Dermot Gallagher, a former Premier League referee, is responsible for the rule over major incidents at the weekend. He disagrees with Jurgen Klopp and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Klopp was happy to see his Liverpool team win a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Burnley, but he was not pleased with some of the Clarets challenges during the match. He criticized rule changes that, while intended to allow the game to flow, could lead the game into "wrestling".
Solskjaer shared his thoughts after Manchester United were held to an 1-1 draw by Southampton. He warned that football should not become "rugby" following the aggrieved Saints opener. This was after a perceived foul against Bruno Fernandes.
Use Chrome browser to access a better video player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that there were many positives in his team's performance. However, his team needed to have 'better responses' after certain decisions against them in their 1-1 draw with Southampton in the Premier League
Gallagher stated, "I'm quite surprised" during Ref Watch on Sky Sports News.
"We were impressed by how everyone accepted the Euros, and how they were played. I believe the Premier League has learned so much from them and have adapted many things. It was full of praise last week for the way the game was played, but I didn't notice any difference this weekend.
"There was a greater tolerance for physical challenges, and penalty shouts were not given that would be given last year." That's what I believed people wanted."
Use Chrome browser to access a better video player Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, says that there are still questions about allowing the game flow.
Gallagher stated that the St Mary's incident, in which Fernandes claimed he was fouled prior to Fred's goal, was not a foul given the refereeing process.
"From minute one to 90, that's the way the referee allowed it to flow; he permitted that type of challenge.
"This one was identified based on the consequences, not the challenge itself. Craig Pawson seemed to have a good threshold and balance.
For a better video player, please use Chrome browser. Dermot Gallagher, former Premier League referee, discusses whether Bruno Fernandes got fouled during the build-up to Southampton's goal against Manchester United.
It's how you win a ball. You can get in the back of someone to win the ball. However, I do not believe this was a foul.
"If that was in his penalty box, I don’t think a foul would have been given. That's strong, solid defending would be the consensus of everyone."
What about all the other major incidents in the Premier League this weekend. For Dermot's view, read on...
For a better video player, please use Chrome browser. Dermot Gallagher, former Premier League referee, discusses whether Aston Villa received a penalty for handball during their win over Newcastle.
INCIDENT: Aston Villa were penalized for Jamaal Lascelles' handball. Play was halted after a VAR inspection.
DERMOT'S CONCLUSION: I believe it's a punishment. It falls within the category where we stated that we would never eliminate the grey area, but we are working to reduce it. We said that if your arm is too far away from your body, and the ball hits it, you will be penalized. This is a risk you know. It wasn't surprising to me that the VAR instructed the referee not to look.
Use Chrome browser to access a better video player. FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Aston Villa's victory against Newcastle United
INCIDENT: Callum Wilson was pushed to the ground by Emi Martinez, Villa goalkeeper. However, VAR declared Wilson offside.
DERMOT'S CONCLUSION: Because the lines didn't overlap in the first place, offside was awarded. The offside decision did not automatically exonerate the goalkeeper, as he had committed reckless acts. He was therefore given a yellow card from the referee. It's fair that the tackle is still subjected to disciplinary action. Otherwise, it's a get out-of-jail-card card for the offside player.
Use Chrome browser to access a better video player. FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Leeds United's draw with Everton
INCIDENT: Everton receive a penalty from VAR after Liam Cooper was punished for fouling Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
DERMOT'S CONCLUSION: Could he have seen this in red? It could be. He was saved by the fact that Calvert-Lewin was not in possession. Cooper could not have been dismissed for refusing a goal scoring opportunity.
INCIDENT: Patrick Bamford falls under YerryMina's challenge, but there is no Leeds penalty.
DERMOT'S CONCLUSION: This is not the same foul. I believe the players are intertwined. Cooper wraps Calvert-Lewin's arms around Calvert, but Bamford is heading into Mina. I believe they are both guilty.
Use Chrome browser to access a better video player. FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Tottenham's victory against Wolves
INCIDENT: Tottenham receive a penalty after Dele Alli is knocked down by Jose Sa.
DERMOT'S CONCLUSION: It was. Dele Alli's smart move is to get the ball out of the goalkeeper's reach and then he flips the ball around and collides with him. This was always going to happen.
INCIDENT: Wolves demand a penalty for Nelson Semedo's fall under Oliver Skipp's challenge, but they are denied.
DERMOT'S CONCLUSION: I ask for consistency. In different situations this weekend, referees reached the same conclusion: there was a coming together but not necessarily foul.
Use Chrome browser to access a better video player. FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Chelsea's win over Arsenal
INCIDENT: Bukayo Saka falls in the box, but Reece James is on top of it. No penalty is imposed.
DERMOT'S WRITTEN VERDICT: I was immediately struck by this image and thought, "penalty". After I saw the replay, it made me think, "Maybe not". It's not, I think. It's a coming together. James is ahead so he has the advantage. Saka nearly comes into him. It's almost like Saka is coming into him.
Use Chrome browser to access a better video player. FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Liverpool's win over Burnley
INCIDENT: Klopp was not happy with Burnley's tackling. Sean Dyche believed Trent Alexander-Arnold had to pay a penalty for Dwight McNeil.
DERMOT'S VERDICT: Again, Alexander-Arnold is on the ball-winning side and they are shoulder-to-shoulder. It's not a tackle; it is holding the ground. It is not a foul.
Use Chrome browser to access a better video player. Highlights of Manchester City's win over Norwich
INCIDENT: Man City's goal is disallowed after Bernando Silva was penalised for fouling in the build-up Ferran Torres goal. Did there not enough contact?
DERMOT'S CONCLUSION: I thought so. The VAR is doing a great job here, I believe. It's obvious that the Norwich players believe it's foul right away, and the ref will send it to the screen.
