Monthly Archives: January 2013

Webb appointed referee for Manchester United v Liverpool

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Howard Webb has been named as the referee for Sunday’s Premier League encounter between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford.

The last time the 41-year-old officiated a game between the two sides Liverpool conceding a dubious first-minute penalty, with captain Steven Gerrard controversially sent off.

Ryan Babel, then a Reds player, took to Twitter in the aftermath to post a mock-up picture of Webb in a Manchester United shirt – the Dutchman was subsequently fined £10,000 by the Football Association.

Sir Alex Ferguson has also been on the wrong end of an FA charge regarding comments about Webb.

Ahead of a league match against Chelsea in 2011, which Webb officiated, Sir Alex said his “biggest fear” was being the victim of a poor refereeing decision, but that “we are getting the best referee and we hope it’s our turn for a little bit of luck”.

Former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has also hit out against Webb, the Scot publicly criticised the referee after his side’s defeat to Tottenham in 2011.

Dalglish was left frustrated after a number of odd decisions, he said: “It is unhelpful to everyone that we cannot express our true thoughts and it is even more disappointing that the officials get away scot-free without having to come in and explain their decisions.”

The Fifa-listed referee took charge of the 2009 FA Cup final, before officiating the World Cup and Champions League finals in 2010.

Should Luis Suarez have owned up to his handball against Mansfield?

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Luis Suarez, Liverpool, 2013

Luis Suárez mete la manito / Getty

DEBATE

Despite initially being named on the bench for Liverpool’s FA Cup clash with Mansfield, Luis Suarez’s brief cameo proved that the striker just cannot keep himself out of the headlines.

The Uruguayan replaced goalscoring debutant Daniel Sturridge with 56 minutes on the clock and, true to recent form, had the ball in the net just moments later.

However, replays clearly showed that the 26-year-old had handled the ball as he bundled beyond Mansfield goalkeeper Alan Marriott before scoring.

Brendan Rodgers, naturally, defended his man, while Mansfield CEO Carolyn Radford claimed the former Ajax forward “stole” the tie.

But, what do you think? Should Suarez have owned up to handling the ball after scoring, or is it the referee’s reponsibility to make the correct call? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below or by tweeting us @GoalUK.

Suarez stole FA Cup tie, claims Mansfield CEO

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Luis Suarez, Liverpool, 2013

Luis Suárez mete la manito / Getty

Mansfield Town chief executive Carolyn Radfield has hit out at Luis Suarez following the Liverpool striker’s controversial goal in the Reds’ 2-1 FA Cup third round victory on Sunday.

The Uruguay international scored Liverpool’s second goal, yet clearly handled the ball in the build up, before making it 2-0 to the visitors at Field Mill.

While Mansfield went on to grab a goal back, through Matt Green, it was not enough to save them from being knocked out of the competition, although Radford insists her club deserve a replay.

“It feels like it has been stolen from us. Whether or not it was deliberate, it should be sorted out,” she told reporters.

“It is unfortunate referees and officials can’t pick up these things. We should at least be having a replay.”

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, has defended Suarez, saying the officials saw the incident and decided it was not a deliberate handball.

“It’s hit his hand but what do you want him to do in that situation?” he said after the game.

“I don’t think it’s even a discussion and I don’t think people would ask the question if it was anyone else.

“The ball has popped up, it’s hit him and, after that, it is up to the officials what they do. I said to the fourth official straight away: ‘Was that handball?’ and he said they had seen it but they decided that it was not deliberate.

“It’s not his fault. But he has a thick skin and I think people are starting to recognise the ability the boy has. He is a brilliant talent as you have seen him in that little cameo when he has scored one and might have scored a number more.

“He is a wonderful professional and we need to appreciate him while he is here. He loves it. He is a great family man and a great player.”