Madley got it badly wrong on the handball decision that proved pivotal
It was obvious to everyone watching that this game hinged on a pivotal decision in the build-up to the opening goal – and the referee got it wrong.
Clearly, the ball from Nemanja Matic was played from distance and Ander Herrera had both hands outstretched in an unnatural position when it hit him. Therefore it was deliberate handball. It is amazing that, despite being in a good position to see it, referee Bobby Madley failed to penalise Herrera. It was a huge decision and frankly a pretty easy one that you would expect a referee at this level to get right.
Madley made a big error and sometimes when that happens it can have a huge impact. The momentum can go out of a side’s game and they will lose motivation. The Chelsea players know better than anyone that Jose Mourinho is a one-goal specialist, so allowing play to continue and United to score has had a big influence on the outcome.
Who knows? It may even influence the outcome of the title race. A big game in a big stadium like this demands concentration, alertness and awareness from a referee. They have to ensure they do not get wrapped up in the occasion and they maintain the confidence to make big decisions.
On this occasion Madley was trusted with a big game and he has missed an opportunity to enhance his growing reputation.
There was another incident just after half-time. Gary Cahill’s tackle on Marouane Fellaini resulted in the defender receiving a yellow card, but there is no doubt that it should have been a red for serious foul play.
Cahill has come in at speed, he is out of control and he has made contact with the player. Madley has clearly seen it and therefore he has to apply the law, which he has not done correctly. It is serious foul play, so it is a red, not a yellow.
In fact, throughout the match, there were many times when Madley showed a lack of game management. Basic refereeing dictates that you are there to manage players, show authority and control them. What you do not do is show a yellow card to the back of the player who is ignoring you, like Madley did to Diego Costa in the first half.
The referee has to orchestrate the game. He could easily have shown a yellow to Costa’s face and then informed him that he wants an improvement.
Big games of this nature expose referees’ weaknesses and Madley has to learn from his performance. A lot of refereeing is basic and he has not done it properly. Keith Hackett is a former referee and resident expert on You-Are-The-Ref.com