In Behind the Whistle, former Premier League referee Chris Foy goes through a selection of key match decisions from the weekend EFL action.
Behind the Whistle aims to give supporters of EFL clubs an insight into the decision-making considerations and also clarification of certain calls to provide an understanding of how the laws of the game are interpreted.
As part of a regular feature on Sky Sports following the conclusion of a matchday, Foy will be here to run you through some refereeing matters in the EFL…
Bristol City 1-1 Hull City
Joao Pedro was sent off just 96 seconds after scoring against Bristol City.
Incident: Possible red card, serious foul play (Hull City)
Decision: Red card (Hull City)
Foy says: “For me, this straight red is shown based on the lack of control in this airborne challenge, which endangers the safety of the opponent on the receiving end of the tackle.
“Although on first viewing it looks as if the Hull City No 12 just mistimes his tackle and catches his opponent late, the replays suggest it is actually worse than that.
Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Hull City.
“As he goes into the challenge, the Hull No 12 is airborne and lunges with both feet. He is not in control of his body at that point. The speed and force of the challenge also endangers the opponent’s safety.
“The referee correctly identifies that this challenge is serious foul play and brandishes the red card.”
Norwich City 1-1 Oxford United
See why Oxford’s goal against Norwich wasn’t offside.
Incident: Goal scored, possible offside (Oxford United)
Decision: Goal awarded (Oxford United)
Foy says: “This is an excellent bit of officiating, as the referee and assistant referee communicate brilliantly to understand exactly what has happened.
“While it is clear to see that Oxford United’s goal scorer, No 9, is in an offside position, there is no offside offence if the attacker receives the ball directly from the throw-in.
Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Norwich and Oxford
“As the throw-in does not go directly to the attacker, the referee and assistant referee work effectively to identify that, firstly Oxford United No 47 does not touch the ball, and secondly it is Norwich No 3 who plays the balls which then crucially rebounds from another defender, Norwich No 20.
“Therefore, Oxford United No 9 does not commit an offside offence, and the goal is correctly awarded.”
Peterborough United 1-1 Wycombe Wanderers
Should Peterborough striker Ricky-Jade Jones have been booked for diving against Wycombe?
Incident: Possible penalty (Peterborough United)
Decision: No penalty (Peterborough United)
Foy says: “It is good to see that the referee here has correctly identified no contact on Peterborough United No 17. He goes round the keeper and anticipates contact that doesn’t arrive, falling to ground.
Watch highlights of the Sky Bet League One match between Peterborough and Wycombe.
“Although it is a very good judgement from the referee to clearly identify that the goalkeeper does not make contact with his challenge, the actions of Peterborough United No 17 are simulation, therefore the referee should have awarded Wycombe a defensive free-kick and cautioned the attacker”
Tranmere Rovers 2-1 Bromley
Were Tranmere Rovers lucky to avoid a penalty against Bromley?
Incident: Possible penalty, foul (Bromley)
Decision: No penalty (Bromley)
Foy says: “Although I have sympathy with the defender in this sort of incident, for me, Tranmere Rovers were fortunate that a spot kick wasn’t awarded against them here.
Highlights of the Sky Bet League Two match between Tranmere and Bromley.
“As Tranmere No 2 goes to clear the ball away just inside the penalty area, he is pipped to the ball by the Bromley attacker. The Tranmere man catches the attacker’s foot instead of playing the ball, carelessly tripping him.
“I think that the contact is enough to warrant the player to go down, and in my eyes the correct judgement here would be for a penalty to be awarded.”
