Inside the Referee's Mind: Chris Foy Reveals Controversial EFL Decisions Involving Bradford City, Mansfield Town, and Newport County

Chris Foy, former Premier League referee, is back with Behind the Whistle, where he analyzes crucial match decisions from League Two action over the weekend. The ultimate goal of Behind the Whistle is to offer EFL club supporters an understanding of the decision-making process and provide clarification on specific calls, shedding light on the interpretation of the laws of the game.

As part of a regular feature on We following the conclusion of a matchday, Foy will be here to run you through some refereeing matters in the EFL…

Sky Bet League Two

Bradford 1-1 Grimsby

Decision: Penalty not awarded - Caution for simulation (Bradford)

The referee's decision was commendable, especially considering it occurred in added time during the second half when the scores were tied.

The player on the offense enters the penalty area and falls to the ground, but in my opinion, no contact was made. The defender does not attempt to challenge, and taking into account the attacker's actions, the referee made the right call by cautioning the player for simulation.

Accrington 0-3 Mansfield

Incident: Potential penalty (Mansfield)

Decision: Penalty not awarded (Mansfield)

Foy says: I think the defending player can count himself very fortunate to have not conceded a penalty for handball in this incident.

The defender, who had traveled a long way to obstruct the cross, leaps with his arm raised above his shoulder, clearly extending it away from his body to increase his size unnaturally. This action obstructs the ball from passing him, and in my opinion, a penalty should have been given.

Crawley 4-1 Newport

Incident: Potential goal scored (Newport)

Decision: The goal is disallowed due to offside (Newport).

Foy explains: Newport's No 9, who is in an offside position, scores a goal after receiving the ball played by Newport's No 33. The assistant referee raises the flag to signal an offside offense.

The crucial factor in this decision is that the touch by the Crawley defender before reaching the final goal scorer (Newport No 9) is deemed an 'uncontrolled action' and classed as a deflection rather than an intentional move ('controlled action').

Consequently, when the ball comes to the eventual Newport goal scorer, who was in an offside position when a teammate (Newport No 33) last touched/played the ball, he is rightfully penalized for being offside.