Tottenham 4-1 Manchester City Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Clattenburg didn't face any controversy himself, but AR Jake Collin found himself at the center of controversy for a missed offsides call.
45th Minute: Eric Dier scores to level the score at one for Tottenham. However, replays show that Kyle Walker was well offsides right in front of Collin in the build-up to the goal. Therefore the goal should never have happened since Collin should have raised the flag for offsides.
Southampton 3-1 Swansea City Referee: Roger East
East whistled for a late penalty in this match which was otherwise quiet for him.
83rd Minute: Southampton Captain Jose Fonte makes a lunge in on Neil Taylor in an attempt to win the ball. East correctly calls a penalty, but Swansea complained that he should've played advantage. I just don't see why it was an advantage play since Swansea stole the ball from Fonte after he won possession from the foul.
Watford 0-1 Crystal Palace Referee: Anthony Taylor
Taylor called one penalty in this match and it proved to be decisive in a 1-0 Palace victory.
70th Minute: Watford's Nyom pulls down Wilfried Zaha on the edge of the box. Taylor calls a penalty, and I think he is absolutely right. Nyom clearly fouled Zaha, and Taylor did an outstanding job of seeing that the contact happened just inside the box on the left side.
Manchester United 3-0 Sunderland Referee: Mike Jones
Chelsea 2-2 Newcastle Referee: Martin Atkinson
Liverpool 3-2 Aston Villa Referee: Jonathan Moss
Stoke City 2-1 Bournemouth Referee: Lee Mason
West Ham United 2-2 Norwich City Referee: Mike Dean
Leicester City 2-5 Arsenal Referee: Craig Pawson
West Bromwich Albion 2-3 Everton Referee: Robert Madley
These seven all had good performances with no controversy. Nice work by them and their crews.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Sunday, September 27, 2015
MLS Week 30 Reports: Salazar with nightmare performance in Vancouver
Montreal 2-1 Chicago Referee: Fotis Bazakos (United States)
Bazakos and crew had a reasonably busy night, capped off with a stoppage time red card.
91st Minute: Laurent Ciman of Montreal is already booked when he goes up for an aerial ball against David Accam. Ciman hits Accam with a high elbow, and Bazakos quickly shows him a second yellow. Good call by Bazakos, since the play was borderline straight red and certainly a yellow.
Houston 1-0 Kansas City Referee: Sorin Stoica (United States)
It wouldn't be a Houston-KC match without a red card and this match was no exception.
70th Minute: Oscar Garcia of Houston is shielding off Dom Dwyer from the ball when he unnecessarily elbows Dwyer in the head. Stoica shows a second yellow, and I don't see why Houston fans were so mad about the card. There is no way that an elbow to the head isn't at least a yellow, no matter the intent.
New York Red Bulls 2-5 Orlando Referee: Jorge Gonzalez (United States)
Gonzalez became the third consecutive referee to show a second yellow this week, and I also agree with his decision.
77th Minute: Brian Rochez only has one defender to beat as he runs towards goal when he is pulled on the shoulder from behind by Matt Miazga, who was on a yellow. Gonzalez shows a second yellow, and I agree since Miazga stopped a promising attack by Rochez, which qualifies as a yellow.
Toronto 3-2 Chicago Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
It was a good controversy-free match for Elfath, who is quickly becoming one of the MLS' best referees. Nothing to look at here.
Montreal 2-0 DC United Referee: Jair Marrufo (United States)
Marrufo had a strong match with little controversy, as he starts to rebound from recent struggles.
Columbus 1-2 Portland Referee: Silviu Petrescu (Canada)
Petrescu wasn't at his best this night with several minor missed calls. Nothing major to look at though.
New England 1-1 Philadelphia Referee: Alan Kelly (Ireland)
Kelly called one penalty in this match and I think he got it absolutely correct.
35th Minute: Philly's Fabinho trips up Revolution midfielder Lee Nguyen just inside the box. Kelly calls a penalty, and it looks pretty clear to me since there was obvious contact by Fabinho on Nguyen.
Houston 3-2 Colorado Referee: Allen Chapman (United States)
Chapman had a quiet game with nothing to look at. Nice work by him and his crew.
Vancouver 1-2 NYCFC Referee: Ricardo Salazar (United States)
Salazar had a tough match, making two controversial penalty calls in the last ten minutes.
87th Minute: Vancouver's Kendall Watson and NYCFC's Angelino are racing towards a bouncing ball in the NYCFC box when Watson goes down, causing Salazar to whistle for a penalty. Unfortunately, I don't see a foul by Angelino and if anything a foul should've been called against Watson for tripping Angelino.
94th Minute: Vancouver's Matias Laba makes an excellent tackle to win the ball from Frank Lampard, but Salazar shockingly points to the spot again. Once again I think Salazar was wrong, as even Lampard himself admitted it wasn't a penalty.
Kansas City 1-1 Seattle Referee: Armando Villarreal (United States)
Villarreal was excellent in an important match between SKC and Seattle, with no controversy to speak of.
San Jose 1-0 Salt Lake Referee: Chris Penso (United States)
Penso showed one red in this match, but it was for an unusual reason.
88th Minute: Matias Perez Garcia scores a late winner for San Jose and celebrates by taking his shirt off. Obviously this is a yellow card offense, but Garcia happened to already be on a yellow, making the excessive celebration yellow a second yellow and therefore a dismissal.
Los Angeles 3-2 Dallas Referee: Baldomero Toledo (United States)
The veteran Toledo continued a good run as of late with a strong controversy-free performance at the Stub Hub Center. Nice work by him and his crew.
Thanks for reading!
Bazakos and crew had a reasonably busy night, capped off with a stoppage time red card.
91st Minute: Laurent Ciman of Montreal is already booked when he goes up for an aerial ball against David Accam. Ciman hits Accam with a high elbow, and Bazakos quickly shows him a second yellow. Good call by Bazakos, since the play was borderline straight red and certainly a yellow.
Houston 1-0 Kansas City Referee: Sorin Stoica (United States)
It wouldn't be a Houston-KC match without a red card and this match was no exception.
70th Minute: Oscar Garcia of Houston is shielding off Dom Dwyer from the ball when he unnecessarily elbows Dwyer in the head. Stoica shows a second yellow, and I don't see why Houston fans were so mad about the card. There is no way that an elbow to the head isn't at least a yellow, no matter the intent.
New York Red Bulls 2-5 Orlando Referee: Jorge Gonzalez (United States)
Gonzalez became the third consecutive referee to show a second yellow this week, and I also agree with his decision.
77th Minute: Brian Rochez only has one defender to beat as he runs towards goal when he is pulled on the shoulder from behind by Matt Miazga, who was on a yellow. Gonzalez shows a second yellow, and I agree since Miazga stopped a promising attack by Rochez, which qualifies as a yellow.
