Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Andoni Iraola frustrated by officiating in Brighton loss and lack of penalties #AFCB

September 25, 2023
Cherries’ wait for a spot-kick long precedes Iraola’s time at the club, failing to be given a penalty in the entirety of last season. Iraola’s men had a few shouts to referee John Brooks for a penalty during their 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Dominic Solanke went down under a challenge of Pervis Estupinan early on, before Simon Adingra’s hand connected with the face of Marcus Tavernier, also in the first half. On the flip side, both Liverpool and Swansea City have been awarded penalties against Cherries earlier this campaign, the one at Anfield particularly contentious when Dominik Szoboszlai went down under Joe Rothwell’s tackle. “I don’t know what has to happen to be given a penalty,” Iraola told the Daily Echo, after the loss at Brighton. “A slap in the face, clearly. There are people watching on TV and then we concede a penalty, I remember the one at Anfield, a light touch.” Iraola and coach Pablo de la Torre were often seen discussing decisions with fourth official Peter Bankes during the contest, who was in consultation with video assistant Michael Oliver. “We were winning 1-0 and they are key decisions that are very important,” said Iraola. “There was a check they did on Dom after five minutes, a possible penalty. I think it is a push. “But they say it has to be something else for a penalty. But you see the one we conceded at Liverpool. “It is difficult, but I understand this one because it is a push, but it is not enough for a penalty. “But not the second one. The second one he (Adingra) just slaps the face of Tavernier without any reason. “Maybe he lost his mind for one second, but sometimes red cards are like this. “It just costs one second. Now it is probably not the referees, but the ones watching. “I think that if you don’t concede this penalty, you are free in the box to slap players. “This cannot happen. It is not like there is a reason why. I think it is pretty obvious.” Cherries have slipped to 17th in the Premier League table over the weekend, with no wins from their opening six matches. They turn their attentions to the Carabao Cup in midweek, when Championship Stoke City come to Vitality Stadium.
Jurgen Klopp Liverpool
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Jurgen Klopp unhappy with Alexis Mac Allister red card #LFC

August 20, 2023
The former Brighton & Hove Albion man was given his marching orders after catching Ryan Christie with a late tackle early in the second half at Anfield. Liverpool led 2-1 at the time, going on to secure a 3-1 victory, cancelling out Antoine Semenyo's early opener. Asked about Mac Allister's red card, Liverpool boss Klopp said: "I saw it back. The amount of times I got asked about it shows already it’s worth discussing it again, which we will probably be. "I asked Macca and he said ‘I touched him, but not really’. That was all he told me and then after the game I saw him back and if you are going to have a list of points we need to give a red card, I think the majority, besides contact, no other box is actually ticked at that moment. "It is a decision I think we all agree if he gives a yellow card, VAR will not overturn it and now they have given a red card VAR is not overturning it because the contact means there is no clear and obvious mistake. "But I think the punishment, 40 minutes with 10 men today, is already punishment enough. We have to talk to the authorities."
Gary O’Neil
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil on losing game against Manchester United and referee #WOLVESFC

August 16, 2023
O'Neil regularly complained about refereeing decisions during his spell in charge of Cherries, the Dorset club the only team in the Premier League not to be awarded a spot-kick last term. With Wolves 1-0 down to Manchester United on Monday night, Red Devils debutant goalkeeper Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic deep into time added on, but Simon Hooper did not react and VAR Michael Salisbury deemed there was no foul, with an incredulous O’Neil instead booked for his reaction. The hosts closed out the narrow victory at Old Trafford. O’Neil said after the match he though Onana was trying to take Kalajdzic’s head off, and then revealed he had received an immediately apology from Premier League referees’ boss Moss. “Having just spoken to Jon Moss, fair enough he came straight out and said it was a blatant penalty and it should have been given,” O’Neil said. “I sometimes feel bad. I’ve spent a lot of my day with him trying to understand the new guidelines and how to not get myself booked which I’ve failed in, but fair play to Jon in coming out. “He said it was clear and obvious and he can’t believe the on-field referee didn’t give it and he can’t believe VAR didn’t intervene. It’s probably made me feel worse to be honest because once you know you’re right you feel worse about leaving with nothing.” O'Neil replaced Julen Lopetegui as Wolves boss last week, having been sacked by Cherries in June, with Andoni Iraola appointed.
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil to speak to PGMOL after Jefferson Lerma broken nose #AFCB

