The referees in the Premier League are doing themselves no favours this season at all. They’ve been heavily criticized for a host of disputable decisions throughout the campaign, and the situation surrounding Brighton’s disallowed goal against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday is right up there with the worst of them, bringing controversy ahead of the football for what feels like a millionth time.
A free-kick was given to the sea-gulls in the 28th minute, some 20+ yards from the West Brom goal. Referee Lee Mason marked the position of the wall on the ground and, not waiting for WBA goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to finish directing the players in the wall, gave Brighton captain Lewis Dunk permission to take it. Seeing that Johnstone was still standing by the near post and shouting instructions, Dunk placed his shot to the far side of the goal and into the back of the net. But Mason blew his whistle for a second time during the flight of the ball, which left everyone confused.
Quarrels broke out immediately, and Mason initially allowed the goal to stand, but he then changed his decision at an intervention from VAR and told Dunk to retake the free-kick.
Needless to say, Dunk and his teammates weren’t impressed, and they ended up losing the game 1-0.
It’s worth noting that Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo was fined £25,000 earlier this season for openly criticizing Lee Mason for his inability to officiate a game properly.
🗣"It is embarrassing, a horrendous decision, he blew his whistle and I took it, why don't he come speak to the press, never, they hide behind their bubble"
A furious Lewis Dunk says Lee Mason's decision to disallow Brighton's free-kick was embarrassing#WBABRI pic.twitter.com/O3PIJuNGll
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 27, 2021
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