Toronto 3-2 Chicago Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
It was a good controversy-free match for Elfath, who is quickly becoming one of the MLS' best referees. Nothing to look at here.
Montreal 2-0 DC United Referee: Jair Marrufo (United States)
Marrufo had a strong match with little controversy, as he starts to rebound from recent struggles.
Columbus 1-2 Portland Referee: Silviu Petrescu (Canada)
Petrescu wasn't at his best this night with several minor missed calls. Nothing major to look at though.
New England 1-1 Philadelphia Referee: Alan Kelly (Ireland)
Kelly called one penalty in this match and I think he got it absolutely correct.
35th Minute: Philly's Fabinho trips up Revolution midfielder Lee Nguyen just inside the box. Kelly calls a penalty, and it looks pretty clear to me since there was obvious contact by Fabinho on Nguyen.
Houston 3-2 Colorado Referee: Allen Chapman (United States)
Chapman had a quiet game with nothing to look at. Nice work by him and his crew.
Vancouver 1-2 NYCFC Referee: Ricardo Salazar (United States)
Salazar had a tough match, making two controversial penalty calls in the last ten minutes.
87th Minute: Vancouver's Kendall Watson and NYCFC's Angelino are racing towards a bouncing ball in the NYCFC box when Watson goes down, causing Salazar to whistle for a penalty. Unfortunately, I don't see a foul by Angelino and if anything a foul should've been called against Watson for tripping Angelino.
94th Minute: Vancouver's Matias Laba makes an excellent tackle to win the ball from Frank Lampard, but Salazar shockingly points to the spot again. Once again I think Salazar was wrong, as even Lampard himself admitted it wasn't a penalty.
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| Vancouver players express their displeasure with the late PK call |
Villarreal was excellent in an important match between SKC and Seattle, with no controversy to speak of.
San Jose 1-0 Salt Lake Referee: Chris Penso (United States)
Penso showed one red in this match, but it was for an unusual reason.
88th Minute: Matias Perez Garcia scores a late winner for San Jose and celebrates by taking his shirt off. Obviously this is a yellow card offense, but Garcia happened to already be on a yellow, making the excessive celebration yellow a second yellow and therefore a dismissal.
Los Angeles 3-2 Dallas Referee: Baldomero Toledo (United States)
The veteran Toledo continued a good run as of late with a strong controversy-free performance at the Stub Hub Center. Nice work by him and his crew.
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, September 20, 2015
MLS Week 29 Reports: Oyongo and Donadel both sent off for horror fouls
San Jose 1-1 Montreal Referee: Allen Chapman (United States)
Chapman showed one red card in this high-stakes match between two middle table teams fighting for playoff berths.
49th Minute: Montreal's Ambroise Oyongo puts both his studs into Matias Perez Garcia in a horrific challenge. Chapman briefly confers with Assistant Referee Fabio Tovar before showing Oyongo the red card. For me there's no doubt. That's as clear a red as you will ever see.
Sporting Kansas City 3-1 FC Dallas Referee: Mark Geiger (United States)
Geiger got the call for a crucial match in the Western Conference playoff picture and he didn't disappoint, getting his one crucial call right.
76th Minute: Dom Dwyer of SKC manages to avoid a couple Dallas defenders before getting tripped up by FCD keeper Jesse Gonzalez, who had come all the way to the right side of the box. Assistant Paul Scott and Geiger both saw it and awarded Sporting a spot kick. Good call by Geiger and Scott, who were the MLS referee and assistant referee of the year last season, respectively.
NYCFC 3-2 San Jose Referee: Edvin Jurisevic (United States)
Jurisevic called one penalty in this match and seems like a good decision to me.
75th Minute: San Jose's Quincy Amarikwa dribbles around NYC's Angelino into the box before being pushed and pulled at shoulder level by the 18-year old Spanish midfielder. Easy penalty call for Jurisevic, who correctly awards a penalty to the visitors.
DC United 1-2 Columbus Referee: Ted Unkel (United States)
Unkel called one penalty in this match between DC and Columbus, and I don't see any reason to disagree with the decision.
67th Minute: Columbus Defender Chris Klute makes a flying lunge to block a cross in by DC's Franklin. Unfortunately for him, the ball hits his outstretched arm and Unkel emphatically points to the spot.
Montreal 3-0 New England Referee: Ricardo Salazar (United States)
Salazar showed a straight red in this match and it is pretty clearly correct.
72nd Minute: Montreal's Marco Donadel comes in with a horror foul on Andrew Farrell, sending his spikes into the Revolution Defender's leg long after the ball had gone. Easy straight red decision for Salazar, who correctly gives Donadel his marching orders.
Real Salt Lake 3-0 LA Galaxy Referee: Kevin Stott (United States)
The veteran Stott also called a penalty in his match, and it seems correct to me.
27th Minute: RSL's Juan Manuel Martinez dribbles into the box before getting tripped up by a sliding Juninho. Stott calls a penalty, and I agree since Juninho didn't get much of the ball and definitely made contact with Martinez.
NYCFC 2-0 Toronto FC Referee: Chris Penso (United States)
New England 2-1 New York Red Bulls Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
Toronto FC 3-1 Colorado Referee: Mathieu Bourdeau (Canada)
Vancouver 0-3 Seattle Referee: Baldomero Toledo (United States)
Chicago 0-1 Orlando Referee: Alan Kelly (Ireland)
Portland 0-2 New York Red Bulls Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada)
Philadelphia 2-0 Houston Referee: Juan Guzman (United States)
These seven all had good performances with little controversy. Nice work by them and their crews. Also, a special congratulations to Bourdeau on his first MLS match.
Thanks for reading!
Chapman showed one red card in this high-stakes match between two middle table teams fighting for playoff berths.
49th Minute: Montreal's Ambroise Oyongo puts both his studs into Matias Perez Garcia in a horrific challenge. Chapman briefly confers with Assistant Referee Fabio Tovar before showing Oyongo the red card. For me there's no doubt. That's as clear a red as you will ever see.
Sporting Kansas City 3-1 FC Dallas Referee: Mark Geiger (United States)
Geiger got the call for a crucial match in the Western Conference playoff picture and he didn't disappoint, getting his one crucial call right.
76th Minute: Dom Dwyer of SKC manages to avoid a couple Dallas defenders before getting tripped up by FCD keeper Jesse Gonzalez, who had come all the way to the right side of the box. Assistant Paul Scott and Geiger both saw it and awarded Sporting a spot kick. Good call by Geiger and Scott, who were the MLS referee and assistant referee of the year last season, respectively.
