – On first viewing this looks a little soft, but then you watch the replays a few times and see how Neville reacts to it. He knows he’s caught Berbatov and he knew a free kick was going to be rightly awarded.

Simon F – I think this is a foul. Berbatov is caught and the referee got it right.

David – Neville puts his hand up straight away, he knows what he did. Kicks Berbatov’s leg and gets nowhere near the ball.

Callum – Looks like a foul to me. Nothing of the ball, all of Berbatov. Correct decision.

Michael – Seems a pretty bog standard ‘kick a flair player to punish him for making us look silly’ kind of challenge from Neville. Nothing malicious or shocking about about it. It was just a seasoned old-school response from the most seasoned of old-school players. But a foul nonetheless.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Swansea – Chelsea

Hazard Penalty Shout

Simon M – It’s not as blatant as some of the penalties we’re seen this season, but there does seem to be an awful lot of pushing and shoving going on into the back of Hazard. I think I would have given it.

Simon F – It’s one of those where if it happened against my team I’d probably be shouting for a penalty in the heat of the moment, but looking at it objectively I can’t see the justification for one and I’m siding with the referee

David – I’m just not sure about this one. This is pressure on Hazard, but I don’t see a push from the hands or significant enough leg contact. Both players have their arms up and in the other’s faces and I think the Belgian goes to ground easily enough. Can’t give it.

Callum – Looked at the time like it was a penalty, and it seems to have been confirmed. Not a bad challenge, just clumsy, and the penalty should have been awarded.

Michael – Had to watch this one back quite a few times and I still can’t be sure whether it was a foul or not. I think Hazard wanted the foul and he was singularly hoping to draw Williams in to making a challenge. That said, I don’t think the Swansea defender does enough to justify giving away a penalty. A coming-together perhaps, but not a foul in my book.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Sunderland player Adam Johnson in action during the Barclays Premier League Match between Sunderland and Aston Villa at Stadium of Light on November 3, 2012 in Sunderland, England.

Sunderland – Aston Villa

Possible Handball In Villa Area

Simon M – I don’t know about this one, it’s really difficult to call. Normally i’m pretty consistent when it comes to penalty calls and arms in unnatural positions, but there’s something about the way he’s went for the ball that makes me think his arm is in a natural position and he’s trying to maintain balance.

Simon F – What I think saves the Villa player here is the distance between the two players, giving him no time to react. Having said that, however, his arm is up and away from his body, definitely in an unnatural position and for that reason I would have given a penalty.

David – Strikes his arm alright and deflects the ball in a huge way. But I think it’s a fair example of the hand being up and out for balance as he goes for the ball legitimately with the raised leg. Not unnatural in my eyes, for this specific situation

Callum – That’s a handball for me. Penalty should have been awarded.

Michael – The ball definitely strikes the defender’s hand but it is quite clear there was nothing he could do about it. No way a penalty can or should be given in such circumstances.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

NORWICH, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Passions overflow during the Barclays Premier League match between Norwich City and Stoke at Carrow Road on November 3, 2012 in Norwich, England.

Norwich – Stoke

Free Kick For Norwich Goal

Simon M – I honestly can’t see anything in this other than the fact Wilkinson tries to pull him back and fails. I think this was really soft.

Simon F – A clear pull on the arm from the Stoke defender.

David – His arm goes out to grab him and he gets in close enough from behind to send him toppling.

Callum – Think the Norwich player has gone down easily, wouldn’t of given a free-kick for that. Incorrect decision.

Michael – I think the referee has had a stinker here. I fail to see how the Norwich player has been impeded at all, never mind knocked off his feet. Call me a cynic if you like, but it looks like a case of an attacker utilizing what I have come to regard as ‘The Charlie Adam Gambit’ – i.e. run to the spot on the pitch where you would like to have a free kick, then cease all attempts at playing football and start falling over. I think the referee got this one wrong.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Etherington Reaction In Area

Simon M – Kudos to the referee for taking the sensible approach here, how often have we seen handbags get turned into something they really aren’t? It’s a wee bit of a tussle, nothing else and nothing sinister or card worthy.

Simon F – I can’t tell exactly what has happened here, there appears to have been a small kick out by Etherington, but then Bassong pretty much had him in a headlock. A small flashpoint, and I think the referee was right to just get on with the game.

David – Basong goes for his face, has him in a headlock and then flops to the ground in a rather odd way when Etherington shoves him. If you’re applying the letter of the law both have to go for violent conduct but I think it’s fair enough under the circumstances to get on with the game since both are at fault

Callum – Booking. Couldn’t give a red for that myself.

Michael – Seemed a simple bit of handbags to me. Bit like when you start an argument with your mate at the end of a night out over what kebab shop to visit just because you are annoyed that he got a lass’ number and you didn’t. That does happen to everyone else, yes? Embarrassing and no one really emerges with any credit, but nothing to take too seriously.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Gareth Barry (L) and Yaya Toure of Manchester City challenge Mohamed Diame of West Ham United during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground on November 3, 2012 in London, England.

West Ham – Manchester City

Nolan Goal Disallowed For Offside

Simon M – I think he’s onside, the only part of his body that isn’t onside is his arm, which doesn’t count. A lucky escape for City, but a very tight call for the officials to make.

Simon F – An understandable one for the assistant to get wrong as I had to look very closely at this to judge exactly where everyone was, but the fact is that Nolan was onside and the goal should have stood.

David – You can get away with an arm over the line because you can’t score with it. But you can score with your head and his head is offside.

Callum – Just off. By the smallest of margins.

Michael – The replays were pretty conclusive that Nolan was level and onside. One sympathizes.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: Fabrizio Coloccini of Newcastle United competes with Luis Suarez of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on November 4, 2012 in Liverpool, England.

Liverpool – Newcastle

Suarez Penalty Shout

Simon M – Looks like a penalty to me. He’s clearly caught Suarez and the tackle he was intending to make didn’t come off, the fact the ball luckily hit him elsewhere doesn’t mean anything.

Simon F – Listening to Chris Coleman’s analysis of this was laughable, apparently it wasn’t a penalty as Coloccini wasn’t looking at Suarez. Nonsense. The ball is put past him and then he trips Suarez, a clear penalty.

David – He catches him. Typically overblown reaction from the Uruguayan, but the leg was left out and it’s a foul. Penalty.

Callum – A penalty should be awarded there, looks as if the referee has got a full view of it too.

Michael – Luis Suarez was definitely fouled, almost certainly taken off his feet, and it should have been a penalty. You can understand by the referee didn’t give it. With Suarez’s penchant for needlessly throwing himself four feet in the air and screaming you would likely still be in a quandary as to the integrity of his suffering if a bazooka blew his leg clean off. But they got this one wrong. It was a clear foul.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Coloccini Red Card

Simon M – Really poor from the Argentine. Usual crap from Pardew, “he isn’t that type of player”, he obviously bloody well is.

