Alan Wiley took charge of Arsenal's 4-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, a game that was marred by a horrendous tackle by William Gallas.
The French defender went in studs high on Bolton's Mark Davis in the centre of the park, a tackle that Wiley had a very good view of, but surprisingly, and more worryingly wrongly allowed play to continue and from that same phase of play Arsenal gained their equaliser to level the score at 2-2.
The tackle in real time looked bad enough as Gallas was over the top of the ball and appeared to stamp on the ankle of the Bolton player. Wiley should have awarded a free kick to Bolton and shown William Gallas a straight red card for serious foul play. Instead the official allowed play to continue so why did the referee miss it?
Could it be because of his positioning? I think Wiley was in the perfect position to judge the tackle and had a clear view of the incident from only 10 yards away. His vision wasn't obstructed by another player so he shouldn't have missed the tackle.
Perhaps he did see the tackle but he felt it was a good one, but the direction of the ball tells you there is no way Gallas could've won the ball. I don't think he has any excuse for missing the tackle, maybe he could have gotten some help from his assistant Ceri Richards however it's a decision the referee should be making.
I don't have any complaint about Owen Coyle's comments, however I can't see how the Bolton manager can blame the referee for his team losing the game, yes they should have had a free kick in the build up to the goal but the defending and goal keeping was poor so I think he should be blaming his players for the loss and not the officials.
Friday, 22 January 2010
Monday, 18 January 2010
Serena could meet abused umpire again
As the Australian Open started today, Serena Williams could come face to face with the woman she abused at last year's US Open.
Japanese lineswoman Shino Tsurubuchi will be on court at the Australian Open for the next two weeks but Australian Open officials will not confirm whether or not Tsurubuchi would be involved in any of the defending champion's matches.
Williams was fined a record $89,420, plus a further $10,840 on-site penalty after abusing Tsurubuchi in the US Open semi-final in reaction to being called for a foot fault.
The foot fault brought up match point for Kim Clijsters and ultimately cost Williams the semi-final after she was docked a point for the expletive-laden outburst
Williams was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond by the International Tennis Federation. She has an $89,420 fine hanging over her head which will be activated if she re-offends.
No doubt Serena will be hoping that the Japanese official keeps well away from her matches, but we'll wait and see whether round 2 takes place or not.
Japanese lineswoman Shino Tsurubuchi will be on court at the Australian Open for the next two weeks but Australian Open officials will not confirm whether or not Tsurubuchi would be involved in any of the defending champion's matches.
Williams was fined a record $89,420, plus a further $10,840 on-site penalty after abusing Tsurubuchi in the US Open semi-final in reaction to being called for a foot fault.
The foot fault brought up match point for Kim Clijsters and ultimately cost Williams the semi-final after she was docked a point for the expletive-laden outburst
Williams was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond by the International Tennis Federation. She has an $89,420 fine hanging over her head which will be activated if she re-offends.
No doubt Serena will be hoping that the Japanese official keeps well away from her matches, but we'll wait and see whether round 2 takes place or not.
Ball over the line? Definately not
If you thought the Pedro Mendes ball over the line decision at Old Trafford or Geoff Hurst's goal in the 1966 World Cup final were bad then wait till you see this one from the Bundesliga second division.
Referee Marco Fritz was at the centre of some bad decisions in the game between MSV Duisburg and FSV Frankfurt, but none more controversial than the 81st minute goal from Duisburg's Christian Tiffert.
Tiffert chipped the ball from 20 yards after a poor clearance from the Frankfurt goalkeeper. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced at least a metre forward of the goal line, it was clearly not a goal and the keeper had been let off the hook having already conceded four goals, but to the surprise of the players, managers and spectators, Fritz awarded the goal.
Fritz said "I didn't see it, I only reacted." The goal was given by assistant referee Thomas Munch. Now the German FA have asked for an explanation from the officials concerned as to how this sort of mistake could happen.
Luckily the decision didn't effect the outcome of the game as this was the final goal of a 5-0 drubbing by MSV Duisburg.
Referee Marco Fritz was at the centre of some bad decisions in the game between MSV Duisburg and FSV Frankfurt, but none more controversial than the 81st minute goal from Duisburg's Christian Tiffert.
Tiffert chipped the ball from 20 yards after a poor clearance from the Frankfurt goalkeeper. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced at least a metre forward of the goal line, it was clearly not a goal and the keeper had been let off the hook having already conceded four goals, but to the surprise of the players, managers and spectators, Fritz awarded the goal.
Fritz said "I didn't see it, I only reacted." The goal was given by assistant referee Thomas Munch. Now the German FA have asked for an explanation from the officials concerned as to how this sort of mistake could happen.
Luckily the decision didn't effect the outcome of the game as this was the final goal of a 5-0 drubbing by MSV Duisburg.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Referee Report- Mike Jones
The first of today's two live Barclay's Premier League matches took place at Villa Park where Aston Villa entertained a struggling West Ham United side.
Mike Jones was appointed to take charge of this game and to be honest initially I wasn't sure whether or not it was a good appointment.
Jones was added to the Premier League list last season and in all honesty really hasn't impressed me at all, however today I was pleasantly surprised.
I thought he controlled the game extremely well, and even though the game was poor, he did what he had to do brilliantly.
