Howard Webb denies penalty, avoids relegation

[Aquavit]

Howard Webb has escaped being relegated to the Football League after his refereeing of Arsenal's FA Cup win against Liverpool drew intense criticism from the Anfield club and from pundits.

[link] http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1719566/webb-escapes-demotion-suarez-pen-gaffe?cc=5901 [/link]

Having seen the play in question, and taking into account Hannibal Suarez' reputation for diving, I was stunned to read the link above. I like neither Webb nor Suarez, but the fact is that Webb should not be up for any punishment from this.

[Ron Obvious]

1. It was a clear penalty

It was a far more obvious penalty than the first one, but in Howard Webb's defence (no, seriously!), the way Suarez made a meal of it would have made me doubt my eyes as well, especially if I had just awarded one to the same player (with a reputation for diving) a few minutes before.

Suarez, the only player I know who can make a real foul look like a dive.

That said, no single mistake by a referee deserves to be punished like that. Well, OK, giving out three yellow cards to the same player, but nothing else.

[Aquavit]

2. Oh totally...

Yeah it was definitely a clear penalty. The flop job by Suarez was spectacularly bad though, and I probably would have let it go on that basis too.

As much as I dislike Webb, had they relegated him for calling BS on the Suarez Show, then maybe Vince McMahon should be free to buy the entire Premier League instead of just having to settle for Newcastle.

[Lizzie Poppet]

3. Suarez's reputation precedes him.

I think that was certainly a penalty, too...but it was also obvious that Webb was fed up with Suarez, who tends to drop like he's been hit by sniper fire every time someone brushes up against him. Strange as it would have been, I could have seen Webb awarding the penalty...and booking Suarez for simulation!