May 15, 2023
During the first half of Cherries’ contest against Crystal Palace, with the game goalless, Eagles defender Joachim Andersen’s hand connected with the face of Lerma, the latter defending from a corner. The Colombian went to the floor and the game was stopped, but video assistant referee Andy Madley did not recommend to on-field official Michael Salisbury to review the footage, after checking for a potential red card for violent conduct. Webb, a former top-flight referee in England and in international competition, became chief refereeing officer of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) earlier this season. Asked for his take on the incident in the 2-0 defeat at Selhurst Park, Cherries’ head coach O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “Jefferson Lerma has broken his nose from it. “It looked like a fairly clear punch in the face to me, on the footage. “I spoke to the on-field ref and I understand them not spotting it. I think it’s from a corner, so there’s a lot of bodies and things moving fast. “The ref needs to be trying to look at everything, so it’s difficult for him to spot it. “But the fact that we got the usual check complete from VAR, as one that’s going against us, was a surprise. “It was a significant blow to Jeff’s face with a closed fist by the look of it. So I’m disappointed something wasn’t done.” Asked if he will speak to PGMOL about the decision, as he has done in recent weeks about various decisions, O’Neil said: “It’s an interesting one. I speak to Howard Webb most Sundays at the moment! “I’ll speak to him tomorrow, because I feel like this one is an important one. “Jeff’s obviously not happy about it. I’ll speak to him, as we have done even with the penalty decision last week (in defeat to Chelsea) on Dom (Solanke). “It didn’t go our way. It’s important we discuss it, because it’s a significant blow to the face and Jeff has injured and broken his nose from it.” Meanwhile, Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson played down the incident. Asked if he was concerned Andersen may be in trouble at the time, Hodgson told the Daily Echo: “I don’t know, I haven’t seen it. “The penalty box is 65 to 70 yards away from me. My eyesight is not bad, but it’s not an eagle eyesight. “All I know is I was watching the corner kick and trying to assess our organisation and suddenly the game was stopped and there’s a player on the ground. “I have no idea what happened or how he landed on the ground, but I have to trust the referee, who at the time did not see any reason to give a free-kick. “And that was backed up by VAR, so that’s perfectly good enough for me.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil on lack of penalty given against Chelsea #AFCB

May 7, 2023
With the scores level at 1-1 following Mati Vina’s stunning equaliser that cancelled out Conor Gallagher’s opener, there was a hearty shout from Cherries for a penalty in the 67th minute. Striker Dominic Solanke appeared to have nipped in ahead of Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, knocking the ball past the Brazilian before being taken out. Late goals from Benoit Badiashile and substitute Joao Felix swung the game in the Blues’ favour for their first win in seven games. Whilst the incident was checked by Video Assistant Referee David Coote, there was not deemed to be a clear and obvious error made by on field ref John Brooks in not deciding to not point to the spot, the key criteria for overturning decisions. Cherries are the only side in the Premier League yet to be awarded a spot-kick, whilst Chelsea have managed to avoid giving a single penalty away this campaign. Asked for his thoughts on the incident, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I thought it was a tight one. “I thought Thiago Silva doesn't get the ball, so Dom manages to take a touch before he gets there. “But Dom does take his touch backwards. So it looks maybe different to some that we're used to seeing, where the forward takes his touch forwards. “Then there is a bit of contact between Silva and Dom. So technically maybe a foul. “Outside the penalty area, maybe a foul, but the fact that it wasn't given on field meant it was obviously never going to be overturned. “So, yeah, we'd have probably needed that one to being given and then it maybe would have been upheld. “But, yeah, no real complaints. I thought it was one that it could it or not (be a penalty).”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil to ‘seek clarity’ on penalty controversy at St Mary’s against Bournemouth #SaintsFC