Simon F – A disgusting, disgraceful and in my mind cowardly challenge. Late by several days and he straightens his leg as he goes in. Had he caught Suarez fully, the consequences of this would have been disastrous

David – The first angle makes this look way worse than it was, but it’s still late, studs out, and a seriously dangerous thing to do

Callum – Can see why he’s sent him off, hasn’t won the ball and is a wreckless challenge even though he hasn’t hit Suarez. Red card.

Michael – Still not that sure about how much contact Coloccini actually made on Suarez here but the intent alone is enough to justify the red card. Little focus on the ball, clear stamping motion, and plenty of time to pull out of it. Doesn’t look too good for the Newcastle skipper.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: Jamie Mackie of Queens Park Rangers is closed down by Garath McCleary of Reading during the Barclays Premier League match between Queens Park Rangers and Reading at Loftus Road on November 4, 2012 in London, England.

QPR – Reading

QPR Penalty Shout

Simon M – Stoke-esque and shocking that the officials didn’t pick it up. The defender is holding him and then basically throws him to one side.

Simon F – The defender has his arms wrapped around the player and pulls him over. A definite penalty.

David – Arms wrapped around, pulling the shirt. Foul anywhere else on the pitch. Penalty.

Callum – Think he’s nicked the ball away as they’re both holding each other in the box. No penalty is the correct decision I feel.

Michael – Not a penalty for me. I think the forward is doing as much backing in as the defender is doing pulling. Just a good old fashioned scrap for the ball. Nothing to see here.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Reading Penalty Shout

Simon M – Um, that’s a dive. Rightly booked by the referee.

Simon F – An embarrassingly poor dive. If you’re going to dive, at least try and make it convincing.

David – I think this is a dive. I can’t see contact with the foot and the QPR man withdraws it fast.

Callum – Watched this a couple of times, don’t think there’s enough contact to fall so dramatically. No penalty.

Michael – I think Le Fondre was looking for it. The defender does dangle a leg out but it doesn’t impede the striker in any way. Went down far too easily. Never a penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

]]> http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/11/11/debatable-decisions-epl-week-10/feed/ 0 04610 http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/10/06/debatable-decisions-epl-week-6/ http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/10/06/debatable-decisions-epl-week-6/#comments Sat, 06 Oct 2012 11:56:31 +0000 Simon http://www.debatabledecisions.com/?p=1187 Week Six of the Premier League season and we’re starting to see a recurring theme, renowned “divers” not getting penalties they actually deserve. That and dubious handballs that get everyone’s knickers in a twist. Not to mention dangerous tackles that seem to get the tribal juices of football flowing. Enjoy!

Man Utd – Spurs

Nani Penalty Shout

Simon M – I think it’s fair to say that the referee got this one wrong. There’s clearly a push and some holding on Nani and, in my opinion, the referee has looked at who was involved and made a really poor judgement call. Fair to say too, though, that the view for the ref was poor.

Mike – You see so much holding in the box these days that, if you give a penalty for that, you’d be giving penalties left, right and centre. I also think Nani goes down rather easily. Despite both those things, I still think it should be a penalty because I don’t think you should get away with grappling at a player like that, anywhere on the pitch.

Ant – Nani goes down a bit theatrically but he was having his shirt pulled and it should have been a penalty.

Simon F – Nani clearly has his shirt pulled and without question this should have been a penalty.

Callum – Hmm, tough, as Nani has thrown himself to the ground, but there’s enough contact in there for me to give a penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Van Persie Offside Goal

Simon M – He’s offside, no doubt about it.

Mike – It’s fairly close but it’s still clear. I doubt the linesman struggled to make this decision. He is offside.

Ant – RVP is offside so it was the correct decision.

Simon F – Van Persie has clearly strayed just offside and a good decision by the assistant referee.

Callum – Just offside, think the linesman has made the correct call.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Sandro Possible Handball In Area

Simon M – Why are his arms there? He’s looking for the ball and moving towards the edge of the area, so why have your arms out like that? I think it should have been given.

Mike – This is bizarre. From the angle behind Sandro, it looks a penalty. From the angle in front of him, it doesn’t. His arms are everywhere and you do run the risk when you start putting them in such strange positions. But I would let him off because he doesn’t make contact until the ball has bounced and he’s getting his arm back in. It’s certainly not deliberate. The old adage about “unnatural positions” comes into play, but like I said, I think his arm is down enough by the time it contacts.

Ant – Viewing in real time, I thought this was a handball but in the replays I don’t think he does it on purpose.

Simon F – One that sits in that massive ‘grey area’ which surrounds the handball rule. After watching it a good few times, I’ve come down just on the side that it should have been a penalty as Sandro’s arm was well away from his body and he had the time to move it out of the way but didn’t.

Callum – Another tough call, but Sandro is waving his arms round there, and a penalty wouldn’t be the wrong decision.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Norwich – Liverpool

Suarez Penalty Shout

Simon M – A woeful piece of refereeing, absolutely shocking. That’s a clear penalty. That’s too obvious to be shrugged off as a simple mistake, I genuinely think the referee considered the player involved.

Mike – Suarez is clearly making no progress in his efforts to fall to the floor without looking like he’s cheating. Has the guy ever gone down naturally? Despite Suarez’s jelly-like descent to the turf, I do feel he gets a shove in the back and you should be giving a penalty, really.

Ant – Very blatant penalty. I’m not sure how it’s okay to drive your elbow into some one and then be told you are diving. Is his reputation influencing the officials decisions?

Simon F – Whether Suarez’s reputation as a diver is justified or not, there is no excuse for this decision from the referee. Without any doubt it should have been a penalty.

Callum – Clumsy challenge, penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Arsenal – Chelsea

Vermaelen Tackle on Hazard

Simon M – It’s a poor tackle, but not worthy of a red. Had it been the other way round would we have heard the end of it?

Mike – The goalpost is in the way. It’s impossible to give a decision.

Ant – The view is not the best but from what I can see, this was the correct decision.

Simon F – A late lunge from Vermaelen which should have been met with a booking.

Callum – If that was Stoke on Arsenal, Arsenal fans would be calling for the player to be sent off. Yellow card would have sufficed.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Arsenal and Chelsea Penalty Shouts

Simon M – Cazorla goes down like a tonne of bricks under minimal contact and Torres kicks Koscielny. Neither was a penalty.

Mike – I don’t think either of these are penalties. Yes, there are arms involved in the Arsenal one, but I don’t think they do much. As for the Chelsea one, it looks to me like Torres kicks fresh air and falls over.

Ant – The Arsenal claim is nowhere near being a penalty and the Chelsea one is even worse with Torres missing the ball and falling over.

Simon F – Both correct decisions. I could almost see the reason for awarding Arsenal a penalty, but it would have been very soft, in the end I think the attacker felt the contact and chose not to compete for the ball, rather than was impeded from doing so. As for Torres, he either kicks the defenders foot or his own, either way it is not a penalty.

Callum – Neither are penalties. Mikel has hardly touched Carzola, and the same for Koscielny on Torres.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decisions

Fulham – Man City

Riise Penalty

Simon M – Blimey, that’s one of the worst I’ve seen this season. This talk of foreigners being branded divers is nonsense, only certain foreigners are branded divers.

