Ref Watch: Dermot Gallagher Analyzes Key Premier League Incidents

Analyzing Controversial Referee Decisions in Premier League Matches

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher returns to shed light on the contentious incidents from the recent weekend’s action.

Manchester United vs. Tottenham: A Red Card Controversy

Incident: Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Tottenham's James Maddison.

Dermot Gallagher’s Insight: "I don't think the referee can see it. He can’t see the challenge happen. It's a glancing blow down the leg, and a more palatable decision would have been a yellow card."

Sue Smith’s Take: "Never a red. He slips and touches him with his heel. There's no force, and it's definitely not dangerous. A yellow card at most."

Penalty Appeal Dismissed

Incident: Manchester United appealed for a penalty when Cristian Romero’s arm appeared to strike the ball.

Dermot Gallagher’s Commentary: "It hits his chest first and comes off onto his arm. It's not a handball."

Arsenal vs. Leicester: Goals and Fouls

Incident: Gabriel Martinelli’s goal stands despite Leicester’s complaints for a free-kick.

Dermot Gallagher’s Commentary: "The referee says there's no foul. VAR has no right to re-referee that situation; the on-field referee's call was no foul."

Riccardo Calafiori's Warning

Incident: Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori escapes a second booking after a challenge.

Dermot Gallagher’s Thoughts: "Interesting, as this season has seen similar incidents where referees have stated it was not a promising attack to warrant a yellow."

Newcastle vs. Manchester City: Penalty Decisions

Incident: Newcastle awarded a penalty as Ederson fouled Anthony Gordon.

Dermot Gallagher’s Analysis: "I thought it was a penalty. I can’t see another call being made, but it wasn’t a red card."

Chelsea vs. Brighton: Clear Penalty Calls

Incident: Chelsea awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge by Brighton’s defenders.

Dermot Gallagher’s Statement: "It's a clear penalty, and VAR would never intervene here."

Everton vs. Crystal Palace: A Close Call

Incident: James Tarkowski’s challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Dermot Gallagher’s Remarks: "He is lucky; he gets some of the ball but also catches the man. For me, it’s a penalty."

Wolves vs. Liverpool: Blatant Fouls

Incident: A penalty awarded to Liverpool as Nelson Semedo held Diogo Jota.

Dermot Gallagher’s Opinion: "Why would you do it? It's so blatant; the referee is looking right at it. Penalty!"

Further Incident: Mohamed Salah appeals for a penalty, but Gallagher argues there wasn't enough contact to warrant one.

Conclusion

The interpretation of rules and subjective opinions often lead to heated debates in football. Understanding these crucial calls helps provide clarity and insights into the challenging nature of referee decisions in the Premier League.