If there is one relationship more strained than most in English football, it is the one between referees and managers. Whilst trying to lead their team from the sideline, Premier League bosses regularly vent their frustration at what they see as incorrect decisions from the officials, but it is becoming more and more common for managers to publicly criticise a referee. A week rarely goes by right now without a manager outburst against a referee or their decisions. Whilst the fact that this is becoming an increasingly regular occurrence does raise fair questions about the standards of refereeing, why do the managers feel the world is against them after one bad decision?
Liverpool’s first defeat this season to Stoke City last weekend was met by obvious frustration from Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, but most of his anger was directed not at his team but referee Mark Clattenburg. As is too often the case in recent years the game was more notable for controversial decisions rather than the football. Stoke’s fantastic 1-0 win was overshadowed by a number of penalty incidents: firstly Clattenburg’s decision to award Stoke a penalty for a foul on Jonathan Walters by Jamie Carragher; and then the referee’s failure to award Liverpool either of two possible penalties for handball claims in the box.
Despite Dalglish’s complaints I can’t completely agree with the Liverpool manager. Whilst Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty for what was a clear handball by Rory Delap in a possibly match changing decision, Stoke’s penalty was correctly awarded as Carragher dangerously had his arms around Walters in the penalty area. It was an unlucky situation for Liverpool and Clattenburg should be made fully aware that he got Liverpool’s penalty claim wrong but a simple mistake on the pitch should not be made into a full-blown conspiracy.
Continue Reading on Page 2 ...
Win TWO VIP Tickets for the match between Liverpool and Wolves with 188BET. Enter the competition by clicking the banner below:
–
–
[ad_pod id=”unruly-video” align=”center”]
I have no idea what you were looking at when the penalty was awarded (probably your make up mirror) Jonathan Walters was fouling Jamie Carragher not the other way round. I am assuming that you are either a Stoke or Manure supporter from your comment: Stoke’s fantastic 1-0 win, sort of says it all.