Mike – This looks very harsh to me. I think Riise maybe feels the slightest contact and throws himself down, making sure he lands in the area.

Ant – This is as bad of a dive as you will see all season absolutely pathetic.

Simon F – There is the briefest of contact between the two players, but Riise uses that as an excuse to throw himself to the ground. No penalty.

Callum – Doesn’t look like there’s enough contact there for a penalty, if any.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Tevez Penalty Shout

Simon M – Riise’s guilty at the other end of the pitch now. He pulls Tevez back, it’s a clear penalty.

Mike – This one happens very quickly, and it really doesn’t look like a penalty.

Ant – Not the best view but I don’t think there’s much in this at all.

Simon F – Riise clearly grabs Tevez and pulls him back, a clear penalty in my opinion.

Callum – As the commentator says, seen them given. Enough contact there for the penalty to be awarded.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

City Shot Possibly Over Line

Simon M – No way of telling, so going to go with the officials.

Mike – Virtually impossible to tell. I’d say it looks, on balance, like some of the ball stays in contact with the line

Ant – Not over the line.

Simon F – It’s impossible to tell definitively from the angles we have, but there is nothing that makes me feel that the ball did cross the line fully, so I’m siding with the officials.

Callum – Not over for me.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Zabaleta Possible Handball In Area

Simon M – No way could this be given as a penalty. Zabaleta is just sliding in to make the block and his arms are in a natural position.

Mike – I’m not having this one. Yes, his arm is out, but he’s just sliding to make a block and the ball is blasted at it.

Ant – I don’t think you can give a penalty for this.

Simon F – There is nothing unnatural about the positioning of Zabaleta’s arm, he is merely supporting his body weight rather than throwing himself into the block recklessly. I could in no way judge this to be deliberate.

Callum – Penalty. Doesn’t matter whether he’s on the floor there, it’s hit his hand which is nowhere near his body.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Reading – Newcastle

Possible Penalty/Offside

Simon M – Good call from the officials. The attackers has strayed offside and whilst it would have been a penalty had he been onside, it’s not, because he wasn’t.

Mike – He’s offside, so it’s no penalty. It’s correct not to give a penalty, though the referee did it for the wrong reason.

Ant – He was offside so it’s also not a penalty.

Simon F – Had the player not been offside, then I think Newcastle should have had a penalty. As it is, he had strayed offside and as such any subsequent foul is not in play.

Callum – Offside, so no penalty.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Stoke – Swansea

Davis Penalty Shout

Simon M – That’s a horrendous attempt at a dive, really, really poor. What on earth was he thinking? Good call from the referee.

Mike – I think Davies feels the slightest brush and drops to the floor. No penalty

Ant – Another pathetic dive and a well deserved yellow card.

Simon F – I don’t want to make a habit out of defending Stoke players, but I think the referee got this one spot on. The Swansea player has gone over expecting the contact which never came and was rightly booked.

Callum – Gone over far too easily there, no contact. Booking to Davis the correct decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Sunderland – Wigan

Gomez Red Card

Simon M – Rightly rescinded by the FA because this was nowhere near a dangerous tackle. A little bit late, but a yellow would have sufficed.

Mike – I think this is a joke of a red card. I’m all for getting rid of dangerous challenges, but at worst, this was clumsy. Gomez isn’t even fully committed. It’s not a good challenge because he misses the ball, but there’s barely anything in it

Ant – I think Gomez was entitled to go for the ball and this is nowhere near a red card.

Simon F – For me this is reckless rather than using excessive force, and should have been a yellow card rather than red.

Callum – It’s late, not won the ball. Red card.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Fletcher Possibly Offside Goal

Simon M – He’s on. Not much more we can add to that.

Mike – He’s level.

Ant – Clearly onside.

Simon F – Fletcher has timed his run perfectly and is (just) onside.

Callum – Onside. No question.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Larsson Tackle on Kone

Simon M – Red for Gomez and Larsson gets away with this?! That was a shocking tackle, had he made contact he could have caused real damage and I think he even tries to make sure he makes contact with a little kick afterwards.

Mike – Explain to me why Gomez’s tackle was worse than this? Larsson is studs-up, flying in and even drives his studs at Kone as he goes through. Should have been off.

Ant – Might have been bad if he’d made contact but for me this was a booking at most.

Simon F – A terrible tackle from Larsson, there is no need for his foot to be up that high. He definitely crossed the line in my opinion and should have been sent off.

Callum – High, and had there been contact, Larsson surely would have had to have seen red. No red for me though.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Aston Villa – West Brom

Possible Handball In Area

Simon M – That’s a penalty. He moves his arm towards the ball, his arm isn’t in a natural position. etc.  etc.  etc. An unusually straightforward handball decisions.

Mike – I know it’s controversial, but I think this is deliberate handball. Usually, at that distance, you give the defender the benefit of the doubt. But in this case, the Villa player clearly moves his arm towards the ball.

Ant – I think Albrighton moves his arm slightly towards the ball and although it’s close range I think it should have been a penalty.

Simon F – Albrighton can have no excuse for his arm being up and away from his body like that, and he should have conceded a penalty for it.

Callum – Handball. Penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Long Goal Ruled Out Offside

Simon M – Ever so slightly off, but off nonetheless.

Mike – He is just about leaning himself offside.

Ant – Very very close but Long is just offside.

Simon F – He has only just strayed offside, but a very good call by the assistant referee.

Callum – Yep, Long is offside there, by quite a way. Good decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Possible Offside in Build Up To Long Goal

Simon M – I think this was a good call from the officials, he’s just about onside and to call it off with such slight margins would have been incredibly harsh.

Mike – He might be marginally offside but it’s so hard to tell from the angle we have, which is not the right one at all for judging this, that I will side with the officials.

Ant – I think he’s just offside

Simon F – Morrison is played just onside by the Aston Villa right back, another excellent call.

Callum – He’s on I think, just. Great timing of the run.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

***
You can follow all five judges on Twitter; Simon M – @Deb_Decisions, Callum – @callummaclean91, Ant – @Acidburn81, Mike – @mkobylko and Simon F – @SFurnivall.

INVERNESS, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Cameron Smith of Aberdeen (L) scores during the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League match between Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Aberdeen on September 15, 2012 in Inverness, Scotland.

Aberdeen – Motherwell

Frazer Penalty Shout

Simon – There is a brief moment of contact between defender and attacker, but Fraser goes down far too easily in what is simply a strong but fair challenge.

Gary – I think it’s a penalty, his foot his high, it’s dangerous play and I think he’s just caught him before he even makes contact with the ball.

Robert – Good defending and a good decision by the ref, Fraser was second to the ball but it was never a foul.

Overall Decision – Correct Decision

Law Penalty Shout

Simon – I can understand why the referee missed this as his view is blocked, but Law is quite clearly pulled back and prevented from challenging for the ball. A penalty should have been awarded.

Gary – Not for me this one, the Aberdeen defender’s hands are up, but the Motherwell man goes down far too easily.

