I finally returned to refereeing action today after over a month since I was last in the middle. Doug's visit two weeks ago had given me the enthusiasm once again, and to top it all it was Cup quarter-final day. I find that one-off cup games are usually among the most entertaining, and this was no exception.
Luke was very upset that he had been turned down by Hugh Stu for their match with Derby. So we turned to Cripps' game, and they all recognised us both because of Doug's cardfest two weeks ago(!). I refereed and Luke was invited to run the line, and he couldn't be bothered to find his own match to referee and so he stayed with me. With a Broadgate sub running the other line, the Cup tie was underway.
After some early Cripps pressure, it was Broadgate who took the initiative. They took a 12th minute lead with a headed goal; there were muted claims that the ball had gone out of play but Luke was up with it and happy. Early goals are usually helpful, and can help play to settle down.
Cripps' reply was an equaliser within seven minutes. Now, if you ask them they will probably say it was a deliberate shot from the right hand side. I'll say it was more likely a cross which floated over the goalkeeper and into the net! Either way, the scores were level.
It was Broadgate, shooting uphill, who were having the better of play. Controversial moments were relatively few, with the only issues being around two challenges by Broadgate forwards who led with their foot up. They caught the Cripps goalkeeper and then a defender in the process, but I was happy that they were going for the ball and took no further action against either of them. I did, however, make a big call on the half-hour mark when I awarded Broadgate a penalty. It is unusual to say that a penalty was "coming", but it was in this game. Broadgate had two excellent forwards whose pace, ball control and passing were excellent, and I could see the tackles coming in and there being every possibility of them having their heels clipped and going down. In the end, the challenge was more blatant than that, with the Cripps goalkeeper taking out one of the forwards pretty unceremoniously. The attacker wasn't even going anywhere, so I didn't yellow card the keeper, although Luke thought I perhaps could have done. My instant reaction was penalty, and the ball didn't change course confirming that the keeper had got nowhere near it. The penalty was converted, and Broadgate led 2-1, and that was still the score 15 minutes later when I blew for half-time.
Things were going well, and I felt on top of things. Luke warned me of an ongoing confrontation between the Broadgate No. 2 and the Cripps central defender. They had just generally been on at each other through the first half. I said I'd keep an eye on it, although in the end Cripps switched markers to leave a different player marking him in the second half. The No. 2 was a good player, the tallest in that area of the pitch and winning most of the balls in the air. He also liked to talk, although most of it was harmless. He would be at the centre of things later on.
The second half got underway. Surprisingly, Broadgate started much the better, despite Cripps being 2-1 down. Cripps only got going towards the last 15 minutes. I felt I was firmly in control of things. I found myself talking to the players a lot more than I usually do, and this helped things. A joke here and there, a word in someone's ear, it was all good and I felt things were going really well. Cripps finally got going towards the end and it was becoming a great end-to-end cup tie.
Three incidents of note lay ahead of me. The first involved one of the Broadgate forwards. Luke flagged offside, and I was a little late noticing it, so he carried on running. The Cripps central defender then performed what Luke termed a 'pro evo tackle' on him, completely chopping him down. Had the ball been live at that point, it would have been a certain red card, with the attacker through on goal. As it was, I didn't have to send him off, although I wonder if I should still have booked him for the challenge. Both players were happy and we carried on.
Broadgate were a constant threat up front. They left one attacker up to chase after the clearances hoofed out of defence, and this proved very effective, keeping Cripps on the backfoot. From one such attack, the ball was blasted across the box and one of the Cripps players on the goalline stuck out a hand to it. For the first time in IMS I awarded a second penalty in one game. I thought Luke had shaken his head and wondered if I had made an error, but there was no complaint whatsoever from the defenders - my eyes hadn't deceived me! I did wonder if he should have received a card, but I'm not convinced he prevented a goal and the penalty was punishment enough. That said, the spot kick was saved by the Cripps keeper (although it wasn't a good penalty).
