For days and perhaps weeks after a controversial decision, everyone across football has their say. Was it or wasn't it? Should it have been or should it not have been? Despite the replay angles using 'Slow-Mo' and numerous views of this footage often these discussions do not result in agreement.

With just seconds to react and all manner of tricks being played on officials by players, a 98% success rate is hugely impressive at a time where refereeing in the PL has got harder - they make 70% more sprints now than they did a few seasons back.

It had plenty to do with the ref. Who's to say we wouldn't have gone on to win 4-1? We might have drawn. If Benteke had put us 2-1 up we might have won, drawn or lost. No one has a crystal ball, but a referee refusing to enforce the laws of the game definitely had a major effect on that game.
As for Wilf's foot it was back down when he was obliterated by the keeper, so he has no charge to answer. The keeper on the other hand could easily be called reckless and he definitely endangered a player. Could easily have been a red.

Edited by Dangermouse (01 Apr 2018 12.21pm)

That's Life
And as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks stompin' on a Dream.
KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!

How can one say that if they had been down to 10 men this would have had a major effect on the game? Over the years I have seen teams go down to 10 men and the other side have struggled to break them down.

At the end of the day we lost because of Benteke's pathetic efforts in front of goal and Sakho's inept defending.We saw with our eyes the contribution of Benteke and Sakho - what would have happened if Mane had been sent off his hypothetical and speculative.

I don't think the scenario I highlighted is that ridiculous. In any event, since my post you highlighted I have seen footage on 'Goals on Sunday and mentioned that it appeared that Mane tried to prevent Cabaye getting on the ball and bursting through, something I never saw at the game.

I understand Dermot Gallagher speculated that Swarbrick might have lost some focus in that instant and clearly the decision not to award a second yellow will form part of the post-match analysis of the referee.We can only speculate as to his thinking.

Well done Willo, it appears that you and swarbrick are the only ones who thought no 2nd yellow was the correct decision.....all the pundits and ex refs on TV say it was a second yellow, yet you still defend the very blatant cheating Swarbrick to the end, well done, congratulations!!

I totally refute the allegation that Swarbrick cheated in not awarding a second yellow card.I will certainly defend Swarbrick against this charge.One can only speculate as to his thinking but it was certainly not influenced by any so called "Big club bias" or external influences and all that hogwash.

He will have to explain his decision as part of his post-match analysis.

Edited by Willo (01 Apr 2018 12.43pm)