Weather Tonight: 4°c Partly Cloudy Night Morning: 8°c Cloudy

Football

Beach-ball referee to take charge of Championship match

19 Oct 2009


Mike Jones, the referee who incorrectly awarded Darren Bent's goal for Sunderland against Liverpool, will not officiate in the Premier League this weekend.

Bent's shot struck a beach ball thrown from the visiting section at the Stadium of Light and deflected past Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

FIFA's laws of the game state "the referee should stop, suspend or abandon the match because of outside interference of any kind", meaning the goal should have been ruled out and the match re-started with a drop ball.

Jones will take charge of the Championship game between Peterborough and Scunthorpe at London Road.

Jones' mistake has been widely criticised by a number of his former colleagues with Jeff Winter, Dermot Gallagher and Graham Poll all stating their surprise that such a basic error was made in a Premier League game.

Gallagher said: "It was a glaring error and it's difficult to fathom.

"Even referees in local parks should know that if there is an outside agent on the pitch then you stop the game and restart it with a drop ball.

"When you set out as a referee you learn the laws of the game and everyone should know it.

"For it to happen at this level and in such a high-profile game is unbelievable. Any one of the four officials should have stepped in."

The possibility if the game being replayed has been rejected by the Premier League.

Reader views (2)

 Add your view

If such a glaring error can occur then it seems to me that there is something lacking in the procedures regarding enforcement of game law within the English premiership. All that money floating around at that level in the sport and yet the actual process of enforcing gae law is no better than a local Sunday game in the park. Someone at a senior level needs to be fired since literally, their eye is off the ball.

- Frank Routledge, London, UK, 19/10/2009 18:49
Report abuse

I know, I know but it was their beach ball with their logo and their fan so HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!

- Colin Stevens, USA, 19/10/2009 17:21
Report abuse


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.


 

 

  • Chelsea stars say 'get Guus ­Hiddink in now' Guus ­Hiddink Senior Chelsea players want Guus ­Hiddink to return to Stamford Bridge as manager and save the club's season
  • Thierry Henry set for final game for Arsenal against AC Milan Thierry Henry Thierry Henry will play his final game for Arsenal at the San Siro with manager Arsene Wenger wishing he could stay for longer
  • Roman Abramovich must bite the bullet and give Andre Villas-Boas some space Roman Abramovich James Olley: The problem for any manager playing Russian Roulette with Roman Abramovich is the slight rule change at...
  • Robin Van Persie has score to settle on his return to big stage Arsenal players Arsenal striker was harshly sent off this time last year but a brilliant run of form since has put him in a perfect position to put his...
  • Shed tears for taxpayers not Rangers fans Rangers Ibrox Patrick Barclay: Administration is no fun for any club but it is still a relatively easy way out for the owners and...
  • Sean Dyche delighted with Valentine's Day victory for hard-working Watford Craig Forsyth Watford boss Sean Dyche hailed the Hornets' team spirit as they made it 10 points from 12 to continue their upward movement in the...
  • Alan Curbishley is No1 choice for Wolves Alan Curbishley Alan Curbishley is due to be interviewed for the job of Wolves manager
  • Kazenga LuaLua strikes to deny Millwall crucial victory Kazenga LuaLua Kazenga LuaLua scored a late equaliser to deny npower Championship strugglers Millwall a vital victory
  • Andre Villas-Boas backed by Porto to prove himself Andre Villas-Boas Andre Villas-Boas has received more backing from former club Porto as speculation continued over the Chelsea boss' future
  • Peter Crouch eyes end to international exile Peter Crouch Peter Crouch is targeting a return to the England squad following Fabio Capello's resignation last week
  •