NYCFC 3-2 San Jose Referee: Edvin Jurisevic (United States)
Jurisevic called one penalty in this match and seems like a good decision to me.
75th Minute: San Jose's Quincy Amarikwa dribbles around NYC's Angelino into the box before being pushed and pulled at shoulder level by the 18-year old Spanish midfielder. Easy penalty call for Jurisevic, who correctly awards a penalty to the visitors.
DC United 1-2 Columbus Referee: Ted Unkel (United States)
Unkel called one penalty in this match between DC and Columbus, and I don't see any reason to disagree with the decision.
67th Minute: Columbus Defender Chris Klute makes a flying lunge to block a cross in by DC's Franklin. Unfortunately for him, the ball hits his outstretched arm and Unkel emphatically points to the spot.
Montreal 3-0 New England Referee: Ricardo Salazar (United States)
Salazar showed a straight red in this match and it is pretty clearly correct.
72nd Minute: Montreal's Marco Donadel comes in with a horror foul on Andrew Farrell, sending his spikes into the Revolution Defender's leg long after the ball had gone. Easy straight red decision for Salazar, who correctly gives Donadel his marching orders.
Real Salt Lake 3-0 LA Galaxy Referee: Kevin Stott (United States)
The veteran Stott also called a penalty in his match, and it seems correct to me.
27th Minute: RSL's Juan Manuel Martinez dribbles into the box before getting tripped up by a sliding Juninho. Stott calls a penalty, and I agree since Juninho didn't get much of the ball and definitely made contact with Martinez.
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| Mathieu Bourdeau officiating his first MLS match |
New England 2-1 New York Red Bulls Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
Toronto FC 3-1 Colorado Referee: Mathieu Bourdeau (Canada)
Vancouver 0-3 Seattle Referee: Baldomero Toledo (United States)
Chicago 0-1 Orlando Referee: Alan Kelly (Ireland)
Portland 0-2 New York Red Bulls Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada)
Philadelphia 2-0 Houston Referee: Juan Guzman (United States)
These seven all had good performances with little controversy. Nice work by them and their crews. Also, a special congratulations to Bourdeau on his first MLS match.
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday 1 reports Day 1: Shaw injury highlights busy day for referees
PSV Eindhoven 2-1 Manchester United Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)
Rizzoli found himself facing huge criticism for his failure to issue a penalty and red card for Hector Moreno's horror tackle.
15th Minute: United's Luke Shaw is running towards goal when he is slide-tackled hard by Hector Moreno of PSV. The United defender would leave the match with a horrific leg injury, but I think he should have at least won his team a penalty and red card in the act. When I watch the replay, Moreno gets enough of the leg for it to be a penalty and it certainly warranted a red for serious foul play. Big mistake by both Rizzoli and AAR Antonio Damato.
Manchester City 1-2 Juventus Referee: Damir Skomina (Slovenia)
Skomina and his crew were mediocre in this match, missing a foul on the City goal by Vincent Kompany, but also getting a key offside call to disallow a goal for Juventus right in the 12th Minute. Overall, the key point to work on from the match for this crew is foul detection.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Malmo FF Referee: Sergei Karasev (Russia)
Karasev and his crew were reasonably strong in a pretty quiet match for him and his crew in Paris. Overall, it was a good job by the Russian referee, who looks to be a strong Euro 2016 and WC 2018 candidate.
Galatasaray 0-2 Atletico Madrid Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Marciniak continued a run of strong performances in his first UCL group stage match as a UEFA elite referee. Nice work by him and his crew.
Sevilla 3-0 Borussia Monchengladbach Referee: Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)
Kralovec called an incredible three penalties in the second half in Sevilla, and I agreed with two of the three decisions.
46th Minute: Sevilla's Vitolo goes down at the slightest of touches from keeper Yann Sommer as the Borussia keeper attempts to knock the ball away. For me, this isn't a penalty since Sommer was in a natural motion as well as the fact that there wasn't any contact. Soft penalty from Kralovec if you ask me.
49th Minute: Vitolo is making a run at the top of the box when he is tripped up by Roel Brouwers. He goes down easily again and earns a penalty, but this time I think that there was enough contact to warrant a penalty. Good call by Kralovec.
66th Minute: Borussia's Tony Jantschke clearly trips up Kevin Gameiro of Sevilla in the box. This was a relatively easy call for Kralovec, who correctly whistled for a spot kick.
Benfica 2-0 Astana Referee: Tasos Sidiropoulos (Greece)
It was a quiet game for the Greek crew, who looked strong in what was a pretty quiet match in Portugal.
Real Madrid 4-0 Shakhtar Donetsk Referee: Ivan Bebek (Croatia)
Bebek called two penalties and showed a red card in this match and I agree with two of the three calls.
50th Minute: Shakhtar's Taras Stepanenko is already booked when he makes a low lunge on Sergio Ramos. Bebek shows him a second yellow and I agree since the challenge was reckless enough to deserve a yellow.
54th Minute: Cristiano Ronaldo's shot deflects off the back off Darijo Srna's back, but Bebek shockingly calls a penalty for a hand ball. Big mistake by both Bebek and the AAR, who should have seen where the ball hit.
63rd Minute: Shakhtar's Marcio Azevedo controls the ball with his hand, and Bebek's AAR informs him of the infraction. Bebek changes his original decision of a hand ball against Madrid and points to the spot. Good work by the team to get it right.
Wolfsburg 1-0 CSKA Moscow Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (Norway)
Moen and crew put in a strong performance with little controversy. Nothing to look at here.
Rizzoli found himself facing huge criticism for his failure to issue a penalty and red card for Hector Moreno's horror tackle.
15th Minute: United's Luke Shaw is running towards goal when he is slide-tackled hard by Hector Moreno of PSV. The United defender would leave the match with a horrific leg injury, but I think he should have at least won his team a penalty and red card in the act. When I watch the replay, Moreno gets enough of the leg for it to be a penalty and it certainly warranted a red for serious foul play. Big mistake by both Rizzoli and AAR Antonio Damato.
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| Rizzoli signals medical personel on after Shaw was hurt |
Skomina and his crew were mediocre in this match, missing a foul on the City goal by Vincent Kompany, but also getting a key offside call to disallow a goal for Juventus right in the 12th Minute. Overall, the key point to work on from the match for this crew is foul detection.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Malmo FF Referee: Sergei Karasev (Russia)
Karasev and his crew were reasonably strong in a pretty quiet match for him and his crew in Paris. Overall, it was a good job by the Russian referee, who looks to be a strong Euro 2016 and WC 2018 candidate.
Galatasaray 0-2 Atletico Madrid Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Marciniak continued a run of strong performances in his first UCL group stage match as a UEFA elite referee. Nice work by him and his crew.
