[madsteve]

An interesting perspective from the other side. A Villa fans blog.

http://www.myoldmansaid.com/the-villa-in...wednesday/


It is arguable that Hutchinson should have seen red yesterday. But, by the same standard so should Gardener. The ref gave too many soft yellows in the first half, I'm glad he showed a bit more reserve in the second because he was in danger of losing it. Hutchinson's initial booking for 'Short pulling' was soft and set a precedent, the ref needed to be consistent with that level of discipline from then on. Or, he needed to realize it was harsh and not book the next one. Which still means he unfairly booked a player. Which could be why he let the possible red go? Or simply did not see it.

The instructions to referees this season give some areas for discretion but other areas for no discretion. Shirt pulling is a mandatory yellow card so presumably short pulling is the same. Visual dissent is also a mandatory yellow card now. This means that referees have to manage & restrict other yellow cards to avoid multiple double yellows late on in games.