My concern with Mike Jones so far this season has been his man management skills. Before today he had shown 36 yellow cards in 10 Premier League matches, some of those bookings could have been prevented had his man management been better. So when Kovac was booked in the first half for a very soft foul I did fear the worst, but i was proved wrong.
Kovcac probably should have been sent off. The Czech midfielder, already on a yellow card committed what looked like the easiest of bookings, however Jones decided to give him a reprieve and I for one was glad of this.
The match wasn't bad tempered up until that point so Mike decided to give Kovac his final warning with captain Matthew Upson as a witness, good man management by the referee and good decision making from Hammers manager Zola who substituted Kovac shortly after.
Midway through the second half there was an unsavoury incident between Petrov and Stanislas after a bad tackle from the West Ham player. Both men went head to head like rutting stags, Jones calmed the situation down, got word in his ear from his assistant Scott Ledger and decided to book both players. Again good man management from Jones and did well after that incident to prevent the game from boiling over.
One final decision to give praise for. Stephen Child, who was the assistant at the centre of the offside controversy at St Andrews last week between Birmingham and Manchester United, rightly gave Gabby Agbonlahor offside after the striker latched onto a Robert Green error. The decision looked tight but the linesman got it right.
Before the match I wasn't very optimistic about the appointment of Mike Jones, but after seeing the 42 year old's performance today, it appears as though he has got over the beachball incident at the Stadium of Light and I for one would not be disappointed to watch him take charge of another televised game in the near future.
Verdict: Very Good 8/10
Mike Jones was appointed to take charge of this game and to be honest initially I wasn't sure whether or not it was a good appointment.
Jones was added to the Premier League list last season and in all honesty really hasn't impressed me at all, however today I was pleasantly surprised.
I thought he controlled the game extremely well, and even though the game was poor, he did what he had to do brilliantly.
My concern with Mike Jones so far this season has been his man management skills. Before today he had shown 36 yellow cards in 10 Premier League matches, some of those bookings could have been prevented had his man management been better. So when Kovac was booked in the first half for a very soft foul I did fear the worst, but i was proved wrong.
Kovcac probably should have been sent off. The Czech midfielder, already on a yellow card committed what looked like the easiest of bookings, however Jones decided to give him a reprieve and I for one was glad of this.
The match wasn't bad tempered up until that point so Mike decided to give Kovac his final warning with captain Matthew Upson as a witness, good man management by the referee and good decision making from Hammers manager Zola who substituted Kovac shortly after.
Midway through the second half there was an unsavoury incident between Petrov and Stanislas after a bad tackle from the West Ham player. Both men went head to head like rutting stags, Jones calmed the situation down, got word in his ear from his assistant Scott Ledger and decided to book both players. Again good man management from Jones and did well after that incident to prevent the game from boiling over.
One final decision to give praise for. Stephen Child, who was the assistant at the centre of the offside controversy at St Andrews last week between Birmingham and Manchester United, rightly gave Gabby Agbonlahor offside after the striker latched onto a Robert Green error. The decision looked tight but the linesman got it right.
Before the match I wasn't very optimistic about the appointment of Mike Jones, but after seeing the 42 year old's performance today, it appears as though he has got over the beachball incident at the Stadium of Light and I for one would not be disappointed to watch him take charge of another televised game in the near future.
Verdict: Very Good 8/10
Referee Report- Andre Marriner
Yesterday's teatime kick off saw Everton entertain an injury savaged Manchester City side, a game refereed by one of England and Europe's top officials, Andre Marriner.
I watched the game live on ESPN and personally I thought Andre Marriner and team were outstanding.
Both Everton goals came from set pieces and no doubt Manchester City will have complaints surrounding the awards of those set pieces.
Firstly the free kick for a foul just outside the area. It was a definite coming together and contact was made so a free kick was the right decision, however City cannot blame the referee for their poor defensive wall as gaps allowed Steven Pienaar to curl the ball past a helpless Shay Given at his near post.
Everton were on top in the game and got the opportunity to score a second courtesy of Marriner's assistant Richard West's fantastic spot.
The assistant noticed a clear shirt pull by Micah Richards on Louis Saha, although the initial foul occurred outside the area, the fact Richards continued to tug the shirt inside the box left Marriner and West with no choice but to award the spot kick that Saha stepped up and slotted home for 2-0.
I thought on the whole Marriner handled the game very sensibly. No need for any cards as his man management skills were great throughout and opted to talk to players rather than brandish needless cards.
A very solid performance from who is, in my opinion, among our top 5 referees along with Howard Webb, Martin Atkinson, Mike Dean and Mark Clattenburg.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Marriner get Manchester United v Arsenal at the end of the month as Webb will probably be ruled out as he is refereeing the Carling cup semi final between United and City only days earlier.
Verdict: Excellent 9/10
I watched the game live on ESPN and personally I thought Andre Marriner and team were outstanding.
Both Everton goals came from set pieces and no doubt Manchester City will have complaints surrounding the awards of those set pieces.
Firstly the free kick for a foul just outside the area. It was a definite coming together and contact was made so a free kick was the right decision, however City cannot blame the referee for their poor defensive wall as gaps allowed Steven Pienaar to curl the ball past a helpless Shay Given at his near post.
Everton were on top in the game and got the opportunity to score a second courtesy of Marriner's assistant Richard West's fantastic spot.
