I was totally unimpressed by the referee’s decision and action on the game between MU and Chelsea played at Old Trafford, Manchester’s, 4pm UK time, Sunday - one of the weekend match of Barclays Premier League 2007. My mood was totally spoilt, interrupted and cut off!
It started with J.Cole’s (Chelsea) unsuccessful tackle at penalty box, disturbed Patrice Evra’s scoring attempt, however, with no action (penalty) taken. The unequal game started when Chelsea mid-fielder, Mikel Jon Obi, was red-carded, resulted from tackle by MU’s player who smashed into Mikel’s boots and fall. Without a single word, a red card was presented to Mikel sending him off the field during the first 30 minutes of the game.
The over slippery field due to heavy rain made it challenging for the players to dribble, passing, and tackling. Lots of tackle and blocking were regarded as intentional attempts targeting on person, penalized with yellow cards, free kicks or even penalty, which have seriously interrupted the game flow. There were also obvious intentional pushing being ignored or punished by only giving warning – the most obvious one was the pushing done by Wayne Rooney at Chelsea’s left field.
The over slippery field due to heavy rain made it challenging for the players to dribble, passing, and tackling. Lots of tackle and blocking were regarded as intentional attempts targeting on person, penalized with yellow cards, free kicks or even penalty, which have seriously interrupted the game flow. There were also obvious intentional pushing being ignored or punished by only giving warning – the most obvious one was the pushing done by Wayne Rooney at Chelsea’s left field.
I can sense the preference given to MU throughout the whole match – fearful of home supporters, or making Avram Grant’s journey of becoming Chelsea’s newly appointed manager more difficult after replacing the former manager, Jose Mourinho? I don’t know, but the crowd was seemed aggressive from my small tv screen. The crowd’s emotion was partly triggered by how the referee handle the match – a judge who help to smoothen the game or a judge who spark on the flame of the two teams. I thought this Wirral’s judge has contributed more on later. There were more errors than correct decision made. What a controversial match with 2-0 score, in favor to MU, defeating the opponent with one-man short.
It was supposed to be a game, a match that promote sportsmanship; a playground that present skills and friendship; an entertainment for spectators and audiences. It all spoilt by the ignorance referee that interrupted the game so much and refused to get second advice from any assistant referees for major decision.
It was supposed to be a game, a match that promote sportsmanship; a playground that present skills and friendship; an entertainment for spectators and audiences. It all spoilt by the ignorance referee that interrupted the game so much and refused to get second advice from any assistant referees for major decision.
