FOOTBALL: THAT WAS THE WEEKEND THAT WAS - CARD CHECK
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Inconsistency among referees? As the Premiership went about a weekend of matches missing 10 players through suspension, the suspicion that stricter standards are applied in the top flight will have been fuelled by a count of only 15 cards shown in Saturday's 11-match Nationwide First Division games, which included five fixtures in which no player was cautioned.
Coincidence? Perhaps. But it is a tempting theory, especially when the records of individual officials are examined. Take, for example, Terry Heilbron who controlled the potentially explosive Sheffield United v Huddersfield match without recourse to his cards. He has booked no-one in eight of his 14 matches, issuing only 10 yellows and no reds. Meanwhile, Premiership players continue to rack up disciplinary points. The caution of West Ham's John Moncur at Leeds was his sixth of the season, in addition to the red he received at Coventry; Lee Bowyer, of Leeds, meanwhile, collected his eighth.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments