Premier League matchweek 26: 5 most controversial decisions

The Premier League was full of big refereeing decisions this weekend. These were the five most controversial.

Refereeing errors have been forever part of the game, and they generally have a way of evening out over time (or not, depending which fanbase you ask). However, some of the decisions made of late seem to go beyond simple human error, begging the question as to whether there should be any consequences for missed decisions by refs. Here’s a look at some of the more questionable calls made by refereeing crews in Premier League matchweek 26.

Tottenham’s first penalty

Liverpool and Tottenham were seemingly headed to a 1-1 tie with five minutes to go when Dejan Lovren’s missed attempt to clear the ball resulted in a loose ball straight into Harry Kane’s open path to goal. Although Kane seemed to be offside, referee Jon Moss considers Lovren’s missed clearance a pass, resulting in Kane being played onside. That portion of the play is the less controversial part. What follows is a blatant dive from Kane, as Spurs’ top scorer plays the ball past Loris Karius but far out of reach to continue his run. At that point, Kane’s decision becomes easy — make a meal out of any contact and hope for the best.

Karius makes an honest attempt to block the ball, but once the ball goes out of reach, Kane initiates contact with the Liverpool goalie. Despite all that, there doesn’t appear to be any contact at all. Kane’s reaction is that of a man who had just been shot in the back and Jon Moss falls for it after “consulting” with his linesman.

You have to wonder whether, if anyone else but the English golden boy featured in this play, the refereeing decision would have been so generous given the blatant dive.