#7 Controversial decisions
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(a) Kevin Friend had a howler at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s early kick-off against Bournemouth. He (incorrectly) sent off Andrew Surman - without even realising it until Rooney reminded him. Earlier, Surman had gone into the notebook for a tackle on Luke Shaw (which was an exact replica of the tackle Shaw made on him but got away with nothing). The midfielder then received another yellow for a push on Zlatan (although it is commendable that such a tame shove could hack down one of the strongest strikers in the game).
Additionally, he should have sent off Zlatan and Tyrone Mings for some seriously ridiculous offences – the former elbowing Mings in the face in retribution for the defender’s boot at the back of his ear during a ‘stepover’. He should also have cautioned Adam Smith for his handball and sent off Harry Arter but well, it was just not a good day in the office for the match official.
(b) Anthony Taylor must have been ball-watching when he awarded a penalty to Burnley while it was clear as daylight that Sam Vokes handled the ball. The decision gave the Clarets a way back into the game and shook the Swans (but thankfully didn’t cost them 3 points).
(c) Emre Can could have seen red at Anfield following a clip at Theo Walcott; unfortunately for Arsenal Joel Matip, Walcott and Can all clashed together, making it difficult for the official (Bobby Madley) to make a decisive call.
In the end, Can stayed and Liverpool were also allowed the benefit of an offside goal in the dying minutes that took the wind out of the Gunners’ sails. Divock Origi (or some part of his head?!) was a fraction ahead of the Arsenal defenders but in fairness to the officials, both decisions were too close to call in real-time.
