FA Wrong To Give Andre Mariner Reprieve

Another game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and another refereeing debate ensues. This time Andre mariner was at the heart of an instant packed London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea Saturday lunchtime.

There have been some tongue-in-cheek ribbing for the experienced official.

This is ridiculous although it was a bizarre outcome for one Kieran Gibbs who was sent by the ref mistaking the England left-back for Arsenal midfield player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

It was questionable whether it was a red card offence anyway as the ball appeared to be heading wide of goal, which would take away the possibility of 'denying a goalscoring opportunity'.

It is normally mandatory that the English FA take the referee in question out of the firing line for at least the following weekend, but the have shown their support this week by including him in their weekend schedule and he is set to officiate Southampton's home game with Newcastle on Saturday.

It is still unclear who is at fault for this horrendous mistake, Mariner did not seem to give the penalty at first, even his Assistant gave him well.... no assistance. My bet is Anthony Taylor who was the fourth official. Mariner has taken responsibility for this an has unduly apologised. This has also been criticised by various members of FIFA who took to twitter to lambast mariner's performance.

The FA could have made a big mistake with this. Mariner is sure to be under pressure with his next game just around the corner and only time will tell if he can handle it.

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