Premier League: The 5 Least Impressive Referee Performances This Season
Premier League: An analysis of the most controversial referee decisions during the 2024/25 Premier League season, highlighting five instances that began debate among fans and pundits.
FollowPremier League: Refereeing decisions can highly influence the outcome of football matches, and the 2024/25 Premier League season has witnessed several controversial moments. Here are the top five referee performances that sparked debate about officiating standards.
1. Myles Lewis-Skelly's Controversial Red Card (Wolves vs. Arsenal, January 25, 2025)
In a tightly contested match between Wolves and Arsenal, referee Michael Oliver sent off Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 43rd minute for tripping Wolves' Matt Doherty during a counter-attack. The decision was met with outrage from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and fans alike. Despite being reduced to ten men, Arsenal managed a 1-0 victory. The club subsequently appealed the red card, leading to its overturning on appeal.
2. Jarrod Bowen's Penalty Incident (West Ham vs. Manchester United, October 27, 2024)
During a match between West Ham and Manchester United, referee Jarred Gillett awarded a stoppage-time penalty to West Ham after Jarrod Bowen was seen to have been fouled. The decision was controversial, with many believing the contact was minimal. Bowen converted the penalty, leading to a 2-1 victory for West Ham. The incident was significant as the match result paved the sacking of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
Also Read: Premier League 2024-25: Top 5 Moments of the Season So Far
3. Christian Norgaard's Red Card (Everton vs. Brentford, November 23, 2024)
In a goalless draw between Everton and Brentford, referee Chris Kavanagh sent off Brentford's Christian Norgaard shortly before half-time for a follow-through on goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The decision was widely criticized, with Brentford manager Thomas Frank stating it was "never a red card" and calling for "more common sense" in officiating.
4. Bruno Fernandes' Overturned Red Card (Manchester United vs. Tottenham, September 29, 2024)
In a match where Manchester United faced Tottenham, captain Bruno Fernandes received a red card for a high tackle on James Maddison after slipping. The decision was later deemed a "mistake" by PGMOL chief Howard Webb, and the red card was overturned. This incident showed inconsistencies in officiating and the use of VAR.
5. Alexis Mac Allister's Unpenalized Foul (West Ham vs. Liverpool, December 29, 2024)
During a match where Liverpool defeated West Ham 5-0, Alexis Mac Allister committed a foul in the penalty box while Liverpool led 1-0. Referee Paul Tierney did not award a penalty, and Liverpool soon doubled their lead, leading to a rout. The incident raised questions about the consistency of penalty decisions in the league.
subscribe to Asianet Newsable WhatsApp channel by clicking here.
