Honest Mistakes - Week 15
An lo, without warning, emerged the pattern of non-assistance (maybe).....
Celtic played out an entertaining victory at home to Hibernian whilst the third-place challengers were off to Dingwall.
The all-seeing eye of the Yorkshire Whistler cares not for the limitations of the A9.
The impact of incorrect big calls can be evaluated using the framework outlined here -> Honest Mistakes in the SPFL.
07/12/24 Celtic vs Hibernian
Incident 1
Referee: Chris Graham
Game Minute: 30th
Score At Time: 1-0
Incident: Miller blocks a Trusty shot in the box
Outcome: No decision.
Evidence: Sportscene - Premiership Highlights 2024/25: 07/12/2024 - BBC iPlayer
At 6:19
Yorkshire Whistler Verdict:
Initial on-field decision: No decision following VAR handball check
After a low cross is delivered into the box, Miller slides in to block a Trusty shot and in the aftermath he is laid prone on the floor with his arm above his head laid down. Trusty is already on his feet and his next touch sees him play the ball against Millers' right arm. To be fair to Miller if he brings his arm down by his side this will actually bring his arm back into contact with the ball so he actually extends his arm on the floor to get away from the ball.
In the context of this particular situation, Miller can’t really put his arm anywhere else and does his best to avoid making contact with the ball. For me, no handball offence has occurred here as body shape is considered natural when accidental contact on the arm occurs.
Verdict: CORRECT decision
Expected Points Outcome: No impact
Incident 2
Referee: Chris Graham
Game Minute: 41st
Score At Time: 1-0
Incident: Engels fouls Newell
Outcome: Free kick to Hibernian and YC to Engels.
Evidence: Sportscene - Premiership Highlights 2024/25: 07/12/2024 - BBC iPlayer
At 6:47
Yorkshire Whistler Verdict:
Initial on-field decision: Foul to Hibs and YC to Engels following VAR for a possible RC offence
Engels attempts to tackle Newell who is on the floor as he has slide to play the ball. Engels mistimes the tackle and in doing so it appears that his studs come down on the calf of Newell.
Certainly a reckless challenge worthy of a caution but given the stud on calf contact, it is also reviewed as possible serious foul play (sending off offence).
We have seen other studs into calf challenges rightly penalised as a serious foul play challenge, but taking this incident into context, there are a couple of factors that point towards only a yellow card offence being committed.
Engels is stood upright with his foot coming naturally down rather than an extended leg catching a player's calf higher off the ground. He also does not bring his leg down with any real force or impact. Indeed it looks like he tries to reduce the impact by pulling his leg back just as any contact is made on Newell.
On balance, I feel the right sanction was issued. Not a sending-off offence for me.
Verdict: CORRECT decision
Expected Points Outcome: No impact
Summary
My thanks as always to the Yorkshire Whistler.
Another set of well-refereed situations. Also, another game involving The Rangers passes off without incident.
This is almost becoming a pattern of non-assistance!
This leaves the overall position thus:
Celtic have 0.46 MORE expected points, and The Rangers also have 0.46 MORE due to the impact of Honest Mistakes. So, no “advantage” for either team.
Celtic lead by 11 points after 15 matches.