We’ll do these in order.
Steve Sidwell’s red card against QPR was a nonsense, and really the result of an official not seeing the point of contact clearly enough – this was different though, and it was very much a red card.
This, below, is the key image:
Whatever your thoughts about the ‘dangerous play’ ruling, the current interpretation that referees are encouraged to have is to issue a red card for any tackle which appears out-of-control, excessively forceful, or puts an opponent in danger.
Sidwell is probably guilty of over-enthusiasm rather than outright malice, and maybe this is the product of some rustiness which developed during his suspension, but either way it’s the correct decision from Andre Marriner.
Olivier Giroud’s sending off is more debatable though, and had a Fulham player not already been dismissed then he probably would have stayed on the pitch.
That being said, there’s no chance of this being over-turned, because there’s enough in this tackle to justify a red.
Much like Sidwell’s challenge, there no intent in this, and Giroud is just desperately trying to help his side protect a lead. He’s tired, he’s being playing upfront by himself, and his technique reflects that – he goes over the top of the ball, and he leads with his studs. It’s the lesser of the two incidents, but it’s still probably a red – especially away from home, especially when the hosts have already been reduced to ten. Giroud gave Marriner the chance to ‘even it up’, and most referees at Premier League level will always take that opportunity.
Two reds, no arguments – both suspensions will stand.
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