April 29, 2023
With his side 1-0 up against Southampton, Ryan Christie flashed in a right-footed cross, which struck the outstretched arm of Saints defender Jan Bednarek, from close range. After a brief check from video assistant Andy Madley, the referee in the ground Darren England was not recommended to check the incident and play resumed. Cherries went on to win 1-0, but O’Neil admits he was left baffled by the decision not to award his side a spot-kick. Asked why no penalty was awarded, O’Neil said: “No idea. I don’t see any difference between that and some of the ones we’ve had given against us this year. “His arm is a long way from his body. The ball is going into a dangerous area. I can’t see why. “To have it dismissed so quickly – I remember sitting in our dugout when they go against us for ages waiting, they’re watching eight different camera angles and it’s being played in slow motion. “This one we get maybe an eight-second check and we’re told it’s clear. And then I see the replay and I cannot believe that has not been given as a penalty.” He added: “I was shown the handball quite a lot after the game and I was very surprised. “Not that I think that should be handball, just that it seems so similar to so many we’ve had go against us that I am just struggling to understand it a little bit. “I will seek some clarity on that as well, this week or next week, whenever the guys are available to catch up, try and figure out the differences and also why the check seemed so short on it. “There’s a few things that I need clearing up on that.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi reacts to Brighton defeat at Tottenham #BHAFC

April 9, 2023
But he said he did not deserve his red card at Tottenham. De Zerbi and opposite number Cristian Stellini were both sent from the benches in a highly controversial Premier League clash. Spurs won 2-1 after Albion had two goals ruled out and at least one justifiable penalty appeal waved away. The flashpoint on the touchline came soon after the second goal was ruled out. De Zerbi said: “I didn’t say anything to the referee. “I didn’t put any pressure on the referee. “I don’t like when the other bench put pressure on the referee. “We have to help the referee, not to put more pressure in this stadium, in this atmosphere.” De Zerbi has been red-carded twice in recent weeks and also served a ban for four yellows. He said: “In my career it is the first time I have had so many red cards. “I’ve had two games in the stand and we won both. “I don’t think there’s a problem. “When I was in the dressing room, there was a clear penalty on Mitoma.” Relations between De Zerbi and Stellini appeared tense from before kick-off. The Seagulls boss put that down to “personal things”. He said: “I am used to always respecting everyone inside the pitch and outside the pitch and I don’t like when people don’t respect me. “I always respect everyone, especially the coaches. “I can answer for me, not for him.” He confirmed he felt Stellini did not respect him and added: “There is a personal situation and I told him what was my opinion, my idea - not bad words, only my opinion.” De Zerbi praised his side’s display. He added: “For sure we are very proud of the performance. “We played a great, great game and I think we deserved to win.” De Zerbi said he was unclear whether he would be banned from the technical area when his side play Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final.
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi speaks about refereeing quality in Premier League after red card in Fulham loss #BHAFC

February 19, 2023
The Albion boss was red-carded by ref Darren England after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Fulham. De Zerbi spoke to referees’ chief Webb this week after his side were denied a valid goal by a VAR error. The Seagulls’ boss said: “I want to be clear. If you want to come to me to have a meeting and you want to lose two hours of my time, of my work, you have to have a different attitude on the pitch. “If we want to improve our work in football, they have to be with another attitude, only this. “I don’t want to talk about particular situations - ‘It was penalty’ or other things. “I am speaking only of attitude. “I can’t hear one opponent say a bad word – and I won’t repeat this word – and the referee without personality to control the game. "But one time I lost time with a meeting and it will never happen again. “I am not in England just to fool around in meetings.” De Zerbi said he did not swear to England. Asked whether he therefore felt the red card was unjust, he replied: “It’s not right but it’s not a problem.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi welcomes acceptance of referee mistake from Howard Webb #BHAFC

