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To elaborate on this topic and for those who haven’t seen it there is a staggering statistic that has been reported in the Chron regarding Breakspear “Of the eight games he’s reffed Town across the past three seasons, he’s sent off seven different players. For context, of the other 134 league games Northampton have played in the same period, they’ve had a total of just eight red cards“ For those into sums that’s 87% versus 6% red cards/matches. There are 2 possible explanations for this, complete coincidence or complete cnnt. My moneys on the latter.

Another point, knowing how much Breakspeare likes to dish out cards, in those 8 games he's reffed us, how many red cards have the opposition had ? the answer is NONE ! Must be a coincidence that our opponents are on their best behaviour. The bloke has a deep dislike of us and doesn't try to hide it, he's a d*ckhead

Chelski looking to defend the Europa League this season?

  It’s early days... But you’re probably right.

We certainly weren't great last night, but once again we looked very solid at the back and if we can keep that up we could have a good season. The spirit and passion seems to be there and we have a good defensive unit.

Excellent goal from Smith but frankly I thought the sending off was deserved. I think his first booking was for holding on to the ball while running back which is why the Stevenage goalie pushed him. Yellow card for both seems fair to me. Second yellow was a rash challenge which would have got a yellow from most refs. Both yellows totally unnecessary.

This brings me to another point. I think we are constantly pushing the gamesmanship limits when we are ahead in matches. Although all teams do it to an extent, I honestly think we're one of the worst I've seen for timewasting, holding on to the ball or kicking it away. We also show very little nouse when doing these things by holding on to the ball a bit longer than other teams or not moving away when the ref tell us when defending free kicks. We are lucky not to get more bookings like the one given to Smith yesterday. The main problem though is that I think it's counterproductive, both in attracting unnecessary bookings, getting the ref on the other team's side and winding up opposition fans, giving them a reason to get behind their team more.

Good post Madrid. I must admit our time wasting/gamesmanship actually does my head in. Like you said we're not exactly clever about it. However I'll take the win, can't believe I'm really looking forward to Saturday again, that's 2 weeks on the trot now. Hats off to the team, KC & the travelling army, well done all round. UTC.

We certainly weren't great last night, but once again we looked very solid at the back and if we can keep that up we could have a good season. The spirit and passion seems to be there and we have a good defensive unit.

Excellent goal from Smith but frankly I thought the sending off was deserved. I think his first booking was for holding on to the ball while running back which is why the Stevenage goalie pushed him. Yellow card for both seems fair to me. Second yellow was a rash challenge which would have got a yellow from most refs. Both yellows totally unnecessary.

This brings me to another point. I think we are constantly pushing the gamesmanship limits when we are ahead in matches. Although all teams do it to an extent, I honestly think we're one of the worst I've seen for timewasting, holding on to the ball or kicking it away. We also show very little nouse when doing these things by holding on to the ball a bit longer than other teams or not moving away when the ref tell us when defending free kicks. We are lucky not to get more bookings like the one given to Smith yesterday. The main problem though is that I think it's counterproductive, both in attracting unnecessary bookings, getting the ref on the other team's side and winding up opposition fans, giving them a reason to get behind their team more.

I am still of the opinion that Smiths first yellow was to put it mildly very harsh both should have been warned neither warranted a yellow.  As  for the second yellow it is easy to say it was a red; but the Stevenage players got what they wanted - Smith sent off. In other words they influenced the referee ably assisted by their player who lay in a crumpled heap but miraculously revived after  sending off. The referee showed no interest in the fallen player it was more about a red card being shown with hardly a moments hesitation. Perhaps the Stevenage player might have been booked for simulation?

Many would argue that 'his way' and his application of the Law is the correct way.
He officiates in accordance with the Law, why is he wrong?
Shouldn't the argument be for the others to have the same consistently correct approach?
The number of 'new' (and some of the old) referees we have seen this season already have not applied the Law with any consistency whatsoever, which creates more problems.
Those that know me, know that I criticise as well as defend officials, for example; the Bradford official lost control of the game to the players midway through the first half.  He would probably have been figuratively 'slaughtered' for that by his observer but in a positive manner to encourage improvement.  We'll see, the next time we have him.
Mr Breakspear is the epitome of what you are asking for but you criticise him for it?

