Source: Daily_Mail
Graham Poll: We need ruthless refs as time really is no laughing matter
Time is important. We know that from David Moyes's rant a week ago to Arsene Wenger's anger on Saturday. And yet, in law the timing of offences is irrelevant. [LNB]A poor tackle is a poor tackle which needs to be punished. And a penalty is a penalty even if the offence occurs in virtually the last seconds of a match.[LNB] Scrap: Nani and Paul Konckesky were involved in a running battle at Old Trafford[LNB] More from Graham Poll... Graham Poll - The Official Line: Blunder refs should have spotted key incidents19/09/10 Graham Poll: Do Arsenal need more protection from referees? No way!16/09/10 Graham Poll: I was wrong at Everton... and 10 years later, so did Atkinson13/09/10 Graham Poll - The Official Line: Attwell is not ready to ref in the Premier League12/09/10 Graham Poll: Why it's time to follow the Aussies to clamp down on cheats06/09/10 GRAHAM POLL: There's nothing wrong with using your physical presence in the box, Arsene26/08/10 Graham Poll: Blatter must end farce and introduce goal-line technology 22/08/10 Graham Poll: Refs in the spotlight at the weekend... but who got it right?22/08/10 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE When Liverpool's Paul Konchesky brought down Manchester United's Nani with a strong, reckless challenge in just the fifth minute he should have been cautioned - of course commentators and fans appreciate leniency but it is not right in football law. [LNB]Nani's mood was affected and Konchesky's work was done - if referees continue with this approach then the bad old days of defenders 'letting opponents know they are there' will return and players will be hurt. [LNB]Howard Webb tried to let the game breathe and the game developed into a really good one but he needs to be consistent and lead this country's 27,000 referees strongly.[LNB]Mark Clattenburg is, in my opinion, the best natural referee in this country. He has a wonderful feeling for the game and his personality and approach are appreciated by players who rate him and like him.[LNB]However, he must decide whether to challenge Webb to be the best or be the most popular. [LNB]The two are mutually exclusive as referees are called on to make tough decisions which by definition are going to make them unpopular. [LNB]In the dying seconds of Chelsea's all too easy 4-0 win over Blackpool, Didier Drogba was brought down for an obvious and easy penalty. [LNB]The commentators laughed about it. And given that the three points were secure, Drogba 'high-fived' Clattenburg at the conclusion of the game. Popular as ever Clattenburg had a good old laugh with the Ivorian.[LNB]However, the Blackpool defender who should have been dismissed will be available next weekend and could gain them valuable points. That is not fair on their opponents.[LNB] Surely? Didier Drogba appeals for a penalty late on at Stamford Bridge[LNB] I wonder if Drogba will celebrate with Clattenburg if Chelsea lose the title by one goal come May?[LNB]This situation is vastly different from Andre Marriner missing the foul by Seamus Coleman on Kevin Nolan which should have resulted in a penalty for Newcastle at Goodison Park and a red card for Coleman. [LNB]Marriner's was a genuine mistake. Clattenburg's appeared deliberate due to the score and time of the offence. That just can't be right.[LNB] Good week for...Mike JonesBad week for...Arsene Wenger [LNB]Jones is not one of top refs and has struggled to establish himself on the select group of referees. I was surprised to see him appointed to Wolves game after they had 14 yellow cards in their previous two league matches. However, he did well at White Hart Lane and controlled the game sensibly. [LNB]Wenger's claims that refs are letting Arsenal down by not protecting them was trotted out again. Not content with that he then complained about the additional 15 seconds in which Sunderland equalised. Come on Arsene, you have a great team. Concentrate on them and leave the refs alone.[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:David Moyes, Didier Drogba, Paul Konchesky, NaniPlaces:Newcastle, Liverpool