February 18, 2023
Albion’s head coach has again declined to criticise the VAR error which cost his side a goal at Crystal Palace. He said he appreciated Webb fronting up after the mistake by John Brooks which saw Pervis Estupinan’s strike incorrectly ruled out. De Zerbi’s approach when asked about the VAR fall-out at his press conference today was in contrast to that taken by his Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta, whose side fell foul of a poor decision in their 1-1 draw with Brentford. The Albion boss said: “For me, sincerely it is not a problem. “Referees are human like other people and can make mistakes. “I don’t like if I have to criticise them because it is not my job. I’m sorry for the mistakes, for sure. “I think we lost four or five points, not only Palace but with Aston Villa at home there was a clear, clear, clear penalty. And the same at Leicester. “But it can happen, some mistakes. “At the end of the season, I think the mistakes are not so important in terms of the table because there is a balance of mistakes. “MY problem is my team to play with a quality, a style and to try to win the game, only this.” He added: “Referees are humans, VAR is technology, it is different. We hope football can improve through this technology. “But I don’t want to speak too much about referees. “There are other people who want to take advantage about this. “I don’t like this in Italy, I don’t like this in Ukraine, in the UK the same." Webb was pro-active after a bad day for match officials in the Prem. De Zerbi said: “He is a good guy, he’s an honest person and I appreciate that he showed his face. “When there is a mistake, it’s not easy to show your face. “I told him there is no problem for me, my players, or my club. “We don’t want to put any pressure on referees.” De Zerbi believes VAR should be a tool which improves the game. He said: “It should be better, no? “The technology can and has to help the referee. “At Palace it was like this and we can’t change the result. “Maybe if Pervis’s goal had been allowed, we could still have lost the game. “We don’t know the other possibilities during the game.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil on penalty shouts against Brighton #AFCB

February 5, 2023
CHERRIES boss Gary O’Neil believed his side should have had two penalties during their defeat to Brighton at the Amex. The Seagulls edged past their south coast neighbours 1-0, courtesy of Kaoru Mitoma’s 86th minute header. O’Neil and Cherries were left frustrated by the match officials for two incidents that they perceived as spot-kicks. In the first-half January recruit Dango Ouattara appeared to be shoved from behind inside the box, the Burkinabe winger nipping ahead of Brighton defender Pervis Estupinan. Estupinan was at the centre of the controversy for the second incident, Ryan Christie’s cross clearly striking the Ecuadorian’s hand, which was tucked into his side. Asked for his thoughts on the penalty shouts, O’Neil responded: “I think they're both penalties. “Let's go second one first. “I'll point you in the direction of Jefferson Lerma at Newcastle. “I've seen both images back, they're exactly the same. “Ryan Christie's cross, it's going directly to Dango in the middle of the goal and hits (Estupinan) on the arm, which is in the exact same place, maybe slightly further away from his body than Jefferson Lerma’s was at Newcastle. “I don't want to complain, I'm just going to give you my thoughts on it. “The one in the first half I think is a foul. “I think I've heard coming together as a term to describe it, but Dango gets in front of the defender and then there is contact. “I thought it was a foul. It is what it is.” O’Neil also believed there to be a foul in the build up to Brighton’s winner, with debutant Matias Vina seemingly hauled down inside the box off the ball. He explained: “On Vina, Lewis Dunk throws Vina to the floor by his arm.”Cherries’ head coach then went onto insist that it was down to his side to improve, despite his thoughts on the decisions made by match official Craig Pawson. “We need to make sure we improve, make sure we score goals ourselves. But that's what I thought of the three incidents.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi verdict after Brighton lose to Aston Villa #BHAFC

