Click to enlarge and debate the strip below the line. Thanks for all the questions in 2015; the Ref returns in the new year. Happy Christmas!
Keith Hackett’s verdict
1) His mind tricks won’t work on you – you’re an elite Premier League Select Group referee, subject to regular physical and mental testing. The force is with you. Tell him to leave the technical area, and warn him you’ll include details of his misconduct in your post-match report. If he gives you any backchat, try a warning swipe with your standard-issue FA lightsaber.
David Webb wins the signed artwork.
2) First, call Mr Tickle over: he’s guilty of deliberate unsporting behaviour, so it’s a yellow card and a reprimand. He can also expect additional FA sanctions for making unwanted advances towards opponents. Second, have a quiet word with Mr Bump. The poor lad is guilty of nothing more than innocent clumsiness, rather than deliberate foul play. It’s really down to his manager to realise that, given his erratic performance, his low self-esteem and the risk that he could hurt himself or others, it might be wise to make a change. Thanks to Keith Mason.
3) Poor refereeing. You should have been aware of this risk before kick-off as part of your standard pre-game checks. As it is, you have to treat this as an intervention by an outside agent: rule the goal out, and restart with a dropped ball, taken from right underneath where it hit Rudolph. Thanks to Dan Davies.