Robert – An incorrect decision in this case, Osbourne definitely impeded Law’s run.

Overall Decision – Incorrect Decision

KILMARNOCK, SCOTLAND – APRIL 07: Michael Nelson of Kilmarnock tackles Georgios Samaras of Celtic during the Scottish Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League match between Kilmarnock and Celtic at Rugby Park on April 7, 2012 in Kilmarnock, Scotland.

Kilmarnock – St Mirren

Killie Penalty Shout

Simon – It always baffles me that referees decide not to give these as Teale clearly brings down the Kilmarnock attacker having not won the ball. A definite penalty.

Gary – I think he ‘just’ gets the ball, and then the player falls over the defender’s body. So not a penalty for me.

Robert – No idea how the ref got this one so wrong. Teale never got any of the ball in the challenge and dragged the Killie player down. Inccorect decision.

Overall Decision – Incorrect Decision

Celtic – Dundee

Irvine Penalty Shout

Simon – Another case of a player going over before the challenge is even made, Irvine’s dive starts well before Izaguirre is even near him, and the referee called it right.

Gary – No, the Dundee man has played for it and if you pause it at the right time you see the Celtic player doesn’t put a leg out at all. Just a dive.

Overall Decision – Correct Decision

Celtic Penalty

Simon – The Dundee defender fairly clearly catches Lassad and a penalty was the right decision.

Gary – Yeah I think the ref probably got this one right, he’s nowhere near the ball and the Dundee defender’s feet get tangled a bit with the Celtic player and then he’s right up against him, followed by the other player coming towards him, just tackles him and doesn’t even know where the ball is!.

Overall Decision – Correct Decision

Gary – Took me ages to decide on this one, I’d have to say it was a penalty, the Hearts defender is late in seeing the ball coming in and his hands all over the Dundee United captain and pushes him a bit in mid-air. So should have been a penalty

Robert – Looks like it rattled the Hearts player’s upper arm. Would have been harsh, but should have been a penalty.

Overall Decision – Incorrect Decision

Willo Flood Penalty Shout

Simon – Flood definitely gets impeded as he goes past the Hearts defender and should have had a penalty.

Gary – That’s a penalty, he’s touched it over and the defenders leg has came out and made contact.

Robert – Undeniable contact. Another incorrect penalty call from the ref.

Overall Decision – Incorrect Decision

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 01: Kris Commons (C) of Celtic and Frazer Wright of St Johnstone in action during the Scottish Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and St Johnstone at Celtic Park on April 1, 2012 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Ross County – St Johnstone

Vine Red Card

Simon – Unfortunately the cameras failed to pick this incident up, so I cannot judge it and therefore it has to go down as a correct decision.

Gary – I just couldn’t see this one, tried to find better videos, but no luck.

Robert – Difficult to see, thanks to the camera angle. got to say the ref was correct in that case.

Overall Decision – Correct Decsion

***
You can follow our five judges on Twitter. Mike – @19Mikey67, Robert – @RMcCracken91, Gary – @Linton1388, Paul – @Steakheed, Simon – @SFurnivall.

St Johnstone – Celtic

Commons Penalty Shout

Gary – Yeah I think it’s fair to say the defender didn’t get a foot on the ball and did get in the way of Commons who was going for the ball. Penalty for me.

Simon – How this wasn’t given as a penalty, I can’t quite understand. The defender quite clearly takes Commons out and, as well as conceding a penalty, should have also been sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Robert – Incorrect decision by the referee for sure. Anderson went through Commons without touching the ball – no intent, but it doesn’t matter. Celtic should feel aggrieved about that.

Paul – 100% a penalty. Crazy decision from the referee, Euan Norris.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Dundee – Motherwell

Higdon Penalty Shout

Gary – Nope goes down far too easily, so not a penalty for me as it’s not a foul.

Simon – Although the defender puts his foot across Higdon, I don’t believe that the striker was impeded and the referee was right to wave play on.

Robert – Clumsy by Davidson, his hesitation to clear the ball meant he left his leg in and fouled Higdon. Another unintentional foul but still, lucky not to concede a spot kick.

Paul – Doesn’t look like there is much call for a penalty there, Higdon goes down pretty easily and I think the ref has called this one correct.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Inverness CT – Aberdeen

Tudor-Jones Red Card

Gary – Yeah it was late, reckless, high and studs showing. So I think it was the correct decision by the official.

Simon – Tudor-Jones clearly jumps into the tackle, therefore out of control of his bodyweight and using excessive force. A clear red card and the sort of tackle I have no time for at all.

Robert – Tudor-Jones left the ground and flew in. Dangerous foul play. Deserved the red and the ref got it correct.

Paul – Lunges in with studs showing and jumps off the ground when attempting the tackle. Correct decision

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

ICT Pen and Anderson Red

Gary – Yeah it was the last man, through on goal and a goal scoring opportunity so yeah good call from the ref.

Simon – Although the defender got a brief touch on the ball, he also tripped the attacker and denied him the chance to get a shot on goal. The referee was correct on both accounts for me.

Robert – I understand why Aberdeen have contested this, Anderson definitely seems to divert the ball, slightly. However, it is very hard to say and I’ve got to side with the ref’s decision.

Paul – Both correct decisions again by the referee, Anderson takes the player down inside the box and stops a goal scoring opportunity.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decisions

Foran Tackle (Yellow Given)

Gary – I think it was ‘just’ the right call, it was a little reckless but I think the Aberdeen boy makes the most of it and a yellow probably the right call.

Simon – A tackle that sits on the border between red and yellow for me. The fact that Foran didn’t leave the ground, and kept most of his weight on his trailing leg just about saves him and means that the tackle was reckless rather than using excessive force. I’ll back the referee this time.

Robert – It was a hard challenge for sure but a fine call from the ref.

Paul – Again the correct decision in my eyes, he doesn’t win the ball but he isn’t overly aggressive and there is no studs showing.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

ICT Penalty Shout

Gary – I think it’s a penalty, the Inverness striker brings his foot back and the Aberdeen defender then obstructs him, so for me I think it’s a penalty.

Simon – A clear penalty in my eyes, the Aberdeen defender clatters into the attacker and brings him down.

Robert – With the ref so well positioned I fail to understand how he got this wrong, Reynolds reaches round Doran and bundles him over. Should have been a penalty and the ref got this one wrong.

Paul – A difficult one to call but I think again the referee is correct, he is put under pressure from Reynolds but no more than that.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

St Mirren – Hearts

St Mirren Foul (Yellow Given)

Gary – I think it was the right call, I may get stick for this but unlike Tudor Jones’s red card this wasn’t high, no studs showing and it wasn’t that reckless probably ‘just’ the correct decision.

Simon – Two-footed, studs up, shin high. This crosses the line that Foran toed in the previous games’ decisions. Even so early on in a game this should have been a straight red card.

Robert – Goodwin looked to be out of control there lucky not to have seen red. Wrong decision by the ref, for me.

