chris

If Andy Gray was to ever referee a match I don't think he would get a single decision right. Certainly not if Manchester United were involved. Not content with calling all the decisions in the Manchester United spurs game wrong, he was at it again today. First of all I would like to semi congratulate the referee who had a good game in the face of fair hostility and questioning of every decision.

He started off making a questionable decision regarding a penalty appeal for Manchester united. From the referees angle it sure looks like a pen and indeed ruud Guilit correctly pointed out (despite his chelsea connections) that Cole got the player prior to getting the slightest nick on the ball- and it was a tackle from behind. This didn't stop Andy Gray being certain it was not a penalty. Also if it was a foul could a red card have been given?

The Mikel decision for my money was correct and it was a courageous decision for the referee to implement the rules. Mikel could have made a fair tackle but instead chose to up the stakes by raising his studs and jumping at Evra albeit ankle high. The attitude of most people would be that - 'the ref wont have the guts to send him off'. Well he did in that instance. It was such a shame that the referee got slaughtered by Andy Gray whose only concern was that this might 'ruin the game'. Well hard luck thats not my concern. Strong refereeing taking no nonsense should be supported but on a weekly basis Andy Gray slates referees who make correct decisions. He does this only because he needs a talking point.

Into the second half I was quite perplexed to see the ref book Rooney because Ashley Cole went down particularly easily. Shortly afterwards another Powder Puff confrontation near chelsea's corner flag and steve clarke wants Rooney sent off. Now Andy Gray chooses to suggest every time for the remainder of the game that Chelsea fans may feel aggrieved about Rooney still being on the pitch. Come on Andy- dry your eyes!

Minutes later Joe Cole should be sent off. The ref made a mistake here but his poor decision does go to show that he is trying to be very fair.

Lastly I don't think the penalty decision was in dispute. There was contact, why shouldn't Saha go down.?

My conclusion is that Andy Gray is a terrible commentator who always creates talking points regarding refereeing decisions. Also Mike Dean(it was him wasn't it?) impressed me generally as a referee who will make decisions where others wouldn't. He is in control and makes fair decisions as best he can and that if anyone things that refereeing quality is in decline they should look towards Mike Dean, Howard Webb and Mark Clattenberg who I think are the best referees at present.

Your thoughts...