The Ref’s Watch – Reading v Swansea

Jonathan Yeomans makes his debut as a Planet Swans blogger.  A Swans supporter all his life (he is 45) so he has seen most of the highs and lows of the club in that time.  He is also a local referee so when a decision is made those who sit around him at the Liberty ask for his viewpoint (of course without the benefit of VAR and replays!)

Reading v Swansea City – a referee assessment

Well that was n’t a bad result was it?

However, the focus of here is my opinion of the decisions and the ref!

I thought the game was massively affected by the players behaviour with the 2 big decisions. I thought the behaviour of Mike Van der Hoorn in going down like that was embarrassing and left the ref with no other option. It was good team work by the ref & linesman as he took he his time, spoke to linesman to ensure correct decision was made.

However, with my supporters head on I’ve said myself as a supporter that we’re too honest. Many times have I seen Swans players fouled (eg Neil Taylor v Forest in playoff semi first leg) with the player trying to get Swans player sent off.

Furthermore, have seen our players fouled in the box wishing they had gone down. e.g. like the pen against Bidwell.  Low and behold as soon as a leg is put out like Bidwell, the opposition player is going to look for it. I thought this was done by player because of us trying to get their player sent off.

Overall, I thought ref stuck to  the laws. He let game flow and very good with the quick advantages. As mentioned, the players looking to be dramatic caused the big decisions to be made albeit correctly.

Would you like to join the writing team at Planet Swans?  Simply drop us an email at admin@jackarmy.net and we can discuss your thoughts.