Paul – Again, a correct decision this time by Calum Murray, the defender gets the ball but also follows through with studs showing and catches the incoming player.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Dundee United – Ross County

Dundee United Penalty Shout

Gary – The Ross county man gets his feet to the ball and is in there before the Dundee United man and it’s not a penalty for that reason, also no contact between the players.

Simon – In the aftermath of this incident, the referee seems to signal that the defender got the ball. After watching it a few times (a) I don’t think he did and (b) I don’t think it matters, he still clips the attacker and brings him down. Dundee United should have had a penalty.

Robert – Tokely’s reaction says it all, he thought it was going against him and it probably should have. The big defender was at full stretch and doesn’t seem to have got to the ball. Should have been a penalty and the ref was wrong.

Paul – I think Collum has got this one wrong, Tokely is coming across the player and takes nothing of the ball and bundles the player to the deck. A penalty

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Hibernian – Kilmarnock

Hibs Penalty

Gary – Think the commentator says it best. ‘He may have gone down early but there is contact’ So even though he was looking for it, he is eventually brought down, correct decision.

Simon – Although the Hibs attacker looks to be on his way down slightly before the challenge, he is still tripped by the defender. The law says that it’s a foul if a player “trips, or attempts to trip” an opponent, and so this (just) satisfies the requirements of being a penalty.

Robert – O’Leary caught him, definite penalty. Good decision.

Paul – I think the referee has been conned here. The striker has went down early and dived into the player and it’s looked like a foul. Incorrect decision.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Doyle Goal Ruled Out Offside

Gary – Yeah he’s just offside.

Simon – It’s almost impossible to tell from the camera angle we have, but the impression it does give is that Doyle is slightly offside and I have to side with the officials on this one.

Robert – Camera angle makes it hard to call, but looking at the positioning of both players on the 18 yard line, Doyle seems fractionally offside. A good spot and the correct decision by the ref and his assistant.

Paul – Correct decision, looks like he is just ahead of the last defender when the ball is played.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

***

Episode Four of the podcast sees the return of @SFurnivall, who joins @callummaclean91 and @mkobylko to discuss all of the big refereeing calls in round four of the Premier League.

Danny Welbeck’s dive doesn’t exactly get our judge’s pulses racing, it was far too obvious, but Callum popped up to add some unexpected shock by having a take on the Terry penalty shout that you wouldn’t expect from a Chelsea fan.

Enjoy!

Week Three of the Premier League season sees us take a look at an unusual amount of penalty decisions and, somewhat less unusually, a surprising amount of incorrect decisions from the referees. We also take a look at a decision we missed last weekend, from the Norwich – QPR game and a follower gives us some food for thought on the tradition of retaking a penalty even if your team is at fault in the first place. Enjoy!

Swansea – Sunderland

Routledge Penalty Shout

Simon – This fairly nailed on. In fairness to Gardner he doesn’t have much time to get out of the way, but he does bring Routledge down and it’s fairly obvious that significant contact has been made. Not sure what the referee was watching.

Ant – I think Routledge runs into Gardner in a lame attempt to get a penalty.

Mike – It does look like Gardner blocks Routledge off. I think this should have been a penalty.

Callum – Blocked off, penalty.

David – I think the defenders left arm does go up to an unnatural point as Routledge tries to go past, which is the main issue for me. Leg’s a little bit out too. An illegal impediment.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Fletcher Penalty Shout

Simon – Fletcher makes the most of it because I don’t think there’s enough contact to send him to the ground, but there is enough contact to disrupt his run and stop him from getting to the ball. It’s a clear push in the back and once again, not sure what the referee was up to when he missed this one.

Ant – I think the commentator is right that Fletcher makes the most of it there is a slight push but not enough for a penalty.

Mike – It’s impossible to tell if the defender’s hands simply touch Fletcher, or if there is any actual force in it. I think Fletcher can stay on his feet if he wants to, but it’s one of those where there’s probably enough for a penalty, too.

Callum – Muscling for the ball? Fletcher has gone down very easily, good to see no penalty was given.

David – He’s pushed in the back. While it’s debatable whether it was enough force to send him down, it was enough to mess up any chance he had to get on the end of the cross. That’s a foul and it should have been a penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Free Kick for Fletcher Goal

Simon – The ball hits his arm and there’s a pretty clear movement of the arm towards the ball. No arguments here.

Ant – I’d like to see this from another angle but to me it looks like his does move his arm out and if that’s the case it’s a free kick.

Mike – I’m torn here, almost to the point of not being able to say one way or the other. It’s such a close one in terms of distance between the player playing the ball and the defender’s arm. But there does appear to be some movement of arm to ball. Just about CORRECT, I guess. I’m not confident on this, though.

Callum – His hand is by his side, but he’s straightened it up in just before contact is made, towards the ball. Free-kick.

David – This is a close one for me. It’s possible he moved his arm to stop the ball, but in the end I’m not convinced it’s an intentional handle. Accidental.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Chico Tackle on McLean (no card)

Simon – Chico comes lunging through the air, both feet off the ground and makes contact studs first. It might not be a horrific potential leg breaker, but he’s certainly not in control of his body and but for a few centimetres could have caused some serious damage. I think red would have been justified.

Ant – I think he should have been sent off, contact was made and could have seriously injured McClean.

Mike – There isn’t much actual contact. Indeed, Chico takes plenty of the ball. But I still feel it should be red because it’s totally uncontrolled and runs the risk of causing serious injury.

Callum – Call me whatever, but he’s won the ball first. We’d all be standing on the terraces telling him to get up.

David – A dangerous lunge, studs out, that could have caused serious injury. A red for sure.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Chico Tackle On Saha (red awarded)

Simon – Crazy tackle and Saha is really lucky not to have taken Chico’s studs straight to the face. No idea what the defender is doing. It’s high, dangerous and basically mental. Red was the correct decision.

Ant – I’m not even sure what Chico was doing he was miles away from the ball. I think Saha made the most of it but I don’t think you can get away with this sort of thing.

Mike – Is he actually trying to decapitate Saha? Crazy, and so dangerous. We saw all those years ago with Petr Cech what football boots to the head can do.

Callum – Everybody was kung-fu fighting.. Wow. Even if he hasn’t touched Saha, which I don’t think he has, he’s almost taken his ear off. Sending off the correct decision.

David – Crazy challenge. I think Saha is simulating since I couldn’t see contact, but it doesn’t matter. That’s a stupidly high attempt that could have seen studs connect with face without any reasonable chance of getting the ball.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

West Brom – Everton

Jelavic Penalty Shout

Simon – This looks an awful lot like Jelavic running into a defender and falling over. In fact, that is what happens.

Ant – The West Brom player gets the ball and if anything Jelavic is the one that fouls him.

Mike – I think a penalty would be harsh. Both players go for the ball and seem to arrive at the same time. They both trip each other, to some extent.

Callum – Jelavic has run into the back of the West Brom player there, not a penalty for me.

