The ref on Saturday has already had his day of notoriety this season

He was in charge of that Fulham game the other week against Wigan when he failed to send off the Wigan keeper for handling (quite clearly) outside the box and a string of other dodgy decisions followed which left Chris Coleman just laughing hysterically on the touchline (probably having gone beyond rage some time before then). I wasn't at the game on Saturday but from comments on the day, and since then, it seems Mr Marriner got things a bit wrong quite a few times although Brian Howard was a bit lucky he didn't connect properly with their full back. Looking at it on video it looked like he was airborne as he launched into his "tackle". Maybe there is some history between the two players but it looked to me like he meant to get the Bradford player and, as I say, he was lucky he didn't seriously injure him. Maybe someone sitting down that side of the ground would have seen it differently but (purely on video evidence) it doesn't look to me like an appeal against the red card will be successful. The big shame for Howard is that he can't now play against his old club - would have been nice to see him rip them to shreds at the County Ground. At least we have Burns to resume his position for next week though - that midfield is starting to look like it means business. Now, if we can just sort out the little problem of sticking the ball in the net we can start to believe

 

Like you, I only saw the highlights video

I didn't think Howard should have been sent off. He slid in at pace, missed the ball and caught the man, so it was a definite foul and probably a yellow card. But I can't see the red card being rescinded as he slid in at pace, missed the ball and caught the man.

The strangest decision had to be the booking of McPhail. What exactly was he booked for? It was either a perfectly timed tackle or being shoved to the ground.

 

RE: Like you, I only saw the highlights video

I thought he was booked for walking away with the ball - stopping the throw-in (I think) being taken quickly. Other player then pushed him over for having the ball. All right in front of the linesman. Certainly didn't think what McPhail did was worthy of a booking.

 

RE: Like you, I only saw the highlights video

Yes, looked like McPhail booked for not giving up the ball straight away - petulant behaviour certainly but what kind of game is it that allows you to be punished for that. Same goes for Muirhead's booking and sending off - he pushed McPhail to the ground. What violence! Shocking!
I still stand by what I say about Howard though - he didn't just slide in, he FLEW in at pace, both feet off the ground. Asking for trouble, no matter how good or bad the referee on the day

 

I was about 15 yards from the indicent,virtually opposite the ref,in their main stand. Thought he might have got a booking,cos yes,his leg was high but it was a trip more than a malicious lunge. There wasnt much chance of injury to the player. I thought he was a poor ref,reacting more to the crowd noise than his own common sense. If he thought that was red card stuff id love to know how their right back got away with at least two fouls on Devaney well into their half,before a similar trip on same player brought only a yellow.(my mate sez watch our first foul get a yellow,which it duly did). Colin Todd then had the good sense to withdraw him from the field after only 30 mins or so. Just another case of very poor refereeing.