Fourth Official

[Spikefaethesouth]

It was clearly evident that at the game yesterday Lyle was sent off on the word of the fourth official as Madden was busy booking Miller at the time. This got me thinking as to how often there is a fourth official at games in the Championship? Is it correct that it only occurs when the game is televised live and if this is the case then why should this be the case? I can only assume it is to ensure that the added time is displayed clearly towards the end of the first half and the end of the game for the benefit of the viewers and commentators, stuff the punters at the game.
So if the game had not been live on the TV Lyle would never have been sent off in the first instance as the referee clearly missed the incident. This surely cannot be regarded as being fair-please discuss!!!

[Palmyman]

Certainly it seems a strange rule if true but there was a 4th official last Tuesday in the cup game v Morton - a David Lowe

[WangKer]

its not the fact whether there is, or it not, a 4th official present that's the issue.

Its the fact that THIS 4th official was an absolute nob and wanted to make a for himself.

Massive respect to Mark Warburton who defended Lyle and described it as very harsh.

[DouglasQOS]

Looked at it several times and it was never a sending off, if you see the close up it's the rangers player that puts his against Lyle's forehead first. If they thought there was anything in it both players should have been treated the same.

[nithvalley]

Sorry guys, but it's a clear sending off by the letter of the law.

I saw it live from the other side of the pitch and Lyle most definitely moved his head in a forward motion, the Rangers player did not make the same movement. TV footage confirms what I saw at the time.

I am not a Pro footballer or ref but like many others do watch games on TV and have seen countless similar situations where any player who makes such a move is red-carded. All players should take note.

This is no case of Rangers bias, I can't stand all that OF nonsense, Lyle by his actions gave the official (s) a decision to make and ultimately paid the price.

I am not a fan of Crawford Allan either - Challenge Cup Final Pen. NOT - but most weeks people complain when the 4th official does not get involved and question why they are there so you could say he was just doing his job on this occasion.

Let's hope this is a learning experience for all concerned.

[WangKer]

Its what you call being a jobsworth. Take a look at what Robert Huth did in the premier league at the weekend. Blasted a ball towards an opponents head when play had stopped and then raised his hands to another opponent seconds later. Definate red card behaviour, unpunished.

Sometimes officials are allowed to apply common sense to the laws. Yes players have responsibilities, but officials also have responsibilities not to ruin a good football match and that 4th official did just that. He needed to be big enough to handle the occassion.

He wasn't doing his job. He was making a for himself. If even the opposition manager said it was harsh that tells you everything you need to know.

[shugg1e1919]

"This is no case of Rangers bias, I can't stand all that OF nonsense, Lyle by his actions gave the official (s) a decision to make and ultimately paid the price."

Whilst I agree that Lyle has given the 4th official a decision to make, unfortunately the official in this instance has only made half a decision. Kiernan, who was not involved in the original incident, has walked aggressively towards Lyle placing his head against the Queen's player's head and clearly was the instigator of that particular incident. However the 4th official has chosen to completely ignore Kiernan's actions.
Lyle as an experienced pro clearly should not have acted the way he did, but, he was the victim of the original act yet the perpetrator walked away scot free. Not correct in my opinion.

[palmylad]

Derek Lyle wins his appeal


We are delighted to confirm that at a Disciplinary Tribunal convened today to consider the appeal launched by the club and Derek Lyle against his red card against Rangers, the claim for Wrongful Dismissal was upheld and reduced to a caution for adopting a threatening and / or aggressive attitude.

It follows that the two match suspension originally given to Derek is now set aside and he will be available to face Raith Rovers on Saturday.

[Tam_o_Terregles]

I am still fizzing that myself and all other QoS paying customers had the second half ruined by this guy. What team does he support? The bias was obvious at the time since Kiernan was allowed to cause the incident and walked away unpunished, once he had done his job. It was the equivalent of scoring for Rangers. I hope that official is ashamed ( but I doubt it).

[johnny_dumfries]

I take it the 4th official will escape any kind of punishment for his mistake !!!!!