Football fans have been voting for the refereeing decisions that shocked them the most from last weekend.
Another weekend of shocks and surprises took place throughout the football league, and teams once again found themselves falling victim to crazy refereeing decisions and mistakes. But who was the most hard-done by? Fans have been taking part in a HITC Sport poll to vote for their worst decision of the weekend. Here’s a look at the top three…
3. Martin Atkinson – Hector Bellerin foul? (14%)
Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin
It was the decision that led to a goal that changed the game. Marcos Alonso rose highest in the box to head home Chelsea’s opening goal against Arsenal at the weekend, but Arsenal fans were convinced the Chelsea left-back had fouled Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin in the process. Without the goal, Chelsea may not have picked up the momentum they needed to go on and win the game…wishful thinking, Arsenal fans? Or did Martin Atkinson’s decision turn the game in Chelsea’s favour?
SEE ALSO: Who do Arsenal fans want to see in charge next season?
2. Michael Oliver – Niang escapes a sending off? (38%)
Watford’s M’Baye Niang scores their second goal
It’s in the rulebook, Michael! If a player runs into the crowd to celebrate, they have to get a yellow card. And that’s exactly what new Watford signing M’Baye Niang did at the weekend after scoring his sides second goal against Burnley. After already being on a yellow, Niang’s celebration should have seen the striker sent off, but the Frenchman escaped a second booking. Feeling hard done by, Burnley fans?
SEE ALSO: Who do you think will get relegated from the Premier League?
1. Michael Oliver – Jeff Hendrick’s sending off (41%)
Referee Michael Oliver
Looks like Michael Oliver might have had a shocker in the Burnley v Watford game. In the early stages of the game, Oliver sent off Burnley midfielder Jeff Hendrick for a heavy challenge, and yes, it was heavy. But similar challenges that happened in the game, one from Watford goalscorer M’Baye Niang for example, were only treated with a yellow card, making the Hendrick decision look harsh. With the sending off happening so early in the game as well, it’s no real surprise to see Jeff Hendrick’s sending off picking up 41% of the vote.
Burnley’s Jeff Hendrick and Dean Marney look dejected
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