November 14, 2022
Roberto De Zerbi hit out at Aston Villa time-wasting as Albion went down at the Amex. The head coach was booked for his complaints as Villa protected a precious 2-1 lead. He offered more veiled criticism of two penalty decisions. Danny Ing scored from the spot to cancel out Alexis Mac Allister’s first-minute opener. Villa were protecting a lead given them by a deflected Ings shot when Lucas Digne appeared to foul Solly March. De Zerbi said: “If the games are 90 minutes, during the 90 minutes you have to play, you can’t play 45 or 44 minutes. “To lose is not a big problem. It is not a big problem to lose one game like with Villa we lost, but I would like to play normal time. “Not 90 minutes because it is not normal to play for 90 minutes but maybe 60 minutes no? “Yes, a lot of wasting time. Too much wasting time. I thought before I came to work in the Premier League. I thought in the Premier League the people were correct, also in Italy, also in Latin countries, but it is not like this. “I think the referee had to control the game. This work is his work. Not my work, not my players’ work, not our fans work. For this situation I was angry and frustrated.” VAR Jarred Gillet reviewed the incident involving March. De Zerbi said: “About this particular situation, I don’t like to speak or like to focus, but you have to watch again. “Both penalties. First for Villa and second for us, because also, the first penalty it is not so clear.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil understands penalty call for Zemura handball #AFCB

October 25, 2022
GARY O’Neil conceded that the penalty awarded against his side in the dying stages of Cherries’ 2-0 defeat to West Ham was understandable, stating: “just the way it’s going at the minute.” There was controversy surrounding both of West Ham’s goals, with O’Neil and co. believing Thilo Kehrer to have handled in the build-up to Kurt Zouma’s opener in first-half injury time. Said Benrahma converted a penalty awarded at the death when Jordan Zemura was adjudged to have used his arm to block Vladimir Coufal’s cross into the box. With Cherries pushing for an equaliser at the time, the second goal sealed West Ham’s win and consigned Cherries to back-to-back defeats in the Premier League. Speaking on the penalty, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I understand that one and I think it’s really hard on the lads because we have West Ham camped and they go nowhere near our goal for a very long time. “We are pushing and pushing, they get one breakaway. “They are crossing the ball with not many people in the box, it’s not really a dangerous situation. “Just the way it’s going at the minute. If it misses Jordan Zemura, we are in no danger, if it hits him on the body and goes out for a corner – it’s just really, really unlucky.” The former West Ham and Portsmouth midfielder went on to question whether the decision was correct, arguing that it was “impossible” for his defender to keep his arms down whilst sliding in for the ball. He continued: “If we want to go into real depth of discussion of national position of arms – anyone who has ever slid for a ball knows they will never be by your side – it’s impossible to have your hands by your side when you are propelling yourself to throw yourself in front of a ball. “If anyone did it with their hands by their side they would look ridiculous. His hand goes into a high position – as it does during football matches when you are moving the body and it’s on its way back down. “The hard thing to take is the huge advantage West Ham gained from their two handballs and we were gaining no advantage from the ball hitting Jordan Zemura on the hand.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil rages at ‘terrible decision’ leading to West Ham opener #AFCB #Controversy

