If there is any debate, it should be around the inconsistency of refereeing, not whether Skrtl should have been sent off or not. Interpretation of laws stated that
"A player is guilty of serious foul play if he uses excessive force or brutality
against an opponent when challenging for the ball when it is in play.
A tackle that endangers the safety of an opponent must be sanctioned as
serious foul play.
Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the
front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force
and endangering the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.
Advantage should not be applied in situations involving serious foul play unless
there is a clear subsequent opportunity to score a goal. The referee must send
off the player guilty of serious foul play when the ball is next out of play."
In that sense, the ref was right to send Skrtl off. I would question the 3 game ban however, because 3 game bans are usually for violent conduct. Below is the interpretaton of violent conduct
"A player is guilty of violent conduct if he uses excessive force or brutality
against an opponent when not challenging for the ball.
He is also guilty of violent conduct if he uses excessive force or brutality against
a team-mate, spectator, match official or any other person.
Violent conduct may occur either on the fi eld of play or outside its boundaries,
whether the ball is in play or not.
Advantage should not be applied in situations involving violent conduct unless
there is a clear subsequent opportunity to score a goal. The referee must send
off the player guilty of violent conduct when the ball is next out of play.
Referees are reminded that violent conduct often leads to mass confrontation,
therefore they must try to avert this with active intervention.
A player, substitute or substituted player who is guilty of violent conduct must
be sent off."
Costa was right to be banned for 3 games for his stamp on Can because it was done off the ball, and not when challenging for it. Skrtl, in my opinion, was challenging for the ball but wrecklessly, so a red card and 1 game ban would have been the right decision.
The ref and the FA have made the most of the opportunity to f*ck us over. C***s.
Logged
