Just looking at the stats for the referees, Andy Woolmer who will ref the JPT final, more or less average in terms of yellow cards this season (84) and Reds (2) from 28 matches.. One stand out referee.. Keith Stroud in 34 matches has dished out 146 yellows and 11 reds this season.. most in the country.. Previous season also far higher than most refs around the country. We've not had the pleasure of this chap this season thank goodness. Maybe I'm wrong but it sounds to me as tho he's one of these refs that thinks the game is about them and must make a mark on it. I think it was him who the Wendys were moaning about sending Fernando Forestieri off. Compare him to Oliver Langford who in 30 games has handed out only 69 yellows and 3 reds. In terms of refereeing standards, I know every game is unique but most matches are played without too much malice etc so there shouldn't be such a wide gap in terms of bookings and sendings off. Would be interesting to see a comparison of how matches flow when these two are in reffing. Another sort of related point.. Why do players get booked for kicking the ball away like we had bookings for against Cov yet the same ref thinks it is acceptable for players to pick up the ball and start walking away with it to hold up play for free kicks and throw ins. Surely just as bad and they cannot use the excuse that they didn't hear the whistle.
Gavin Ward tomorrow, sent off Lalkovic at Orient last time we had him I think. Hope he does the same tomorrow!
