Over the Christmas period, poor refereeing has (arguably) cost Liverpool at least four points against Manchester City and Chelsea, and although I don't usually highlight poor refereeing decisions, but in this instance, the officiating failures are so egregious - and potentially costly - that I feel compelled to do so. The Man City decisions were bad enough, but Howard Webb took the biscuit with his calamitous incompetence during yesterday's 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Webb abjectly failed in his duty to officiate fairly, and there were FOUR major incidents that could've changed the game:
* Eto’o should've been sent off for his awful studs-up challenge on Henderson.
* Penalty No 1: Terry was all over Suarez in the box and dragged him to the ground.
* Penalty No 2: Eto’o again. Deliberately and cynically barged Suarez over in the box.
* Oscar should've been sent off after a sickening two-footed 'tackle' on Lucas Leiva.
Admittedly, Chelsea were also on the receiving end of Webb's ineptitude. For example, Lucas possibly should've had a yellow card for lashing out at Oscar in the closing stages, but the Reds undoubtedly suffered the most. After the game, former referee Graham Poll slammed Webb's amateur performance. He told the Daily Mail:
"At Stamford Bridge, Webb failed to make the right call too many times despite being in excellent positions to see incidents clearly. A poor performance by England’s leading referee, and he will not enjoy reviewing the game"
In my view, this is the worst decision of the lot:
That is a blatant penalty, and Webb had an absolutely perfect view of the incident, yet chose not to award a penalty, or even a free kick. Man United legend Gary Neville was incensed with Webb's decision, and during commentary, he raged:
"It's an absolutely stonewall penalty. Totally needless by Eto'o. I don't know what he was doing. Howard Webb was looking straight at it, but for some reason only he knows why he's chosen not to give it. He has to give that. It's madness from Etoo. I can't believe it"
Alas, it appears that Suarez's reputation came back to haunt Liverpool yesterday. The Uruguayan has (for the most part) cut diving/histrionics out of his game, and should be commended for that, but he still has a reputation for going to ground too easily, and I'm sure that still (subconsciously) plays on the minds of referees.
Suarez still has a tendency to flail his arms around theatrically whenever he's fouled and/or things don't go his way, and I'm sure that doesn't endear him to officials. He did that all day against Chelsea, and that perhaps created the wrong impression in Webb's mind. It doesn't make his catastrophic dereliction of duty right, but it's at least partially understandable.
The refereeing decisions were poor, but they shouldn't (IMO) be used as an excuse for losing the Chelsea/Man City games. There are many other self-inflicted issues that led to both defeats, chief of which is Liverpool's poor squad strength, which is a result of Brendan Rodgers' poor performance in last summer's transfer market. But that's another article.
As for Webb - after that shocking performance, he can probably kiss goodbye to being selected for World Cup duty.
NOTE: My apologies for failing to leave a note at the top of the site to explain that I'd be away for a few days...
Author: Jaimie K
Webb abjectly failed in his duty to officiate fairly, and there were FOUR major incidents that could've changed the game:
* Eto’o should've been sent off for his awful studs-up challenge on Henderson.
* Penalty No 1: Terry was all over Suarez in the box and dragged him to the ground.
* Penalty No 2: Eto’o again. Deliberately and cynically barged Suarez over in the box.
* Oscar should've been sent off after a sickening two-footed 'tackle' on Lucas Leiva.
Admittedly, Chelsea were also on the receiving end of Webb's ineptitude. For example, Lucas possibly should've had a yellow card for lashing out at Oscar in the closing stages, but the Reds undoubtedly suffered the most. After the game, former referee Graham Poll slammed Webb's amateur performance. He told the Daily Mail:
"At Stamford Bridge, Webb failed to make the right call too many times despite being in excellent positions to see incidents clearly. A poor performance by England’s leading referee, and he will not enjoy reviewing the game"
In my view, this is the worst decision of the lot:
That is a blatant penalty, and Webb had an absolutely perfect view of the incident, yet chose not to award a penalty, or even a free kick. Man United legend Gary Neville was incensed with Webb's decision, and during commentary, he raged:
"It's an absolutely stonewall penalty. Totally needless by Eto'o. I don't know what he was doing. Howard Webb was looking straight at it, but for some reason only he knows why he's chosen not to give it. He has to give that. It's madness from Etoo. I can't believe it"
Alas, it appears that Suarez's reputation came back to haunt Liverpool yesterday. The Uruguayan has (for the most part) cut diving/histrionics out of his game, and should be commended for that, but he still has a reputation for going to ground too easily, and I'm sure that still (subconsciously) plays on the minds of referees.