David – An initially thought penalty…but only because I’d mixed up who was attacking and who was defending. Jelavic clatters into the back of the defender, doesn’t get the ball and goes down by his own fault.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

West Ham – Fulham

Carroll Penalty Shout

Simon – Carroll had three or four penalty shouts in this game, but this was the most noteworthy. A clear push in the back and no attempt to get near the ball from the defender. I wonder if sometimes the size and supposed strength of the victim plays a part in the referee’s decision. Either way, he got this one wrong.

Ant – I think there is more contact here than the Fletcher one. The Fulham defender doesn’t even look at the ball until he starts to push Carroll.

Mike – It’s really not that much of a push. Carroll’s swan-dive is impressive. Still, I think you could give a penalty there.

Callum – Leapt like a salmon. Knows he’s not getting it, so falls over. Not a penalty.

David – It’s a sickeningly theatrical fall from Carroll – there is no way he was forced to the ground against his will there – but a push is a push and might be enough to just put him off slightly. It’s illegal and should have been a penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Spurs – Norwich

Morrison Penalty Shout

Simon – How on earth does the linesman miss this, nevermind the referee? Morrison might have a bit of Assou-Ekotto’s shirt, but BAE is almost dragging the shirt off Morrison’s back. As clear a case of shirt pulling as you’re ever likely to see.

Ant – I’m not sure how this could not be given, shirt pulling is something that needs stamping out and if penalties were given for this sort of thing it would help get rid of it.

Mike – They’re both pulling each other’s shirts, although perhaps Assou-Ekotto is the more forceful. In any case, it starts outside the box and maybe should have been a free-kick. I’ll say CORRECT because of the fact they’re both guilty of shirtpulling.

Callum – FIFA would have a field day if his shirt was ripped off. Who would they book? Don’t think he could ask for anymore of Morrison’s shirt, started outside the box though, so would be a penalty.

David – I’m not sure how to call this one because they’re both pulling each other’s shirts. Morrison was getting it worse though and lost control of the ball when he could have had a shot at goal. For that, I’d have given a penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Huddlestone Red Card

Simon – I’ll hold my hands up here and admit that I initially called this as a correct decision, but on viewing the other judge’s comments I decided to have a few closer looks and the more I watched it the less convinced I became that it wasn’t worth a red. Studs aren’t showing, he looks to be in control of his slide and doesn’t seem to be going in too hard. I think a yellow would have sufficed.

Ant – I think both players collide with each other once the ball has gone, I think Huddlestone does go in harder and maybe a yellow card would have been enough.

Mike – This has since been rescinded, but you could argue it’s uncontrolled and potentially dangerous. They are obviously both nowhere near the ball, but neither is there much force in either player’s slide. I think a yellow would have been enough.

Callum – His feet are on the floor, doesn’t look like he’s going at much speed, and they’ve both missed the ball. Not endangering the player, incorrect decision.

David – Again, I think both men are at fault here. Both slide in dangerously with studs showing on one foot. Unlike the other decision in this game, I can’t see one side gaining a significant advantage because of it. As odd as it may seem, I’m gonna say it’s half right. Howson should have seen red too. Correct for Huddlestone, Incorrect for Howson.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision (though rescinded it did affect the game and is counted)

Wigan – Stoke

Penalty for Huth Handball In Area

Simon – Frome one view this looks like a really harsh decision, because of the proximity with which the shot is struck and how little time Huth has to get out of the way. Then you see the view from behind the goal and you see that Huth’s arm is sticking out in a pretty unnatural manner and you wonder why it’s there because it’s not helping with balance etc. I think the referee was right to award this and I think it was a great spot too.

Ant – I hate judging handballs, this one is correct obviously the ball hits Huths arm and stops a shot on goal.

Mike – I don’t think he deliberately handballs it but his arm is in a stupid position. It should really be penalty.

Callum – His arm is clearly out, it’s a penalty.

David – No way should his arm be out like that. Unnatural in my eyes.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Penalty for Figueroa Handball In Area

Simon – This is way more clear cut than the Huth incident. The replay shows Figueroa move his hand toward the ball and it’s a definite penalty. Bizarre defending, though. A packed penalty area and little to no daylight for Crouch, why not make him work for it?

Ant – Another handball and another correct decision. I think that the amount of contact makes it hard not to give a penalty.

Mike – This is another one that I don’t feel is deliberate, but I still think is a penalty. His arm is right up in the air.

Callum – It’s rolled off his chest, but it’s hit his hand, which is up to the side of his head. Penalty.

David – He is trying to get his arm out of the way, but it’s way too high up to be dismissed. Can’t be considered a “natural” position.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Southampton – Man Utd

Van Persie Penalty

Simon – This is as clear as they come. Defender goes straight through the back of the attacker and I think it’s a disgrace that he dare even try and argue his case with the referee. A disgraceful display of cheating.

Ant – Van Persie invites the tackle and the Southampton defender goes straight through him, correct decision.

Mike – I think Hooiveld gets something on the ball but it’s a sliding tackle from behind. You can’t tackle through the man anymore. Penalty.

Callum – He won the ball, but got the man at the same time, so it’s got to be a penalty.

David – Very clumsy. If RVP’s left leg isn’t taken out his right one certainly was.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Liverpool – Arsenal

Suarez Penalty Shout

Simon – Jesus. What were the referee’s on this weekend? A silly number of poor penalty decisions and missed calls. Mertesacker is being beaten for pace by Suarez and is trying to make up for it by hitching a ride on the Uruguayan’s back. Wonder if Suarez’s reputation played a part in this decision.

Ant – In my eyes Suarez goes down way to easily, I’d still question why the defender has his hands on Suarez but there’s not enough contact to award a penalty.

Mike – I believe this to be a penalty. Sure, Suarez goes down easily, but Mertesacker is all over him, for some reason.

Callum – Is Suarez getting there? Surely he can pull away from Mertesacker. The defender’s arms are all over Suarez though, however it started outside the box. Free kick and yellow card at best.

David – Certainly seems like Suarez is being impeded here. This is his reputation working against him I think.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

EXTRA

The following decision has been carried over from Week 3 and was brought to our attention by Tony Symonds (@CantonsHero). An act of encroachment from Bobby Zamora as Djibril Cisse scored QPR’s penalty against Norwich. As per our rules, if it is decided that the penalty should have been retaken then it will be judged as scored, but the incident could still go down as incorrect decision in QPR’s favour because a retaken penalty might have been saved. Hope that makes sense.

Tony raises an interesting point along with this decision. Is there a more peculiar rule in football than offering a team a second chance to score because one of their players has committed an offence?

Norwich – QPR

Zamora Encroachment

Simon – First up, apologies for missing this one last week. Secondly, he’s a good metre inside the area and the penalty should have been retaken. The only blight on this as a decision in QPR’s favour is that the Norwich players are encroaching too, but I think that’s more as a reaction to QPR’s encroachment. Either way, should have been retaken and should go gown as a decision against Norwich because Ruddy might have saved the new spot kick, but still goes down as a goal.

Ant – Zamora is well in the area once the ball is hit, if the penalty was scored I’m not sure how much of a problem I’d have with it but because Zamora end up scoring I think it should have been retaken.

