Ref was right to turn down Town’s shout for a penalty

FORMER Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has given his ‘expert’ opinion on a potential penalty shout for

Town in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal.

Following a Town corner, 25 minutes into the first half, the ball came out to Jason Puncheon on the edge of the 18-yard box.

The midfielder volleyed it towards goal, but the shot was blocked by a combination of Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny’s thigh and right arm.

As the Frenchman went down clutching his midriff, Town players and fans immediately appealed for a penalty – but referee Jonathon Moss waved play on.

Reviewing the incident on Sky Sport News’ ref watch, Dermot Gallagher said: “Well, I actually think it hits his thigh first and bounces off.”

Gallagher was then challenged by the programme’s presenter, Rob Wotton, who asked: “Would the ball have gone through without his arm being there?”

To which Gallagher responded: “The fact that it’s come off another part of his body and hits his arm, you can’t give a penalty because it’s not gone directly to the arm.

“So the referee would say it’s a deflection that’s gone to him rather than he’s blocked the ball off.”

Gallagher continued: “The other thing you would say is his arm is in front of his body anyhow, so if his arm wasn’t there it would hit his body.”

The former ref was joined by ex-Premier League footballer, Kevin Nolan, and Cardiff defender Sol Bamba on the Monday lunchtime programme.

Both agreed that it was not a penalty to Town, with Bamba joking that he does that every week. TOWN fans were much happier with the performance of Jan Siewert’s men on Saturday despite their side suffering a seventh straight home defeat against Arsenal.

Goals from Alex Iwobi and Alexandre Lacazette did for Town, despite a late own goal or Karlan Grant strike for the Terriers.

Here’s what a selection of fans commented on ExaminerLive:

An encouraging more positive attacking performance from Town.

Conceded two soft goals but defensively quite solid. Grant should really have been given more opportunity ahead of Depoitre.

Despite another defeat we kept going as a team and deserved a goal showing some signs of improvement and hopefully finish the season stronger and pick up some points.

Good performance, improved passages of attacking play, kept Terrier Spirit going even after going two goals down and having to overcome usual refereeing decisions.

Good performance from the rarely-used players, Diakhaby deserving of man of the match – imagine what he could do if his right leg was as good – closely followed by Bacuna.

Ok, it’s only one match and no real pressure on, but we attacked and good signs are there – plus we got a goal!

Town were probably the better team overall, particularly in the second half.

With luck they should have earned a draw against an Arsenal team that did not match the other top flight sides we have met this season.

All our players showed a drive and commitment which has not been as evident over recent weeks.

There was more forward movement and less back-passing, which got the crowd enthused.

Diakhaby looked to have real pace and promise deserving his goal and MOM award. This should do wonders for season ticket sales.

Refreshing to see the team trying to play forward and down the wings much more than in the cautious displays earlier in the season.

On a day when we had lots of attempts to cross from near the corners, and Diakhaby was a big threat. It’s a pity we didn’t play a tall striker for the first hour. But it was an improvement – and we saw a goal! Arsenal always looked threatening on the break especially in first half. Town much better in the second half and deserved the goal late in the game. Diakhaby’s best game so far.

A much better performance. A refreshing change to see town adopting a more positive approach under the new manager. Still a little reluctant to shoot at times but all in all a very good effort. Deserved more. some time. Long may it continue!

The buzz was back in the ground at the final whistle.

Had more possession than Arsenal. Pleasing performances by Bacuna and Diakhaby but Hogg was the real star with superbly timed tackles and interceptions.

It is always difficult when once again the referee favours the ‘big’ southern teams.

Much better display from Town and with a bit of luck and the referee giving us a blatant penalty we would have had at least a draw.

Still do not understand why we went into the game without a striker and it was a good game for Grant who made a difference with 10 minutes to go.

There is more attacking intent now but the balance still isn’t right. However, if the improvement continues we will pick up points and provided we keep the team together all is looking up for next season.

Please use at least one striker is my only criticism.

Town were unlucky. They were the better team even if they could not finish off some of their attacking moves.

Diakhaby brilliant and Grant looks like he knows where the goal is. At last, hope springs eternal.