Things certainly got very tense towards the end as the verbal slanging escalated a little. It all started at one standard free kick in the Broadgate defence. The No. 2 who I mentioned earlier shouted something to his goalkeeper, clearly naming him, before a Cripps player (No. 7 I think) said to him "shut up, Craig David". The No. 2 did bear a passing resemblance to Craig David, but not massively so. He didn't seem overly bothered, so I let it pass. I didn't think it was particularly racist - perhaps others might have. I should maybe have booked the No. 7, but I let it go. Perhaps this was a mistake, as things then kicked off at a Cripps corner some minutes later, just as we entered stoppage time. I don't know exactly what started it, but the pair decided to start hurling insults at each other again. I was right on the spot and thought I would be able to keep a lid on it until one Cripps player came running back to get involved. I just blew my whistle continually and waited for it all to calm down. No blows had been struck, it had been pushing and shouting only, and so I decided to let it all calm down, and talk to all the players involved. When we eventually restarted with the corner, the penalty area was loaded with players, including the Cripps goalkeeper. Nothing came of it all, but I was still wary about making sure nothing started off during the stoppage time which remained.
I had intended to play four of five minutes of added time before this incident started. I figured it had taken at least two minutes to sort out, so in the end I played over seven. There had been a fair few stoppages through the half, and I think what I did in the end was a fair reflection of that. Cripps didn't really create any more chances and Broadgate had another penalty appeal which I turned down, before I brought the match to a conclusion, with Broadgate advancing with a 2-1 win.
In the end, after a fairly slow first half, I thought the match turned into a great cup tie with two fully committed teams. Conditions weren't ideal, but I think I allowed for this. I certainly gave the match as much of a chance as possible, and this probably helped it become an entertaining game. I felt it was always under control, but bubbling nicely with neither team lacking commitment. I thought I managed the game as well as I had any in my two and a bit years in Nottingham. The incidents at the end were regrettable, but I think I dealt with them as well as I could. You may realise that I could have ended up with at least six yellow cards for various offences in this game, but that is not my style and in the end I was consistent and did enough to keep the game under control. Aim achieved for me.
Altogether, a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. A great cup tie, and I thought I gave a performance as good as I have in my time so far at Nottingham. The game wasn't the easiest, but I got through everything well. Broadgate were the better team on the day and deserved their victory, and will go through to the Cup semi-final, where I think they will play Hugh Stu.
Before I finish, I must mention one dreadful incident which occured in an East Midlands Counties League Game on Saturday. Referee Andy Parker was assaulted five minutes from the end of the game between St Andrews and Gedling Miners Welfare. He was given a full on punch by one of the St Andrews players - the full story can be found here. Suffice to say it was a horrible incident, and as can be seen we may now lose another referee thanks to the incident. Referee recruitment is difficult as it is, so we don't need things like this happening. While I may have enjoyed my game today, Mr Parker may never referee again. Players need to think about their actions at times like these, because the game badly needs referees.
Wednesday 26 November 2008
Thursday 20 November 2008
Back to grass roots
After reading this some of you will probably think I'm a bit of a sad case. Maybe I am. But I am simply a football fan and like to see football at all levels. To be a referee, I think you need to be a bit mad and a football fan really!
So, on Tuesday night, I drove across Nottingham city centre to Carlton Town FC. The game I went to see was between Arnold Town (currently unable to play at their own ground, hence the different location) and Hallam FC. The game was in the Kool Sports Northern Counties East Premier Division. To put that into context, it is the 9th tier of English football. Get to the Conference, go down through Conference North, the Unibond Northern Premier League, Division One, and you might find yourself in the Northern Counties East League. So this is football really back at its roots.
The contrast is stark. I was in a crowd of 88 at Carlton's rather odd ground, which has a stand behind one goal and very little other shelter (save for the clubhouse!). Yes, it was quiet. I could hear the players, I could hear the referee (who I thought communicated well and had a good match), I could hear what was shouted from the benches, and I could hear all the comments the fans made. It is a totally different experience to anything you'll find even as high as the Conference.
In terms of the match, it was nothing special. Arnold won 1-0 thanks to a 14th minute goal from their forward Chris Freestone who rounded the keeper and slotted it home. Hallam persevered, but couldn't find an equaliser, and Arnold could have added to their lead too. The win takes them up to fourth in the Premier division. But what matters is that I felt part of the action, and that is what made it all enjoyable. I wasn't some distant figure in a crowd, I was by the edge of the pitch following all the action.
