A little over 24 hours after Andre Marriner sent off Aleksandar Mitrovic for Newcastle United vs Arsenal at St James’ Park, the inconsistency of Premier League refereeing was once again brought to light as Luke Shaw somehow escaped a red card in Swansea City’s 2-1 win over Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium.
Yesterday Mitrovic’s dismissal was debatable to say the least, with Newcastle manager Steve McClaren saying: “It was a harsh red card. It was more clumsy and he stood on his foot,” which is certainly what it looked like and the Serbian striker maybe suffered from his reputation going before him.
Today Man United’s left back Luke Shaw trod on Andre Ayew’s leg, who by the way looks like a top quality player having netted his third Premier League goal of the season and set up Bafetimbi Gomis for the winner in front of his own fans, yet the £30 million England international got off scot-free – no red card. No yellow card. I don’t even think a free-kick was given.
Now, still photos don’t always tell the whole picture, but take a look at Shaw’s tackle below and tell me that Mitrovic’s was any worse…
***
Yeah, you’re absolutely right. The refereeing so far this season is an absolute disgrace. The decisions always appear to be on the side of the “so called” bigger teams” . We have been really dealt with harshly , not only on this occasion but also with Janmatts sending off for a pull back for a second yellow card. Remember, against Arsenal, and how Coquelin was not booked or sent off for similar fouls to Janmatt in the game against Crystal Palace which they also won. The amount of bookings yesterday was also over the top.
Instead of messing on with offside rules the FA should concentrate on the referee position it may have been a sending off but the ref had no control of the game and if a arsenal player had done that challenge the ref would not have the balloks to send a arsenal player off same old story hard done by 1-0 to the refferee
The frustrating things are the inconsistent refereeing, a referee making a name for himself and players who try to con the ref. Someone once said that a good ref is a one you never notice on the pitch, some referees choose to go down the ‘self important’ route, with big egos and little emphasis on entertainment for the paying public, I’m so pleased I havnt had a season ticket since 2002.