The assistant noticed a clear shirt pull by Micah Richards on Louis Saha, although the initial foul occurred outside the area, the fact Richards continued to tug the shirt inside the box left Marriner and West with no choice but to award the spot kick that Saha stepped up and slotted home for 2-0.
I thought on the whole Marriner handled the game very sensibly. No need for any cards as his man management skills were great throughout and opted to talk to players rather than brandish needless cards.
A very solid performance from who is, in my opinion, among our top 5 referees along with Howard Webb, Martin Atkinson, Mike Dean and Mark Clattenburg.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Marriner get Manchester United v Arsenal at the end of the month as Webb will probably be ruled out as he is refereeing the Carling cup semi final between United and City only days earlier.
Verdict: Excellent 9/10
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Football League Appointments Sat 16th Jan- Mon 18th Jan
Saturday 16th January 2010
Kick off 3.00pm unless stated
Championship
Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday
A Penn S Bennett R Metcalfe P Davidson
Blackpool vs QPR
T Kettle P Kettlewell P Wright R Jones
Bristol City vs Preston North End
G Ward S Barrow J Busby N Hobbis
Doncaster vs Watford
A Hall S Duncan W Porter K Mattocks
Ipswich Town vs Coventry City
M Oliver H Lennard M Thompson J Magill
Nottingham Forest vs Reading
D Deadman M George D Handley S Martin
Peterborough United vs Derby County
N Miller L Betts D Rock S Ross
Plymouth Argyle vs Crystal Palace
A Bates R Ganfield A Turner M Russell
Scunthorpe United vs Cardiff City
S Mathieson I Dudley N Smith W Grunnill
Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough
A D'Urso W Smallwood D Storrie D Naylor
Swansea City vs Leicester City
F Graham S Phipps N Radford N Swabey
League 1
Brentford vs Carlisle United
R East D Buck A Laver S Lewis
Colchester United vs Norwich City
M Dean S Beck M Bull K Hill
Exeter City vs Leeds United
G Scott A Davies C Powell B Huxtable
Hartlepool United vs Milton Keynes Dons
C Sarginson M Coy I Siddall T Peart
Huddersfield Town vs Southend United
E Ilderton C Akers R Atkin D Markham
Leyton Orient vs Bristol Rovers
K Wright A Sannerude A Slaughter D Bushell
Millwall vs Southampton
A Woolmer G Jerden G Russell G Evetts
Stockport County vs Oldham Athletic
J Moss G Hilton M Naylor A Hutchinson
Swindon Town vs Gillingham
S Tanner W Linden G Stretton M Philpott
Tranmere Rovers vs Yeovil Town
G Salisbury C Harwood D Mohareb C Dunn
Wallsall vs Brighton and Hove Albion
G Horwood P Davies A Smith M Perry
Wycombe Wanderers vs Charlton Athletic
K Evans E Mackrell B Malone J Farries
League 2
Accrington Stanley vs Rotherham United
G Sutton P Dermott B Gordon N Greenhalgh
Bournemouth vs Bury
G Hegley W Bull M Collins S Creighton
Barnet vs Lincoln City
J Waugh S Daly G Hambling M McCoy
Bradford vs Notts County
S Hooper M Denton C Kavanagh M Dicicco
Burton Albion vs Shrewsbury Town
N Swarbrick M Astley R Newman C Knowles
Chesterfield vs Torquay United
A Haines S Massey J Tyas S Cook
Dagenham and Redbridge vs Crewe Alexandra
R Booth C Berry R Kendall E Kaye
Darlington vs Aldershot Town
C Webster T Harrington B Khatib R Clark
Grimsby Town vs Cheltenham Town
P Tierney A Greenwood M Griffiths N Hair
Hereford United vs Morecambe
R Shoebridge M Heywood M Weaver R Martin
Macclesfield Town vs Northampton Town
D McDermid D Benton D England K Hayward
Rochdale vs Port Vale
D Webb A Holmes D Street P Hodskinson
Monday 18th January 2010
Championship
Newcastle United vs West Bromwich Albion
P Taylor A Smith J Tyas M Haywood
Kick off 3.00pm unless stated
Championship
Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday
A Penn S Bennett R Metcalfe P Davidson
Blackpool vs QPR
T Kettle P Kettlewell P Wright R Jones
Bristol City vs Preston North End
G Ward S Barrow J Busby N Hobbis
Doncaster vs Watford
A Hall S Duncan W Porter K Mattocks
Ipswich Town vs Coventry City
M Oliver H Lennard M Thompson J Magill
Nottingham Forest vs Reading
D Deadman M George D Handley S Martin
Peterborough United vs Derby County
N Miller L Betts D Rock S Ross
Plymouth Argyle vs Crystal Palace
A Bates R Ganfield A Turner M Russell
Scunthorpe United vs Cardiff City
S Mathieson I Dudley N Smith W Grunnill
Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough
A D'Urso W Smallwood D Storrie D Naylor
Swansea City vs Leicester City
F Graham S Phipps N Radford N Swabey
League 1
Brentford vs Carlisle United
R East D Buck A Laver S Lewis
Colchester United vs Norwich City
M Dean S Beck M Bull K Hill
Exeter City vs Leeds United
G Scott A Davies C Powell B Huxtable
Hartlepool United vs Milton Keynes Dons
C Sarginson M Coy I Siddall T Peart
Huddersfield Town vs Southend United
E Ilderton C Akers R Atkin D Markham
Leyton Orient vs Bristol Rovers
K Wright A Sannerude A Slaughter D Bushell
Millwall vs Southampton
A Woolmer G Jerden G Russell G Evetts
