The Man. Utd – Spurs match revealed the horrendously clear unparalleled favouritisms enjoyed by Utd. I won’t be delving into the legitimacy of Nani’s goal per se (although many critics believe Nani handled the ball so a free kick should have been awarded). I will focus on the events that took place while match referee Mark Clattenburg summoned his linesman, or assistant referee, to explain how matters turned out from his perspective. Here’s the video clip of the whole incident:
I’d like to point the reader to 0:45 when Mr Clattenburg walks towards the linesman in an effort to clarify matters. Just as the referee reaches his assistant, a raging Rio Ferdinand enters the scene and stays rooted by the two officials shouting out hell knows what in an attempt to influence both into allowing the controversial goal.
Now isn’t that unsporting behaviour? Should the discussion of such an important incident (the result of which effectively destroyed any motivation left for Spurs to find an equaliser) be carried out in the presence of players? I’m no referee and I cannot comment on what the rules say (maybe some of our readers can shine some light), but by logic alone, it is highly unadvisable to have players involved in the decision-making of such matters as this inevitably leads to bias. I was utterly disgusted by Ferdinand’s behaviour and even more troubled by Mr Clattenburg’s laissez-faire attitude. Rio Ferdinand should have been warned to step a few metres back. Failure to obey would then have led to a yellow card shown. None of this happened and the outcome of the farce was that Nani’s goal was allowed to stand. Unbelievable. We’ve seen this sort of abuse countless times at Old Trafford and yet the Premiership and referees turn a blind eye. Respect campaign anyone? As the heading of this brief message reads, to me it’s more a case of two weights, two measures.