Refereeing decisions in football are scrutinized more than ever in the modern era. With VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology in place, the expectation is that controversial moments will be minimized. Yet, week after week, high-profile debates emerge from the Premier League and beyond. This weekend’s action was no exception, sparking passionate arguments about discipline, penalties, and consistency.
At the center of the conversation was Dermot Gallagher, the former Premier League referee who now provides detailed analysis on Ref Watch, Sky Sports’ regular feature dissecting refereeing flashpoints. Gallagher did not hold back in his assessment, particularly when evaluating Nathan Collins’ challenge for Brentford against Manchester United and the ongoing discussion around Viktor Gyökeres’ penalty incident.
This article will take a deep dive into Gallagher’s analysis, the broader context of refereeing controversies, and what these moments reveal about the challenges facing football officials in the age of VAR.
The Nathan Collins Incident Should It Have Been Red
Brentford’s defender Nathan Collins found himself under the spotlight after a reckless challenge during the clash against Manchester United. The incident saw Collins fly into a challenge with studs showing, catching his opponent high and with force.
-
Gallagher’s View
Dermot Gallagher was unequivocal in his opinion:
“That’s a red card. Collins should have been sent off. The laws are clear—when you endanger the safety of an opponent with excessive force or studs up, it’s violent conduct. VAR should have intervened.”
According to Gallagher, the referee on the pitch may have had a poor angle, but VAR had all the tools to recommend a red card. Instead, the on-field decision stood, and Collins remained on the pitch.
-
Why It Matters
In football, such moments can change the game entirely. Had Collins been dismissed, Brentford would have been reduced to ten men, facing Manchester United with a numerical disadvantage. The fact that he wasn’t punished adequately raised questions of consistency in officiating—why do some challenges result in reds while others are overlooked?
Viktor Gyökeres and the Penalty Debate
While Collins’ incident dominated one part of the discussion, another major talking point emerged around Viktor Gyökeres, the Swedish striker now lighting up European football. In his match, Gyökeres appeared to be brought down in the box after cleverly getting goal-side of a defender.
-
Gallagher’s Breakdown
Gallagher again pulled no punches:
“For me, that is a penalty. The defender clearly impedes Gyökeres’ movement by making contact from behind. When an attacker has gained position and is prevented from progressing by illegal means, the referee must give it. VAR should have advised an overturn.”
The official, however, waved play on. The failure to award a penalty left fans, pundits, and even neutral observers baffled.
The Bigger Picture Refereeing Under Pressure
Both incidents—Collins’ red card controversy and Gyökeres’ penalty claim—highlight the ongoing tension between on-field refereeing and VAR intervention.
-
VAR’s Role
Introduced to provide clarity, VAR has instead become a lightning rod for criticism. Fans argue it slows the game, undermines the authority of referees, and still delivers inconsistent decisions. In both incidents highlighted by Gallagher, VAR either chose not to intervene or failed to persuade the referee to change his mind.
The problem lies in interpretation. While the laws of the game are standardized, referees’ understanding and application vary. Some prefer a stricter approach, others more leniency. As a result, identical challenges in different matches can produce different outcomes.
Historical Parallels Have We Seen This Before
Gallagher’s criticisms tap into a long-running theme in football: controversial refereeing moments that shape games and, at times, seasons.
- Roy Keane vs. Alf-Inge Haaland (2001): A career-altering challenge that many still discuss. Unlike Collins’ incident, this one was deliberate and far more vicious, but it reflects how dangerous unchecked challenges can be.
- Luis Suárez vs. Ghana (2010 World Cup): The infamous handball incident showed how refereeing calls—or lack of them—can alter history.
- Lampard’s “ghost goal” (2010 World Cup): Led directly to the introduction of goal-line technology, paving the way for VAR.
Each controversy, from missed red cards to ignored penalties, serves as a reminder of how thin the margins are in professional football.
Gallagher’s Credibility and Role
Dermot Gallagher’s opinions carry weight because of his refereeing background. Having officiated in the Premier League from 1992 to 2007, he experienced high-pressure situations firsthand. Unlike pundits with a playing background, Gallagher offers perspective grounded in the rulebook.
On Ref Watch, his role is not to simply criticize, but to explain what the referee may have seen and how the decision aligns—or doesn’t—with the laws. This blend of authority and analysis makes him a respected, if sometimes controversial, voice in football media.
Fans’ Reactions Social Media Storm
As expected, both incidents blew up on social media. Fans of Manchester United argued Collins’ tackle endangered their player and should have been punished harshly. Brentford supporters, naturally, defended their man, insisting it was a strong but fair challenge.
Meanwhile, supporters of Gyökeres’ side fumed over what they called “daylight robbery.” Hashtags like #VAROut and #RefsNeedHelp trended, highlighting the frustration among fans.
One fan tweeted:
“If that’s not a red on Collins, then what is? Dangerous play is dangerous, end of story.”
Another wrote:
“How can Gyökeres not get that penalty? Clear foul, clear contact, yet VAR stays silent. What’s the point?”
This divergence of opinion reflects the polarization that refereeing decisions inevitably cause.
The Psychological Impact on Players
While much of the debate focuses on officials, these decisions profoundly affect players.
- For Nathan Collins: Escaping punishment may boost confidence temporarily, but repeated reckless challenges could damage his reputation and lead to stricter treatment by referees in future games.
- For Gyökeres: Denied penalties can frustrate forwards, forcing them to alter how they approach challenges in the box. Some players even begin exaggerating contact to “help” referees make decisions—fueling accusations of diving.
The psychological tug-of-war between players and referees is a subtle but important aspect of football culture.
Consistency The Eternal Demand
Every week, pundits, fans, and managers call for “consistency.” Yet, consistency is hard to achieve when every foul is context-dependent. Was there excessive force? Was there intent? Did the defender make contact with the ball first?
Gallagher himself admits:
“Referees can only judge what they see in real time. VAR is meant to help, but even then, it’s not always black and white.”
That ambiguity is why refereeing remains such a contentious topic, even with advanced technology in place.
Managerial Reactions Frustration and Diplomacy
Unsurprisingly, managers weighed in after the matches.
- Manchester United’s boss suggested the Collins incident “endangered player safety” and called for stricter punishments.
- Brentford’s manager, in contrast, praised his defender for “strong, committed play,” insisting referees should let games flow.
- Regarding Gyökeres, his manager expressed disbelief, saying:
“If that isn’t a penalty, then I don’t know what is. Viktor was clearly impeded. VAR has failed us.”
Managers tread a fine line when commenting, as criticism of referees can lead to fines. Still, their remarks reflect the same frustration voiced by fans and pundits alike.
Possible Solutions Can Refereeing Improve
Football authorities face constant pressure to improve officiating standards. Several proposals are frequently discussed:
- Greater Transparency: Allowing referees to explain decisions to fans, similar to how rugby officials are mic’d up.
- Post-Match Reports: Officials could release written explanations of controversial calls.
- Clearer VAR Protocols: Standardizing the threshold for intervention would reduce inconsistencies.
- Referee Training with Former Players: Encouraging dialogue to bridge the gap between officiating theory and player experience.
Gallagher has often supported the idea of referees communicating more openly, arguing that fans deserve clarity in a sport so heavily invested with emotion and money.
Also Read:
