RateTheRef

Very good performance from friend. Both big decisions correct (eventually) a calm and unfussy style, goes about his business quietly 

Personally think the RC is slightly harsh. Certainly no intent to hurt Lewis, attempting to play the ball and no excessive force for me just a genuine accident. I think Friends original YC  was right. I do feel when the referee is advised to go to the monitor there will only be one outcome

Yes maybe, but it'll satisfy the pundits who had been calling for the on field official to be seen to have made the 'final decision'.

Personally think the RC is slightly harsh. Certainly no intent to hurt Lewis, attempting to play the ball and no excessive force for me just a genuine accident. I think Friends original YC  was right. I do feel when the referee is advised to go to the monitor there will only be one outcome

He's kicked him in the face, at head height. Quite clearly endangered the opponent's safety. Intent (or lack of it) is irrelevant.

Another good VAR intervention from Craig Pawson after the overturn at Palace last week.

Taking away the handball controversy (which I don't think we can blame the officials for), I think  the referees (and VARs) have started the new PL season very well on the whole.

It's a shame there wasn't a more effective implementation of VAR last season, as we've seen at the likes of Crystal Palace ,Everton, Newcastle and Chelsea so far this season. I think if they'd done a good job last season it would have been harder for FIFA to insist on the stricter handball/goalkeeper encroachment interpretations but it was such a mess that most people were glad to hear FIFA were taking full control of it.