Ref Watch: Xhaka deserved red

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 dismissals and dubious penalty decisions to unpunished horror tackles, pig protests and overzealous ball-boys, we have it all covered in this week’s edition.

Arsenal v Swansea, Premier League, Saturday

INCIDENT: Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka shown a straight red card for a reckless trip on Swansea winger Modou Barrow.

SCENARIO: Switzerland international Xhaka was given his marching orders by referee Jon Moss for blatantly tripping Barrow. No attempt was made to play the ball.

DERMOT’S VERDICT: Correct decision

DERMOT SAYS: For me, this is the most interesting decision of the weekend because, hand on heart, my immediate thought was that this was a yellow card. But having seen it again it is a red card. The reason for that is because the player has no intention whatsoever to play the ball, he can’t play the ball and his sole intention is to bring the man down. Barrow took no further part in the game after the challenge so for me it ticked all the boxes for a red card.

Crystal Palace v West Ham, Premier League, Saturday

INCIDENT: Aaron Cresswell is booked for simulation following a challenge from Yohan Cabaye in the penalty area.

SCENARIO: Cresswell receives a yellow card after being adjudged to have dived by referee Martin Atkinson. Replays show there was contact between the two players.

DERMOT’S VERDICT: Incorrect decision.

DERMOT SAYS: Having seen the replays, Cresswell shouldn’t have been booked. From Martin’s angle he sees Cresswell go down dramatically but it’s not simulation and, unfortunately, he gets a yellow card. Perhaps more unfortunate are the consequences that arise from that decision.

Crystal Palace v West Ham, Premier League, Saturday

INCIDENT: Aaron Cresswell sent off for second bookable offence following collison with Wilfried Zaha

SCENARIO: Just 51 seconds after his booking for simulation, Cresswell is sent from the field for impeding Zaha. The incident was brought to referee Atkinson’s attention by his linesman, who instructed him to issue a second yellow.

DERMOT’S VERDICT: Incorrect …

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