Suarez still has a tendency to flail his arms around theatrically whenever he's fouled and/or things don't go his way, and I'm sure that doesn't endear him to officials. He did that all day against Chelsea, and that perhaps created the wrong impression in Webb's mind. It doesn't make his catastrophic dereliction of duty right, but it's at least partially understandable.
The refereeing decisions were poor, but they shouldn't (IMO) be used as an excuse for losing the Chelsea/Man City games. There are many other self-inflicted issues that led to both defeats, chief of which is Liverpool's poor squad strength, which is a result of Brendan Rodgers' poor performance in last summer's transfer market. But that's another article.
As for Webb - after that shocking performance, he can probably kiss goodbye to being selected for World Cup duty.
NOTE: My apologies for failing to leave a note at the top of the site to explain that I'd be away for a few days...
Author: Jaimie K
HE'S BACK, HE'S BACK EVERYONE <3 Jaimie, tell us about your adventure!
ReplyDeleteHe must feel loved.
ReplyDeleteIt's been quite an adventure. I was in Shanghai, trading the long-lost remains of Nurhaci for a massive diamond, but I got double-crossed by the infamous Chinese gangster names Lao Che. He tried to kill me, but I escaped on a cargo plane, which ended up crashing in the Indian wilderness. Luckily, me and my two partners in crime survived, and ended up at Pankot Palace, eating chilled monkey brains, before battling Thugee chief Mola Ram to the death. It was quite a weekend ;-)
ReplyDeleteI can understand one thing. Suarez will dive when he is frustated.
ReplyDeleteWow, this was almost not biased at all. Even if this is a lfc fansite you can at least TRY to write a little more objective. In stead of always complaining to the ref, can't you try to look at your own team shortcomings? The fact is that both teams should have had a penalty and if Oscar had gone, then Lucas should have gone too for his reaction. Eto could have been sent off, but most refs would probably have given a yellow card.
ReplyDeleteA few things have annoyed me from yesterday:
ReplyDelete1. The obviously poor refereeing decisions as pointed out by JK above, especially following on from the Man City game.
2. BR extremely poor after game interviews, where we failed to defend his team and players, especially the dive accusation from Mourinho.
3. Compare and contrast BR's performance to Mourinho. I really do not like the guy, but he did an excellent job of deflecting all attention away from Eto'o and shifting all the blame onto Suarez. All the headlines and focus today is not on Howard Webb or Eto'o but on Suaraz diving again. It was sickening how he played up the "English" game initially before meticulously attacking Suarez. I am not expecting BR to do likewise (falsify and lie), but I do expect him to defend Liverpool - which IMHO he failed to do with the same zeal and passion.
4. The gullible press who hang on Mourinho's every word, whether false to trash speak. What is this love-in with this guy?
As for the game, I think we should have got a draw at least, but our defence is leaking goals (2 per game against Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea), which is not good enough to win the league. However, I hope we can last the distance for a top-4 place.
Quite an adventure but I was expecting more of a Terminator type story
ReplyDeleteMourinho has snugly assumed the mantle of 'FA luvvie to oust Suarez'.Well done him.A vile character.Oh and Howard Webb his personal pack of Huggies.
