During a recent Premier League match, Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma playing the role of sweeper keeper raised some eyebrows. He was understandably angry about David Brooks’ free rein to allow Bournemouth to equalise from a set play. The incident occurred in a tightly contested match where tensions ran high, prompting discussions on officiating decisions and their implications on the game.
The game, played at the Etihad Stadium, was an important one for both City and Bournemouth as they fought for valuable points. The equaliser unleashed fury not just for the goal being scored, but for how exactly it was there. A second, out of Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, further stoked the fiery environment. Fans on social media called for an immediate red card after he denied Jarrod Bowen a goal-scoring opportunity.
The Corner Incident
Donnarumma’s grievances stemmed from his assertion that Brooks had unfairly held him during the corner that led to Bournemouth’s goal. At an equally impressive six foot seven, Brooks’ is an intimidating physical presence on the pitch. Donnarumma is crazy athletic with an arm span of almost nine-feet. This incredible wingspan makes him an absolute beast in contested situations.
Though Donnarumma clearly disagreed with the call, football analysts breaking down the game on speakers believed that Brooks hadn’t touched him. Jay Bothroyd noted that with numerous players jostling in the box, contact is expected, stating, “When you look at all the players in the box, they’re all nudging each other. There is contact… so I don’t understand why keepers want more protection.”
“He’s six foot seven, and his span upwards would probably be about nine feet. I don’t understand why he’s complaining there.” – Jay Bothroyd
Less than a minute into stoppage time, the linesman’s call to award the corner deepened the controversy. Located 70 to 80 yards from the play, the linesman’s decision was condemned as a horrific travesty of judgment by many sports commentators. Dermot suggested that the players’ goalkeeper and Nicolo Savona himself arrayed in front of him. Unfortunately, he blundered an awful call from 75-80 yards away.
The Penalty Controversy
In the very same game, Mac Allister ignited another controversial discussion. Then, he intentionally blocked Bowen from getting to the ball and things got heated. Analysts soon plunged into a fiery debate. They argued about whether Mac Allister’s play warranted a penalty kick, or maybe even a red card.
The resulting outrage from many commentators was that Mac Allister got off too lightly. Dermot said, “That is a red card – no question.” He pointed out that stepping in front of an opponent like that is an indisputable violation of fair play.
“The referee, I feel for as that depth, you’re not going to see. If it hit the line like that, you wouldn’t give a goal.” – Dermot
Jay Bothroyd weighed in on this incident, asserting that the decision was critical and could have significant repercussions for both teams involved. He praised the proposal as “aggressive.” He related that the actions Mac Allister took were something very dangerous and harmful to occur outside the game of football.
“But I look at that and I say that is aggressive… if someone puts their hand on my throat in the street like that, you’re gonna get an aggressive reaction from me.” – Jay Bothroyd
The Need for Technology
As discussions about officiating mistakes proliferated, many commentators called for the implementation of technology such as goal-line technology to assist referees in making accurate decisions. The controversial penalty given to Manchester United earlier in that same match pointed at the necessity of this technology. It did indeed ignite intense controversy over its actual legitimacy.
We couldn’t agree more with Bothroyd on the need to use technology to prevent these wrong-way and other tragic errors in judgment. He did argue that its hook as a ban on the full byline could work. He was adamant that teams do not underestimate this for next year, as it can have major implications financially.
Additionally, Dermot bemoaned the opacity around some decisions taken by the public servants. He asked, for example, why referees ruled on judgment calls without irrefutable proof. He was curious about how these decisions could be said to influence the result of games so drastically.
“Why has the referee made that judgment? I don’t know… because if the ball does go out and he doesn’t see it, I can understand that.” – Dermot
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