Barclays Premier League 2013/14 Banter

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by 4WheelVFR

That's what I was wondering....do we send each other a fiver now?....

As for the handball, I think it very easily could've been given, seeing other handballs that have been called. Maybe the ref let it slide, taking the distance from the kicker and the distance of his arm from his body into consideration. You guys should've had Mark Clattenburg in your lineup again. That would've fixed it.

I've been a referee for 12 years and an instructor/assessor for 6 so I have a bit of knowledge in this area.

First, let me say that having been an official, I appreciate and respect how difficult a job it is - in any sport. At the top level, the play moves extremely fast and officials don't have replay or time to deliberate. So I tend to give referees the benefit of the doubt most of the time.

Viewing the posted video, I can see a legitimate plea for a PK. However, consider this. The defender was no more than 2-3 yards when the ball was struck. Also, consider that when a player jumps/leaps, it is almost impossible to keep their hands at their side. I don't see where the arm was extended in an unnatural fashion and even at the highest level, players flinch. So I have no problem with the non-call. That being said, I would not criticize the referee if he HAD called the PK. A bit harsh, maybe. But again, I would support his decision. A call close enough to legitimately go either way.






Besides, it was ManEffingU. So I don't feel bad.