Sevilla 3-0 Borussia Monchengladbach Referee: Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)
Kralovec called an incredible three penalties in the second half in Sevilla, and I agreed with two of the three decisions.
46th Minute: Sevilla's Vitolo goes down at the slightest of touches from keeper Yann Sommer as the Borussia keeper attempts to knock the ball away. For me, this isn't a penalty since Sommer was in a natural motion as well as the fact that there wasn't any contact. Soft penalty from Kralovec if you ask me.
49th Minute: Vitolo is making a run at the top of the box when he is tripped up by Roel Brouwers. He goes down easily again and earns a penalty, but this time I think that there was enough contact to warrant a penalty. Good call by Kralovec.
66th Minute: Borussia's Tony Jantschke clearly trips up Kevin Gameiro of Sevilla in the box. This was a relatively easy call for Kralovec, who correctly whistled for a spot kick.
Benfica 2-0 Astana Referee: Tasos Sidiropoulos (Greece)
It was a quiet game for the Greek crew, who looked strong in what was a pretty quiet match in Portugal.
Real Madrid 4-0 Shakhtar Donetsk Referee: Ivan Bebek (Croatia)
Bebek called two penalties and showed a red card in this match and I agree with two of the three calls.
50th Minute: Shakhtar's Taras Stepanenko is already booked when he makes a low lunge on Sergio Ramos. Bebek shows him a second yellow and I agree since the challenge was reckless enough to deserve a yellow.
54th Minute: Cristiano Ronaldo's shot deflects off the back off Darijo Srna's back, but Bebek shockingly calls a penalty for a hand ball. Big mistake by both Bebek and the AAR, who should have seen where the ball hit.
63rd Minute: Shakhtar's Marcio Azevedo controls the ball with his hand, and Bebek's AAR informs him of the infraction. Bebek changes his original decision of a hand ball against Madrid and points to the spot. Good work by the team to get it right.
Wolfsburg 1-0 CSKA Moscow Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (Norway)
Moen and crew put in a strong performance with little controversy. Nothing to look at here.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Premier League Review Week 5: Unbelievably quiet week in the BPL
Watford 1-0 Swansea Referee: Robert Madley
Madley has had a strong opening to the season, and he continued with a correct red card in this match.
64th Minute: Watford's Valon Behrami stomps on Andre Ayew's upper leg while trying to step over the sliding Swansea star. Madley shows a straight red, and I think he was 100% correct. Intentional or unintentional, there is no way you can avoid a sending off for a foul like that.
Manchester United 3-1 Liverpool Referee: Michael Oliver
Oliver called one penalty in this huge match and I think he got it right.
70th Minute: Joe Gomez of Liverpool hacks down Ander Herrera in the box, giving Oliver no choice but to award United a penalty. Good call by the young FIFA referee.
Arsenal 2-0 Stoke City Referee: Jonathan Moss
Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester City Referee: Mike Jones
West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Southampton Referee: Stuart Attwell
Norwich City 3-1 Bournemouth Referee: Martin Atkinson
Everton 3-1 Chelsea Referee: Andre Marriner
Leicester City 3-2 Aston Villa Referee: Mike Dean
Sunderland 0-1 Tottenham Referee: Craig Pawson
West Ham 2-0 Newcastle Referee: Anthony Taylor
Moss, Jones, Attwell, Atkinson, Marriner, Dean, Pawson, and Taylor all had good games with little controversy. Good work by them and their crews.
Madley has had a strong opening to the season, and he continued with a correct red card in this match.
64th Minute: Watford's Valon Behrami stomps on Andre Ayew's upper leg while trying to step over the sliding Swansea star. Madley shows a straight red, and I think he was 100% correct. Intentional or unintentional, there is no way you can avoid a sending off for a foul like that.
Manchester United 3-1 Liverpool Referee: Michael Oliver
Oliver called one penalty in this huge match and I think he got it right.
70th Minute: Joe Gomez of Liverpool hacks down Ander Herrera in the box, giving Oliver no choice but to award United a penalty. Good call by the young FIFA referee.
Arsenal 2-0 Stoke City Referee: Jonathan Moss
Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester City Referee: Mike Jones
West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Southampton Referee: Stuart Attwell
Norwich City 3-1 Bournemouth Referee: Martin Atkinson
Everton 3-1 Chelsea Referee: Andre Marriner
Leicester City 3-2 Aston Villa Referee: Mike Dean
Sunderland 0-1 Tottenham Referee: Craig Pawson
West Ham 2-0 Newcastle Referee: Anthony Taylor
Moss, Jones, Attwell, Atkinson, Marriner, Dean, Pawson, and Taylor all had good games with little controversy. Good work by them and their crews.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
MLS Week 28 Reports: Questionable red for Dwyer
New York Red Bulls 3-2 Chicago Referee: Armando Villarreal (United States)
Villarreal was heavily criticized for his two penalty calls in this match, with many calling both decisions soft.
13th Minute: Damian Perrinelle of New York does appear to slightly clip Chicago's Kennedy Igboananike just outside the area, but Villarreal points to the spot. I think a foul call and a free kick outside the box would've been acceptable, but there is no way to justify a penalty call since the contact was outside the box. Big mistake by Villarreal.
70th Minute: NY's Lloyd Sam is running towards a through ball in the box when he is slightly tripped by Michael Stevens. Villarreal calls a penalty, and though many people said there wasn't enough contact I actually agree with Villarreal. To me, it looks like Stevens clearly was attempting to slow down Sam but ends up clearly tripping up the Red Bulls star. Therefore, he is guilty of a foul and a penalty.
Houston 1-3 Real Salt Lake Referee: Robert Sibiga (United States)
Sibiga, who is a fourth official getting his third game in an MLS trial run, called one penalty in this match, but unfortunately I think he may have been wrong on the decision.
61st Minute: Houston play in a corner kick that takes a deflection off John Stertzer. Sibiga calls a penalty on Stertzer for a hand ball, and though there isn't a good replay I can find, it looks like the ball hits Stertzer's stomach from my angle. I'll update this if I can find a better replay.
FC Dallas 2-1 NYCFC Referee: Alan Kelly (Ireland)
Kelly was another MLS referee who called a debatable penalty this week, though I have to stand with him on this one.
69th Minute: NYCFC's Ned Grabavoy is making a run towards the ball in the box after a beautiful pass from Patrick Mullins when he has his shoulder than his head pulled back a bit by Atiba Harris. For some reason, some people are actually arguing that this penalty was soft. Sorry but that's a penalty 100% of the time.
Orlando 3-1 Kansas City Referee: Jair Marrufo (United States)
Marrufo showed one red card in this match, and it was highly debatable.
