Michael Oliver (Arsenal vs Tottenham)

[HarryD]

Have you seen what Tottenham players are being booked for? Jeeeesus. Apparently shushing when you score is a yellow. Slight contact is a yellow. I'm not criticising him here, but there is no way I'd caution for some of these! The fact I'm a spurs fan has nothing to do with this either
EDIT: The Mason yellow was a good decision.

 

[Brian Hamilton]

Not seen the action BUT I do know that safety has to be a concern at professional games where a taunting celebration will almost always incite at least one person who will want to exact some physical act of violence against the person making that gesture. A caution or two over the season which contributes to a suspension might make that player think again.

After all, it's not as if many of these players have much loyalty to the teams they are playing for, so they can't say they were carried away in the moment

 

[HarryD]

I understand the need for safety - but Ive never heard of that being a bookable offense before (not exactly being overly exuberant) which just confused me.

 

[Brian Hamilton]

I understand the need for safety - but Ive never heard of that being a bookable offense before (not exactly being overly exuberant) which just confused me.

Did you see where I said taunting not overly exuberant? His actions could have caused a riot. He needs to know that it's not ok to do that. He gets cautioned.

There doesn't have to be a named offence, it falls under the umbrella of unsporting behaviour.

 

[HarryD]

Fair point. I'll keep that one in mind when refereeing future games! Thanks for clearing it up as well as anyone can without watching it!

 

[Brian Hamilton]

Seen it now. Maybe MO was annoyed as he played a brilliant advantage that led to the THFC goal?

 

[Ryan Owens]

It is possible that the FA or the referee himself informed the players ahead of the match that any interaction with the opposing team fans would be considered to be excessive celebration in light of a goal and, therefore, this happened. Although you are right, under normal circumstances that is never a caution. I would hesitate to call the North London Derby normal circumstances though.