Top level football is often thought expensive. Not so here. I paid £5 to get in, £1.50 for an informative matchday programme, and got myself a half-time tray of chips for £1. I could have had them with a pie and gravy for just £2.50. That's ridiculously cheap really! I would barely get a cup of tea for that price at the New Wembley.
In my opinion, you don't need to go to high level football to enjoy watching it. Going down the non-league pyramid may not be everyone's cup of tea, but its a welcome break for me from the hugely commercial world of top flight football. This is the players' hobby, which they put everything into, something which I am not convinced some of the overpaid prima donnas at the top do.
As far as I can see, every level of football has its advantages. For skill, excitement and quality you can't beat the Premier League. For professional football of a good standard and a good atmosphere you can't beat the Football League. But for value for money and being part of the action, you can't beat a trip down to one of those little local football clubs who survive on a shoestring. None of them should be dismissed as having nothing to offer.
I'm going to try to get round some more of the local clubs in Nottingham over the remainder of the academic year, as I believe this is where you can find the true spirit of football. I'd encourage you to do the same - don't be afraid to take a trip to your local non-league clubs. It won't cost you much, and it will give you a different perspective of what football is like.
So, am I a sad case? Possibly. Or maybe I'm just trying to get a different perspective on the world of football. I'll leave you to judge that one!
So, on Tuesday night, I drove across Nottingham city centre to Carlton Town FC. The game I went to see was between Arnold Town (currently unable to play at their own ground, hence the different location) and Hallam FC. The game was in the Kool Sports Northern Counties East Premier Division. To put that into context, it is the 9th tier of English football. Get to the Conference, go down through Conference North, the Unibond Northern Premier League, Division One, and you might find yourself in the Northern Counties East League. So this is football really back at its roots.
The contrast is stark. I was in a crowd of 88 at Carlton's rather odd ground, which has a stand behind one goal and very little other shelter (save for the clubhouse!). Yes, it was quiet. I could hear the players, I could hear the referee (who I thought communicated well and had a good match), I could hear what was shouted from the benches, and I could hear all the comments the fans made. It is a totally different experience to anything you'll find even as high as the Conference.
In terms of the match, it was nothing special. Arnold won 1-0 thanks to a 14th minute goal from their forward Chris Freestone who rounded the keeper and slotted it home. Hallam persevered, but couldn't find an equaliser, and Arnold could have added to their lead too. The win takes them up to fourth in the Premier division. But what matters is that I felt part of the action, and that is what made it all enjoyable. I wasn't some distant figure in a crowd, I was by the edge of the pitch following all the action.
Top level football is often thought expensive. Not so here. I paid £5 to get in, £1.50 for an informative matchday programme, and got myself a half-time tray of chips for £1. I could have had them with a pie and gravy for just £2.50. That's ridiculously cheap really! I would barely get a cup of tea for that price at the New Wembley.
In my opinion, you don't need to go to high level football to enjoy watching it. Going down the non-league pyramid may not be everyone's cup of tea, but its a welcome break for me from the hugely commercial world of top flight football. This is the players' hobby, which they put everything into, something which I am not convinced some of the overpaid prima donnas at the top do.
As far as I can see, every level of football has its advantages. For skill, excitement and quality you can't beat the Premier League. For professional football of a good standard and a good atmosphere you can't beat the Football League. But for value for money and being part of the action, you can't beat a trip down to one of those little local football clubs who survive on a shoestring. None of them should be dismissed as having nothing to offer.
I'm going to try to get round some more of the local clubs in Nottingham over the remainder of the academic year, as I believe this is where you can find the true spirit of football. I'd encourage you to do the same - don't be afraid to take a trip to your local non-league clubs. It won't cost you much, and it will give you a different perspective of what football is like.
So, am I a sad case? Possibly. Or maybe I'm just trying to get a different perspective on the world of football. I'll leave you to judge that one!
