Don Robbie

Are Premier League referees getting worse When VAR was introduced, I think we were all expecting an end to some of the shambolic decision making we’d seen from Premier League referees over the years. VAR was supposed to provide clarity, help referees and make the game easier to understand and follow for everyone involved. Personally, I have no problem with waiting if we get to the right decision in the end. But since its introduction, it has become clear that there is a very human element to VAR. This weekend has thrown referees straight back into the hot seat after Kevin Friend’s shocking decision to award Liverpool a game-changing penalty in their 3-1 win against Crystal Palace. He decided on second viewing after being told to look at the incident again by video assistant referee Craig Pawson. It was an incorrect decision, with the replay clearly showing that the ball was gone and that Diogo Jota moved directly into Palace keeper Vicente Guaita’s path. It wasn’t the only poor decisio...

Who is the Premier League's signing of the season By Jonny Bray Despite the effects of Covid-19, Premier League clubs spent as big as ever last summer in an attempt to push themselves on to the next level. Some of those signings have failed, but others have lit up the league. And with the halfway point of the season approaching quickly, it's time to discuss who could be considered the Premier League's signing of the season. Conor Gallagher Conor Gallagher has laid down his claim to be part of the England squad that travels to Qatar next year. The midfielder is on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea and like Ruben Loftus-Cheek before him, he's excelled in south London. His pressing game, bravery on the ball and sharpness in front of goal have suited Patrick Vieira's style of play perfectly, and he's been Palace's player of the season so far. His tally of six goals and three assists reflect that and make him one of the league's most productive players in a...

Premier League gameweek 16 review/17 preview - drama at both ends of the table By Tom Masters As another weekend of   Premier   League   action came to a thrilling conclusion at Selhurst Park on Sunday, we have a look at all the games and look ahead at the midweek action as the busy   Premier   League   schedule continues.    There were nine   Premier   League   fixtures last weekend, as Tottenham Hotspur’s game against Brighton and Hove Albion was postponed due to the ongoing Covid-19 cases at Tottenham.    Brentford steal Friday night battle     Brentford once again took the three points in a nervy Friday night battle with Watford, as the Bees stuttered to a 2-1 win over the Hornets.    Watford took the lead in the first half through Emmanuel Dennis, whose seventh goal of the season proved to be in vain as Brentford came back late.    First through a scrappy Pontus Jansson goal from a corner...