[madsteve]

I don't necessarily think the ref was being biased against us. Just that he knew he'd made a bad decision, subsequently tried to make amends for it which made matters worse.

While their defenders red was harsh I agree,  Mcormacks challenge made up for it and not sending him off cancelled the earlier incorrect decision out, but it didn't stop there did it?

Button should have gone, the rules are clear on this. When something like that happens it's a straight red. I didn't catch Hunts challenge but if it is as you say, MS. Then he should have gone too, and if the ref 'ignored' it that's criminal IMO

No-one has the 'right' to put their hands on someone else whether in public or during a sports event. Just the way I see it.

Officially, the referee doesn't see anything of the first half action until the end of the match but I suspect that information gets to him. I wouldn't be surprised if someone (say 4th official) who has seen coverage of the first half has told him that the red card was incorrect. That may then have affected his thinking, making Helan the unlucky fall guy. 

One thing I do know is that referees want to stand out for the right reasons and three red cards in a match makes them stand out for the wrong reasons. From the point he sent Helan off, he seemed determined not to send anyone else off so became more lenient. 

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Had SSN on today & have seen Joao's winner at least twice every hour since 8.00.