Saturday 15 November 2008
The return of the 'Little Asian'
Today saw Doug's second intra-mural game during his visit from Malaysia. Once again, Luke and I ran the line for him as we took charge of the game between Physics Society and Chemical Engineering Society.
I said at the end of Wednesday's note that this game surely couldn't be as exciting as Wednesday's. And so it proved. The game wasn't totally devoid of action, but it was tense and at times a little scrappy (not helped by the wet conditions). The teams were clearly well-matched and that made it quite tight.
In terms of the first half, there is really very little to discuss. Doug didn't give a free kick until 27 minutes in, played advantage where he could and got most things right. He penalised foul throws consistently too. I got the usual abuse for giving correct offside decisions. No problems for any of us.
The second half continued in the same vein. Doug tried to keep the game flowing. I thought he should have got in there a bit more quickly when there was a little flare-up after one tackle although a player separated the two people involved and nothing came of it. Luke and I assisted him where we could.
0-0s are very rare, and I thought it typical that it was a penalty which separated the teams. It went to Chem Eng Soc, as a player was brought down from behind with 20 minutes to go. It looked a little soft, but I had a decent view and there was a definite foul. The offender was cautioned for dissent and the penalty scored.
Physics Soc tried to find an equaliser, and it was the 90th minute before they did so. There was a minor controversy as a ball from another game was kicked onto the pitch in the build-up, but in an IMS game I think it is best to let it go and that is what Doug did. A few minutes later, Doug brought the 1-1 draw to a conclusion.
Overall, I didn't think it was an exciting game, but for the officials it went well. No major errors or problems and just the one yellow card from Doug today. The conditions weren't difficult but for the most part the players just got on with the game and that made it easier for the three of us. An enjoyable afternoon's football, and what could turn out to be Doug's last ever game. Surely not?
I said at the end of Wednesday's note that this game surely couldn't be as exciting as Wednesday's. And so it proved. The game wasn't totally devoid of action, but it was tense and at times a little scrappy (not helped by the wet conditions). The teams were clearly well-matched and that made it quite tight.
In terms of the first half, there is really very little to discuss. Doug didn't give a free kick until 27 minutes in, played advantage where he could and got most things right. He penalised foul throws consistently too. I got the usual abuse for giving correct offside decisions. No problems for any of us.
The second half continued in the same vein. Doug tried to keep the game flowing. I thought he should have got in there a bit more quickly when there was a little flare-up after one tackle although a player separated the two people involved and nothing came of it. Luke and I assisted him where we could.
0-0s are very rare, and I thought it typical that it was a penalty which separated the teams. It went to Chem Eng Soc, as a player was brought down from behind with 20 minutes to go. It looked a little soft, but I had a decent view and there was a definite foul. The offender was cautioned for dissent and the penalty scored.
Physics Soc tried to find an equaliser, and it was the 90th minute before they did so. There was a minor controversy as a ball from another game was kicked onto the pitch in the build-up, but in an IMS game I think it is best to let it go and that is what Doug did. A few minutes later, Doug brought the 1-1 draw to a conclusion.
Overall, I didn't think it was an exciting game, but for the officials it went well. No major errors or problems and just the one yellow card from Doug today. The conditions weren't difficult but for the most part the players just got on with the game and that made it easier for the three of us. An enjoyable afternoon's football, and what could turn out to be Doug's last ever game. Surely not?
Wednesday 12 November 2008
The game that had everything
We commonly see this phrase used in match reports to describe epic encounters - "this game had everything". The game I was involved with this afternoon at Grove Farm was one such encounter. On this occasion, I wasn't in the middle, as former Nottingham student Douglas Tan returned once again from Malaysia and took charge of the match. Luke was also with us, and we decided to concentrate on one game and provide a full team of a referee and two neutral assistants. We searched for a game and eventually found Cripps freshers (whose opponents hadn't turned up) who were set instead for an encounter with the Cripps second years team (who I had refereed several times last year).
These old boys matches are usually good fun. It is worth remembering that Doug's last match was between the Nightingale first and second years last June. In that game there were seven goals and a sending off on a very eventful afternoon. Surely that kind of match couldn't happen again? Could it?