87th Minute: Dom Dwyer of SKC gets into a confrontation with David Mateos and eventually pushes the Orlando defender in the chest. Mateos falls holding his face and fools Marrufo into thinking the contact was at face level which would be a red card offense. Marrufo incorrectly shows red for the contact to the chest, which only deserves a yellow. Big mistake by Marrufo, though the disciplinary committee did reverse the decision.
Vancouver 2-0 Colorado Referee: Allen Chapman (United States)
Portland 0-0 Sporting Kansas City Referee: Fotis Bazakos (United States)
Philadelphia 1-2 Columbus Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero (United States)
Colorado 1-1 DC United Referee: Sorin Stoica (United States)
Los Angeles 0-0 Montreal Referee: Mark Geiger (United States)
San Jose 1-1 Seattle Referee: Jorge Gonzalez (United States)
Toronto 1-3 New England Referee: Baldomero Toledo (United States)
These seven officials all had quiet games with sparse controversy. Good work by them and their crews.
Villarreal was heavily criticized for his two penalty calls in this match, with many calling both decisions soft.
13th Minute: Damian Perrinelle of New York does appear to slightly clip Chicago's Kennedy Igboananike just outside the area, but Villarreal points to the spot. I think a foul call and a free kick outside the box would've been acceptable, but there is no way to justify a penalty call since the contact was outside the box. Big mistake by Villarreal.
70th Minute: NY's Lloyd Sam is running towards a through ball in the box when he is slightly tripped by Michael Stevens. Villarreal calls a penalty, and though many people said there wasn't enough contact I actually agree with Villarreal. To me, it looks like Stevens clearly was attempting to slow down Sam but ends up clearly tripping up the Red Bulls star. Therefore, he is guilty of a foul and a penalty.
Houston 1-3 Real Salt Lake Referee: Robert Sibiga (United States)
Sibiga, who is a fourth official getting his third game in an MLS trial run, called one penalty in this match, but unfortunately I think he may have been wrong on the decision.
61st Minute: Houston play in a corner kick that takes a deflection off John Stertzer. Sibiga calls a penalty on Stertzer for a hand ball, and though there isn't a good replay I can find, it looks like the ball hits Stertzer's stomach from my angle. I'll update this if I can find a better replay.
FC Dallas 2-1 NYCFC Referee: Alan Kelly (Ireland)
Kelly was another MLS referee who called a debatable penalty this week, though I have to stand with him on this one.
69th Minute: NYCFC's Ned Grabavoy is making a run towards the ball in the box after a beautiful pass from Patrick Mullins when he has his shoulder than his head pulled back a bit by Atiba Harris. For some reason, some people are actually arguing that this penalty was soft. Sorry but that's a penalty 100% of the time.
Orlando 3-1 Kansas City Referee: Jair Marrufo (United States)
Marrufo showed one red card in this match, and it was highly debatable.
87th Minute: Dom Dwyer of SKC gets into a confrontation with David Mateos and eventually pushes the Orlando defender in the chest. Mateos falls holding his face and fools Marrufo into thinking the contact was at face level which would be a red card offense. Marrufo incorrectly shows red for the contact to the chest, which only deserves a yellow. Big mistake by Marrufo, though the disciplinary committee did reverse the decision.
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| Marrufo sends Dwyer off in Orlando |
Portland 0-0 Sporting Kansas City Referee: Fotis Bazakos (United States)
Philadelphia 1-2 Columbus Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero (United States)
Colorado 1-1 DC United Referee: Sorin Stoica (United States)
Los Angeles 0-0 Montreal Referee: Mark Geiger (United States)
San Jose 1-1 Seattle Referee: Jorge Gonzalez (United States)
Toronto 1-3 New England Referee: Baldomero Toledo (United States)
These seven officials all had quiet games with sparse controversy. Good work by them and their crews.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Video Analysis 2: Unusual red card for Chris Baird
Thanks for the incredible support on the 1st edition. It marked the first time we reached 200 page views on a post!
SITUATION
Match: Hungary at Northern Ireland
Date: September 7
Score: 1-0 Hungary
Minute: 81'
Setup: Hungary starting a counterattack
Referee: Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)
This is interesting play for me since you hardly ever see this situation in a game. From the video, you can tell that Çakir shows Northern Ireland's Chris Baird the yellow twice and clearly indicates with hand gestures that he saw two separate incidents on the play. When I take a look at the replays I see what appears to be some sort of cynical foul off the ball early in the play by Baird, followed by a clear yellow card foul seconds later. For me, both these are clear yellow card offenses. The only argument against the second yellow is that Baird wouldn't have made the second challenge if he knew he was going to be booked for the first challenge. I get that argument and it clearly is a tough deal for Baird, but the fact is he clearly committed two yellow card card fouls and therefore deserves to be sent off.
What do you think? Tell us in the comments.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
UEFA Euro 2016 Qualification Matchday 8 Reports Day 2: Strange red in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland 1-1 Hungary Referee: Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)
Çakir showed one of the strangest red cards in recent memory, but I think he got it right.
81st Minute: Chris Baird of Northern Ireland makes a hard challenge on a Hungarian player which Çakir signals advantage on. Baird goes on to make another harsh challenge on a different player and this time Çakir stops play. Now here's where it gets interesting. Çakir was already planning on showing Baird a yellow for the first foul and decided that the second challenge was also worthy of a yellow. Therefore Baird essentially received two yellows and therefore a red for the play. This is hardly ever seen, but since they were both clear yellow offenses, Çakir was right to send Baird off.
Poland 8-1 Gibraltar Referee: Gediminas Mažeika (Lithuania)
Mažeika is not a name you often see in the European circuit, but he made his presence felt with a penalty decision.
58th Minute: Poland star Robert Lewandowski gets tripped up in the area by Erin Barnett of Gibraltar. Mažeika is right on top of the incident and quickly points to the spot. Good call by the Lithuanian referee.
Romania 0-0 Greece Referee: Aleksey Kulbalkov (Belarus)
Scotland 2-3 Germany Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)
Ireland 1-0 Georgia Referee: Itsván Vad (Hungary)
Çakir showed one of the strangest red cards in recent memory, but I think he got it right.
81st Minute: Chris Baird of Northern Ireland makes a hard challenge on a Hungarian player which Çakir signals advantage on. Baird goes on to make another harsh challenge on a different player and this time Çakir stops play. Now here's where it gets interesting. Çakir was already planning on showing Baird a yellow for the first foul and decided that the second challenge was also worthy of a yellow. Therefore Baird essentially received two yellows and therefore a red for the play. This is hardly ever seen, but since they were both clear yellow offenses, Çakir was right to send Baird off.
