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#Post#: 46141--------------------------------------------------
Dean Whitestone (Birmingham City v WBA)
DIR By: bradj123
Date: April 3, 2022, 12:25 pm
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I was at St Andrews for Birmingham City v WBA today. I am a
Birmingham fan but, as you'll see on here, I have left reviews
on a range of largely SG2 and National List referees in the past
- both positive and negative - at various stadiums.
Birmingham won so this isn't sour grapes - just an honest
assessment on a referee I had never seen live before.
I think Mr Whitestone lacked authority in what was a physical
game and was extremely lenient, which I felt led to various
flashpoints - and again these were poorly handled. There were
three bookings, two of which came after one flashpoint involving
Callum Robinson and Lyle Taylor. I felt there were cases for
more bookings (largely for acts of dissent and delaying the
restart for both sides but at least Mr Whitestone was
consistent) but again it showed a lack of authority. There were
several big personalities on the field - and Mr Whitestone, I
think, let the likes of Jake Livermore (particularly), Taylor
and Kyle Bartley boss him.
If I was an Albion fan, I must say I'd feel aggrieved at the
penalty call, which was the difference in a drab 1-0. Chucho
Hernandez crossed low from the byline and it struck Conor
Townsend, who was probably five yards, at most, away. Fans
appealed, players less so and to my surprise Mr Whitestone
pointed to the spot. Now, I'm not sure what Townsend could have
done and it didn't appear he moved his arm to be in an unnatural
position.
And, to support my previous point, when the pen was awarded it
must have taken at least one minute for it to be taken - because
of protestations from Albion players, which Mr Whitestone didn't
handle well. He needed to be firmer because, at this stage, the
likes of Livermore were persisting to delay and intimidate
Taylor, who was poised to hit the penalty. No cards were awarded
but it might have made a point.
I felt Albion should have had a penalty themselves for handball
on three minutes. A throw-in came into the box and Gary Gardner
jumped leading with his hand, the ball struck it but Mr
Whitestone bizarrely awarded a free-kick in Birmingham's favour.
He indicated handball but he'd missed the player whom it hit.
Steve Bruce was furious and this set the tone I'm afraid.
The leniency on foul detection angered both sets of fans. It was
fairly cynical ones too, which denied breakaways, that I really
can't see his justification for ignoring. He certainly had
little sympathy for the target man as both Taylor and Andy
Carroll (when he came on) were "roughed up", especially the
former.
I was surprised when Mr Whitestone was awarded this game and
I'll be interested to see if Bruce mentions the penalty call in
his post-match interviews because it was the difference - and,
I'll look back at it, but I'm not sure it was right. I think Mr
Whitestone needs to look at his man management and displaying
authority in these big fixtures.
EDIT - Having seen a replay of the penalty, I concede I was
wrong there - it was a blatant handball. I was sat on the other
side so fair enough. I am surprised Sky Sports' highlights don't
include WBA's handball shout.
#Post#: 46146--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dean Whitestone (Birmingham City v WBA)
DIR By: Craven
Date: April 3, 2022, 3:11 pm
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The penalty awarded to Birmingham is one of the most blatant
handballs you’ll ever see. Fair play for attempting to be
impartial, but that is 100% a penalty, surely no one could feel
aggrieved?
Can’t comment on anything else as that’s all I’ve seen
#Post#: 46150--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dean Whitestone (Birmingham City v WBA)
DIR By: Mattref20
Date: April 3, 2022, 4:29 pm
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Just seen the highlights and the most blatant handball you’ll
see for a penalty, defiantly a penalty
#Post#: 46151--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dean Whitestone (Birmingham City v WBA)
DIR By: bradj123
Date: April 3, 2022, 4:34 pm
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As I said in my edit above, I have watched the penalty incident
back and admit it was a clear handball so apologies on that
count. The rest of the critique stands though.
#Post#: 46184--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dean Whitestone (Birmingham City v WBA)
DIR By: mauricelapin
Date: April 4, 2022, 9:45 am
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I must say that I am surprised at the suggestion that Mr.
Whitestone "lacked authority". I have seen him on a number of
occasions, and at no time would I have reached this conclusion.
When he very competently refereed a very feisty Brighton v.
Millwall match early in his EFL career (the first time I had
seen him), my assessment was that he would progress to SG2 and
quite possibly SG1 status. His "day-job" is/was with the police
I believe, which suggests that he has some relevant man
management skills
I was not present at the B'ham v. WBA match, and have only seen
the limited QUEST highlights, so I cannot judge the overall
performance as well as those who were present. However, even if
it is accepted that he may have had a "bad day at the office"
(and this is perhaps subjective), I don't think that this should
impugn either his man-management skills nor suggest any lack of
authority.
#Post#: 46206--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dean Whitestone (Birmingham City v WBA)
DIR By: Whistleblower
Date: April 4, 2022, 11:05 am
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I have seen Dean Whitestone referee on three occasions and have
also met him. Lacking in authority is just about the last
description I would attribute to him. I entirely agree with
mauricelapin in the above comment.
#Post#: 46216--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dean Whitestone (Birmingham City v WBA)
DIR By: bradj123
Date: April 4, 2022, 12:52 pm
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I can only comment based on the 98 minutes (eight mins stoppage
time) I saw on Sunday.
I haven't met Mr Whitestone but I honestly would say, had you
not met him or indeed known he is/was a police officer, you'd
fail to believe it on Sunday's showing. He let Jake Livermore,
in particular, referee the game so I can only imagine he was/is
a rather lenient bobby in that regard.
The only highlights package is minimal and doesn't my argument
justice.
#Post#: 46218--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dean Whitestone (Birmingham City v WBA)
DIR By: TheThingFromLewes
Date: April 4, 2022, 1:05 pm
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--- Quote from: bradj123 link ---
>
> I can only comment based on the 98 minutes (eight mins
stoppage time) I saw on Sunday.
>
> I haven't met Mr Whitestone but I honestly would say, had you
not met him or indeed known he is/was a police officer, you'd
fail to believe it on Sunday's showing. He let Jake Livermore,
in particular, referee the game so I can only imagine he was/is
a rather lenient bobby in that regard.
>
> The only highlights package is minimal and doesn't my argument
justice.
>
--- End Quote ---
I’m surprised there were any highlights to make a programme
given the dross both sides dished up….
#Post#: 46221--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dean Whitestone (Birmingham City v WBA)
DIR By: robbieg
Date: April 4, 2022, 1:43 pm
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My only real recollection of Dean Whitestone is when he did the
Checkatrade Trophy Final three years ago which was contested by
Portsmouth and my side Sunderland.
He had a good game that day and if I remember correctly he is a
Police Officer holding the rank of Seargent so I would hardly
think he lacks Authority.
Blues v Baggies [03/04/22] though won't ever go down in the
history books as one of the great games of EFL history.
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