October 25, 2022
GARY O’NEIL pulled no punches in his assessment of West Ham’s controversial opener during Cherries’ 2-0 defeat and insisted: “I can’t understand how that would be given.” Kurt Zouma’s first goal since November 2021 was allowed to stand by VAR Mike Dean, despite a handball by Thilo Kehrer aiding the Irons to go one goal up at London Stadium. Kehrer scooped Jarrod Bowen’s corner into the air before the ball was headed clear by Chris Mepham, nodded back by Tomas Soucek and eventually over the line via the top of Zouma’s head. The word from Stockley Park was that because the handball was not deliberate, and had not led directly to the goal, it was allowed to stand. Interim boss O’Neil was booked for his protests just before half-time and made his feelings clear to referee David Coote at full-time. He told the Daily Echo: “I’m doing that every game at the minute. In with the referee discussing decisions. “I’m obviously disappointed with the first goal. I thought it was a terrible decision. “The first goal cannot stand. It’s impossible for me that that is a goal. His arm moved towards the ball, it impacted where the ball was going. “I can’t understand how that would be given. Talk about hands in a natural or unnatural position. His hands are in front of his stomach and they move towards the ball in the build-up to the goal. “I also think there was a foul in the build-up to the goal as well. I think, more subtle but I expect it to be looked at. “I went in (to see the referee) to find out about the Jefferson Lerma foul on (Aleksandar) Mitrovic at Fulham. The information I received was that Jefferson Lerma impeded Mitrovic without looking at the ball. “If you watch Flynn Downes in the build-up (on Monday). He affects Marcos Senesi by putting his arm over him while looking in the complete opposite direction of the ball. I expect that to be looked at. “The handball for the first goal, I just can’t even believe we have to discuss it. It’s a handball 100 times out of 100. Really, really surprised.” O’Neil was left further frustrated after Cherries full-back Jordan Zemura was judged to have handled in the box when blocking Vladimir Coufal’s cross in the latter stages, with Said Benrahma converting the penalty for 2-0. Hammers boss David Moyes has complained recently that too many calls were going against his side – but the Scot insisted he had not seen enough of the incidents against Cherries to make a comment. “I’ve genuinely not seen any of the incidents,” he said. “Obviously Bournemouth are disappointed with how it went. But what I would say is our performance merited better goals than we scored.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl credits ‘brave’ Southampton after win and admits luck of decisions plays major factor #SAINTSFC

October 20, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl insisted Saints “always have the belief” and credited his side for being brave in their 1-0 win over AFC Bournemouth. Saints ended a five-match run without victory thanks to Che Adams and his solitary first-half goal, but had to ditch their attacking principles to earn it. Hasenhuttl switched to a defensive five-at-the-back shape with 30 minutes left of the contest, introducing Lyanco as the destroyer. It saw the home side have 63 per cent of the ball following the break, but they could not find a way through Gavin Bazunu, Mohammed Salisu and co. “An important win for us and for our fans especially, but for the staff, players and everyone. An important win and a deserved win,” Hasenhuttl said, speaking after the match. “Not only running but the braveness with the ball from the first minute. We didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for this but we showed a lot of good things. “It seems it has created a massive belief in that we can play together, especially in such a game where you can let the ball run on the ground.” The Austrian added: “We have the belief all the time because you see in our last games there are margins missing, and in the Premier League margins decide games. “Sometimes, you have to have the margins on your side. This was the challenge and to find the key for having a clean sheet, winning with one goal one time.” Although the win was ugly, Saints have been criticised for being unable to keep a clean sheet and resist an onslaught when not playing at their best. The St Mary’s outfit recorded their first shut-out of the campaign and only a second win on the road since February. “For a lot of the second-half we were under pressure until we changed shape. We tried to play out but this didn’t work and we had to try other things,” he explained. “If you don’t try you won’t find other solutions and this was the positive thing for me. “I am very happy about the players because we didn’t have only a first XI but we had subs where everyone did their job. “It is not easy to step into such a game and keep the level high. You could feel today they wanted to show they could win here.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more. Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil hopes officials could ‘clear up’ handball calls #AFCB

October 20, 2022
INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil hoped officials could “clear up” what constituted handball, as Cherries had a big penalty shout turned down during their 1-0 defeat against Saints. With the visitors leading through Che Adams’s ninth-minute opener, Junior Stanislas’s cross appeared to strike the hand of Mohammed Salisu inside the box during the second half at Vitality Stadium. Referee John Brooks waved away Cherries’ protests, as they sunk to a first defeat of O’Neil’s interim tenure. Cherries had seen penalties awarded against Lloyd Kelly and Jefferson Lerma of late for similar handballs in the area, during fixtures at Nottingham Forest and Newcastle. Asked about the latest penalty incident which went against his side against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men, O’Neil said: “Struggling to give an answer on it, really. I think the ball hits Lloyd Kelly at Nottingham Forest, that’s a penalty from a similar distance. “Ball hits Jefferson Lerma at Newcastle. It's a penalty. “Tonight, the ball hits their boy, Salisu, and it is not a penalty. So, yeah, a tricky one. I don't know. “Maybe, hopefully the officials can clear up what it is and what it isn't, because I don't see too much difference. “I’m not here to moan about rub of the green and things like that. “But, yeah, if you want to discuss the individual decisions, Ryan Fredericks, the pull on Ryan Fredericks (at Fulham) is a foul, and the ball hit the boy on the hand today.” Defeat left Cherries with 10 points from seven games since O’Neil took charge. A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more. Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
David Moyes
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- David Moyes blames officials for draw after referee decisions in favor of Saints #WHUFC

