SoccerBible Debate - Officials biaised at Old Trafford! - 24/09/09
Every week the SoccerBible likes to stoke the fires of debate, and after Manchester United's controversial victory last weekend it has emerged the Premier League champions benefit from more injury time when they most need it, so what should be done?
Sir Alex Ferguson may boast his team score more late goals than any other side in the world, but the fact is they get extra help from the referees!
A study (conducted by the Guardian newspaper and Opta) looking at Manchester United at Old Trafford since the 2006/07 season discovered, on average, officials add an extra minute of injury time when United are either losing or drawing, compared with when they are in the lead.
In 2006-07, United were winning 15 times on entering stoppage time and referees added an average 194.53sec. In the four games when United were not winning there was an average of 217.25sec. The following year the disparity was greater, Opta's figures showing an average 178.29sec added when United were winning and 254.5sec when they were not. And last season the difference was 187.71sec compared to 258.6sec!
With the pattern continuing for the start of the 2009/10 season, we're asking should something be done, can anything be done, or is everyone who isn't a United fan just bitter!?...