Stockport County vs Oldham Athletic
J Moss G Hilton M Naylor A Hutchinson
Swindon Town vs Gillingham
S Tanner W Linden G Stretton M Philpott
Tranmere Rovers vs Yeovil Town
G Salisbury C Harwood D Mohareb C Dunn
Wallsall vs Brighton and Hove Albion
G Horwood P Davies A Smith M Perry
Wycombe Wanderers vs Charlton Athletic
K Evans E Mackrell B Malone J Farries
League 2
Accrington Stanley vs Rotherham United
G Sutton P Dermott B Gordon N Greenhalgh
Bournemouth vs Bury
G Hegley W Bull M Collins S Creighton
Barnet vs Lincoln City
J Waugh S Daly G Hambling M McCoy
Bradford vs Notts County
S Hooper M Denton C Kavanagh M Dicicco
Burton Albion vs Shrewsbury Town
N Swarbrick M Astley R Newman C Knowles
Chesterfield vs Torquay United
A Haines S Massey J Tyas S Cook
Dagenham and Redbridge vs Crewe Alexandra
R Booth C Berry R Kendall E Kaye
Darlington vs Aldershot Town
C Webster T Harrington B Khatib R Clark
Grimsby Town vs Cheltenham Town
P Tierney A Greenwood M Griffiths N Hair
Hereford United vs Morecambe
R Shoebridge M Heywood M Weaver R Martin
Macclesfield Town vs Northampton Town
D McDermid D Benton D England K Hayward
Rochdale vs Port Vale
D Webb A Holmes D Street P Hodskinson
Monday 18th January 2010
Championship
Newcastle United vs West Bromwich Albion
P Taylor A Smith J Tyas M Haywood
Premier League Appointments for Saturday 16th Jan- Sunday 17th Jan
Saturday 16th January 2010
Kick off 3pm unless stated
Chelsea vs Sunderland
C Foy C Richards M Mullarkey P Crossley
My Verdict:
Should be an easy enough match for Chris Foy with no real controversy in this fixture over recent seasons. Only one red card in the last five matches between these two so no real rivalry between them. If Foy referees this match like he does most others then the game should pass without him being noticed.
Foy's last match at Stamford Bridge was in October 2008 as he took charge of Chelsea's 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
His last Sunderland away game was this season's trip to Burnley where he awarded the home side a penalty for a foul against Anton Ferdinand in the Black Cats' 3-1 defeat.
Card History:
Games: 21 Yellow Cards: 70 Red Cards: 3
Everton vs Manchester City (5.30pm)
A Marriner D Coote R West D Whitestone
My Verdict:
Andre Marriner is within my top 3 referees this season, so any game he is appointed to should be refereed very well. Like the Chelsea vs Sunderland game, there hasn't been any contentious issues between these two clubs. One red card in the last five meetings between the two clubs. Should be a well handled game, although Marriner has already shown seven red cards this season.
Marriner's last visit to Goodison Park was in December's 2-2 draw with Tottenham, a match in which he produced eight yellow cards and awarded a stoppage time penalty to Tottenham, but Defoe missed it.
He last refereed Man City on the road back in April, in City's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates.
Card History:
Games: 18 Yellow Cards: 62 Red Cards: 7
Manchester United vs Burnley
L Probert D Richardson R Madley A Wiley
My Verdict:
Lee Probert has had a very mixed season so far. He refereed the South Wales derby earlier in the season and put in a stirling performance, but then had a shocker at Goodison Park in the Everton vs Aston Villa, so not really sure which Lee Probert will turn up at Old Trafford. If the same Probert walks out on the pitch on Saturday that took charge of the Cardiff vs Swansea game then it should go ok.
This will be Probert's first ever visit to Old Trafford so hopefully he won't be too overawed by the occasion.
His last Burnley away game was their 3-1 defeat to Cardiff last season when they were still in the Championship.
Card History:
Games: 17 Yellow Cards: 56 Red Cards: 2
Portsmouth vs Birmingham City
A Taylor T Massey M Yerby P Walton
My Verdict:
Well this will be Mr Taylor's first ever Premier League game and hopefully it'll go ahead unlike Michael Oliver's game last weekend that should have been his first.
The reverse fixture between these two was controversial. Not only were Portsmouth given five yellow cards in the game, but Birmingham were awarded a last minute penalty by the assistant referee for a foul by David James.
Taylor has been performing consistently well at Football League level over the past two seasons and has been given his opportunity to step up to the big time.
Card History:
Games: 20 Yellow Cards: 48 Red Cards: 3
Stoke City vs Liverpool (12.45pm)
L Mason S Long M Matadar S Attwell
My Verdict:
Lee Mason has had a good season so far, that is when he hasn't refereed Liverpool. He has already refereed Liverpool three previous times this season and has sent off three of their players in the process. No doubt Mr Benitez will be furious by the appointment, but I think it's good to see that managers can't pull strings and decide which referee they want.
Mason's last match at The Brittania was Stoke's 1-0 win over Middlesbrough back in March.
