Unveiling the Referee's Verdict: Chris Foy Decodes Controversial EFL Calls; Millwall, Plymouth, and Stevenage Under Scrutiny

Former Premier League referee Chris Foy presents Behind the Whistle, where he analyzes significant match decisions from recent Sky Bet Championship, League One, and League Two matches. The objective of the show is to offer EFL club supporters an inside look into the factors that go into decision-making, as well as provide clarification on specific calls in order to enhance their understanding of how the rules of the game are interpreted.

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 Championship

West Brom 0-0 Millwall

Incident: Potential penalty (Millwall)

Decision: Penalty awarded (Millwall)

Foy commends the referee for making a commendable decision in real-time when faced with the challenge of making a call in a crowded penalty area where the corner is flicked on in an aerial challenge.

Both players can be seen earnestly competing for the ball, but right before the final moment, it becomes evident that the left arm of the West Brom defender is intentionally raised above head height and makes definite contact with the ball. It is indeed a decisive and accurate judgment to grant the penalty kick.

Plymouth Argyle 6-2 Norwich City

Incident: Goal scored - potential offside (Plymouth Argyle)

Decision: Goal awarded (Plymouth Argyle)

Foy says: This decision relates to Argyle's No 9 and the officials' judgement around his potential impact on the Norwich City defender No 6.

Sky Bet League One

Cheltenham Town 0-3 Stevenage

Incident: Goal scored - potential offside (Stevenage)

Decision: Goal awarded (Stevenage)

The decision becomes even more challenging for the assistant referee due to the numerous touches made by different players within the box. To assist in making a judgment, we can refer to the markings of the six-yard box. It appears that the second-to-last opponent (Cheltenham Town No 5) is positioned at a slight angle, slightly deeper than if he were facing directly forward. Without the aid of technology, it is not possible to determine with complete certainty, but it appears to be a well-judged decision by the assistant to allow the goal.

Sky Bet League Two

Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Gillingham

Incident: Goal scored - awarding of an indirect free-kick (Doncaster Rovers)

The referee, Foy, confirms that a goal has been awarded to Doncaster Rovers. He emphasizes that he had a clear view of the Gillingham defender's intentional action to pass the ball with his foot towards his own goalkeeper. Consequently, when the goalkeeper then touches the ball with his hands, he is penalized for what is commonly referred to as a 'back pass'.

The correct call was made to award an indirect free-kick, and Doncaster Rovers subsequently capitalized on it. Such occurrences are rare nowadays, highlighting the referee's attentiveness in this situation.

Harrogate Town 3-2 Salford City

Incident: Potential penalty (Harrogate Town)

Decision: Penalty awarded (Harrogate Town)

Foy asserts that while contact is evident in the challenge, he is uncertain if it meets the criteria for a penalty kick. Based on the available footage, he suggests the need for greater certainty regarding the significance of the defender's contact and whether a foul has indeed occurred. This falls under the category of a subjective decision, which the referee is in a favorable position to adjudicate.