Philip Dowd (Everton v Liverpool)

Everton 3-3 Liverpool

Referee: Philip Dowd

Assistant 1: Peter Kirkup

Assistant 2: Simon Long

4th Official: Martin Atkinson

TRR Assessor: Adam (Lancashire)
Competition: Premier League
Match Difficulty: Challenging

THE REFEREE

Foul Detection 


GOOD

Comment... 

The referee's foul detection was generally good. In a physical game with over 30 fouls, the majority of free kick awards were accurate, though a few good cases for a foul were declined. The referee played some excellent advantages throughout which contributed to an entertaining, end-to-end match.


Positioning 


GOOD

Comment... 
The referee's positioning throughout the match was good. In fluid play, the referee was a safe distance away but close enough to be able identify fouls and award the correct restart of play. The referee's positioning at set pieces was also good, giving him an clear view of the whole of the penalty area and in one instance correctly spotting a foul by an Everton player from a corner kick.


Man Management 


GOOD

Comment...  
The referee's man-management was good. He regularly spoke to players to explain decisions, and when necessary had a word with players after they had committed a foul. There were a few instances, including when Liverpool #8 committed a foul, where the referee probably should have warned the player but opted against doing so.


Card Issuing 


POOR

Comment... 
The referee's card issuing was poor. 4 of the 6 cautions were justified, including a good spot to caution Everton's #20 for simulation. Liverpool's #24, however, was cautioned for very little (and for his first foul), considering what the referee had let go previously.

The referee made an important mistake in the 33rd minute, where a challenge from Everton's #11 prompted the referee to issue a caution. The handling of the situation was unconvincing as the referee took far too long to show the card - over 2 minutes. This led to players from both teams surrounding the referee, which could have been avoided if a card was brandished sooner. Furthermore, replays suggested the challenge was dangerously high - above the knee, and therefore should have resulted in a dismissal. The same player was again fortunate to escape a second yellow card in the second half when he led with his arm going into a challenge.




Fitness

GOOD

Comment... 
The referee didn't have any difficulties keeping up with play.

THE ASSISTANT REFEREES

Assistant 1: GOOD
Assistant 2: GOOD 

Comment...
Assistant 1 had a crucial, yet simple, offside decision to make in the closing moments of the game which resulted in a disallowed goal for Liverpool. The assistants were always up with play and helped the referee out when necessary. All offside decisions appeared to be correct.


OVERALL

SATISFACTORY

SCORE

7.9/10