Torquay United Fans Forum

I'm sorry but as a neutral with a soft spot for Torquay, this referee bashing is becoming insane.

Here's what I saw -

Hartlepool had a goal disallowed for a push, very similar to the push Wright did to the Hartlepool player for Torquay's disallowed goal. For what it's worth, I believe by the letter of the law, the referee made the CORRECT call. Alternatively, the referee could have decided to take the view that it's a man's game and it was only a "little push to give the striker space" (which is still a foul used to gain an unfair advantage) as Adam Virgo said on BT Sport. If that goal stood, then so should Hartlepool's first disallowed goal. Both had pushes and both used these pushes to gain an unfair advantage, the referee has to draw the line and he made that call. VAR would have 100% disallowed both those goals. Of the 6 "pundits" (2 commentators, 3 pundits and presenter) only Chris Hargreaves and Adam Virgo thought the goal should have stood, the other 4 said the referee made the correct call.

My next criticism of the referee is that a Torquay player had his arm in the arm and used it to block a Hartlepool shot. That was a penalty but was not given.

The referee then dropped an absolute clanger. There is no doubt that the second disallowed goal should have stood.

My next criticism of the referee is with Torquay's given goal. Asa Hall clearly impeded Hartlepool's goalkeeper - watch the replay if you don't believe me. For what it's worth, I feel that goal should have been disallowed but because of the second disallowed goal, I do not believe the referee would have dared to disallow a third goal. VAR would have disallowed this. Torquay captain had no interest in going for the ball, puts arms out and blocks Hartlepool keeper. Weak from the keeper but a foul. In any event, because the referee gave it - JUSTICE was done.

For goals that should have counted, 1-1 seemed fair.

Torquay's players lost a bit of discipline. Andrews refused to come off, a Torquay player kicked a Hartlepool player in his balls when he was on the floor (a straight red - see Rooney vs Portugal, not as violent but still violent conduct and a straight red) and I must admit I was surprised at how the commentators laughed it off, at the end of the day you can't kick somebody in their balls after the whistle intentionally and expect to stay on the pitch.

In terms of the Hartlepool fan who says Lewis should have been sent off for dissent when he threw the ball down. By the letter of the law, he should have and if the referee had used the letter of the law, Torquay would have had 9 players in extra time but he didn't. And I don't blame him for not sending Lewis off as football is a passionate game, emotions are high and he lost his cool. For what it's worth, the referee made a good call in using his discretion and not sending Lewis off (although the kick to the balls really should have been a red).

And there we have it, some good calls from the ref, two big mistakes (the 2nd disallowed goal went against Torquay, the Covolan goal not being disallowed went in favour of Torquay, and Torquay were fortunate not to have two players sent off), I fail to see how the referee was corrupt or even biased.

I understand why emotions are high, but my advice to Torquay fans accusing the referee of being corrupt to take a week off, get some distance, have a what in Torquay's favour and against again after the dust has settled and I'm sure if you can take the emotion away from the decisions that you will have a different perspective.

I hope Torquay win the league next season.