Man Utd were the unfortunate victims last weekend (Image: Getty)
GOALKEEPERS are being treated as if they are the final dodo bird on earth by referees. Outfield players are not allowed to touch them anymore or they are automatically penalised. It’s clucking mad. They’re not going extinct, so why the over-protection?
If anything, there is an increasing number of shot-stoppers now it is ‘cool’ to play out from the back. But the officials are going cuckoo when they step into penalty boxes.
Dominic Solanke made the slightest contact with David Raya last weekend and Bournemouth’s goal was ruled out.
Days later Dean Henderson went down under minimal contact from Rasmus Hojlund and Manchester United’s equaliser was chalked off.
Anywhere else on the pitch and it isn’t a free-kick. Neither player got the ball but Henderson made a meal of going to ground.
Rasmus Hojlund was very unfortunate to be penalised against Crystal Palace (Image: Getty)
It’s interesting to take a look at how many of those decisions go the other way. Referees have only given 16 fouls against goalkeepers in the Premier League this season.
That isn’t an anomaly. There were 15 fouls awarded against keepers last season, and 12 the year before that. In 380 games.
If keepers come charging off their line and flying through the air, they should not be given a right of passage. Contact has been always part of the game, but that could end up extinct at the current rate.
Sky Sports+
IT is a step in the right direction that Sky Sports will be showing some Saturday 3pm kick-offs in the EFL from next season.
They have committed to broadcasting each club at least 20 times on their new Sky Sports+ service.
Fans overseas have been able to watch their clubs on iFollow, it is about time we can do the same in the UK.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1897754/Premier-League-referees-Man-Utd