Former Premier League referee Chris Foy provides an insightful analysis of recent key decisions from the English Football League's Sky Bet Championship, League One, and League Two. As part of Sky Sports' regular feature "Behind the Whistle," Foy examines controversial and pivotal moments from the weekend's matches to offer clarity and understanding to football fans. The focus this week covers the matches between Luton Town vs Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday vs Coventry, Reading vs Rotherham, Cheltenham Town vs Barrow, and Port Vale vs Notts County.
In the Luton Town vs Sheffield United match, Foy commended the refereeing team for their sharp awareness and communication skills in determining that Sheffield United's goal should indeed stand. The goalscorer was played onside by Luton Town's No 6, and the decision was a testament to the officials' vigilance. Foy emphasized the importance of positioning, noting that it allowed the referee to accurately assess the situation.
In Cheltenham Town vs Barrow, Foy analyzed an incident involving a Barrow defender who placed his arm on the back of a Cheltenham player. The referee chose not to award a penalty, as Foy explained that there was no clear pushing action. The contact made was insufficient for the attacker to fall to the ground, highlighting the referee's ability to discern between incidental contact and a foul.
The Reading vs Rotherham match saw controversy over a goal that should have been disallowed due to an offside offence. Foy pointed out that Reading's No 19 benefitted from an offside position when the ball rebounded off the post, gaining an unfair advantage. He stated:
"From the replay we can see that, at the point in which the first shot is taken, Reading's No 19 is in an offside position. The ball then rebounds off the post and goes to No 19 who takes a shot on goal – therefore he has gained an advantage and should be penalised for an offside offence." – Chris Foy
He concluded that the goal should have been disallowed and Rotherham awarded an indirect free-kick.
In the Port Vale vs Notts County encounter, a potential handball incident was scrutinized. The referee opted not to award a penalty, a decision supported by Foy's analysis. He explained:
"The referee does well here to move with the play and get himself into a position where he is able to clearly identify that this is not a handball offence." – Chris Foy
Despite the ball striking the Notts County defender's arm, Foy noted:
"Although the ball does strike the arm of the Notts County defender, the arm is in a justifiable position given the defender's actions, tucked in and close to the body." – Chris Foy
Foy further praised the referee for his decision-making process and communication skills during the Sheffield Wednesday vs Coventry game. He highlighted how the referee’s positioning allowed him to determine that challenges on Sheffield Wednesday's striker did not meet the threshold for a foul. This demonstrated not only accuracy but also transparency in officiating:
"The referee correctly recognises this and awards a corner. It was good to see him explain this decision live on Sky Sports at the weekend, sharing a unique insight into how match officials prepare for, and deliver, games as well as offering some transparency into how certain decisions are made on the field." – Chris Foy
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