Former Premier League referee Bobby Madley has defended Kevin Friend after his controversial decision in Aston Villa’s defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Friend ruled out a late Aston Villa equaliser, instead handing Jack Grealish a yellow card for simulation.
The decision has been condemned by many people, including a majority of pundits. However, Madley has defended the decision, saying it is a tough one to make.
Twitter: “It’s a tough one.”
“There might be a bit of contact but I also think the player leaves his leg there.”
“Once the… https://t.co/xWgn8zYLiL (@talkSPORT)
Madley’s comments did not go down well with a majority of Villa fans on social media.
Dan disagrees completely with Madley’s comments and reckons that he’s sticking up for his ex-colleague.
Twitter: @talkSPORT @BobbyMadley2 “Leaves his leg there”
He’s passed the ball, tried to stay up. Not called for a foul.… https://t.co/6SQFq6WU0X (@danbardell)
@VidsVilla reckons that Madley’s comments are everything wrong with refereeing in this country.
Twitter: @talkSPORT @BobbyMadley2 Why on earth is he commenting on a national radio station if he doesn’t want to be “judge,… https://t.co/KJDbk4iV6E (@VidsVilla)
Tom reckons that Madley is just saying these things to try and support his old mates.
Twitter: @talkSPORT @BobbyMadley2 Here we go, old boys club sticking up for their incompetent mates. (@wict01)
Nick reckons that it is not even a tough decision to make.
Twitter: @talkSPORT @BobbyMadley2 It really wasn’t a ‘tough one’ at all. It was a scandalous one. (@NickFrancisavfc)
Steve doesn’t think he has heard so much rubbish in regards to Madley’s comments.
Twitter: @talkSPORT @BobbyMadley2 Never heard so much rubbish in my life (@cadda83)
Read Aston Villa’s verdict
It’s easy to see where Madley is coming from, but it isn’t really a tough decision if VAR is involved.
Surely the ref can see that Grealish isn’t diving, and that the goal should have stood if VAR looks at it.
But the fact he blew his whistle before the goal went in means that VAR can’t even look at it.
There needs to be a change in how the system works, as, as of now, it simply does not work effectively at all.