His last Liverpool away game was their 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth, a match in which he sent off Javier Mascherano.
Card History:
Games: 21 Yellow Cards: 63 Red Cards: 5 (All to Away team players)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Hull City
M Atkinson P Kirkup P Sharp M Russell
My Verdict:
England's number two takes charge of the game at Whitehart Lane. Martin Atkinson has been performing at the highest level of his game both in England and in Europe with some good appointments in the Champions League in both Milan and Seville.
He has refereed some of the biggest matches this season, none more so that the Manchester derby at Old Trafford where he was criticised by Man City manager Mark Hughes for allowing United's winner to stand even though it had been scored after the allotted five minutes of added time.
Tottenham and Hull fans should be pleased by this appointment as I believe you will get a game that is sensibly refereed, plus Atkinson has not produced a red card so far this season.
Atkinson's last game at Whitehart Lane was their 1-0 win over West Ham back in April
His last Hull away game was their 4-1 defeat at Sunderland back in September
Card History:
Games: 23 Yellow Cards: 93 Red Cards: 0
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Wigan Athletic
H Webb D Cann M Cairns P Gibbs
My Verdict:
England's top official takes centre stage at Molineux this weekend as he referees what looks to be a battle between two teams trying to avoid the chop from the Premier League. Webb has shown red cards in both of his last two games so both fans will be hoping that Howard doesn't make it a hat-trick in this game.
Webb's last match at Molineux was Wolves' 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth.
His last Wigan away game was their 2-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage back in October last 2008.
Card History:
Games: 17 Yellow Cards: 59 Red Cards: 2
Sunday 17th January 2010
Aston Villa vs West Ham United (1.30pm)
M Jones S Ledger S Child H Webb
My Verdict:
Not really sure what to make of this appointment. Mike Jones hasn't looked the same referee since he was involved in the beachball incident in the Sunderland vs Liverpool game. He has had some pretty poor performances in Burnley's games with Hull and Fulham respectively.
This is a fixture that could be quite spicy with 14 yellow cards and 1 red card being shown in the last three meetings, and i'm not sure whether or not Jones will be able to cope, I just hope for you Villa and Hammers fans that he can.
Jones' last visit to Villa Park was their 0-0 draw with Fulham in November 2008.
He has never refereed a West Ham away game in the Premier League.
Card History:
Games: 19 Yellow Cards: 70 Red Cards: 3
Blackburn Rovers vs Fulham
K Friend A Halliday J Simpson A Marriner
My Verdict:
Kevin Friend is the newest name to be added to the Premier League list of referees and so far I haven't seen him put in a poor performance. He has already refereed some of the biggest teams in the country so this match shouldn't be a problem for him.
Fulham have the best disciplinary in the league and Blackburn, who used to be known for their tough tackling and rough play, have toned down over the last season or two, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a cardless game here.
This will only be Friend's eighth premier league game. He has refereed two Fulham games (2-1 defeat at Wolves and 2-2 draw at Man City), however this will be his first game involving Blackburn Rovers
Card History:
Games: 18 Yellow Cards: 69 Red Cards: 3
Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal (4.00pm)
P Dowd M Scholes P Keane M Clattenburg
My Verdict
The final game of the weekend sees Phil Dowd, the surprise package of the season take charge of what could be the game of the weekend. Dowd has put in some strong performances this season and in my opinion is in the top 5 referees in the country.
I believe Dowd will be appointed to a cup final this season either the Carling Cup or the FA Cup, either one will be richly deserved.
Dowd can be strict at times, and I think he will need to show this personality at the Reebok because Bolton are a very physical side. I'm hoping for a close, competitive match, and hopefully Phil will do all he can to keep it 11 vs 11.
Dowd's last trip to The Reebok was only a few weeks ago, when he oversaw Bolton's 2-2draw with Hull.
His last Arsenal away game was their 2-0 win over West Ham at Upton Park back in October 2008.
Card History:
Games: 21 Yellow Cards: 71 Red Cards: 4
Kick off 3pm unless stated
Chelsea vs Sunderland
C Foy C Richards M Mullarkey P Crossley
My Verdict:
Should be an easy enough match for Chris Foy with no real controversy in this fixture over recent seasons. Only one red card in the last five matches between these two so no real rivalry between them. If Foy referees this match like he does most others then the game should pass without him being noticed.
Foy's last match at Stamford Bridge was in October 2008 as he took charge of Chelsea's 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
His last Sunderland away game was this season's trip to Burnley where he awarded the home side a penalty for a foul against Anton Ferdinand in the Black Cats' 3-1 defeat.
Card History:
Games: 21 Yellow Cards: 70 Red Cards: 3
Everton vs Manchester City (5.30pm)
A Marriner D Coote R West D Whitestone
My Verdict:
Andre Marriner is within my top 3 referees this season, so any game he is appointed to should be refereed very well. Like the Chelsea vs Sunderland game, there hasn't been any contentious issues between these two clubs. One red card in the last five meetings between the two clubs. Should be a well handled game, although Marriner has already shown seven red cards this season.
Marriner's last visit to Goodison Park was in December's 2-2 draw with Tottenham, a match in which he produced eight yellow cards and awarded a stoppage time penalty to Tottenham, but Defoe missed it.
He last refereed Man City on the road back in April, in City's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates.
