Veteran FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg has joined the penalty talking points but Southampton fans will be left dismayed by his one-sided stance.
So far, the first Championship gameweek has overseen two spot-kicks, and those who caught a glimpse of Southampton's victory know there should have been two more. Even if other fans stay ignorant, Saints will attest that all their nail-biting moments will have been saved had the referees turned up better at St. Mary's.
Whenever such hot topics stir up, renowned officials play senior match judges and often try to cover up the actions of the standing referees. For yesterday's why and why-not's, experienced FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg came to the forefront but instead, left Southampton fans more furious than clear.
Clattenburg disregards Southampton's penalties while adding to Wrexham's
As quoted by The Wrexham Insider, Clattenburg sympathised with Wrexham not getting an extra man advantage: "A push in the back is not a genuine attempt to play the ball so therefore the only other thing that can save Edwards from a red card is a covering defender."
Honestly, the penalty whistle was correct and the 22-year-old Saint deserved some extra consequences, but what about the visitor's antics inside the box? There were handballs and player-pulls not evaluated appropriately, and if defenders should be made to overpay as above, then it's fair to acknowledge that Southampton were denied twice.
And that's when keeping any extra Wrexham bookings out of question. In spite of that, the first thing on Clattenburg's mind is the losing camp not being compensated enough.
It's not only about Saturday, the former FIFA man has had a contentious past with Southampton and Adam Lallana above all. Hence, it can be hoped that Saints never have to engage with doubtful calls and one-sided explanations.