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| Çakir shows Baird the red card |
Mažeika is not a name you often see in the European circuit, but he made his presence felt with a penalty decision.
58th Minute: Poland star Robert Lewandowski gets tripped up in the area by Erin Barnett of Gibraltar. Mažeika is right on top of the incident and quickly points to the spot. Good call by the Lithuanian referee.
Romania 0-0 Greece Referee: Aleksey Kulbalkov (Belarus)
Scotland 2-3 Germany Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)
Ireland 1-0 Georgia Referee: Itsván Vad (Hungary)
Portugal 1-0 Albania Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)
Armenia 0-0 Denmark Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (Norway)
Finland 1-0 Faroe Islands Referee: Marcin Borski (Poland)
These officials and their crews all had quiet games with little controversy. Nice work by those six.
NOTE: Northern Ireland-Greece report by Neil Tyler. All others by Harrison Johnson
Armenia 0-0 Denmark Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (Norway)
Finland 1-0 Faroe Islands Referee: Marcin Borski (Poland)
These officials and their crews all had quiet games with little controversy. Nice work by those six.
NOTE: Northern Ireland-Greece report by Neil Tyler. All others by Harrison Johnson
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
MLS Week 27 reports: Just 5 games to look at in a small week
New England 3-0 Orlando City Referee: Mark Geiger (United States)
Geiger had a strong match with little controversy in Foxborough. Nice work by the world cup referee as he tries to work past his Gold Cup debacle.
Montreal 4-3 Chicago Referee: Silviu Petrescu (Canada)
Petrescu had one key penalty decision to make in this match and I think he got it right.
35th Minute: Chicago's Harry Schipp gets into some space in the box when Montreal defender Maxim Tissot tries to knock the ball away with a late challenge. Tissot ends up clipping Schipp, and Petrescu immediately points to the spot. I agree with Petrescu on this call since despite the contact being minimal it still was enough to slow Schipp down.
Seattle 2-1 Toronto Referee: Ted Unkel (United States)
It was a pretty easy night for Unkel with nothing to go in depth on but I do want to give AR Mike Kampmeinert major props for a fantastic onside decision on Seattle's first goal.
San Jose 1-2 Philadelphia Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
Elfath called one penalty at Avaya Stadium and it was a clear one.
62nd Minute: San Jose take a long pass into the area, resulting in a high deflection. Philadelphia's Fabinho tries to head the ball away but ends up hitting the ball with his hand. Easy penalty call for Elfath, who whistles for a spot kick.
Columbus 0-3 Dallas Referee: Baldomero Toledo (United States)
Toledo was the only referee to face controversy this week, as he called a penalty that many judged as soft.
24th Minute: Jack McInerny of Columbus is going for a ball in the box when he goes down under the slightest of touches from Matt Hedges. For me, this just isn't a penalty since there was hardly any contact at all. Either play on or a dive call would have been better calls in my book.
Geiger had a strong match with little controversy in Foxborough. Nice work by the world cup referee as he tries to work past his Gold Cup debacle.
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| Geiger shows a yellow card to Christian Higuita of Orlando |
Petrescu had one key penalty decision to make in this match and I think he got it right.
35th Minute: Chicago's Harry Schipp gets into some space in the box when Montreal defender Maxim Tissot tries to knock the ball away with a late challenge. Tissot ends up clipping Schipp, and Petrescu immediately points to the spot. I agree with Petrescu on this call since despite the contact being minimal it still was enough to slow Schipp down.
Seattle 2-1 Toronto Referee: Ted Unkel (United States)
It was a pretty easy night for Unkel with nothing to go in depth on but I do want to give AR Mike Kampmeinert major props for a fantastic onside decision on Seattle's first goal.
San Jose 1-2 Philadelphia Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
Elfath called one penalty at Avaya Stadium and it was a clear one.
62nd Minute: San Jose take a long pass into the area, resulting in a high deflection. Philadelphia's Fabinho tries to head the ball away but ends up hitting the ball with his hand. Easy penalty call for Elfath, who whistles for a spot kick.
Columbus 0-3 Dallas Referee: Baldomero Toledo (United States)
Toledo was the only referee to face controversy this week, as he called a penalty that many judged as soft.
24th Minute: Jack McInerny of Columbus is going for a ball in the box when he goes down under the slightest of touches from Matt Hedges. For me, this just isn't a penalty since there was hardly any contact at all. Either play on or a dive call would have been better calls in my book.
Monday, September 7, 2015
UEFA Euro 2016 Qualification Matchday 8 Reports Day 1: Double red in Italy
Italy 1-0 Bulgaria Referee: Sergei Karasev (Russia)
Karasev had a very busy match in Italy, showing two reds on one play as well as calling a penalty.
4th Minute: Italian midfielder Antonio Candreva is dribbling at the top of the area when Bulgaria's Veselin Minev lunges in with a to try to win the ball. Minev fails to win the ball and ends up kicking Candreva in the calf. Karasev has a great view and quickly awards the clear penalty to Italy.
55th Minute: Bulgaria's Ilijan Micanski goes in on Daniele Di Rossi with his studs showing at ankle level. Di Rossi responds by kicking out at Micanski's leg. Karasev sends both players off for their infractions and I agree. No place for either of those actions in any match at any level.
Iceland 0-0 Kazakstan Referee: Yevhen Aranovsky (Ukraine)
It was an inconsistent night from Aranovsky, but the Ukrainian referee did get his one key decision right.
89th Minute: Iceland Captain Aron Gunnarsson is already in the book when he makes a reckless challenge on Aleksey Shchetkin on the left wing, leaving Aranovsky with no choice but to issue him a second yellow. Good work spotting the foul by Aranovsky.
Norway 2-0 Croatia Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
Wales 0-0 Israel Referee: Ivan Bebek (Croatia)
Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 Andorra Referee: Arnold Hunter (Northern Ireland)
Latvia 1-2 Czech Republic Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)
Turkey 3-0 Netherlands Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)
Malta 2-2 Azerbaijan Referee: Harald Lechner (Austria)
Cyprus 0-1 Belgium Referee: Vladislav Bezborodov (Russia)
These seven referees had relatively quiet games with little controversy. Good work by them and their crews.
Karasev had a very busy match in Italy, showing two reds on one play as well as calling a penalty.
4th Minute: Italian midfielder Antonio Candreva is dribbling at the top of the area when Bulgaria's Veselin Minev lunges in with a to try to win the ball. Minev fails to win the ball and ends up kicking Candreva in the calf. Karasev has a great view and quickly awards the clear penalty to Italy.
55th Minute: Bulgaria's Ilijan Micanski goes in on Daniele Di Rossi with his studs showing at ankle level. Di Rossi responds by kicking out at Micanski's leg. Karasev sends both players off for their infractions and I agree. No place for either of those actions in any match at any level.
