Newcastle take lead...Ba injured...

[Paul Marin]

...Torres on. Where is "X"? I need a dispassionate and objective analysis of this one.

[Lazie]

...Torres on. Where is "X"? I need a dispassionate and objective analysis of this one.

PM, should that kick on Ba be a penalty?

[Tilla]

PM, should that kick on Ba be a penalty?

I cannot see why it was not. It occurred before the ball went out. The referee had already made his mind up that it was a kick to Newcastle.

[Lazie]

I cannot see why it was not. It occurred before the ball went out. The referee had already made his mind up that it was a kick to Newcastle.

My reaction was no penalty as I thought he stayed down because he missed it. Upon seeing the replay I saw the kick but still said no pen because he did get the shot off. However, after hearing Rafa's take, I admit my position may have been wrong.

[Paul Marin]

PM, should that kick on Ba be a penalty?

I had to leave at half time, so just finished watching the game and the just turned on to live tv vex meself seeing Rooney score. Anyway, yes - a clear penalty and Cisse should have been sent off for holding Cole throat. Terrible game by Ramirez and Oscar. Mata the only one working.

[Tilla]

Whether Ba got the shot off or not it is immaterial in whether it was a foul on the player or not. The defender should be ruled to have committed a dangerous play when he raised his foot so high and into the opponent's face. The foul occurred inside the 18 yard box, so there is no doubt it should be a penalty.

OK, so even when the referee saw Ba on the ground and he is bleeding from the nose, why didn't he call his assistants and get their perspective. I must agree that the referee being behind, he may not have seen the foot to Ba's face, but that is what assistant referees are for.

[Paul Marin]

Whether Ba got the shot off or not it is immaterial in whether it was a foul on the player or not. The defender should be ruled to have committed a dangerous play when he raised his foot so high and into the opponent's face. The foul occurred inside the 18 yard box, so there is no doubt it should be a penalty.

OK, so even when the referee saw Ba on the ground and he is bleeding from the nose, why didn't he call his assistants and get their perspective. I must agree that the referee being behind, he may not have seen the foot to Ba's face, but that is what assistant referees are for.

Tilla, what do you think the ref thought happened to Ba? That him buck the ball with him nose? :kmt: Terrible refereeing once again in the EPL.

[Tilla]

I am not sure what the referee thought had happened. I think though if he is not sure, then he needs to consult with his assistants as I am sure one of them could have advised him as to what had happened to allow him to make an informed decision. Really bad decision on his part.

Apart from that one mess up, I did not have any issue with the remainder of the game.

[Tilla]

Paul, here is a picture of the incident.