In Behind the Whistle, former Premier League referee Chris Foy goes through a selection of key match decisions from recent EFL action.
Behind the Whistle aims to give supporters of EFL clubs an insight into decision-making considerations, as well as clarifying certain calls to understand how the laws of the game are interpreted.
As part of Sky Sports’ regular show after the game, Foy will be here to take you through some of the EFL’s refereeing questions…
Coventry City 2-1 Hull City
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Charlie Hughes’ tackle on Coventry’s Norman Bassett was rightly awarded a penalty, but was the defender lucky not to receive a second yellow card?
An incidentPossible penalty (Coventry) and possible second yellow card (Hull)
DecisionPenalty awarded (Coventry) and second yellow card not awarded (Hull)
Foy says“The referee gets both calls right here.
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Sky Bet Championship Coventry City v Hull City highlights
“Firstly, the Hull City defender can have no complaints when the penalty is awarded as he misfires his spot-kick and makes no contact with the ball, creating contact that distracts the opponent.
“Although he has already received a yellow card, the shot does not meet the second yellow threshold. it’s not reckless and the player leaves the goal, so it’s not a denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. A penalty kick is the correct call.”
Preston North End 1-1 Leeds United
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Was Preston’s Ben Wightman lucky not to be sent off for a second yellow card after a challenge on Leeds’ Jaden Bogle?
An incidentPossible second yellow card (Preston)
DecisionNo second yellow card (Preston)
Foy says“The Preston North End number 4 is extremely lucky to be here on the pitch as he avoided a second yellow for tackling Leeds United’s number 2.
“Although there is no malicious intent in the kick, his foot follows through after touching the ball and he grabs an opponent’s ankle with his studs.
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Highlights from the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Leeds United
“The nature of the fight is reckless because it doesn’t take into account the opponent and if already on a yellow card, it is a big risk that a second caution is shown.
“I think the correct decision would have been to show the second yellow and send the Preston player off.”
Stoke City 2-2 Cardiff City
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Cardiff’s Anwar El Ghazi equalized at 2-2 with Stoke, but the striker was offside when he hit the ball into the back of the net.
Incident: Goal scored and possible offside (Cardiff City)
Decision. Goal scored, no offside (Cardiff City)
Foy says: “As the kick comes from Cardiff City’s number 8, it looks ‘for the world’ as if the player who touches the ball at the back post is standing in an offside position.
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Sky Bet Championship Stoke v Cardiff highlights.
“Thanks to the benefits of repetition, we can see Stoke City’s number 16 actually playing with him.
“It would be difficult to detect in real time, given the packed box and the fact that the assistant referee has to stay level with the second-last defender. Because the assistant is holding his flag correctly.
Shrewsbury Town 1-4 Wycombe Wanderers
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Shrewsbury had a goal disallowed in their 4-1 defeat at Wycombe and it was the right decision after John Marquis’ involvement in the huddle meant the striker was offside.
Incident: Goal scored, possibly offside (Shrewsbury Town)
Decision. Goal disallowed for offside (Shrewsbury Town)
Foy says: “This is another example of first class awareness and judgment from the assistant referee as Shrewsbury Town’s goal was disallowed.
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Sky Bet League One highlights from Shrewsbury v Wycombe.
“As soon as the shot comes in from Shrewsbury’s number 3, all eyes are on the two forwards running towards goal. Although the number 14 appears to be in the box, the number 27 is slightly ahead of him and is offside when When number 27 makes contact with the ball before number 14 scores, he affects play and therefore the assistant referee correctly flags the ball lift it up.”
Bromley 0-0 Port Vale
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Was Port Vale’s Jayden Stockley disallowed after scoring when his diving shot against Bromley appeared to have crossed the line but was not awarded due to a lack of goal-line technology in Leagues One or Two?
Incident: Possible ball over the line (Port Vale)
Decision: – No goal awarded (Port Vale)
Foy says: “It’s an unfortunate incident for Port Vale, who should get a goal.
“Without the advantage of goal-line technology in Leagues 1 and 2 and the fast-moving phase of the game, it can challenge assistant referees to judge whether the entire ball has crossed the entire line or not.
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Sky Bet Championship Stoke v Cardiff highlights.
“In this particular incident there is clear evidence that the ball did cross the line and the key indicator is how far away the Bromley defender was from the goal line.
“While this decision is not clear in real time and the assistant referee’s vision may be affected by players in the area, ultimately it is a decision that should have resulted in Port Vale scoring.”