Card History:
Games: 18 Yellow Cards: 62 Red Cards: 7
Manchester United vs Burnley
L Probert D Richardson R Madley A Wiley
My Verdict:
Lee Probert has had a very mixed season so far. He refereed the South Wales derby earlier in the season and put in a stirling performance, but then had a shocker at Goodison Park in the Everton vs Aston Villa, so not really sure which Lee Probert will turn up at Old Trafford. If the same Probert walks out on the pitch on Saturday that took charge of the Cardiff vs Swansea game then it should go ok.
This will be Probert's first ever visit to Old Trafford so hopefully he won't be too overawed by the occasion.
His last Burnley away game was their 3-1 defeat to Cardiff last season when they were still in the Championship.
Card History:
Games: 17 Yellow Cards: 56 Red Cards: 2
Portsmouth vs Birmingham City
A Taylor T Massey M Yerby P Walton
My Verdict:
Well this will be Mr Taylor's first ever Premier League game and hopefully it'll go ahead unlike Michael Oliver's game last weekend that should have been his first.
The reverse fixture between these two was controversial. Not only were Portsmouth given five yellow cards in the game, but Birmingham were awarded a last minute penalty by the assistant referee for a foul by David James.
Taylor has been performing consistently well at Football League level over the past two seasons and has been given his opportunity to step up to the big time.
Card History:
Games: 20 Yellow Cards: 48 Red Cards: 3
Stoke City vs Liverpool (12.45pm)
L Mason S Long M Matadar S Attwell
My Verdict:
Lee Mason has had a good season so far, that is when he hasn't refereed Liverpool. He has already refereed Liverpool three previous times this season and has sent off three of their players in the process. No doubt Mr Benitez will be furious by the appointment, but I think it's good to see that managers can't pull strings and decide which referee they want.
Mason's last match at The Brittania was Stoke's 1-0 win over Middlesbrough back in March.
His last Liverpool away game was their 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth, a match in which he sent off Javier Mascherano.
Card History:
Games: 21 Yellow Cards: 63 Red Cards: 5 (All to Away team players)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Hull City
M Atkinson P Kirkup P Sharp M Russell
My Verdict:
England's number two takes charge of the game at Whitehart Lane. Martin Atkinson has been performing at the highest level of his game both in England and in Europe with some good appointments in the Champions League in both Milan and Seville.
He has refereed some of the biggest matches this season, none more so that the Manchester derby at Old Trafford where he was criticised by Man City manager Mark Hughes for allowing United's winner to stand even though it had been scored after the allotted five minutes of added time.
Tottenham and Hull fans should be pleased by this appointment as I believe you will get a game that is sensibly refereed, plus Atkinson has not produced a red card so far this season.
Atkinson's last game at Whitehart Lane was their 1-0 win over West Ham back in April
His last Hull away game was their 4-1 defeat at Sunderland back in September
Card History:
Games: 23 Yellow Cards: 93 Red Cards: 0
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Wigan Athletic
H Webb D Cann M Cairns P Gibbs
My Verdict:
England's top official takes centre stage at Molineux this weekend as he referees what looks to be a battle between two teams trying to avoid the chop from the Premier League. Webb has shown red cards in both of his last two games so both fans will be hoping that Howard doesn't make it a hat-trick in this game.
Webb's last match at Molineux was Wolves' 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth.
His last Wigan away game was their 2-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage back in October last 2008.
Card History:
Games: 17 Yellow Cards: 59 Red Cards: 2
Sunday 17th January 2010
Aston Villa vs West Ham United (1.30pm)
M Jones S Ledger S Child H Webb
My Verdict:
Not really sure what to make of this appointment. Mike Jones hasn't looked the same referee since he was involved in the beachball incident in the Sunderland vs Liverpool game. He has had some pretty poor performances in Burnley's games with Hull and Fulham respectively.
This is a fixture that could be quite spicy with 14 yellow cards and 1 red card being shown in the last three meetings, and i'm not sure whether or not Jones will be able to cope, I just hope for you Villa and Hammers fans that he can.
Jones' last visit to Villa Park was their 0-0 draw with Fulham in November 2008.
He has never refereed a West Ham away game in the Premier League.
Card History:
Games: 19 Yellow Cards: 70 Red Cards: 3
Blackburn Rovers vs Fulham
K Friend A Halliday J Simpson A Marriner
My Verdict:
Kevin Friend is the newest name to be added to the Premier League list of referees and so far I haven't seen him put in a poor performance. He has already refereed some of the biggest teams in the country so this match shouldn't be a problem for him.
Fulham have the best disciplinary in the league and Blackburn, who used to be known for their tough tackling and rough play, have toned down over the last season or two, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a cardless game here.
This will only be Friend's eighth premier league game. He has refereed two Fulham games (2-1 defeat at Wolves and 2-2 draw at Man City), however this will be his first game involving Blackburn Rovers
Card History:
Games: 18 Yellow Cards: 69 Red Cards: 3
Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal (4.00pm)
P Dowd M Scholes P Keane M Clattenburg
My Verdict
The final game of the weekend sees Phil Dowd, the surprise package of the season take charge of what could be the game of the weekend. Dowd has put in some strong performances this season and in my opinion is in the top 5 referees in the country.
I believe Dowd will be appointed to a cup final this season either the Carling Cup or the FA Cup, either one will be richly deserved.
