The big talking point of the weekend for Sheffield United fans was the decision not to award Jayden Bogle a penalty at Fulham.
Blades full-back Bogle was clattered by Alphonse Areola in the six yard box, before both the referee and the VAR waved away United’s appeals for a penalty.
It was a decision which infuriated plenty of Blades fans, and, of course, manager Chris Wilder. The gaffer, clearly furious in his post match presser, insisting that Bogle was lucky to walk away and that he’s baffled by the rules, given John Lundstram’s red at Villa Park earlier in the season.
To add even more fuel to the fire, Sky Sports’ ‘Ref Watch‘ programme this morning led to Dermot Gallagher backing the decision.
“Different tackle from the John Lundstram one,” Gallagher said.
“I think the keeper gets plenty of the ball and makes a block. This is where you just have to trust the refeeree.”
Gallagher’s comments are very much from the referees point of view. He’s entitled to his opinion and, in fairness, he is as qualified as anyone to have his say on the issue.
But that hasn’t stopped plenty of Sheffield United fans reacting on Twitter, with the majority in defence of the Blades boss and up in arms at Gallagher’s comments on the tackle.
Here, then, is how some Sheffield United fans reacted as both Chris Wilder and Dermot Gallagher shared their views.
Ref watch dermot Gallagher an his mates have all said no pen cos the goalkeeper gets the ball even tho his right foot hits bogle above his knee cap … no wonder the games in such a state
— niffer 1889⚔️⚔️🔴⚪️ (@niffer1889) February 22, 2021
It’s crazy mate. How anyone can look at that challenge and deem it safe is beyond me. Bogle touches the ball in to the keeper, he didn’t “get to it” before Bogle 🤦🏻♀️ BEST part is, it was given as a free kick to them! 😆😆😆
— 𝑬𝒗𝒊𝒆 𝑷𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍 🐾🍁 (@eviepearl_96) February 22, 2021
That’s a leg breaking, potentially career ending tackle reminiscent of Vinnie Jones without any doubt. Absolute joke. Waste of time being in the #PremierLeague unless you are traditional top 6 or loaded with piles of foreign money! Armchair fan football.
— Stewart Moore (@Astonblade61) February 22, 2021
I would be raging if I was Wilder. Could of been a nasty injury that.
— Jack Needham (@Bluesterge2) February 22, 2021
He’s bang on , as always ….. just love him 🙌⚔️.
— jus 💙 (@Jus9nellyboy) February 22, 2021
Dermot gallagher on sky sports news just justifies every bad decision refs make
— rob (@scholarrob) February 22, 2021
Ref watch is a good idea coz refs don’t get anywhere near enough analysis and scrutiny for their mistakes. But with yes men like Gallagher on there it’s just a waste of time. I knew they’d say it wasn’t a pen before it even came on. Too much protecting. Call em out if they wrong!
— Sam Proctor (@sufc_proctor) February 22, 2021