redhammer wrote:Think he had a good game overall, the lino was responsible for the 2nd yellow and the first, I can see why he gave it from his angle, although it was wrong.
Dont worry Martin, I still like you
Imo there were 3 contentious, match chanmging, decisions in the game which isn't very many. He got 2 of the 3 wrong.
Cresswell's first yellow could (imo should) have been a penalty but I wouldn't criticise a referee for NOT giving it if he wasn't 100%. However, as in so many other bookings for "simulation" just because someone goes down doeasn't mean that either they have been fouled or they are trying to con the ref. It is very easy to go to ground when not fouled and without having any desire to try it on.
As for the second decision you are right in that the lino gave the foul. However Atkinson had the ability, as senior official, to exercise discretion and common sense.He did neither. It was hardly a foul worthy of a yellow was it? Compare it, for example, with the one Noble got which can be justified as it could have injured an opponent.
The sad thing about all this is that, along with Clattenburg, he is probably one of our top referees. What does that say about the overall standard in "the best league in the world"?