The opening period was no indicator of events to come. It wasn't massively exciting, with the 2nd years taking a 4th minute lead and doubling it on 20 minutes. The freshers weren't playing well defensively. Doug tried to let the game flow and play some good advantages. I got the impression the freshers weren't particularly warming to his performance. This was particularly true when he cautioned one of them for kicking the ball away, although it was actually a mix-up over a throw in which Luke had signalled first the wrong way and had then corrected. The ball was definitely kicked away, but the whole incident didn't look brilliant.
I got a bit of stick for making three correct offside decisions against the freshers' attack. The 2nd years had an annoying habit of changing goalkeepers at regular intervals, sometimes when the ball was in play and definitely without the permission of the referee. Doug clamped down on this, although technically the correct punishment is an indirect free kick and a yellow card. Doug did show one further yellow card to a Cripps defender for a late tackle.
But the incident which probably turned the game and made it into the encounter it was was the goal scored by the freshers four minutes before half-time. It wasn't controversial, but it got them back into the game. Half-time came, and there had been no major problems for the officials.
The second half started a little slowly. There was an early booking to a second year for dissent. First blood in terms of scoring went to the second years, who pulled away to 3-1 with a goal 10 minutes after the restart, but that gain was immediately cancelled out by a reply from the freshers two minutes later. The game was getting more and more interesting. The card was out again on the hour mark to a fresher for an act of persistent dissent. Doug chooses to clamp down on this early, clearly out to enforce the FA's Respect campaign with a vengeance!
It was anyone's game now, and both teams had chances. The freshers got back on level terms with 15 minutes to go, and could well have won the game, but for a good chance missed and a brilliant goal-saving tackle by a second years' defender. The freshers thought the second years were getting some soft free kicks from Doug, with the player booked earlier in the half choosing to roll around on the floor to demonstrate the perceived softness of the decisions. Most of them were correct anyway. He was joined in the book by two further freshers for late tackles as the game wore on. But no-one could break the deadlock, and with 90 minutes up it was 3-3. There were six names in Doug's book.
The general feeling was that people wanted extra time, which was restricted to 10 minutes halves because of the fading light. The first half of extra time was uneventful, but two minutes into the second half the freshers scored. They had taken a 4-3 lead, and secured the goal which could see them win the match. But the controversy started when two of the freshers decided to take their shirts off when celebrating their goal. Both received a yellow card from Doug for doing so - a silly act. But here is where the confusion started. Players had been changing shirts throughout the game, and we had been noting down the numbers of the cautioned players. Here, one appeared to have been booked twice. Doug confirmed that this was not the case, and the second years claimed he had bottled a sending off. The defender who had made the goal-saving tackle then received a second yellow card for dissent (as his first had been too), and the second years were now a goal down and down to ten men. He tried to swap with the goalkeeper and come back on, but Luke and I both noticed. The players claimed we should just get on with it, but you can't let the rules be broken like that!
The second years were up against it now - a man down and with eight minutes to save the game. They were, however, given a huge helping hand. One of the freshers' defenders made a stupid tackle and conceded a penalty, of which both Doug and I had a clear view. He realised it was a silly and unnecessary challenge. The penalty was scored. 4-4!
A couple of minutes later, Doug brought matters to a conclusion. The game had been an extraordinary one, with eight goals, a penalty, a sending off and eight yellow cards. But of course it was not over as the match would now have to be settled by a penalty shootout.
Both teams scored their first two penalties with some ease. The next two were then missed, leaving the score still at 2-2. The freshers scored their next one, before the second years' next taker missed, leaving the freshers one kick away from winning the game. The penalty was duly dispatched to seal a 4-2 win on penalties.
Like I said, it was one of those games which had everything! I have probably not covered every incident or given enough detail, but the basics are there. Doug takes a stricter line on dissent than I do, and I have to admit that I wouldn't have handed out as many cards. However, he was consistent in his approach and thats all you can ask. If the players saw him giving out yellow cards for dissent, then they should have adopted a different attitude. There were no major match-changing decisions which were wrong either. I don't think his performance was that warmly received, particularly by the freshers. Their left back commented to me just before the end of extra time "can't you go on and referee, this guy's a pillock!" Respect, laddy, respect!
