Andre Marriner (Chelsea v Arsenal)

Chelsea 6-0 Arsenal

Referee: Andre Marriner

Assistant 1: Scott Ledger

Assistant 2: Marc Perry

4th Official: Anthony Taylor

TRR Assessor: Adam (Lancashire)
Date: 22/03/14
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Kick Off: 12:45
Competition: Barclays Premier League
Match Difficulty: Normal

THE REFEREE

Foul Detection

SATISFACTORY

Comment...
The referee's foul detection was satisfactory. Although very few fouls were missed by the referee, identification of fouls was inconsistent in parts. The officials allowed an element of physicality, allowing the match to flow as much as possible, which contributed to a fast paced, entertaining, game.


Positioning

GOOD

Comment...

The referee's positioning was generally good. In fluid play, the referee stayed a safe, sensible distance away from play, and was able to have most of play in view. At set pieces, the referee positioned himself so that he could see the majority of players in the penalty area, with the assistant presumably covering the rest of the area. Given the referee's positioning for the handball incident in the 17th minute (below), it was surprising that the wrong player was dismissed as the referee clearly had an excellent view of play and who had committed the handball.

Man Management

POOR

Comment...

The referee's man management was satisfactory. Communication with players seemed minimal. Very few decision were explained to players, with the referee completely failing to control the handball incident in the 17th minute.

Card Issuing

UNACCEPTABLE

Comment...

The main talking point of the match was the penalty award and red card that followed in the 17th minute (below). Arsenal's #15 handled the ball following a shot from Chelsea's #17. Initially, the referee didn't award a penalty kick, but (presumably) after some deliberation with his Assistant 2, Marc Perry, they concluded that the ball had been handled and that a penalty should be awarded.

The refere then proceeded to show a red card to Arsenal's #28, who, as the graphic below shows, was stood at least a few yards away from the incident. Arsenal's #15 should have instead been dismissed. Furthermore, replays suggest the ball was heading wide prior to the handball, and therefore a yellow card should have been issued rather than red.

The referee also missed a fairly blatant caution early on for a cynical foul during a promising attack.

Arsenal's #28 (right) clearly isn't involved in the incident, despite being dismissed. The ball is also seen to be heading wide of the target, suggesting that the referee was incorrect to show the red card anyway.

Fitness

GOOD

Comment...
The referee's fitness was of a good standard. No problems detected.

THE ASSISTANT REFEREES

Assistant 1 - SATISFACTORY (8.0)
Assistant 2 - DISAPPOINTING (7.5)

Comment...
Assistant 2 had a poor game. From his view point, the assistant should have been able to identify that Arsenal's #15 had committed the handball offense in the 17th minute rather than #28. He could have also gave the award of the penalty more credible by flagging for a penalty, as it was clear that the decision was reached over the communication system. Assistant 2 also made several basic errors throughout the match. Assistant 1 also made at least 1 basic error, but had a lot less to do than Assistant 2.

OVERALL

DISAPPOINTING

SCORE

7.2/10