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| Players on both sides react to the double red card |
It was an inconsistent night from Aranovsky, but the Ukrainian referee did get his one key decision right.
89th Minute: Iceland Captain Aron Gunnarsson is already in the book when he makes a reckless challenge on Aleksey Shchetkin on the left wing, leaving Aranovsky with no choice but to issue him a second yellow. Good work spotting the foul by Aranovsky.
Norway 2-0 Croatia Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
Wales 0-0 Israel Referee: Ivan Bebek (Croatia)
Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 Andorra Referee: Arnold Hunter (Northern Ireland)
Latvia 1-2 Czech Republic Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)
Turkey 3-0 Netherlands Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)
Malta 2-2 Azerbaijan Referee: Harald Lechner (Austria)
Cyprus 0-1 Belgium Referee: Vladislav Bezborodov (Russia)
These seven referees had relatively quiet games with little controversy. Good work by them and their crews.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Carlos Velasco Carballo is our August referee of the month
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| Carballo |
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Premier League Referee Rankings for September 2015
1. Martin Atkinson (+2)
Atkinson has been very strong this year and was appointed to the high profile Manchester City-Chelsea match, where he had a good performance. Atkinson also has done well on the European circuit, refereeing a Champions League Playoff match. Look for the veteran Atkinson to see some more key matches this coming season. -- Bob Smith
Week 5 Prediction: 4th Official
2. Mike Dean (-1)
Dean has fallen down one in the rankings after a decent but non spectacular start to the season that included a clear holding foul in the box missed in Aston Villa vs. Manchester United. Overall, I still have confidence in Dean's ability, but you would like to see a little more from a top referee. -- Harrison Johnson
Week 5 Prediction: Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City
3. Mark Clattenburg (-1)
Honestly, Mark Clattenburg hasn't done anything wrong yet this season. He correctly sent off John Terry and called a penalty in the Chelsea-West Brom week 3 fixture and has kept good control in a couple more quiet matches. However, he hasn't seen a big match yet this season, which pushes him a tad behind Atkinson and Dean. -- Neil Tyler
Week 5 Prediction: Manchester United vs. Liverpool
4. Michael Oliver (+1)
Oliver is starting to move towards the top of our list after an excellent August. He started out with a great performance in Chelsea-Swansea on the opening weekend, correctly sending off Thibaut Courtois for DOGSO in a courageous decision. He then was assigned to the huge match between Arsenal and Liverpool and recently got two red card decisions right at Stoke. Those three things are enough to move him up in the rankings. -- Will Cole
Week 5 Prediction: Norwich City vs. Bournemouth
5. Anthony Taylor (-1)
Taylor was decent overall, but it's the Adrian red card decision that dropped him down. We feel like a yellow could've sufficed in that case since Adrian had no way of knowing he was kicking the Leicester player. Otherwise Taylor has been good this season, but when you couple that mistake with Michael Oliver's good performances he has to drop down one spot. -- Bob Smith
Week 5 Prediction: 4th Official
6. Craig Pawson (+2)
I know what you're thinking: Pawson? Wasn't he the referee who was poor in the Liverpool-Bournemouth match? However, I actually thought Pawson was good in the match, with his call to deny Bournemouth a goal being a good call since it was a clear foul. The only big mistake was made by Pawson's AR, who failed to flag Christian Benteke for offsides on Liverpool's goal. Now to be fair, Pawson would've stayed at 8 if two other referees didn't get dropped down in our list. -- Harrison Johnson
Week 5 Prediction: Football League Championship
7. Lee Probert (-1)
Probert has dropped in our rankings simply due to the fact that he is once again having fitness issues and is yet to referee a game this season at any level. He is still in our top 10, but at this point all we have to rely on regarding Probert is his past performances. -- Neil Tyler
Week 5 Prediction: Off
8. Phil Dowd (-1)
Like fellow referee Lee Probert, Dowd is also fighting monumental fitness issues and hasn't refereed this season or since last February for that matter. We'll continue to wait on Dowd's return, but until he comes back he is bound to keep falling in our list. -- Will Cole
Week 5 Prediction: Off
9. Andre Marriner (no change)
Marriner was criticized by many for his red card decision in the recent Newcastle-Arsenal match but I think he got it right since it was a clear violent conduct case. This was also a great example of Marriner starting to move away from his conservative style of refereeing, which we outlined in the last rankings. Look for Marriner to try to build off a good start in the upcoming weeks. -- Bob Smith
Week 5 Prediction: Everton vs. Chelsea
10. Jonathan Moss (no change)
Moss has also had a good start to the season, and looks primed to climb up our rankings if he continues the good work he has shown in a couple reasonably difficult matches this season such as the season opener between Manchester United and Tottenham. -- Harrison Johnson
Week 5 Prediction: Arsenal vs. Stoke
11. Lee Mason (no change)
Mason has continued to struggle with consistency, which was very evident in the Week 2 match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, in which he only showed a yellow on one of two very similar fouls. If Mason could just become more consistent he could start to move up the ranks. -- Neil Tyler
Week 5 Prediction: West Ham vs. Newcastle United
12. Neil Swarbrick (no change)
There isn't much to write about Swarbrick so far this season after he had two quiet matches in lowish level fixtures. So far so good for Swarbrick, but the jury is still out on whether his success will continue. -- Will Cole
Week 5 Prediction: Sunderland vs. Tottenham
13. Mike Jones (+2)
Jones has shaken off an inconsistent 2014-15 to have a strong opening to this year, getting most of his key decisions right in two early matches, leading to a surprise appointment to Everton-Manchester City in Week 3. Jones isn't somebody I consider a top referee but you never know with referees. Sometimes they start to make a change in approach that raises their level. Maybe Jones is one of those referees. -- Bob Smith
Week 5 Prediction: Leicester vs. Aston Villa
14. Roger East (-1)
East is the third referee on our list who is yet to officiate a Premier League match due to an injury, but of all the referees who have been out he does look like the most likely to return to the Premier League shortly, having refereed in the League two and League one in the past two weeks. -- Harrison Johnson
Week 5 Prediction: Watford vs. Swansea City
15. Robert Madley (+1)
Madley still seems to not get that many appointments, only refereeing two matches so far this season. However, he has been good in the two matches including a relatively big match between Tottenham and Stoke. Madley is still only 29 years old and has a bright future in front of him that could come to fruition in the next couple years. -- Neil Tyler
Week 5 Prediction: West Brom vs. Southampton
16. Kevin Friend (-2)
Friend drops two spots after an abysmal performance in Liverpool-West Ham in which he appeared to incorrectly send two players off. Not much to say other than that Friend is just really unsure of what calls to make. He needs to turn it around fast if he wants to stay in the Select Group much longer. -- Will Cole
Week 5 Prediction: 4th Official
17. Graham Scott (no change)
The BPL's newest official is still yet to referee a match due to his own fitness issues. Until he actually referees a Premier League match, we have no choice but to put him in the bottom spot on our list. -- Bob Smith
Week 5 Prediction: Off
BONUS SECTION!
