RateTheRef

Quite an eventful afternoon for Probert and some really odd decisions and non decisions given looking at the highlights. Richarlison deserved to go for his headbutt, however the red for Smith was complete rubbish.

One penalty given correctly and two others which should have been given, notably the one on Coleman, turned down.

I would point out its good that Probert has got back on the field after his injury problems, however he looked less than convincing today.

I'm not convinced he had a good view on I think it was the 2nd pen shout because players were obscuring his view & it was possibly a bit on his blind side, I do think it should have been given though. I honestly can't remember the details of the 1st one - not a cop out, I remember there was a shout just not why! I think Smudges red should have been a yellow it didn't tick all the boxes for DOGSO for me but he could have gone at the same time as Richarlison - he wasn't entirely innocent, he had clearly said something that provoked the reaction, and whilst yes it was a red for Richarlison, Smudge exaggerated his own reaction, imo. I was not overly impressed with how our players behaved in the 'aftermath'. The given pen was spot on.

The injury to Michael Keane was dreadful. Seeing all the medics, including our club Dr, tending to him for a prolonged period is not what the majority of us as football fans want to see for any player, whoever they play for. Horrible watching him stretchered off.  It was almost in line with our ST seats (watch the highlights and the lady in the pink jacket by the stairs 4/5 rows back is directly in front of my seat!). That injury has made the game completely irrelevant to me, wishing a full and speedy recovery to him. Worrying there has been no official update yet as well.

I am a bit surprised that Smith's red card has been seen as harsh, and in my view, it certainly wasn't 'rubbish' as previously suggested. I was reminded of the Palace sending off last Monday night, in other words, a speedy forward (Walcott) gets in front of a defender who hauls him back outside of the area, red card all day long in my view in both instances. I too hope for better news on Michael Keane.   

Don't see how the Smith decision is anything but a red card. Last man, outside the box, no attempt to play the ball. DOGSO. Clear red card all day. Yes Walcott made the most of it, and he was lucky to still be on the pitch at that point anyway.
All the decisions that were shown on the highlights, looked like Probert got them right, even from a fair distance away, so fair play to him as it cant be easy when you've suffered what he has!

What do the words 'Last man' have to do with anything?

Fractured skull for Michael keane.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/26/everton-michael-keane-skull-fracture

Wonder why they took him to Poole Hospital 7 miles away & not Bournemouth hospital about 1/2 mile away!! I prefer Poole hospital of the 2, it's a good hospital & the staff are ace.

I agree, I thought he got all key decisions correct.

I thought Lee’s movement, from the highlights, was the best I’ve seen since his injury. Looked far more comfortable and was able to penetrate the area.

Thought Probert had a decent game, got the key decisions correct and seemed in control of most of the minor stuff and, apart from one flashpoint, players seemed happy and respected decisions.
With regards to Smith's red card, my initial thoughts were that Walcott still had a lot to do for it to be a DOGSO, but, when you think about it, he had scored running in from that kind of area only 5 or 10 minutes earlier so I think it's probably fair to describe that as an obvious opportunity to score a goal. Not an obvious goal but certainly an obvious opportunity, which is all it needs to be.
Could've avoided the Smith-Richarlison confrontation if he'd given the clear free-kick for Richarlison clattering into the back of Smith, which is what had clearly incensed Smith, but a ref can't be blamed for their minor error leading to player stupidity.

Fractured skull for Michael keane.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/26/everton-michael-keane-skull-fracture

Wonder why they took him to Poole Hospital 7 miles away & not Bournemouth hospital about 1/2 mile away!! I prefer Poole hospital of the 2, it's a good hospital & the staff are ace.

Realised since they went to Poole as it has the head trauma unit there. Good job it hasn't closed yet really as that is the plan!