It’s a fair point DC but my view is slightly different. Put it another way, which is preferable, players modify their style of play to suit the relevant official? Or officials try to achieve a consistent benchmark in their interpretation of the laws? I think the only realistic answer is the latter. It should be the role of officials to apply the laws impartially, fairly and consistently. The key with consistency is comparably with other officials, not solely within the confines of individual interpretation, otherwise it is not fair. It should be a fundamental part of the officials role to seek parity with the rest of their profession, not act like Dirty Harry and be the one good cop in a bad town. No, I’m afraid my view is Mr Breakspear has lost his way, because lack of consistency goes against the basic principle of application of the laws of any field. Consistency has to be applied both individually and collectively in equal measure, not severally or by definition it can’t be consistent and that goes against a primary principle in the application of any law.

You can blame the players, but you still have to say that you wonder what’s going on with the EFL allowing Breakspear to continue? He must be aware of his reputation yet he still continues to do it “his way”. Ultimately the main issue with referees and what everyone would like to see is consistency. I am afraid there should be no place in the league for referees with the mindset of Breakspear. Either that or every other referee needs to modify their approach to his, which I am sure would be his view?

Many would argue that 'his way' and his application of the Law is the correct way.
He officiates in accordance with the Law, why is he wrong?
Shouldn't the argument be for the others to have the same consistently correct approach?
The number of 'new' (and some of the old) referees we have seen this season already have not applied the Law with any consistency whatsoever, which creates more problems.
Those that know me, know that I criticise as well as defend officials, for example; the Bradford official lost control of the game to the players midway through the first half.  He would probably have been figuratively 'slaughtered' for that by his observer but in a positive manner to encourage improvement.  We'll see, the next time we have him.
Mr Breakspear is the epitome of what you are asking for but you criticise him for it?

To elaborate on this topic and for those who haven’t seen it there is a staggering statistic that has been reported in the Chron regarding Breakspear “Of the eight games he’s reffed Town across the past three seasons, he’s sent off seven different players. For context, of the other 134 league games Northampton have played in the same period, they’ve had a total of just eight red cards“ For those into sums that’s 87% versus 6% red cards/matches. There are 2 possible explanations for this, complete coincidence or complete cnnt. My moneys on the latter.

You can blame the players, but you still have to say that you wonder what’s going on with the EFL allowing Breakspear to continue? He must be aware of his reputation yet he still continues to do it “his way”. Ultimately the main issue with referees and what everyone would like to see is consistency. I am afraid there should be no place in the league for referees with the mindset of Breakspear. Either that or every other referee needs to modify their approach to his, which I am sure would be his view?

Goode.

We certainly weren't great last night, but once again we looked very solid at the back and if we can keep that up we could have a good season. The spirit and passion seems to be there and we have a good defensive unit.

Excellent goal from Smith but frankly I thought the sending off was deserved. I think his first booking was for holding on to the ball while running back which is why the Stevenage goalie pushed him. Yellow card for both seems fair to me. Second yellow was a rash challenge which would have got a yellow from most refs. Both yellows totally unnecessary.

This brings me to another point. I think we are constantly pushing the gamesmanship limits when we are ahead in matches. Although all teams do it to an extent, I honestly think we're one of the worst I've seen for timewasting, holding on to the ball or kicking it away. We also show very little nouse when doing these things by holding on to the ball a bit longer than other teams or not moving away when the ref tell us when defending free kicks. We are lucky not to get more bookings like the one given to Smith yesterday. The main problem though is that I think it's counterproductive, both in attracting unnecessary bookings, getting the ref on the other team's side and winding up opposition fans, giving them a reason to get behind their team more.