GRAHAM POLL

the official line

THE Community Shield is always seen by referees as a chance to set the scene for the season. For me the red card for Pedro was a strong but justifiable decision, while Bobby Madley’s yellow card for Willian was wrong. The big decision was, of course, the dismissal of Pedro — the punishment for his late, studsled challenge down the back of Mohamed Elneny’s achilles (right) was surprising given that last season such tackles usually resulted in a yellow card. However it was from behind, meaning the Arsenal man’s safety could have been endangered. The caution for Willian, for simulation, was a fascinating one. At first it looked like a dive but replays showed that an accidental contact meant Willian was off balance and clipped himself, causing his fall. It wasn’t a penalty or a dive.