A former Premier League referee has shared his view on a controversial moment during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Sunderland.
Brian Brobbey’s late goal earned the Black Cats a point in a keenly contested clash. Before that, the Gunners had rallied into the lead thanks to superb finishes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard in the second half, overturning an opener from former Gunner Dan Ballard.
How Sunderland won the set-piece that led to their first goal proved contentious and sparked plenty of post-match debate. Martin Zubimendi was adjudged to have fouled Wilson Isidor in midfield, but replays showed he appeared to touch the ball slightly before following through. Not only did he receive a yellow card, but Sunderland ultimately scored from the resulting free-kick.
Gallagher admits referee may have misread the situation
Speaking on Sky Sports Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher suggested the referee may have misjudged the incident.
“I didn’t know that was in law! I think he’s unlucky to give a free-kick away, even more unlucky to get a yellow card. It’s possibly a misread by the referee,” Gallagher said.
Jay Bothroyd, who appeared as a guest on the show, also believed the decision was harsh. He said:
“If he touches the ball ever so slightly, he’s won the ball. It shouldn’t be given as a free-kick. We saw the one against Saka against Fulham, where he gets the ball and goes through the player. That’s the same kind of thing there.
“Not every time you get the ball is okay. But Saka, Gyökeres… unless the referee’s association is telling me it’s different rules in the box, that should be given as a challenge that’s okay.”
Costly officiating but Arsenal only have themselves to blame
The first half was characterised by inconsistent officiating, and it did not help that the game itself was scrappy during those early exchanges. The decision ultimately proved costly, but the Gunners will feel they only have themselves to blame for failing to hold onto their lead.
Arsenal still hold a healthy advantage at the top of the Premier League, but maintaining that position will require commitment, concentration and, above all, consistency as the season unfolds.
What do you think of the Ref’s decision?
Benjamin Kenneth
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In my first post, after returning from the game, I mentioned the referee and said I couldn’t believe he was supposed to be one of the elite officials in the PL.
He missed so many infringements from both sides and ignored the doubling up on Saka that saw him being fouled nearly every time he got the ball.
I can’t recall Pawson ever having a good game when refereeing out matches, but, of course, I’m told things even themselves out over the season!!
I also believe that this is the first time Gallagher has actually questioned a current referee’s decision, so it seems even he noticed.
And people like Reggie and Dan kit will still find a way to defend their much beloved refs by twisting the facts stated above
It’s easy for refs to hurt Arsenal with their contentious decisions because Arsenal don’t complain. Look Liverpool went to PGMOL to complain about VVD disallowed goal. Even in UCL match v Slavia the ref gave the pen for Arsenal after only hearing something from VAR. No Arsenal player initially tipped the ref that the Slavia player handled the ball. Same thing had happened v Real Madrid 2nd leg match. Little finest margins matter in deciding football results. The Iberians and Latin players are good in this regard. Bruno Fernandes of Utd always talks with the ref; honestly it helps. Arsenal don’t have a captain of this kind. If the ref hurts you in the first incident, he’ll wary not to repeat it later if you’re a persistent complainer like Bruno. Benefit of the doubt will be you. Odegaard Saka Maghales are silent good to the ref captains but not Declan Rice.
Wasn’t a foul. I think some referees are easily swayed or influenced by home crowds and players. The referee lost control of the game quite early on. The stop start nature of the match disrupted the flow of the game and the referee is partly responsible.
Oh my word, are we back on this Ref’s have got it in for us garbage again.
All name me a team that hasn’t or doesn’t get some ropey free-kicks given against them.
Yes the officiating can be frustrating, of that there’s no doubt, but please can we stop with this nonsense about us always being picked on.
Now you’ll get people come on and give their usual examples of but what about this incident and what about that incident.
All teams fans can find reasons if they want to. We’re not unique, get over this in for me, they’ve got it in for me mentality. 🤦♂️