October 17, 2022
DAVID Moyes claimed the referee was the reason his side did not get three points at Saints and added his VAR assistant “needs to go to Specsavers”. The Scottish boss was left furious following the 1-1 draw at St Mary’s which saw Declan Rice level following the break, after Romain Perraud’s deflected opener. Moyes felt the Hammers fell foul to two incidents, including the Saints defender’s opening goal. Referee Peter Bankes appeared to obstruct Jarrod Bowen as he looked to intercept a loose ball. “The real reason we didn’t get three points is the referee. The referee gets in the way of our ability to defend as the ball comes out, he blocks Jarrod Bowen from getting it,” Moyes said. “It’s ridiculous, it really is. Wait until you see the angles and then you’ll see how ridiculous it is. “The ball would probably be favoured or a bounce ball but you can’t get in the way and stop somebody getting it, allowing to go on and somebody scores.” However, Moyes was not only left upset by that one decision. He also feels West Ham should have had a penalty for a Perraud pull on midfielder Tomas Soucek in the area. “I asked the referee about it but I spoke to them more about the penalty kick,” the former Manchester United boss added. “Tomas Soucek had a judo move by the player who marked him. “There must be new rules in football where you can grab them right round the waist, hold them and throw them down. The kid throws him right down. “It’s not the referee, it’s VAR. Whoever was on VAR today needs to go to Specsavers. But if it because he doesn’t touch it, Bowen would have to go around the referee. “Maybe you just have to say the referee got himself in a really bad position. Soucek should clear it better but the referee is right in his line.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more. Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil blames terrible penalty decision for draw against Fulham #AFCB

October 16, 2022
GARY O'Neil slammed the decision to award Fulham a penalty early in the second half at Craven Cottage, insisting: "It's a foul on Jefferson Lerma." Cherries led 2-1 at half-time against Marco Silva's Cottagers, thanks to goals from Dominic Solanke and Lerma. However, the hosts got level early in the second period when Aleksandar Mitrovic was awarded a penalty by referee Graham Scott, after he went down under the challenge of Lerma, as the pair awaited a ball to be delivered into the box. Mitrovic slammed home the resulting spot-kick, but Cherries saw out the remaining 40 minutes to earn a 2-2 draw and extend their unbeaten run to six matches. Discussing the decision to award Fulham a penalty, O'Neil told the Daily Echo: "I think it’s a terrible decision, a terrible decision. "Jefferson Lerma and Mitrovic have got their arms around each other. If someone has got their arms around you, I have no idea what makes you fall backwards. "So, for me, it’s obvious that Mitrovic has initiated the fall and pulled Jefferson Lerma on top of him. "I can’t understand how you would fall backwards if someone is holding you. It doesn’t make any sense. "Does Jefferson Lerma has his arms around him? Yes. Does Mitrovic have his arms around Jeff? Yes. No-one will ever convince me otherwise. It’s a foul on Jefferson Lerma." He added: "When the momentum swings off the back of a poor penalty decision, the lads then have to knuckle down and try and see it out. "And they adapted to that and limited Fulham to a lot of balls in the box, but real hopeful ones that could land for them, could land with us and I thought they managed all spells really, really well. "It was a shame that the momentum swung on the penalty decision, because I was enjoying going toe-to-toe. "But at that time, I just felt that the place is up a little bit now and we just need to try and help the boys get through the next 20 minutes or whatever it was at that point. "I’m disappointed that the boys gave absolutely everything and I think we win the game if they don’t get the penalty."
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil feels Cherries should ‘probably’ have had penalty against Fulham #AFCB