ReplyDeleteThe Sky team (Neville, Hoddle, Carra) call each incident correctly during the game. OK they had the benefit o TV replays, which we ALL have now. So no Hazard was no pen. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteI think that Liverpool are perfectly poised for the 2nd half of the season to challenge for top 4. They don't have the right players at the moment for a title push but the performances over xmas the period has shown me how Rodgers has grown in stature as a LFC manager. He has been very vocal over the issues about Cardiff, the offside v city and for me the biggest move in bringing on Brad Smith which was clearly a political moved aimed at FSG to say that we need more players (which was a bit harsh on Smith). I like that Rodgers is displaying as he would call it "a quiet confidence" His team plays with an enthusiasm which three years ago under Hodgson and towards the end of king kennys spell was totally lacking. Hopefully FSG will back him in the transfer market to get the right player for Liverpool to enter the next level of closing the gap on the regular top four.
ReplyDeleteLOL Read it do see it as quoted by Neville thats unbiased for sure you need to stay on the Chelski website then if you are so upset.
ReplyDeleteDude, doesn't compare to mine. Went on an adventure with Bilbo through mirkwood and into Erebor...
ReplyDeleteBlessings 9in disguise - Sahko does not fit in the way we now play so back to what we know best surely - how in the name of sanity can Smith play ahead of Toure or Sissoko (if fit). NOW NOW is the time to play Texiera it beggars belief that umpteen players with a fraction of his ability and talent make the squd ahead of him - what is it with Rodgers ?.
ReplyDeleteWell another fan of Howard Webb and the rotten deal Liverpool seem to get from him.
ReplyDeleteRe bringing on Smith. I would ask the question, why has BR spent money on Alberto, if he can't be brought on to replace Allen?
ReplyDeleteThis goes back to JK's point of the poor summer transfer business. Either Alberto is good enough, in which case when the cupboard is empty you need to play him; or else if he's not up to it, then move him on.
The daily mirror devotes the whole back page and a third of another to Saurez being called a cheat by Mourinho for the penaly challenge - then its reporter devotes a couple of sentences in his report to writing that it was a PENALTY. surprised no - the woudnt print athe phone hacking stories for years - I wonder why ?.
ReplyDeleteI was hopeful of at least 2 points over these last two fixtures...and then i saw who was refereeing - Liverpools biggest problems - Mason and Webb. However, LFC have now played Arsenal, City, Chelski, everton, Tottenham and newcastle away - there is only Southampton and Man Utd to play away from that top eight. Other teams have more big away matches. What is vitally important is that we ensure no slip ups in matches we should win, such as Hull, Villa and Stoke. If we can amass 9 points, I think we will be up to second at the end of it.
ReplyDeleteterminator goes wherever he wants brah
ReplyDeleteI think Eto was detailed by Mourinho to do exactly what he did a (by the way( forwards challenge early in the game (at home) on the man who makes us tick.
ReplyDeleteAgree. Both City and Chelsea produced the rough stuff again Suarez to stop him, and Eto'o did exactly what his manager wanted him to do - which he acknowledged (and took the blame away from Eto'o) in his after game interview.
ReplyDeletehoward webb as a referee is as bent as a south Yorkshire copper............... oh jeezzzz I forgot he is a !!!!!
ReplyDeletealso chealsea have asked man utd about extending howard webbs one match loan deal
ReplyDeleteIt does look like Alberto is not ready to play strength wise in rodgers mind, but I had never heard of Smith until yesterday. So to play him must of been a ploy to show FSG to step up in the transfer market, If not then it does not make any sense.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts at the time were threefold. One is he wanted Coutinho more central and maybe thought that Smith has more pace and more defensive mindset as we needed more cover on Hazard. Two was that his youthfulness and eagerness would have been infectious to teammates and made us step up a bit. Three is that it may have been slightly political. He could perhaps be thinking about excuses and an example for the owners to look at as a case for heavy investment in January. "Look we had to play a 19 year old as well as the other 19 year old and 21 year old already in the team" kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteI agree though I wondered why Alberto didn't get a shout and certainly thought he should have.
Webb screws over Liverpool FC. Hardly a shocker. I thought that would be considered a consistent performance on his part by now.
