Sean McGuire: What do England fans base expectations on?

Nov 29 2007 by Sean McGuire, Liverpool Daily Post

Riley’s role in defeat

REFEREE Mike Riley is to blame for England’s failure to reach Euro 2008.

Obviously he is not solely at fault but he – and his refereeing colleagues – are far more complicit than several others, such as the Wembley groundstaff, who have been tarnished with the blame.

And the reason for his complicity was obvious during last Sunday’s match between West Ham and Tottenham, which he refereed.

The game hinged largely on Robbie Keane’s penalty box tumble which didn’t result in either a penalty for Tottenham or a red card for West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green.

I think he acted correctly in keeping his cards in his pocket.

But he should have been reaching for them moments later after the hysterical reaction of Keane and his fellow Hotspurs.

Riley was harangued for the remainder of the half and was still getting comments as he came out at the start of the second half.

But he should have stamped it out as soon as Keane sprinted towards him shouting.

It goes without saying that derogatory comments followed in the post-match interviews from coaches and commentators.

There was little mention of the fact that Keane should have scored from his chance regardless of Green’s involvement.

Or of Green – widely touted as a future England number one – and his rash decision to rush from his line that did lead to Tottenham’s equaliser.

The ridiculous focus on officials and their decisions means there is little discussion of technique, except in the biennial discussion of the national team's failings.

But for his failure to take action when it was so clearly demanded, Mr Riley must accept his share of the blame.