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In this latest installment of Behind the Whistle, former Premier League referee Chris Foy analyzes critical match decisions from recent fixtures in the Sky Bet Championship, League One, and League Two during the festive period.
The series aims to provide fans of EFL clubs with insights into the thought processes behind key officiating decisions, offering explanations and clarity on how the laws of the game are applied in various scenarios.
Foy brings his expertise to examine prominent refereeing moments across the EFL, shedding light on the intricacies of officiating.
Sky Bet Championship
Coventry City 4-0 Plymouth Argyle
The contest saw a controversial moment when a Plymouth player committed a foul without winning the ball, yet the referee opted not to award a penalty.
Incident – Possible penalty, foul (Coventry City)
Decision – No penalty (Coventry City)
Foy says: “In my view, the referee misjudged this situation; a penalty kick should have been granted to Coventry City. The referee was well-positioned to see the action but failed to recognize the reckless foul by the Plymouth defender, who after sliding in at pace, did not acquire the ball. His oversight here is fortunate for Plymouth.”
Burnley 0-0 Stoke City
Late in the match, Burnley was reduced to 10 men following an off-the-ball incident that warranted a red card.
Incident – Possible red card, violent conduct (Burnley)
Decision – Red card, violent conduct (Burnley)
Foy says: “The decision to issue a red card for violent conduct was absolutely correct. The Burnley player intentionally stepped on his opponent during a corner situation, an action that is clearly unnecessary and unacceptable. Given the level of force involved, the referee’s choice to issue a straight red was justified and commendable.”
Derby County 0-1 Leeds United
A high-foot challenge provoked debate, as the referee issued only a yellow card.
Incident – Possible red card, high foot (Derby County)
Decision – No red card (Derby County)
Foy says: “The referee’s judgment here was spot on. Although the Derby player’s foot was raised, he maintained focus on the ball and did not make contact with his opponent using his studs. The challenge was reckless enough to warrant a booking but did not meet the threshold for a red card.”
Watford 1-2 Sheffield United
A potential penalty for Watford was denied after a tackle inside the box.
Incident – Possible penalty (Watford)
Decision – No penalty given (Watford)
Foy says: “The referee made an excellent call by rightfully categorizing the Sheffield United tackle as fair. Moreover, the decision to award a goal-kick was also valid, as the Sheffield United player merely redirected the ball off his opponent.”
Sky Bet League One
Birmingham City 2-0 Burton Albion
A penalty was awarded to Birmingham, raising questions about whether Burton should have received a free-kick instead.
Incident – Possible penalty, foul (Birmingham City)
Decision – Penalty awarded (Birmingham City)
Foy says: “In my opinion, Burton Albion was quite unfortunate, as the necessary circumstances for a penalty were not fulfilled. The Birmingham player moved into the defense’s path, causing contact that should have resulted in a free-kick awarded to Burton.”
Bristol Rovers 2-3 Leyton Orient
Bristol Rovers believed they had equalized late in the game, but the referee ruled the goal out for handball.
Incident – Goal scored, possible handball (Leyton Orient)
Decision – Goal disallowed (Leyton Orient)
Foy says: “The referee showcased commendable awareness in identifying the handball by Bristol’s No24, who directed the ball into the goal. Given the context, it was also crucial for the referee to penalize the player for the deliberate handball.”
Exeter City 4-4 Crawley Town
A goal for Exeter raised concerns regarding a potential foul on the Crawley goalkeeper.
Incident – Goal scored, possible foul (Exeter City)
Decision – Goal awarded (Exeter City)
Foy says: “Crawley Town may feel aggrieved, as it appeared that Exeter’s No2 impeded the goalkeeper by leaning into him during the corner, potentially justifying a free-kick for Crawley.”
Sky Bet League Two
Colchester United 2-0 Gillingham
A goal from Colchester was disallowed for offside, prompting questions about the assistant referee’s judgement.
Incident – Goal scored, possible offside (Colchester United)
Decision – Goal disallowed, offside (Colchester United)
Foy says: “The assistant referee made a commendable call, correctly identifying the Colchester player at the back post as being offside. This tight decision was supported by evidence from pitch markings.”
Salford City 3-0 Barrow
A potential goal for Barrow was ruled out due to an offside call following a deflection from a defender.
Incident – Goal scored, possible offside (Barrow)
Decision – Goal disallowed, offside (Barrow)
Foy says: “Educatively speaking, this offside decision was handled impeccably by the officials. At the moment of the original shot, Barrow’s player was in an offside position, which warranted the correct decision to disallow the goal.”
Source
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