Cast your mind back to the last time Cardiff City played Premier League football and what comes to mind? The diabolical red kit or maybe the home win against Swansea? How about Malky’s sacking or the disastrous appointment of the baby faced assassin who killed the Bluebirds; Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?
Some of you will no doubt remember the controversial Samuel Eto’o goal given at Stamford Bridge, where he illegally stole the ball from Bluebirds ‘keeper David Marshall to set up Eden Hazard for a disputed equaliser. That’s where this weeks “Nini-Man in the Middle” comes in, arise Sir Antony Taylor…
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This weekend sees the Bluebirds play the Gunners in their second home game of the season. We could well be seeing yet another controversial match played out at the Cardiff City Stadium, as the game will be overseen by the man who was “rested” by the referees association for the wrong decision that allowed Chelsea to equalise against Cardiff City.
Anthony Taylor is a highly experienced Premier League and UEFA referee that has overseen over 10 Champions League matches, including qualifying games. He also isn’t renowned for issuing red cards, see below for an overview of his Premier League stats.
- 197 games refereed
- 685 yellow cards issued (an average of 3.47 yellows per game)
- 19 straight red cards
- 45 penalties awarded
His vast experience should mean he is unmoved by the home crowd’s appeals and whilst yellow cards are a staple feature of his matches, don’t expect to see too many red cards. He has only issued one in the 38 Premier League matches he oversaw last season.
I doubt Warnock will mention the Eto’o incident, but who knows. Maybe he will feel he owes the Bluebirds one.
Let’s be honest, we could do with all the help he can offer!
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