Was the ref good last night? I thought he started well then decided

[Pokster]

No. Which is why praising a referee for 'letting the game flow' is silly. What is actually meant is 'not doing his job properly'.

No it isn't.. he can choose to blow up for every bit of contact etc, or let the game flow a bit more

[Herbert Augustus Chapman]

Not that it excuses anything, but I did think the challenge on Welbeck that led to their goal was a foul.

Let's not forget that it was our usual abject defensive tom-****ery that is responsible for the goal.

[redgunamo]

No it isn't.. he can choose to blow up for every bit of contact etc, or let the game flow a bit more

Right. The important thing is he allows a good game.

[Viva Prat Vegas]

Adhering to the rules is more important

[Pokster]

Adhering to the rules is more important

Please show me where in the rules it decides EXACTLY what constitutes a foul

[Viva Prat Vegas]

I just disagree that allowing the game to flow is the most important part of a refs modus operandi IF his means of letting the game flow is to be excessively lenient

[redgunamo]

Adhering to the rules is more important

No, never. The game is always more important than the rules.

And not just to your mum either; in life generally.

[Peter]

Letting the game flow is all very well, but not when it means failing to blow up for a foul that allows the scoring of an away goal that fundamentally affects the outcome of the tie.

Highway robbery! Only to be expected from a ref named Turpin

[Viva Prat Vegas]

I respectfully disagree Red
Ever heard of "The ref's lost control" ?

[Peter]

Let's not forget that it was our usual abject defensive tom-****ery that is responsible for the goal.

THree successive pieces of ****ery actually. Monreal is three or four yards behind his centre backs (**** knows why), Koscielny can't deal with a pub ball over the top and then Mustafi slips on his arse.

After years of this sort of **** I admire those who retain the capacity for surprise. Its nearly over...