ECNETNews brings you the latest insights from former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, who has evaluated the key controversial moments from the weekend’s matches.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal
INCIDENT: Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber commits a late tackle on Tottenham’s Pedro Porro but advances into the box, unaware the referee has already blown the whistle.
DERMOT SAYS: “It was a reckless tackle. Although he stepped on the ball, the lack of momentum and intensity explains why it’s only a yellow card, as there wasn’t a significant force behind it.”
“This season, the officiating feels more balanced. Referees are allowing more physicality and the handball laws are clearer, leading to a noticeable difference in how they’re enforcing the rules.”
INCIDENT: A fracas ensues as Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario approaches Timber, who briefly grabs the goalkeeper’s shirt.
DERMOT SAYS: “Referees need to be aware of multiple players in such scenarios. As the lead official focuses on the key incident, they can miss other crucial actions and need the support of their assistant referees.”
Bournemouth 0-1 Chelsea
INCIDENT: Referee Anthony Taylor issues a staggering 14 yellow cards, setting a new Premier League record with a total of 65 bookings across the weekend.
DERMOT SAYS: “Taylor established his approach early on and had to remain consistent. The initial yellow for delaying the restart placed pressure on him to continue issuing cards for infractions.”
INCIDENT: With a penalty awarded against Chelsea as goalkeeper Robert Sanchez fouls Evanilson in the box.
DERMOT SAYS: “It’s a clear penalty. The goalkeeper made an attempt for the ball, but ultimately, he doesn’t get it, resulting in a foul. It’s a correct decision by the referee.”
Fulham 1-1 West Ham
INCIDENT: Fulham’s Adama Traore is brought down in the penalty area by West Ham’s Max Kilman, but no penalty is awarded.
DERMOT SAYS: “Referees are adopting a more lenient stance this season. While there was contact, it may not have been sufficient to warrant a penalty in this instance.”
Crystal Palace 2-2 Leicester
INCIDENT: Jean-Philippe Mateta’s goal for Crystal Palace is initially ruled offside but later awarded following a VAR review.
DERMOT SAYS: “The technology confirmed he was onside. VAR is our best guide, and as long as it provides factual evidence, that’s the ruling to be followed.”
Southampton 0-3 Manchester United
INCIDENT: Referee Stuart Attwell awards Southampton a penalty after United’s Diogo Dalot brings down Tyler Dibling.
DERMOT SAYS: “It’s a definite foul. The slide tackle failed to make contact with the ball, making it a correct decision by the referee.”
INCIDENT: Southampton’s Jack Stephens receives a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Alejandro Garnacho.
DERMOT SAYS: “Upon review, the decision to issue a red card was right. The referee took the necessary time to analyze the situation, which is commendable.”
