Sometimes the Premier League do make me laugh. Their decisions made, especially following the suspension of referee David Coote are somewhat under the microscope just now. The Newcastle United game against West Ham is a pretty high profile one and the Premier League have made the most controversial choice possible for the match officials. Which suits West Ham nicely for a change!
From Newcastleworld.com comes a taste of the controversy via their own banner headline: “Premier League confirm Newcastle United & West Ham official decision after ‘cheating’ claim” and then continue by describing the problem thus: “Appointed as referee is Craig Pawson, a decision that may prove controversial in the eyes of the Magpies: Pawson was the man in the middle for their 1-0 opening day win over Southampton and controversially sent off Fabian Schar in the 28th minute for a supposed headbutt on Ben Brereton Diaz..
Now I remember. As do the Newcastle squad, management and fans, no doubt. It sounds as if it still rankles: Put it this way, it was as much a sending off as West Hams Ings penalty gift was ‘genuine’ against Manchester United.
The report continues: “Pawson pulled out a red card and VAR agreed with the on-field decision, despite replays showing the contact was minimal. Newcastle played over an hour with 10 men but Joelinton managed to snatch a winner.”
“Howe admitted he thought the decision was “harsh” while former Toon boss Graeme Souness didn’t hold back, accusing Brereton-Diaz of cheating.”
Whatever the reality, any grudge which our opponents bring into the game can only be beneficial to a West Ham side in urgent need of divine intervention – or VAR – for some points before December.
