Ref Watch: Dermot Gallagher Evaluates Premier League Controversies

Dermot Gallagher Analyzes Controversial Refereeing Decisions from the Premier League Weekend

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher is back to assess the controversial moments from the weekend's action. Let's dive into the key incidents from several matches, highlighting the critical moments that stirred debate.

Manchester United 0-3 Tottenham

Red Card for Bruno Fernandes

Incident: Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Tottenham's James Maddison, despite slipping before making contact.

Dermot's Take: "I don't think the referee can see it properly. It's a glancing blow down the leg. A yellow card would have been a more suitable decision." Sue Smith Agrees: "It was never a red. He slips and just touches him with his heel; there's no force, and it's not endangering the opponent. A yellow card at most."

Penalty Appeal Denied

Incident: Manchester United appealed for a penalty when the ball struck Cristian Romero's arm in the box.

Dermot's Insight: "It hit his chest first; it then comes off his arm. This isn't a handball, and it happens too quickly."

Arsenal 4-2 Leicester City

Gabriel Martinelli's Goal Stands

Incident: Arsenal's Martinelli scored, but Leicester wanted a free-kick for a perceived foul in the build-up.

Dermot's Analysis: "The referee said no foul, and the goal is valid. VAR couldn't just re-referee the situation; the on-field decision stands."

Riccardo Calafiori's Booking Controversy

Incident: Calafiori escaped a second yellow for a challenge on Facundo Buonanotte, leading to confusion.

Dermot's Thoughts: "It’s interesting because other similar situations this season have been consistently judged. The referee didn't think it was a yellow card."

Newcastle 1-1 Manchester City

Penalty Decision for Newcastle

Incident: Referee Jarred Gillett awarded a penalty against Man City goalkeeper Ederson for fouling Newcastle's Anthony Gordon.

Dermot's Opinion: "I thought it was a penalty. There's contact, but it's not a red card as he only gets Gordon's leg with his arm."

Kyle Walker's Challenge

Incident: No penalty awarded when Walker challenged Joelinton in the box.

Dermot's Recommendation: "It’s physical contact; he’s side by side with the player and does enough to ease him out.”

Chelsea 4-2 Brighton

Penalty for Chelsea

Incident: A penalty was awarded to Chelsea after Jadon Sancho was caught between two Brighton defenders.

Dermot's Verdict: "It’s a clumsy challenge; the referee could clearly see it and awarded a penalty."

Estupinan's Challenge

Incident: Chelsea wanted Brighton down to 10 men when Estupinan fouled Noni Madueke.

Dermot's Conclusion: "It’s not an obvious goalscoring opportunity, so it can't be a red card. A yellow card suffices here."

Ipswich 2-2 Aston Villa

Sam Morsy's Elusion of Second Booking

Incident: Ipswich's Morsy, already on a yellow card, caught another player late but escaped a second booking.

Dermot's View: "He is very lucky to stay on the pitch after a blatant foul earlier; a second booking was deserved."

Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace

Tarkowski's Challenge

Incident: Tarkowski caught Mateta in a challenge, leading to scrutiny over a potential penalty.

Dermot's Assessment: "I think he is lucky; he does get some of the ball, but the jump makes it a tough case. It should be a penalty."

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

Penalty for Wolves

Incident: A penalty was awarded when Semedo held onto Diogo Jota in the box.

Dermot's Critique: "It's a clear penalty as the referee was right there to see the infraction."

Salah's Penalty Appeal

Incident: Salah appealed after he seemed to be pulled back in the box.

Dermot's Response: "There’s not enough in it; we can’t call every tangle a penalty, otherwise we lose the essence of the game."

Diogo Jota's Yellow Card

Incident: Jota received a yellow for a challenge on Lemina.

Dermot's Rebuttal: "That’s not a red card; it’s not a dangerous challenge; it's just clumsy."