October 16, 2022
GARY O'Neil is hoping Cherries start to get the "rub of the green" from officials in the Premier League, after failing to be awarded a penalty against Fulham. O'Neil's side claimed for a spot-kick after Ryan Fredericks went down under a challenge from Tim Ream at Craven Cottage, but referee Graham Scott was unmoved. Salt was rubbed into the wounds in the second half, when Jefferson Lerma was deemed to have hauled down Aleksandar Mitrovic in the box. The Serbia international stepped up himself to score from 12 yards, earning Fulham a 2-2 draw. Those decisions follow an array of calls in recent weeks which have not gone Cherries' way. Two penalty claims against Brentford fell on deaf ears, as did one against Leicester, while Cherries conceded penalties in matches at Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. Asked if he feels Fredericks should have been awarded a penalty against Fulham, O'Neil told the Daily Echo: "I mean, he is running really fast and someone pulls his arm. "I think it’s a foul. I understand that it’s a small pull on his arm. But if we’re allowed to pull people’s arms to stop their momentum… I think it was probably a penalty. "But I haven’t looked at that one as closely as the Mitrovic one." Discussing the recent string of decisions to have gone against his side, O'Neil added: "I think it’s frustrating and just disappointing for the lads. "I mean, it’s hard because you don’t want to sound like you just disagree with every decision they make. "But I think we’re either six or seven VAR checks and we’ve had zero go our way. "So it’s either really unlucky. Hopefully that turns and we start to get a little rub of the green and a couple go our way."
Thomas Frank
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Thomas Frank heaps praise on referee Thomas Bramall after Bournemouth clash #BRENTFORDFC

October 2, 2022
BRENTFORD boss Thomas Frank moved to praise referee Thomas Bramall for the way he refereed Saturday's clash at Vitality Stadium. Cherries and Brentford played out a goalless draw in the club's first ever meeting in the top flight. But it was referee Bramall at the centre of attention for two of the game's biggest flashpoints, opting not to award Cherries a penalty on two separate occasions. The hosts claimed for a spot-kick during the first half when Jordan Zemura went down under Kris Ajer's challenge. Having not given a penalty, Bramall was referred to the pitchside monitor by VAR John Brooks. After a lengthy review, Bramall opted to stick with his initial decision and award a goal kick. Then, in the dying seconds of the contest, Cherries gave loud appeals when a ball flew up onto the arm of Brentford midfield Mathias Jensen inside the box. Again Bramall was unmoved and the game ended level. Bramall was taking charge of just his second Premier League match, his first coming when Fulham hosted Brighton in August. Asked for his thoughts on the penalty claims, Frank said: "First, I would like to praise Thomas Bramall for his job. "A young ref, I don’t know how many games he’s reffed in the Premier League. But every game in the Premier League is important. "You can say Liverpool v City, but I think Bournemouth v Brentford is equally as important for both teams. "His character and calm head in a very, very stressful moment. You know when you’re called over to the monitor, it’s a very decisive decision for the game. "And we know, all of us in this room, nine times out of 10, most likely it will be a pen. But he stuck to his decision. "I think that says a lot about him. I’m not in doubt that’s not a pen. So I think that was very well done from him. "The only mistake he made was he was a little bit unclear whether he was giving a penalty or a goal-kick." He added: "It was definitely not a penalty. "The way I see it, he (Ajer) definitely touched the ball and then Zemura is falling over him." Quizzed on Cherries' second penalty claim, Frank said: "That was a penalty two years ago. Then we luckily changed the rules. "I hated that rule two years ago, because I think everyone is working so hard and then a randomness that would’ve given a penalty two years ago. "So I’m so glad we got that out of the game, because I think that’s the most fair thing. So definitely not a penalty."