Behind the whistle, former Premier League referee Chris Foy goes through a selection of key match decisions from the latest Sky Bet League Two action.
The purpose behind the whistle is to give supporters of EFL clubs an insight into decision-making considerations and also to clarify some calls to provide an understanding of how the laws of the game are interpreted.
As part of a regular feature on Sky Sports at the end of matchday, Foy will be here to run you through some of the refereeing matters in the EFL…
Barrow 1-0 Newport County
accident: Possible Red Card (Newport County)
decision: Yellow Card Given (Newport County)
Foy says: “As the challenge comes from Newport County No. 2, the referee needs to weigh a number of factors in deciding whether or not it meets the red card threshold for serious foul play.
“First, the player steps into the challenge with an extended straight leg. He is also off the ground and, in doing so, has no control over the challenge.
“Fortunately, the Barrow player avoids the force of the challenge, and this is the reason that saves the Newport player from being sent off.
“However, by raising the foot and making a challenge with more force that endangers the opponent’s safety, this falls under the standard of serious foul play and the correct decision would be to issue a straight red card.”
Harrogate Town 3-0 Bradford City
accident: Possible Penalties – Handball (Harrogate Town)
decision: Punished (Harrogate Town)
Foy says: “This is one of the more unusual handball incidents you will see but the referee gets it absolutely right in awarding the spot kick.
“The Harrogate No. 19 makes his way into the area and tries to get the ball past the Bradford City No. 2 but is stopped in his tracks by what appears to be an arm.
“The important thing here is that, normally, there is an arm between the body and the ground because it is supporting a player who is falling to the ground, whereas, in this case, Bradford’s number 2 It seems to pull towards the ball, forming. His body is big and prevents the ball from stopping.
“The use of the arm prevents the Harrogate player from continuing his movement towards goal and the referee correctly points to the spot.”
Notts County 1-2 Salford City
accident: Possible Other Precautions (Salford City)
decision: No other caution (Salford City)
Foy says: “For me, this is a clip that shows the clear thinking and determination from the referee that Salford City’s number 9, who has already been shown a yellow card, should not be deemed to have committed another bookable offence.
“He clearly moves forward to close down the goalkeeper and as the ball is cleared off the pitch, the Notts County No.1 falls to the ground.
“The natural reaction is to assume that the Salford City number 9 catches him as the clearance is made, but as you can see, it’s actually the goalkeeper who catches the Salford man following.
“What follows is a good display of patience, as the referee does not rush into judgment and weighs all the factors. After consulting with his assistant, they come to the conclusion that it is not another bookable offense that is actually That’s right.”
Stockport County 5-0 Milton Keynes Dons
accident: Possible offside (Stockport County)
decision: Goal Awarded – Offside (Stockport County)
Foy says: “The decision to put down the flag here in the build-up to Stockport’s first goal was one of many in the game that the assistant referee took a stand on.
“At first glance, Stockport’s number 8 looked as if he was offside as the ball was played through.
“However, the camera angle with the assistant referee shows him being played on the far left touchline by an MK Dons player.
“Assuming the players in question were on the other side of the pitch, it was an excellent decision from the assistant referee.”