It was nice watching a game at Anfield with a competent referee for once.
12 Likes
I thought he did really well. Not just the decisions, but his interpersonal skills seemed to be there when there was any chance of tempers becoming flared.
Quite refreshing really.
8 Likes
I think it is always important to reflect on the playersā behavior. This was a game with very little shithousery, and that always makes the refās life easier. I hate to say it, but I imagine that is part of why a clearly decent side is making such a poor run at staying up this season.
But credit where credit is due. He didnt over react to the Darwin incident and where another ref would jumped at the opportunity to brandish some cards with bravado making themselves center stage, you could see him first response was to lower the temperature. That is good reffing.
8 Likes
edit
2 Likes
Who is referee Lewis Smith? The Premier League newcomer in charge of Liverpool vs Southampton
Lewis Smith will take charge of his first Premier League game at Anfield on Saturday afternoon when Liverpool host rock-bottom Southampton.
Lewis Smith will referee Liverpool in the Premier League for the first time when they take on Southampton this weekend. The Reds return to top-flight action at Anfield on Saturday afternoon (3pm) and know victory over the Saints will keep them at least 13 points clear of second-placed Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
However, for Saturday afternoonās match there will be an unfamiliar name in charge of the game with Smith taking charge of a Premier League fixture at Anfield for the first time. The 31-year-old, who hails from Wigan, made his top-flight debut last February when he officiated Aston Villaās trip to Fulham.
Smith, though, has refereed the Reds already this term, taking charge of Januaryās FA Cup victory over Accrington Stanley. When taking charge of a Premier League clash for the first time back in February 2024, Smith became the youngest referee (30) to officiate in the top-flight since Michael Oliver in 2010.
The Wigan Post claims that Smithās promotion in 2024 came just 10 months after he was officiating in the National League, which is the fifth tier of English football. Smith was one of five new faces to referee in the Premier League last season, following in the footsteps of Sam Allison, Sam Barrott, Josh Smith and Rebecca Welch.
6 Likes
Missed this one but watched the full game there!
Very much a game of two halves for us. We were dreadful first half. However, we raised the bar second half.
Title glory edging closer!
YNWA
2 Likes
We werenāt brillant or dreadful in the first half.
1 Like
We just didnāt have any intensity really felt a bit lazy but yeah stepped up second half.
One of the highest expected goals anyhow Iāve seen which is 4.11.
3 Likes
Hoped for result,very good second half thought didnāt think the first was all that shabby,either.
Nice to see a ref doing a good job without making himself the centre of attention,didnāt seem to cause any gratuitous carry on from the players.
Well done!
3 Likes
Yeah, we werenāt dreadful. It was pretty much what I expected after the drama in midweek, apart from Virgilās brainfart obviously.
4 Likes
I saw the highlights on MOTD and was surprised that the goal wasnt disallowed for the foul on the keeper, that seemed to me to be a bigger factor than anything Virgil did wrong
6 Likes
I am now so looking forward to our next PL match Vs the blueshite. I am going to be there to celebrate our title win early at the best possible match 
6 Likes
This helps my confidence a lot.
2 Likes
I know. I do that to people
2 Likes
Agree it was a clear foul on Ali. He was barged so missed the ball. Strange it was not even mentioned.
2 Likes
its no foul on Aliā¦
i mean that in the context that no keeper should be given that as a foulā¦games gone soft type of thingā¦
cant be relying on that as a foul, should be stronger
3 Likes
I agree. It would have been harsh to give it.
Fact is Virgil should have put it into Row Z.
4 Likes
It looks offside from that challenge then as the Soton man challenges Ali it hits his foot and goes forward to Smallbone who is in front of him and offside. Ive watched it 4 times and it looks that way.
2 Likes
I think it is a foul on Ali by the way the game is refereed today.
I donāt necessarily think it should be, and generally goalkeepers get way too much protection.
1 Like