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#Post#: 100575--------------------------------------------------
Stoke v Middlesbroug - A Herczeg
DIR By: MKRef
Date: January 21, 2026, 3:50 pm
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A really poor second half showing. His foul detection and
cautioning have been all over the place.
A two-footed challenge from Luke Ayling only earns a yellow
card. Who is coaching these referees?
The second yellow for Bosun Lawal looks on the harsh side when
similar challenges, on the whole, haven't been cautioned.
Not sure how Conway has escaped a card for an SPA offence or
delaying the restart.
#Post#: 100577--------------------------------------------------
Re: Stoke v Middlesbroug - A Herczeg
DIR By: TA_Ref
Date: January 21, 2026, 4:09 pm
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I watched the whole 90 of this game.
I thought Adam Herczeg was really good in the first half but
then second half became a bit of a free for all. To me, it
didn’t feel like similar challenges were being punished
consistently and Middlesbrough were the beneficiaries from this
so I can understand the frustrations of Stoke supporters.
On the points you raised, I think the Ayling possible SFP could
be given as a red card but once again, we have to be careful
with using pictures and freezing points of contacts. In real
time, I felt Ayling slipped when making the challenge. I didn’t
feel the intention was to go in two footed and I didn’t feel the
contact was particularly full on. So I can understand why
Herczeg went yellow but can understand the arguments for red. He
was also in a pretty poor position as well, would’ve needed some
help from 4O Ricardo and ARs if possible.
Didn’t have too much issue with the second yellow for Lawal. If
anything, he was fortunate not to receive a second YC for a
challenge on Hackney on the edge of the penalty area. On another
day, he could’ve been cautioned again for that. So I think the
Lawal second caution, a late challenge on top of the foot, is a
fair enough decision.
I agree Conway should’ve got booked for delaying the restart
when he was holding onto the ball after it went out of play.
After a good first half performance, the second half was poor so
not Herczeg’s best night.
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