Altogether, a great game of football and I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Doug promises to referee again on Saturday, and Luke and I will again assist him. It surely won't be as eventful as that game - will it?
These old boys matches are usually good fun. It is worth remembering that Doug's last match was between the Nightingale first and second years last June. In that game there were seven goals and a sending off on a very eventful afternoon. Surely that kind of match couldn't happen again? Could it?
The opening period was no indicator of events to come. It wasn't massively exciting, with the 2nd years taking a 4th minute lead and doubling it on 20 minutes. The freshers weren't playing well defensively. Doug tried to let the game flow and play some good advantages. I got the impression the freshers weren't particularly warming to his performance. This was particularly true when he cautioned one of them for kicking the ball away, although it was actually a mix-up over a throw in which Luke had signalled first the wrong way and had then corrected. The ball was definitely kicked away, but the whole incident didn't look brilliant.
I got a bit of stick for making three correct offside decisions against the freshers' attack. The 2nd years had an annoying habit of changing goalkeepers at regular intervals, sometimes when the ball was in play and definitely without the permission of the referee. Doug clamped down on this, although technically the correct punishment is an indirect free kick and a yellow card. Doug did show one further yellow card to a Cripps defender for a late tackle.
But the incident which probably turned the game and made it into the encounter it was was the goal scored by the freshers four minutes before half-time. It wasn't controversial, but it got them back into the game. Half-time came, and there had been no major problems for the officials.
The second half started a little slowly. There was an early booking to a second year for dissent. First blood in terms of scoring went to the second years, who pulled away to 3-1 with a goal 10 minutes after the restart, but that gain was immediately cancelled out by a reply from the freshers two minutes later. The game was getting more and more interesting. The card was out again on the hour mark to a fresher for an act of persistent dissent. Doug chooses to clamp down on this early, clearly out to enforce the FA's Respect campaign with a vengeance!
It was anyone's game now, and both teams had chances. The freshers got back on level terms with 15 minutes to go, and could well have won the game, but for a good chance missed and a brilliant goal-saving tackle by a second years' defender. The freshers thought the second years were getting some soft free kicks from Doug, with the player booked earlier in the half choosing to roll around on the floor to demonstrate the perceived softness of the decisions. Most of them were correct anyway. He was joined in the book by two further freshers for late tackles as the game wore on. But no-one could break the deadlock, and with 90 minutes up it was 3-3. There were six names in Doug's book.
The general feeling was that people wanted extra time, which was restricted to 10 minutes halves because of the fading light. The first half of extra time was uneventful, but two minutes into the second half the freshers scored. They had taken a 4-3 lead, and secured the goal which could see them win the match. But the controversy started when two of the freshers decided to take their shirts off when celebrating their goal. Both received a yellow card from Doug for doing so - a silly act. But here is where the confusion started. Players had been changing shirts throughout the game, and we had been noting down the numbers of the cautioned players. Here, one appeared to have been booked twice. Doug confirmed that this was not the case, and the second years claimed he had bottled a sending off. The defender who had made the goal-saving tackle then received a second yellow card for dissent (as his first had been too), and the second years were now a goal down and down to ten men. He tried to swap with the goalkeeper and come back on, but Luke and I both noticed. The players claimed we should just get on with it, but you can't let the rules be broken like that!
The second years were up against it now - a man down and with eight minutes to save the game. They were, however, given a huge helping hand. One of the freshers' defenders made a stupid tackle and conceded a penalty, of which both Doug and I had a clear view. He realised it was a silly and unnecessary challenge. The penalty was scored. 4-4!
A couple of minutes later, Doug brought matters to a conclusion. The game had been an extraordinary one, with eight goals, a penalty, a sending off and eight yellow cards. But of course it was not over as the match would now have to be settled by a penalty shootout.
Both teams scored their first two penalties with some ease. The next two were then missed, leaving the score still at 2-2. The freshers scored their next one, before the second years' next taker missed, leaving the freshers one kick away from winning the game. The penalty was duly dispatched to seal a 4-2 win on penalties.
