In Behind the Whistle, former Premier League referee Chris Foy picks out key match decisions from recent matches across the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two.
Behind the Whistle aims to provide supporters of EFL clubs with explanations of specific requests to give them insight into decision-making considerations and an understanding of how the laws of the game are interpreted.
As part of Sky Sports’ regular post-match day coverage, Foy is here to walk us through some of the refereeing issues in the EFL.
Coventry City 2-2 Sheffield United
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Coventry received a yellow card for this incident… was it an attempt at deception or a real punishment?
case: Penalty, possible foul (Coventry City)
decision: No penalty, simulation (Coventry City)
poi says: “The referee was very good at correctly identifying simulated action by Coventry’s No. 23, especially taking into account the rapidly developing stages of play.
“The Sheffield United number 14 initially attempted a tackle but turned away at the last moment and made very minor contact with an opponent.
“But the Coventry player went to the ground in a way that was inconsistent with very minor foot contact at best, and it looked as if he was trying to trick the referee into awarding a penalty.
“The referee is in a good position to identify the actions of attacking players and correctly awards Sheffield United a defensive free kick and shows a yellow card for simulation purposes.”
Oxford United 2-6 Middlesbrough
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Oxford defender Matthew Clarke received a spot kick and a yellow card for a reckless tackle in the box. Should the card have been red?
case: Penalty kicks and red cards possible (Middlesbrough)
decision: Penalties and warnings (Middlesbrough)
poi says: “The referee gets this right on both sides of the ball. Middlesbrough’s number 50 has already played the ball when the defender makes contact, but the challenge is clearly reckless and should result in a spot kick and a yellow card.
“A penalty was awarded because the Oxford number 5 rushed across and committed to a challenge that caught his opponent very late. However, although there is pace in the challenge, there is no need to immediately receive a red card for excessive force.
“A penalty and a warning are the correct consequences.”
Lincoln City 2-3 Wycombe Wanderers
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Did Lincoln City goalkeeper George Wickens deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity?
case: Possible red card, denied opportunity to score – DOGSO (Lincoln City)
decision: No red cards, no DOGSOs (Lincoln City)
poi says: “I think the referee got this right as there is too much doubt in determining whether a clear foul on the Lincoln City goalkeeper denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
“When the Wycombe Wanderers number 12 lifts the ball over the goalkeeper, it is doubtful whether the attacker will maintain possession or control of the ball and it is likely that it will be covered by two Lincoln City defenders.
“These factors mean this was not an obvious scoring opportunity and therefore a yellow card was correctly displayed.”
Shrewsbury Town 3-2 Birmingham City
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The referee awarded a yellow card for a high challenge from a Birmingham player. Should high boots warrant red?
case: Possible red card, serious foul (Birmingham City)
decision: No red card (Birmingham City)
poi says: “Birmingham City’s number 14 may have claimed he was trying to play the ball out, but he was very lucky not to receive a red card here. Although he had his eye on the ball throughout the game, the boot was up and the Shrewsbury player’s Contact with the head means that the challenge threatens the other person’s safety.
“The referee’s view was behind the challenge, but between himself and the assistant referee, they should have seen that the high boot deserved a straight red card.”
Carlisle United 0-0 Doncaster Rovers
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Carlisle had a goal disallowed for offside against Doncaster. Did the lineman make the right decision?
case: Scored, possible for offside (Carlisle United)
decision: Goal disallowed, offside (Carlisle United)
poi says: “This is a great job by the assistant referee to identify. Firstly, the Carlisle number 9 was in an offside position at the moment Carlisle’s number 14 shot, and secondly, he touched the ball before it was put into the net. Yes.
“The first shot goes in and is saved and the number 9 is in an offside position.
“After the goalkeeper blocked the shot, number 9 made contact with the ball, diverted it into the path of number 3, and number 3 struck the ball home. This touch and his initial position caused the assistant referee to correctly raise his flag to No. 9. “This was a great referee at a critical stage of the game and the speed at which he disrupted the play.”
