Graham Poll: Foy had common sense but Ronaldo's reputation cost him

02 March 2009 04:41
Chris Foy had a relatively routine game and applied common sense in his officiating - none more so than when dealing with John O'Shea who could have been sent off for a late lunge on Roman Pavlyuchenko when on a yellow card. Soon afterwards Cristiano Ronaldo was upended by Ledley King in the penalty area. Given the Portugal winger's propensity to simulate and exaggerate contact, it has become increasingly difficult to see when a foul has actually taken place. On my whistle: Referee Chris Foy tells Cristiano Ronaldo who is in charge. All referees would hate to be seen to decide the outcome of a cup final by being deceived by a dive and so Foy erred on the side of caution. For Ronaldo it could be time to reflect on his reputation which led to Foy not awarding the legitimate penalty - very much a case of the boy who cried wolf. Manchester United 0 Spurs 0 (United win 4-1 on pens): It's Big Ben's finest hour...but he gets a little help from Harry's flops Martin Samuel: Bentley miss adds to lack of direction

Source: Daily_Mail