Like I said, it was one of those games which had everything! I have probably not covered every incident or given enough detail, but the basics are there. Doug takes a stricter line on dissent than I do, and I have to admit that I wouldn't have handed out as many cards. However, he was consistent in his approach and thats all you can ask. If the players saw him giving out yellow cards for dissent, then they should have adopted a different attitude. There were no major match-changing decisions which were wrong either. I don't think his performance was that warmly received, particularly by the freshers. Their left back commented to me just before the end of extra time "can't you go on and referee, this guy's a pillock!" Respect, laddy, respect!
Altogether, a great game of football and I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Doug promises to referee again on Saturday, and Luke and I will again assist him. It surely won't be as eventful as that game - will it?
Thursday 6 November 2008
Attwell hits the headlines again...
Sunday's Championship encounter between Derby County and Nottingham Forest was significant for a number of reasons. First of all, it was a local derby, with the clubs having a fierce rivalry. It was the first time this rivalry had be fought out competitively for some 3 years. Brian Clough is inextriccably linked with both clubs, and the A52 road which separates the cities is named "Brian Clough Way". Suffice to say, it was a big occasion.
It was also a big and important day for the referee, who was Stuart Attwell. Yes, that's the one who didn't manage to tell that the ball hadn't gone into the net at Vicarage Road, even though his assistant said so. Oh yes, him, the Premier League's youngest ever referee, controlling his first live TV game since the Watford vs Reading debacle. The pressure and spotlight would once again be on the young man to see how he responded to all the criticism he has faced.
For most of the game, he refereed it well. He clamped down where necessary, controlled all the major flashpoints and, although there were a lot of bookings, most were warranted and necessary for his control. The first half was dull and tetchy, but things livened up after the break as Forest took the lead thanks to an own goal from Emanuel Villa. 11 minutes later, the same man drew Derby level (albeit from an offside position, something not noticed by assistant referee Shaun Procter-Green). But the big incidents were still to come.
The first came in the 74th minute, as Lewis McGugan lunged into a tackle on Paul Green. As soon as I saw it, I thought it would be a red card, and Attwell duly obliged. It was serious foul play, a dangerous tackle even if the ball might have been won. Its the sort of thing which is being clamped down on strongly. Attwell was passing the test.
The board went up to signal three minutes of stoppage time, with Derby pressing for a winner. They thought they'd scored it too, as the ball was headed in. Attwell had other ideas. He gave them a penalty instead, and a harsh one at that for a handball by Luke Chambers. The advantage would have been nice, but its not an easy one to call. Nacer Barazite's penalty was saved by lifelong Derby fan Lee Camp, in goal for Forest. Derby had suffered a cruel blow. Attwell had ruled out their goal to give them a dubious penalty which they then missed. If only Barazite had scored, then the next controversy wouldn't have happened.
But a couple of corners later, things got worse for Attwell. Miles Addison headed in Barazite's corner, but Attwell had spotted a foul. He was the only one. I could see absolutely nothing wrong with the whole thing. There had been no noticeable infringement. Players surrounded him, and the young referee who had controlled the match so well for the opening 85 minutes looked like a rabbit in the headlights, and he had frankly lost the plot. When the full-time whistle blew a couple of minutes later, everyone was staggered by what had happened. 1-1 it finished.
Would Derby manager Paul Jewell be sympathetic? Nope. And he had some justification to be annoyed. His opposite number Colin Calderwood was relieved to have escaped. He rightly pointed out that the sending off was correct, but Jewell would not be appeased. Attwell had made a total mess of those last few minutes.
For a referee to hit the headlines with the regularity with which Attwell has is not good for the individual or for refereeing as a whole. Only Rob Styles could possibly have eclipsed him this season. Having been involved in one of the worst decisions of all time at Watford, he has now made a mess of the end to a game which, for the most part, he had controlled well. It wasn't an easy game, but he seemed to be coping. Was he the right man for the job? I'm tempted to say not. He lacked the experience and authority at the end, and looked lost and out of control. Everyone can give wrong decisions, but the manner in which those last minutes unfolded suggests that these were more than just mere mistakes.