ReplyDeleteI just think if BR starts on the politics, he is going to end up on the same path as Rafa did.
ReplyDeleteI can see the Courtinho move to the centre, but I just thought as Chelsea were tiring, if we could take control of the midfield (through passing better) we might have a chance to draw level. This is wht we bought Alberto - no?
A small foot note re Courtinho. I am just getting a small whiff of complacency in his game over the last two matches. Too many dribbles into blind alleys, shooting when others were better placed, and an element of show-boating. I might be being a tad over-critical, but the above is OK when you win, not when you lose.
My mate was out smoking when the teams came on the picth and Webb grabbed the ball and all that. When he came back he said who is the ref? I told him and he made a face that physically showed the worry I myself was feeling. All LFC supporters must feel the same on the whole and Webb did what we know he does and buggered us.
ReplyDeleteI think you might be right re Coutinho but he is young and these things may happen. If we do some business in Jan then Coutinho's place may not be so secure, he may well have to work harder and be smarter.
ReplyDeleteRe Alberto I agree there was times I was hoping we would calm down a bit more and control the ball. I did turn to my mate and said "why not Alberto" when Smith came on. He should play against Hullcelona though so hopefully he can do a good job and show why we bought him.
hi jaimie i have no idea where to find such a stat, but it would be interesting if you could find out how long the ball was in play in the second half yesterday. it seemed to me that mourinhos death by football style was shockingly apparent yesterday, i would hazard a guess that his tactics meant the ball was in play for only about 30 minutes. they seemed to be timewasting from the moment the second half kicked off. would be interesting for fellow kopites to know this as yesterday was the worst i have ever known.
ReplyDeleteBoth went after Allen to try and intimidate him out of the game, too. Chelsea were careful to spread the yellow cards around, but it was obvious what they were up to. A dirty little club, with a dirty team, backed by dirty money, with a dirty manager. God I can't stand them.
ReplyDeleteSmith's been performing well for the U21s and looks close to being ready to make the step up. He's a left back normally, with a bit of flair, an eye for a pass, and a lot of heart, but his touch is still raw and his decisions are sometimes uncertain.
ReplyDeleteI assume he came on to move Coutinho inside, and to counter Chelsea's threat down their right, with a more defensive sub than Alberto, who would have struggled to press and cover, which Smith did quite well.
A tough debut for him, but with that out of the way and some good moments to remember, hopefully he can press on to contend for a place in the match day squad more often. He has a chance, I think.
never read so much shit in my life, pool fans you are the most biassed bunch of know nothing clowns i've had the misfortune to meet. that manager is a clown too, rogers, what a scumbag, face it, your team and manager are too shit to beat city and chelski. down to mid table with ya now, where you belong. really really shit football team, can't believe you're harping on about the ref did this the ref didnt do that rubbish... what a bunch of tossers you lot are. YOU GOT BATTERED STOP BLAMING THE REFS... fooking idiots.
ReplyDeletewhat it is is he is trying to impress the baazil boss not play for the team - managers are there to correct this error.
ReplyDeletethanks for the info on Smith hope that he gets more chances like the f.a cup game next week to impress.
ReplyDeleteI was fuming when I saw this. At this level, how can referees not perform? He was looking straight at the foul for goodness sake.
ReplyDeleteWe could have had a point from that game.
I'm too annoyed to comment further. These little details costs teams titles and causes relegation. Referee's need to make a report on the match and make it public.
Liverpool are not saints either, but those 4 incidents are just out of this world. We need women referees.
How can you say that Bobby? He was playing as a LB for most of the game!
ReplyDeletePrior to this game he has been a rock.
Yup! Coutinho's form has dipped and I was trying to figure out why and you just answered it.
ReplyDeleteAfter all the praise and hype by BR and team mates about Coutinho no wonder he maybe subconsciously starts believing that himself.
I know when I'm playing football and my team hypes me up I definitely take more risks and start doing more fancy stuff, it's just normal.
