At the start of this weekends matches the focus game was the Merseyside Derby, and at the end of the weekends matches this was still the case.The focus featured around 4 decisions by Referee Mark Clattenburg.
The first Liverpool penalty which resulted in Tony Hibbert being sent off. It appeared that Mark had gone for a yellow card, but then appears to have an exchange with Gerrard. He then puts the card away and sends him off instead.
Then Everton have two penalty appeals turned down on Lescott. Personally I think he robs himself by being strong on the first one, but the 2nd definitely looked a penalty. However its about angles.
The main talking point though is Kuyts “challenge” on Neville. To be fair there can be no defence with this one. While I am sure he hasnt gone to break his legs. Its a text book serious foul play challenge. Its 2 footed and there is no control in the tackle. He is lucky he didnt catch him.
There was talk yesterday that Clattenburg had been dropped from this weekends games, however today it has been confirmed he is on holiday this weekend and this was always planned. This is quite credible as if someone is “punished” they tend to drop to 4th Official duty at worst.
Moving down the county to Villa Park, there was 2 sendings off for Villa in the 2nd half. Reo-Cocker was sent of for 2 cautions (apparently his 1st sending off in his career, also bad for my fantasy side!) then shortly afterwards Scott Carson was sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity when he pulled down Tevez. Both decisions were fair and Villa cant really complain about them. Although It doesnt appear to have been reported it looks like Martin O’neil wasn’t happy and was sent to the stands.
Heading to the Capital for the Fulham vs Derby game. There was a blatant elbow by Paul Konchesky in the first half. He was tussling for the ball with Fagan on the touchline when he retaliated with an elbow. Reading reports there had been a bit of niggle between the two players before this and so it wasnt as spur of the moment as it may have appeared.
