Ref Watch: Why Moss got it right

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 came into the Sky Sports News HQ studio on Monday morning to analyse the big refereeing decisions from another packed weekend of football.

From debatable handball decisions to red cards, Gallagher had it all covered, including an unintentionally flailing elbow at Swansea and a bizarre sending off at Luton Town.

MATCH: Liverpool v Hull City, Premier League, Saturday

INCIDENT No 1: Elmohamady sent off for handball

SCENARIO: Ahmed Elmohamady hung out his right arm to block Philippe Coutinho’s goal-bound shot. The goalkeeper was not going to be able to make a save and the Hull defender was shown a straight red card. It was a case of deja vu for the Tigers, who had Jake Livermore dismissed for a similar incident a week ago.

DERMOT’S VERDICT: Correct decision

DERMOT SAYS: I think this week it’s absolutely correct. I think the difference is that’s going into the net and the law does say he’s got to be stopping a goal. He’s put his hand out and you can see that it’s going to go in.

The goalkeeper’s not there – I think last week the goalkeeper was there, which I felt was a little bit harsh. But he’s gone towards the ball and he’s gone to handle it. I don’t think there’s any debate to be honest.

MATCH: West Ham United v Southampton, Premier League, Sunday

INCIDENT No 2: Penalty denied as Bertrand handles in the box

SCENARIO: Ryan Bertrand inadvertently handled the ball behind him as he lunged in at close range to block Sofiane Feghouli’s powerful shot.

DERMOT’S VERDICT: Correct decision – not deliberate handball

DERMOT SAYS: I don’t think it’s handball to be honest. I think the ball hits him, I think his arms are close to his body and I don’t think the referee could see it anyhow. I think it comes at such speed, he’s turned away and he doesn’t really know. I can understand why that’s not given.

You have to bear in mind that the law says it has to be deliberate and I don’t think there’s any way he’s deliberately tried to handle the ball at all. He’s not looking at the ball and his arms are close to his body, you know. We’ve seen ones this week where the arms are well outstretched.

MATCH: West Ham United v Southampton, Premier League, Sunday

INCIDENT No 3: Zaza’s double penalty shout turned down

SCENARIO: Zaza went down after a tangle of legs with Cedric Soares while also being challenged by Jose Fonte, but the referee adjudged that the striker had already lost the ball and …

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