Dowd can be strict at times, and I think he will need to show this personality at the Reebok because Bolton are a very physical side. I'm hoping for a close, competitive match, and hopefully Phil will do all he can to keep it 11 vs 11.
Dowd's last trip to The Reebok was only a few weeks ago, when he oversaw Bolton's 2-2draw with Hull.
His last Arsenal away game was their 2-0 win over West Ham at Upton Park back in October 2008.
Card History:
Games: 21 Yellow Cards: 71 Red Cards: 4
Monday, 11 January 2010
Albert Eadon one of oldest refs in the country
Scarborough referee Albert Eadon is one of the oldest referees still in action in the country.
The 80-year old has been refereeing for over 40 years and began whistle blowing when the Scarborough Sunday league was set up in 1969.
Albert, is not the oldest official in the country, but does referee more games than the oldest person having already racked up 30 games so far this season.
Last campaign Albert officiated in more than 70 matches and at the moment there is no plans to hang up his whistle
"As long as my legs work then I will keep on at it because it is a big part of my life and I still enjoy it."
Albert, who turned 80 in November, has seen the game change and develop over the 40 years he has been refereeing, but he is most concerned by players attitude towards officials.
"You only have to look on television at the games' top stars to see where players get their influence.
"It is frustrating for referees because it filters down through to the younger players as well who are more impressionable."
If you want to see Albert refereeing then get yourself down to local parks in Scarborough and no doubt you will see him.
Well done sir and hopefully he can enjoy a few more years as man in the middle.
The 80-year old has been refereeing for over 40 years and began whistle blowing when the Scarborough Sunday league was set up in 1969.
Albert, is not the oldest official in the country, but does referee more games than the oldest person having already racked up 30 games so far this season.
Last campaign Albert officiated in more than 70 matches and at the moment there is no plans to hang up his whistle
"As long as my legs work then I will keep on at it because it is a big part of my life and I still enjoy it."
Albert, who turned 80 in November, has seen the game change and develop over the 40 years he has been refereeing, but he is most concerned by players attitude towards officials.
"You only have to look on television at the games' top stars to see where players get their influence.
"It is frustrating for referees because it filters down through to the younger players as well who are more impressionable."
If you want to see Albert refereeing then get yourself down to local parks in Scarborough and no doubt you will see him.
Well done sir and hopefully he can enjoy a few more years as man in the middle.
Sunday, 10 January 2010
Tabb to ref masters final
Michaela Tabb, snookers most recognised and experienced female referee will take charge of the Masters Final at Wembley Arena on January 17th.
The 42-year old from Dunfermline in Scotland will referee this match for the second time having taken charge of the 2008 Masters final between Mark Selby and Stephen Lee.
Last May Tabb became the first female to ever referee the World Snooker Championship Final,and this is another high profile appointment she can add to her CV.
Tabb has just returned from Las Vegas where she refereed Mosconi cup pool clash between Europe and USA.
Tabb will don the white gloves at Wembley, a venue very difficult to referee in, she said "It's a different kind of crowd at Wembley, a bit more noisy and they can get rowdy. But I've got the experience now to handle it."
The 42-year old from Dunfermline in Scotland will referee this match for the second time having taken charge of the 2008 Masters final between Mark Selby and Stephen Lee.
Last May Tabb became the first female to ever referee the World Snooker Championship Final,and this is another high profile appointment she can add to her CV.
Tabb has just returned from Las Vegas where she refereed Mosconi cup pool clash between Europe and USA.
Tabb will don the white gloves at Wembley, a venue very difficult to referee in, she said "It's a different kind of crowd at Wembley, a bit more noisy and they can get rowdy. But I've got the experience now to handle it."
Fergie blasts Clattenburg- AGAIN
Sir Alex Ferguson last night blasted the performance of referee Mark Clattenburg after Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrews.
Ferguson was left fuming after the official from County Durham sent off Darren Fletcher for two yellow cards.
Fletcher was booked for a rash tackle on Lee Bowyer and then minutes later was harshly given a second caution for a trip on Cameron Jerome.
Ferguson described the decision as "ridiculous" and no could face an FA charge for his comments about Clattenburg.
This isn't the first time Ferguson and Clattenburg haven't seen eye to eye. Back in 2007 Sir Alex was given a two game touchline ban and a £5,000 fine for comments he made about the official after he booked seven United player against Bolton.
However it wasn't all criticism, as Ferguson praised Clattenburg's decision to overrule his assistant over the United goal.
Steve Child, who was a late replacement for Jeremy Simpson in this game, flagged for offside against Wayne Rooney as Patrice Evra's drilled shot was put into the back of the net. The assistant thought Rooney had got the touch but Clattenburg spotted that it was Scott Dann who scored an own goal and therefore played Rooney onside.
After consultation with his assistant, Clattenburg awarded the goal that gave Manchester United a point that couldn't see them top the table after Chelsea's game with Hull was victim of the weather.
Ferguson was left fuming after the official from County Durham sent off Darren Fletcher for two yellow cards.
Fletcher was booked for a rash tackle on Lee Bowyer and then minutes later was harshly given a second caution for a trip on Cameron Jerome.
Ferguson described the decision as "ridiculous" and no could face an FA charge for his comments about Clattenburg.
