A thrilling battle for Champions League football yesterday between Southampton and Liverpool was marred by an abysmal refereeing display from Kevin Friend. The Reds eventually won the game 2-0 but this was after some of the worst decisions we’ve seen all year.
Friend clearly didn’t want to give a penalty during the game as he turned down three appeals in the first-half, before then missing a handball outside the area from Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet and strangely electing not to book Emre Can for a very poor tackle.
Whilst Southampton fans will feel aggrieved, it wasn’t just them who were upset by the referees performance as Liverpool had a number of bizarre incidents concerning them too, most notably when Raheem Sterling was denied a penalty.
With Twitter once again frustrated by more poor refereeing, it was no surprise to see a lot of criticism towards the Premier League official.
Nothing worse than a referee who always takes the easy option. Awful game from Kevin Friend.
— The Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) February 22, 2015
How many gin & tonics can Kevin Friend drink during half time?
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) February 22, 2015
If Kevin Friend loves the beautiful game, then he will do the decent thing and resign this evening. Most shocking 45 minute display.
— Isaac Gallows (@23__Football) February 22, 2015
Stewards straight out to Kevin Friend at half-time. Worst refereeing display I have seen in many a year.
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) February 22, 2015
Kevin Friend has had to make three penalty decisions. So far he has only got one of them right.
— Dominic Campbell (@dom_campbell) February 22, 2015
At least Kevin Friend is consistently bad. Clear foul on Sterling in box. But refs never give him anything.
— Paul Tomkins (@paul_tomkins) February 22, 2015
Kevin Friend and Martin Akinson went to the same school of referring clearly.
— l3ahpar (@l3ahpar) February 22, 2015
Kevin Friend being incompetent once again. He doesn’t like red and white stripes much.
— Andy (@SAFCsource) February 22, 2015