I have always thought that Attwell was promoted to the Premier League too early. He has had a very rapid rise through the ranks, and while he is undoubtedly a good referee, I don't think he is yet ready for the big time. He has failed on big incidents twice so far this season, and one wonders where he goes from here. He needs support from the bosses to rebuild his confidence - his career won't (and shouldn't) end here. What he needs now is a spell out of the limelight where he can regain the type of performances which got him to where he is now.
Unfortunately, referees are remembered only for their mistakes. Attwell is now remembered for two matches, and ones which he'll undoubtedly wish to forget. Sadly, I don't think he will ever be able to.
It was also a big and important day for the referee, who was Stuart Attwell. Yes, that's the one who didn't manage to tell that the ball hadn't gone into the net at Vicarage Road, even though his assistant said so. Oh yes, him, the Premier League's youngest ever referee, controlling his first live TV game since the Watford vs Reading debacle. The pressure and spotlight would once again be on the young man to see how he responded to all the criticism he has faced.
For most of the game, he refereed it well. He clamped down where necessary, controlled all the major flashpoints and, although there were a lot of bookings, most were warranted and necessary for his control. The first half was dull and tetchy, but things livened up after the break as Forest took the lead thanks to an own goal from Emanuel Villa. 11 minutes later, the same man drew Derby level (albeit from an offside position, something not noticed by assistant referee Shaun Procter-Green). But the big incidents were still to come.
The first came in the 74th minute, as Lewis McGugan lunged into a tackle on Paul Green. As soon as I saw it, I thought it would be a red card, and Attwell duly obliged. It was serious foul play, a dangerous tackle even if the ball might have been won. Its the sort of thing which is being clamped down on strongly. Attwell was passing the test.
The board went up to signal three minutes of stoppage time, with Derby pressing for a winner. They thought they'd scored it too, as the ball was headed in. Attwell had other ideas. He gave them a penalty instead, and a harsh one at that for a handball by Luke Chambers. The advantage would have been nice, but its not an easy one to call. Nacer Barazite's penalty was saved by lifelong Derby fan Lee Camp, in goal for Forest. Derby had suffered a cruel blow. Attwell had ruled out their goal to give them a dubious penalty which they then missed. If only Barazite had scored, then the next controversy wouldn't have happened.
But a couple of corners later, things got worse for Attwell. Miles Addison headed in Barazite's corner, but Attwell had spotted a foul. He was the only one. I could see absolutely nothing wrong with the whole thing. There had been no noticeable infringement. Players surrounded him, and the young referee who had controlled the match so well for the opening 85 minutes looked like a rabbit in the headlights, and he had frankly lost the plot. When the full-time whistle blew a couple of minutes later, everyone was staggered by what had happened. 1-1 it finished.
Would Derby manager Paul Jewell be sympathetic? Nope. And he had some justification to be annoyed. His opposite number Colin Calderwood was relieved to have escaped. He rightly pointed out that the sending off was correct, but Jewell would not be appeased. Attwell had made a total mess of those last few minutes.
For a referee to hit the headlines with the regularity with which Attwell has is not good for the individual or for refereeing as a whole. Only Rob Styles could possibly have eclipsed him this season. Having been involved in one of the worst decisions of all time at Watford, he has now made a mess of the end to a game which, for the most part, he had controlled well. It wasn't an easy game, but he seemed to be coping. Was he the right man for the job? I'm tempted to say not. He lacked the experience and authority at the end, and looked lost and out of control. Everyone can give wrong decisions, but the manner in which those last minutes unfolded suggests that these were more than just mere mistakes.
I have always thought that Attwell was promoted to the Premier League too early. He has had a very rapid rise through the ranks, and while he is undoubtedly a good referee, I don't think he is yet ready for the big time. He has failed on big incidents twice so far this season, and one wonders where he goes from here. He needs support from the bosses to rebuild his confidence - his career won't (and shouldn't) end here. What he needs now is a spell out of the limelight where he can regain the type of performances which got him to where he is now.
Unfortunately, referees are remembered only for their mistakes. Attwell is now remembered for two matches, and ones which he'll undoubtedly wish to forget. Sadly, I don't think he will ever be able to.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