Promotion Battle Rankings
1. Keith Stroud
2. Paul Tierney
3. Simon Hooper
Atkinson has been very strong this year and was appointed to the high profile Manchester City-Chelsea match, where he had a good performance. Atkinson also has done well on the European circuit, refereeing a Champions League Playoff match. Look for the veteran Atkinson to see some more key matches this coming season. -- Bob Smith
Week 5 Prediction: 4th Official
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| Atkinson has taken the lead in our BPL referee rankings |
Dean has fallen down one in the rankings after a decent but non spectacular start to the season that included a clear holding foul in the box missed in Aston Villa vs. Manchester United. Overall, I still have confidence in Dean's ability, but you would like to see a little more from a top referee. -- Harrison Johnson
Week 5 Prediction: Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City
3. Mark Clattenburg (-1)
Honestly, Mark Clattenburg hasn't done anything wrong yet this season. He correctly sent off John Terry and called a penalty in the Chelsea-West Brom week 3 fixture and has kept good control in a couple more quiet matches. However, he hasn't seen a big match yet this season, which pushes him a tad behind Atkinson and Dean. -- Neil Tyler
Week 5 Prediction: Manchester United vs. Liverpool
4. Michael Oliver (+1)
Oliver is starting to move towards the top of our list after an excellent August. He started out with a great performance in Chelsea-Swansea on the opening weekend, correctly sending off Thibaut Courtois for DOGSO in a courageous decision. He then was assigned to the huge match between Arsenal and Liverpool and recently got two red card decisions right at Stoke. Those three things are enough to move him up in the rankings. -- Will Cole
Week 5 Prediction: Norwich City vs. Bournemouth
5. Anthony Taylor (-1)
Taylor was decent overall, but it's the Adrian red card decision that dropped him down. We feel like a yellow could've sufficed in that case since Adrian had no way of knowing he was kicking the Leicester player. Otherwise Taylor has been good this season, but when you couple that mistake with Michael Oliver's good performances he has to drop down one spot. -- Bob Smith
Week 5 Prediction: 4th Official
6. Craig Pawson (+2)
I know what you're thinking: Pawson? Wasn't he the referee who was poor in the Liverpool-Bournemouth match? However, I actually thought Pawson was good in the match, with his call to deny Bournemouth a goal being a good call since it was a clear foul. The only big mistake was made by Pawson's AR, who failed to flag Christian Benteke for offsides on Liverpool's goal. Now to be fair, Pawson would've stayed at 8 if two other referees didn't get dropped down in our list. -- Harrison Johnson
Week 5 Prediction: Football League Championship
7. Lee Probert (-1)
Probert has dropped in our rankings simply due to the fact that he is once again having fitness issues and is yet to referee a game this season at any level. He is still in our top 10, but at this point all we have to rely on regarding Probert is his past performances. -- Neil Tyler
Week 5 Prediction: Off
8. Phil Dowd (-1)
Like fellow referee Lee Probert, Dowd is also fighting monumental fitness issues and hasn't refereed this season or since last February for that matter. We'll continue to wait on Dowd's return, but until he comes back he is bound to keep falling in our list. -- Will Cole
Week 5 Prediction: Off
9. Andre Marriner (no change)
Marriner was criticized by many for his red card decision in the recent Newcastle-Arsenal match but I think he got it right since it was a clear violent conduct case. This was also a great example of Marriner starting to move away from his conservative style of refereeing, which we outlined in the last rankings. Look for Marriner to try to build off a good start in the upcoming weeks. -- Bob Smith
Week 5 Prediction: Everton vs. Chelsea
10. Jonathan Moss (no change)
Moss has also had a good start to the season, and looks primed to climb up our rankings if he continues the good work he has shown in a couple reasonably difficult matches this season such as the season opener between Manchester United and Tottenham. -- Harrison Johnson
Week 5 Prediction: Arsenal vs. Stoke
11. Lee Mason (no change)
Mason has continued to struggle with consistency, which was very evident in the Week 2 match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, in which he only showed a yellow on one of two very similar fouls. If Mason could just become more consistent he could start to move up the ranks. -- Neil Tyler
Week 5 Prediction: West Ham vs. Newcastle United
12. Neil Swarbrick (no change)
There isn't much to write about Swarbrick so far this season after he had two quiet matches in lowish level fixtures. So far so good for Swarbrick, but the jury is still out on whether his success will continue. -- Will Cole
Week 5 Prediction: Sunderland vs. Tottenham
13. Mike Jones (+2)
Jones has shaken off an inconsistent 2014-15 to have a strong opening to this year, getting most of his key decisions right in two early matches, leading to a surprise appointment to Everton-Manchester City in Week 3. Jones isn't somebody I consider a top referee but you never know with referees. Sometimes they start to make a change in approach that raises their level. Maybe Jones is one of those referees. -- Bob Smith
Week 5 Prediction: Leicester vs. Aston Villa
14. Roger East (-1)
East is the third referee on our list who is yet to officiate a Premier League match due to an injury, but of all the referees who have been out he does look like the most likely to return to the Premier League shortly, having refereed in the League two and League one in the past two weeks. -- Harrison Johnson
Week 5 Prediction: Watford vs. Swansea City
15. Robert Madley (+1)
Madley still seems to not get that many appointments, only refereeing two matches so far this season. However, he has been good in the two matches including a relatively big match between Tottenham and Stoke. Madley is still only 29 years old and has a bright future in front of him that could come to fruition in the next couple years. -- Neil Tyler
Week 5 Prediction: West Brom vs. Southampton
16. Kevin Friend (-2)
Friend drops two spots after an abysmal performance in Liverpool-West Ham in which he appeared to incorrectly send two players off. Not much to say other than that Friend is just really unsure of what calls to make. He needs to turn it around fast if he wants to stay in the Select Group much longer. -- Will Cole
Week 5 Prediction: 4th Official
17. Graham Scott (no change)
The BPL's newest official is still yet to referee a match due to his own fitness issues. Until he actually referees a Premier League match, we have no choice but to put him in the bottom spot on our list. -- Bob Smith
Week 5 Prediction: Off
BONUS SECTION!
Promotion Battle Rankings
1. Keith Stroud
2. Paul Tierney
3. Simon Hooper
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