This isn't the first time Ferguson and Clattenburg haven't seen eye to eye. Back in 2007 Sir Alex was given a two game touchline ban and a £5,000 fine for comments he made about the official after he booked seven United player against Bolton.
However it wasn't all criticism, as Ferguson praised Clattenburg's decision to overrule his assistant over the United goal.
Steve Child, who was a late replacement for Jeremy Simpson in this game, flagged for offside against Wayne Rooney as Patrice Evra's drilled shot was put into the back of the net. The assistant thought Rooney had got the touch but Clattenburg spotted that it was Scott Dann who scored an own goal and therefore played Rooney onside.
After consultation with his assistant, Clattenburg awarded the goal that gave Manchester United a point that couldn't see them top the table after Chelsea's game with Hull was victim of the weather.
Friday, 8 January 2010
English trio added to FIFA list
Three of England's promising officials have been added to the 2010 list of FIFA international referees.
Referee Lee Probert and assistant referees Jake Collin and Steve Child join the other England based officials.
Probert took charge of his first Premier League game between Sheffield United and Portsmouth back in 2007 and since then has officiated in a number of high profile games.
He refereed this seasons' South Wales derby between Cardiff City and Swansea City. He was also fourth official to Howard Webb in the 2007 Carling Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea.
Probert joins fellow colleagues: Marin Atkinson, Stuart Attwell, Mark Clattenburg, Mike Dean, Andre Marriner and Howard Webb, to make up the list for 2010.
Collin and Child have a wealth of Premier League experience between them and they join colleagues: Darren Cann, Dave Richardson, Jeremy Simpson, Mike Mullarkey, Mo Matadar, Peter Kirkup, Richard West and Simon Beck, to make up the 2010 list of assistant referees.
Now all three will be looking for their first international appointments, and will be hoping to get a game in February's international break.
Referee Lee Probert and assistant referees Jake Collin and Steve Child join the other England based officials.
Probert took charge of his first Premier League game between Sheffield United and Portsmouth back in 2007 and since then has officiated in a number of high profile games.
He refereed this seasons' South Wales derby between Cardiff City and Swansea City. He was also fourth official to Howard Webb in the 2007 Carling Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea.
Probert joins fellow colleagues: Marin Atkinson, Stuart Attwell, Mark Clattenburg, Mike Dean, Andre Marriner and Howard Webb, to make up the list for 2010.
Collin and Child have a wealth of Premier League experience between them and they join colleagues: Darren Cann, Dave Richardson, Jeremy Simpson, Mike Mullarkey, Mo Matadar, Peter Kirkup, Richard West and Simon Beck, to make up the 2010 list of assistant referees.
Now all three will be looking for their first international appointments, and will be hoping to get a game in February's international break.
Swiss referee voted best in 2009
Swiss referee Massimo Busacca has been voted the world's best referee for 2009 by a group of football historians.
The 40-year old took charge of last season's UEFA Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United.
He is also on the shortlist to attend the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Although Busacca is without doubt one the best referees around, he isn't without controversy. He was suspended for three matches last season by the Swiss FA after making an obscene hand gesture to a supporter during a Swiss cup match.
Busacca finished ahead of Italy's Roberto Rosetti, who was voted second and England's Howard Webb, who was voted third.
The 40-year old took charge of last season's UEFA Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United.
He is also on the shortlist to attend the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Although Busacca is without doubt one the best referees around, he isn't without controversy. He was suspended for three matches last season by the Swiss FA after making an obscene hand gesture to a supporter during a Swiss cup match.
Busacca finished ahead of Italy's Roberto Rosetti, who was voted second and England's Howard Webb, who was voted third.
Oliver to be youngest ever Premier League referee
24-year old Michael Oliver is set to become the youngest ever referee to take charge of a Barclays Premier League game.
The whistleblower from Northumberland has been appointed by referee's chief Mike Riley, who took over this week from former boss Keith Hackett, to referee Saturday's match at Craven Cottage between Fulham and Portsmouth.
Michael, who is the son of experienced Football League referee Clive Oliver, took charge of the 2007 Conference Play-off final between Morecambe and Exeter, but he faces a completely different task on Saturday.
Oliver will be assisted by experienced linesman in Mick McDonough and Phil Sharp, who has run the line in the World Cup final.
No doubt Oliver will be relishing this opportunity, but will also be extremely nervous. The game is in doubt due to the severe weather conditions in London, but should the match go ahead Oliver will be the youngest ever Premier League referee breaking the record previously set by Stuart Attwell.
I just want to say good luck Michael, hope it all goes well
The whistleblower from Northumberland has been appointed by referee's chief Mike Riley, who took over this week from former boss Keith Hackett, to referee Saturday's match at Craven Cottage between Fulham and Portsmouth.
Michael, who is the son of experienced Football League referee Clive Oliver, took charge of the 2007 Conference Play-off final between Morecambe and Exeter, but he faces a completely different task on Saturday.
Oliver will be assisted by experienced linesman in Mick McDonough and Phil Sharp, who has run the line in the World Cup final.
No doubt Oliver will be relishing this opportunity, but will also be extremely nervous. The game is in doubt due to the severe weather conditions in London, but should the match go ahead Oliver will be the youngest ever Premier League referee breaking the record previously set by Stuart Attwell.
I just want to say good luck Michael, hope it all goes well
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