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WATCHING THROUGH ROSE COLOURED SPECTACLES 25-9-07
Jeff Winter
I have already this week answered scores of questions regarding Howard Webb's handling of the Boro match but it does not stop there though. I pull my hair out at times listening to people's opinions on referees. Obviously fans will always have a bias, but those who should know better are just as bad.
In the Reading v Wigan game the commentator admitted that the officials finally got the decision right because the foul was either on the line or outside the box. Well, yes, the decision was right because the foul was outside the box, had it have been on the line it would have been a penalty because the markings are actually classed as being part of the area.
Think about it, the ball is in play till it goes completely over the touch line, goal line etc, same with the penalty area. Obviously he didn't learn that on his commentator's course.
Next was Manchester United's goal in the third minute of time added on at the end of the first half when the Fourth Official had indicated only two minutes. How many more times - the indication is a minimum of two minutes. If the Ref has decided to add on two minuntes and 45 seconds, the official shows two not three.
Also during those added minutes further additions can be made. Someone explain it to Andy Gray before he has a heart attack. Or preferably let's see an independent timekeeper like in Rugby League to take one responsibility away from the match officials. I could do that at the Boro. Mind you, I would have probably blown just before Miller had that shot on goal!
Talking about bias, here's an email I received from someone who is probably a Chelsea fan, Roger Hutton:-
"Mike Dean's performance in the Manchester United v Chelsea game was to say the least a disgrace and he should be suspended from refereeing another Premiership game. No way Mikel should have been sent off and no way was it a penalty. Mike Dean was incompetent and cost Chelsea at least a point from the match. If you are worthy of your position in the FA you should now suspend Mike Dean from any further games and he should be made to apologize to Chelsea for his disgraceful handling of the game."
Well someone has to pay for my frustrating weekend, so here goes Roger.
Firstly I have no involvement with the FA so thanks for your perceived position of importance for me, but thankfully as I enjoy the democratic right to have an opinion that the FA does not allow it's officials to have, here goes.
In my opinion, Mike Dean had a good game on Sunday. He is a no nonsense official who is straight down the line. Take for example the way he dealt with Rooney, who once again engaged mouth before brain.
The Mikel tackle/assault was a sending off. You would imagine, pundits apart, that anyone who has ever played the game will know that you don't go into tackles with your studs showing like that and even if you win the ball any contact with the opponent is going to result in the likihood of serious injury.
Saha was fouled in the box, end of story. Admittedly his histrionics afterwards, whilst qualifying for a BAFTA award, does not detract from the fact that he was fouled.
The Rooney challenge on the lovely Ashley Cole, was a foul worthy of a talking to, but not a second yellow.
The one instance where I would be at odds with the ref was the challenge by Joe Cole on Ronaldo, had he have seen it from the angle we did, then I think he should have given a red card not a yellow, but Roger the Chelsea fan did not see that one. Must have had his Wenger glasses on.
So Roger, looks like I won't be getting a Christmas card off you this year. But you asked me my opinion and you have got it.
Slag the ref why don't you. It's the easy option. Only this Ref will always fight back.
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