Former top flight referee Dermot Gallagher has weighed in on a late flashpoint during Burnley’s dramatic draw with Chelsea on Saturday.
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In the 82nd minute, Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo went unpunished for what appeared to be a blatant foul as the last man on Burnley’s Zian Flemming.
Not only was Tosin not sent off, referee Lewis Smith didn’t even award the Clarets a free-kick.
Thankfully it didn’t come back to bite Burnley, who were already playing against 10 men at the time following Wesley Fofana’s dismissal for two yellows.
Gallagher, analysing the decision on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, believes the referee was wrong not to pull up the Chelsea defender, but a red would have been unjust.
“I don't think it's a red card, but it's a foul,” he said. “He's not in possession of the ball and unlikely to gain possession.”
Zian Flemming appeared to be blatantly fouled as he looked to run through on goal against Chelsea (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Zian Flemming appeared to be blatantly fouled as he looked to run through on goal against Chelsea (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images)
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As for the second yellow that confirmed Fofana’s dismissal, with the Chelsea man bringing down James Ward-Prowse, Gallagher felt it was the right decision.
“The referee sees him stretch and thinks it's reckless,” he added.
"For the referee, he thinks he stretches too far and catches him on the top of the foot. It's a yellow card.”
Ex-striker Jay Bothroyd, however, felt Fofana was a little unfortunate.
“I think these ones are harsh,” he explained.
"Yes, he's lunged for the ball but he's touched the ball. Where is he meant to put his foot?
"It's more of a foul than a yellow card. If we are giving yellows for that, we will see second yellows a lot."
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