Mike – Should definitely have been retaken. Zamora has encroached into the area before the penalty is taken.

Callum – Was Zamora trying to take the penalty? Should have been retaken.

David – Players from both sides step into the area before the kick is taken, but Zamora is ahead of all of them by a foot, which allows him to hit the rebound.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

***

You can follow all five judges on Twitter; Simon M – @Deb_Decisions, Callum – @callummaclean91, Ant – @Acidburn81, Mike – @mkobylko, David @NFBblog, and Simon F – @SFurnivall.

Week Three of the Premier League and i’m joined by @mkobylko, @callummaclean91 and guest judge @NFBblog to discuss the big debatable decisions in the Premier League.

As you can imagine Swansea’s Chico plays a prominent role in this episode, as do Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez as we ponder whether or not referees consider a player’s size or reputation when making their decision. Luckily we had one or two far easier decisions to discuss, thanks to Nikica Jelavic for that. Enjoy!

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Mark Schwarzer of Fulham punches clear under pressure from Danny Wellbeck of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on August 25, 2012 in Manchester, England.)

Week Two and we’re back into the swing of things with another couple of debatable decisions that raised eyebrows around the footballing world. First up, happy birthday to resident judge Ant McQuillan who turned 31 this week and welcome to David Costelloe who joins us to fill the void left by Simon Furnivall after his recent injury. You can follow David on Twitter @NFBblog . Enjoy.

Man Utd – Fulham

Free Kick For Fulham Opener

Simon M – It’s very soft and there’s not all that much contact, but it’s a silly tackle from Carrick and I think the referee was probably right in awarding the free kick.

Ant – I don’t think there’s enough contact here to warrant a foul for me he dived.

Mike – I think this is one of those where the defender leaves his leg in but the attacker makes the most of it by ensuring there’s some contact and going down. Nevetheless, it does look like a free-kick to me. Carrick is caught on his heels and it is a trip, even if the Fulham player could have avoided it.

Callum – The leg’s out, and there’s contact – Petric may have gone down easily but it’s still a foul.

David – He goes to ground a bit easily but Carrick has his foot out and trips him. I have suspicions about some shirt pulling in the box after this, but it was a free.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Rafael Disallowed Goal

Simon M – He’s offside, no doubt about it and the margins are very tight so it has to go down as a good call from the officials.

Ant – A very close call but I think he is just off.

Mike – It’s much more difficult to make a decision on this without one of those imaginary lines they sometimes add for offside decisions. And let’s remember that linesmen don’t get these. I would say that it probably is just about offside.

Callum – I’ve watched this one over and over. I’ve looked at it zoomed in, and tried to tilt my head in order to see if I can get the right angle (Obviously I can’t), and it looks just offside. Think the correct decision has been made by the officials.

David – When the shot is made, Rafael is just off. Like with Kagawa goal in similar circumstances, it’s a good call by the officials.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Possible Foul On De Gea For Fulham’s Second Goal

Simon M – The thing that gets me about this challenge is the movement of Petric in relation to the ball. He turns away from it, has his back to goal and ends up a decent distance away from the ball before it has even reached his vicinity. I’ll be honest, he’s either going for the keeper or heading the ball clear and I can’t see why he would do the latter.

Ant – Not even close to a foul just a case of the GK and the defender getting in each others way.

Mike – I don’t see any foul here. De Gea comes out but Petric has a big frame and the ‘keeper gets nowhere near it. Petric just positions himself and De Gea makes a hash of it.

Callum – I don’t think Petric knows that De Gea’s coming for that, and he’s tried to play the ball, no foul.

David – No way. At worst it’s a fair shoulder. A communications mix up between goalie and defender.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Aston Villa – Everton

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Karim El Ahmadi of Aston Villa challenges Marouane Fellaini of Everton during the Barclays Premier league match between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park on August 25, 2012 in Birmingham, England.

Clark Red Card

Simon M – The commentator seemed convinced that contact had been made and the red card was a forgone conclusion, I’m not. I don’t see any contact, even minimal contact, between Clarke and Jelavic. It looks like Jelavic runs across his path and then throws himself to the ground. I don’t think this is a foul, let alone a red card.

Ant – Bringing Jelavic down who is clear on goal so there is no option but to send him off.

Mike – Clark can’t have too many complaints. It’s not much of a tug and you do wonder if Jelavic needed to go down but if you feel yourself hindered illegally, why wouldn’t you go down? To the letter of the law, the referee has no choice with the red card.

Callum – Last man, cynical foul, has to be a sending off.

David – I’ve replayed this loads of times, and I just can’t see it. I really think this was harsh on Clark. If there was contact, it was the absolute minimum and certainly shouldn’t have caused a fall.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Everton Disallowed Goal

Simon M – Another good spot from the officials, he’s just off and they’ve got a few of these tight decisions correct in the opening two weeks. Well played.

Ant – A bit like the Tevez goal last week very close but he is just offside.

Mike – It’s another fairly tight one but I think you can see that the officials just about get it right.

Callum – Offside, correct decision yet again.

David – He is just off, a head only.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Chelsea – Newcastle

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Eden Hazard of Chelsea battles with Jonas Gutierrez of Newcastle United during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on August 25, 2012 in London, England. 

Torres Penalty Awarded

Simon M – Does Anita touch him? I’m not so sure. He shapes as if his follow through will connect, but in the end it looks like Torres is throwing his leg out trying to hit Anita in order to get the penalty and I don’t think he succeeds.

Ant – No need to stick the leg out here because I’m not sure how in control of the ball Torres is once the ball is past the Newcastle player, clear penalty.

Mike – It’s clumsy but he does pull his foot away from the challenge. Torres goes down over nothing.

Callum – At first, I thought dive, then I was convinced that it was indeed a foul. I keep looking at it and I really don’t know, but it looks as if there’s the smallest of contact on Torres’ right knee, and although he’s made a meal of it, I think the correct decision has been made as Anita has also swung wildly.

David – A little wild on Torres, who eagerly took the chance to hit the ground with gusto.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Spurs – West Brom

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Youssouf Mulumbu of West Bromwich Albion is tackled by Sandro of Tottenham Hotspur during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane on August 25, 2012 in London, England.

Defoe Disallowed Goal

Simon M – He’s clearly offside and by quite some distance, if the linesman had missed this one there would have been uproar.

Ant – Well spotted by the linesman Defoe is clearly offside when the ball is played in.

Mike – Nothing too debatable about this one. Defoe is clearly offside when the ball is lifted in.

Callum – Is this even debatable? Way off.

David – Daylight between him and the last defender. Certainly offside.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Southampton – Wigan

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Guly Do Prado of Southampton jumps for the ball with James McArthur of Wigan during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Wigan Athletic at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton

Possible Foul In Build Up To Kone Goal

Simon M – No foul, in my opinion. Looks like Kone got in there and nicked the ball away, if anything he got a bit of a nibble on his ankle from the defender.

Ant – I think the Southampton player just falls over he needs to be stronger in this sort of situation.

Mike – I think this is a foul. You could argue Fonté stumbles a little but he does appear to get a nudge in the back from Koné, and possibly it’s a slight trip, as well.

Callum – Kone doesn’t touch the ball but makes contact with the player. Should have been given as a foul.

David – A bit hard to see clearly, but Kone doesn’t seem to step on his foot, in fact he seems to get a little jab to the back of his own leg before he takes off.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Norwich – QPR

NORWICH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Ji Sung Park of Queens Park Rangers holds off Grant Holt of Norwich during the Barclays Premier League match between Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers at Carrow Road on August 25, 2012 in Norwich, England.

Cisse Penalty Awarded

Simon M – Add this to the list of woeful tackles in the area from last weekend. It’s a clear penalty and Bassong was maybe a little lucky to stay on the field.

Ant – Quite hard to tell properly but I think there is contact on Cisse and a penalty is the right decision.

Mike – This one is as hard to tell as we’ve ever had over a penalty. The way I see it, Cissé miscontrols the ball and it’s well gone before there’s any contact. I’m not sure you can give a penalty for it.

Callum – He’s been pushed in the back and gone down, the ball hasn’t been won, penalty is the correct decision.

David – Cisse gets the ball and I think he then has his left leg taken out from under him.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Green Possible Handball Outside Area

Simon M – Wow, how on earth does the linesman miss that. It’s a good foot outside the area and I think he’s denied a goalscoring opportunity, I would have sent him off.

Ant – I think Green is just outside the area when he touches the ball but it would have been very hard for the officials to see.

Mike – It was outside the area. What more can you say about it, really?

Callum – Yep, outside of the box, and as it’s a possible goalscoring opportunity, I’d send Green off for it.

David – He definitely handles just outside the area. Since the attacker is so close to him and the keeper’s infringement stops the attack, it should have been a free and a red.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision (Unlike Cech’s last week, this involved a goalscoring chance so will be counted)

Liverpool – Man City

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Mario Balotelli of Manchester City competes with Martin Skrtel of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on August 26, 2012 in Liverpool, England.

Free Kick For Liverpool’s Second Goal

Simon M – Rodwell’s arms are all over the place and the ball clearly strikes them. It’s a definite free kick.

Ant – Should have your arms in that position in my opinion even though it was close range I think it was an obvious free kick.

Mike – When the distance between the ball being struck and the defending player’s hands is so short, we almost always give the defender the benefit of the doubt on the basis that there’s little they could do. In this case, it’s a bit different because the player goes down to block but raises his arms.

Callum – Yep, it’s deflected off him, but it’s clearly hit his hands, handball.

David – His arms are up (protecting his face of course, but still) and deflect the course of the ball drastically. Has to be a free.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Johnson Penalty Shout

Simon M – I’m going to go for penalty. The defender hasn’t got near the ball, but has managed to get some of Johnson as he follows through. A lucky escape for City.

Ant – Nothing in this at all minimal contact and certainly not enough for a penalty.

Mike – Another one where I’m finding it really hard to say. After several viewings, I’m going to have to say that I think there’s a foul here.

Callum – Penalty. Hasn’t played the ball at all and caught Johnson with his trailing leg. Penalty.

David – I think this a great tackle, stopping a likely goal.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Stoke – Arsenal

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Abou Diaby of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium on August 26, 2012 in Stoke on Trent, England.

Walters Disallowed Goal

Simon M – Yup, yet another offside called correctly. Well played officials.

Ant – Clearly offside, Walters should have held his run for just a split second.

Mike – He’s offside. Simple.

Callum – Clearly offside, good decision.

David – Yeah, certainly offside by a half-foot or so.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

Wilkinson Possible Handball In Area

Simon M – Blimey, I’m surprised I didn’t see more of a fuss about this on Twitter, because I think it’s a definite penalty and a red card. Fair enough he’s throwing himself in front of the ball, but the way the arm is outstretched, in my opinion, shows that he knew exactly what he was doing and meant the block the ball with his arm.

Ant – I didn’t think this was close to a penalty when I viewed it in real time but on the replays I can see why people would argue for one. No Arsenal players claim it was a penalty and in my eyes I don’t think it was.

Mike – This does look like a blatant handball. Stoke get away with one here.

Callum – Handball, should have been given as a penalty, and a red card.

David – His right seems a bit outstretched alright. I think he’s trying to make up for his slip and got away with it. Should have been a penalty and a red card.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision x 2

Pennant Penalty Shout

Simon M – It’s just inside the area and I think Gibbs has been beaten for pace and skill by Pennant and Gibbs’ last ditch attempt at rectifying it is to make the foul. It’s a penalty.

Ant – I’ve seen them given for this sort of challenge but I think this would have been pretty harsh to give so no penalty.

Mike – Jonathan Pearce thinks it would have been harsh. Maybe, but I think there’s something in it. It looks like a bit of a shove to me.

Callum – The way Gibbs turns around there makes me suggest that he knows that he’s given a penalty away there. Pennant has got a right to be angry, Gibbs wasn’t getting near the ball and tripped Pennant.

David – Had numerous looks at this one. As easily as Pennant goes down, I still see a shove with the forearm that was just inside the box. I hate this kind of thing because it’s so subtle but is still an infringement. A penalty.

Overall Verdict – Incorrect Decision

Wilkinson Tackle (Yellow)

Simon M – I always say the same thing when I see tackles like this, he could easily have got to the ball by making a normal tackle so why go in like this unless you want to cause some damage or rough someone up? If you’re trying to do either of those things then I think you’re ticking the excessive force box. Should have been a red, but then again he shouldn’t have even been on the pitch after his earlier handball.

Ant – A lot of outrage on twitter over this tackle but I think that’s more to do with peoples views on Stoke City rather than the actual tackle. It was a bad one but I think a yellow card was the correct decision.

Mike – It’s very late but I don’t think it’s all that dangerous. Probably a yellow card is just about okay, but he’s pushing it.

Callum – Wilkinson wouldn’t even be on the pitch if the earlier had been given against him. I can imagine the ‘Away Boyz’ are up in arms at this one. However, he’s wiped him out there, and got nowhere near the ball. He could well be sent off for that, but I don’t think it was endangering Podolski that much other than just roughing him up, his feet were on the ground, studs facing the floor. Yellow card is the correct decision, though many Arsenal fans may only see justice when Stoke have been expelled from the league.

David – This a wild challenge. Studs aren’t totally out but still fairly vicious. Doesn’t get the ball, takes the man big time. I would have given a red.

Overall Verdict – Correct Decision

***

You can follow all five judges on Twitter; Simon M – @Deb_Decisions, Callum – @callummaclean91, Ant – @Acidburn81, Mike – @mkobylko and Simon F – @SFurnivall.

Our first podcast of the season and I’m joined by resident judge @mkobylko and guest judge @NFBblog to discuss the big debatable decisions from week two of the Premier League season.

The Torres penalty against Newcastle, the Wilkinson tackle in an already heated Stoke – Arsenal encounter; listen to our thoughts rather than just read it. We disagree a lot more often than you think.