Four entirely non-competitive events and creative refereeing were the weekend's Premiership fare. Anybody who paid to go to see Wigan v Villa, Reading v Charlton, Chelsea v Chelsea Reserves or Boro v Liverpool were treated to tedium supreme.
The huge spaces on what used to be terraces were noticeable at each of Sky's live games. No matter how loud the broadcaster turns up the crowd on the mixing desk or how selective the director is with camera choice, it cannot hide the fact that we are being served up sub-standard "sport" and very few people are willing to pay to see it. Compare the blood and thunder of the Everton v Bolton grudge match with events at "The Bridge" where a friendly match took place - there were rumours of "a challenge" early in the 2nd half. False rumours as it turned out.
The game at Wigan had all the hallmarks of a Serie A classic agreed draw - no tackles, as few shots as possible, no fouls, no soul...
Frequently in Man Utd games against the very weak teams, there seems to be a dynamic to stop a Win at HT - Win at FT option being landed. The bookies are overwhelmed with greedy leisure punters who insist on taking this option as opposed to a more sensible position on the Traditional Odds at 90 min or the Asian Handicap markets. On Saturday, United's repeated 1st Half penalty claims were turned down by the increasingly rejectionist Clattenburg. Incidentally, this also often applies to England when at short odds.
Charlton's inept performance suggests that the internal upheavals are not appreciated by the players. Is Curbishley somewhere in the shadows? He usually is...
After being placed 1st and 3rd in the best performing referees table on this site's Bum Ref Index (November 16th), Foy and Dowd had 'mares at the weekend. Foy's penalty decisions won the game for Pompey (despite a David James special) and in the game between Bet24 and Mansion, Dowd mugged Blackburn, enraged Tottenham and generally played the panto baddie. This makes Bennett clear leader in the Index - how can this be? Is Bennett the best? Shit.
© Football Is Fixed/Dietrological