The overpraise made me sick.
PS he needs to improve his long shots, they are awful.
I agree with this. I understand Mourinho is a mentor and that they will probably have dinner after the match but man on man, BR needed some balls.
ReplyDeleteSuarez did not dive. He done the mexican wave while going down but it was a foul. Mourinho is brilliant at tactics like that. We are not aggressive enough.
Sounds like an Indiana Jones plot!
ReplyDeletePlus this is probably the most likes you've gotten hahaha!
I thought the same as well... every throw-in seemingly took longer than normal. Every free kick seemingly took longer than normal. I also felt like they were given too many free kicks for cheap fouls that we weren't getting called the other way.
ReplyDeleteI don't necessarily have a problem with Chelsea for doing it. It's up to the ref to put an end to it... and we're all in agreement on his performance.
Aspas Borini Alberto assaidi comes to about 27m that's alot of money I just hope they come good although maybe we payed over the odds for Alberto so we can get Rakitic in jan. we defo need a top class cm another QUALITY striker and Winger n a Lb wun go a miss
ReplyDeleteMourinho is a muppet, plain and simple. This is football not effin panto. Time to start holding the ref to account and then maybe we'll see an improvement in the game at large, and not just extreme cock ups!!
ReplyDeleteI hope the English press are ready because the same thing is going to happen to England at the world cup.
ReplyDeleteHaha how is mulling half an hour over every decision that's made going to make things better? Nevermind the fact that the half time break will need to be extended by half an hour because her and her lineswomen are all still in the jax checking their hair and makeup talking about Sakho's huge....legs
ReplyDeleteunfortunately refs made mistakes that could have been game changers. but overall the team was pretty good. were missing three key players and everyone in front of us has to come to anfield. YNWA
ReplyDeleteI was in shock that the ref didn't give that decision especially with that view.... was still in shock 10 mins after the game ended.
ReplyDeleteWebb has potentially ruined his chances of making the world cup. Too many poor decisions for one of the countries best refs.Bottled it!!
Refs poor decisions aside - at least give a yellow to E'eto! Most of the team played pretty well. But Chelsea were credited for isolating Suarez - really it was Coutinho and Sterling who hardly fed him any good passes. While both of these players have a strong influnce - I think Coutinho deserves to be benched, he's off, his shooting (3rd highest rate in the league) could be forgiven somewhat, but his creativity has been off too - he's been forgoing good passes to make a bad shot from out of the box, and when not shooting, making bad passes - thing is doesn't seem to be a suitable replacement - Rodgers wouldn't put on alberto for Allen, whey would he start him ahead of Coutinho. Sterling on the other hand seems to be on the up and up - not perfect, but massively improved decision making, confidence, and his speed is a weapon - lets hope he keeps it up.
ReplyDeleteFor Johson, I can't accurately say what I think without getting stuck in the mod filter. He plays with no heart, is lazy, and make poor decisions. about 80% of his play looks good, then when the crucial moment comes - he eyes the right pass, pauses, looks for a better pass, then 3 seconds later is either dispossessed, takes a bad shot, or makes the pass he should have made earlier, only now his target is being marked.
All in all I don't think anyone can be very disappointed with the spot on the table or the points tally, but there are some misgivings because we could actually be higher had chances been taken, tactics been right (e.g New Castle), a few less injuries, and some decisions gone our way.
Hopefully come the new year, those who need to get their heads sorted out, the right players come in, and the calls go our way. Not a bad year so far - I still think the title is possible, and a cherry on top, Suarez will blow the scoring record out of the water.
If you compare the challenge yesterday on Surez with the one webb gave in the fa cup game against man u a few years ago, I think it was Aggers knee possibly brushed the top of velencias sock. You have to admire webbs front.
ReplyDeleteI thought Liverpool did well to improve in the second half but that may have been chelseas tactics. Bit worried about the keeper, looks like hes on the same pills pepe was on.
Do you want the antidote?
ReplyDeleteFilm references, guys- it's happening!
ReplyDelete