Ref Watch: Livermore red ‘harsh’

Ref Watch is back to debate another selection of controversial decisions from some of the weekend’s Premier League matches.

Former top-flight official Dermot Gallagher has been in the Sky Sports News HQ studio to analyse a number of contentious calls from weekend.

From debatable goals and penalty decisions, to red cards, concussion laws and changing a player after the teamsheets have been handed in, we have it all covered in this week’s edition.

MATCH: Hull v Arsenal, Premier League, Saturday

INCIDENT: A penalty was awarded late in the first half when Jake Livermore was deemed to have used his arm to block a goal-bound shot from Francis Coquelin.

SCENARIO: As well as giving the Gunners a spot-kick, referee Roger East issued a red card to Livermore.

However, Alexis Sanchez took the penalty before Livermore had left the field of play. The Arsenal man missed – should it have been retaken?

DERMOT’S VERDICT: ‘HARSH’ RED CARD & PENALTY SHOULD HAVE BEEN RETAKEN 

DERMOT SAYS: The question to answer is whether the handball has denied a goal, effectively stopping the ball going into the net. On this occasion, the goalkeeper is behind the player. The referee has made a judgement that the ball is going to end up in the net. I think it’s harsh. That’s a big, big call, to assume it’s stopped a goal.

Regarding the actual taking of the penalty, the fourth official is looking straight at it [Livermore on the pitch] – he should alert the referee. It’s a very bad error. The law is the law and the law states that the player must be off the field of play when play restarts. We can’t defend the referee when he’s actively broken the rules. 

MATCH: Everton v Middlesbrough, Premier League, Saturday

INCIDENT: A ball in from the left flank sees Middlesbrough forward Alvaro Negredo and Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg both challenge for the ball in the six-yard box. 

SCENARIO: After the aerial challenge, the ball ends up in the net and a goal is given with Stekelenburg having the misfortune of being credited with an own-goal. But was the ‘keeper …

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