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#Post#: 101631--------------------------------------------------
Thomas Bramall - Coventry City vs Middlesbrough
DIR By: TA_Ref
Date: February 16, 2026, 2:38 pm
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Think Thomas Bramall’s been top class so far but he needs eyes
everywhere at the moment as lots of little battles developing
off the ball. As normal, trying to let go as much contact as he
possibly can but players from both sides doing lots of little
fouls which Tom has had to give.
Two cautions - one apiece - Morris one for reckless challenge
and Onyeka for what looked like accumulation of fouls.
Eddie Smart being very helpful as AR as well, giving correct
input to Bramall for fouls on his side. Good teamwork from all
involved thus far.
Needs to keep his eye on the ball as a I feel a flashpoint is
coming pretty soon, not through any fault of Tom’s officiating
but just through the sheer tension involved in the game.
#Post#: 101632--------------------------------------------------
Re: Thomas Bramall - Coventry City vs Middlesbrough
DIR By: UmpireIan49
Date: February 16, 2026, 2:44 pm
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I like Bramall’s style - he tries to blend into the background
and let the game flow but I do agree that it’s a challenging
game with lots riding on it.
The players seem to want to settle their own scores and I feel
the referee needs to be a little more assertive and let the
players know he’s in charge.
This is where rugby union is different to football in that the
referee would have invited the captains for a chat to calm the
players down. Doesn’t seem to happen that way in football, much
to its detriment.
It’s clear to me that the players are not making Thomas
Bramall’s life very easy in this match so far.
#Post#: 101633--------------------------------------------------
Re: Thomas Bramall - Coventry City vs Middlesbrough
DIR By: NoComment1105
Date: February 16, 2026, 2:52 pm
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Goodness me the commentators on ITV are chatting some absolute
nonsense, something about "post game yellow card reviews because
refs are too yellow happy" 🤨🙄
Regardless I think Thomas Bramall has been excellent so far in
what has been a challenging first half, that he's handled well.
Hoping for more in the second half
#Post#: 101634--------------------------------------------------
Re: Thomas Bramall - Coventry City vs Middlesbrough
DIR By: UmpireIan49
Date: February 16, 2026, 3:04 pm
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I heard that remark from Iain Dowie (remember him?).
So taking that to its logical conclusion - any club could
dispute a yellow card given to one of their players during a
match. The FA will then be inundated with frivolous appeals week
in week out.
It’s a fairly typical load of drivel from an ex-pro without any
thought to the potential consequences. Perhaps Iain Dowie can
work in the appeals department to deal with the hundreds of
complaints every single week.
Totally inane rubbish and ITV’s commentators and pundits are on
a par with the BBC - not that is a very high bar to start with.
And I don’t think Thomas Bramall has been card happy, he’s
sanctioned what he’s had to, although saying that, a couple more
players could have been cautioned.
Can we have a commentary and pundit free day on the TV one day,
that would please most football watchers.
#Post#: 101635--------------------------------------------------
Re: Thomas Bramall - Coventry City vs Middlesbrough
DIR By: NoComment1105
Date: February 16, 2026, 3:12 pm
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I do think he unfortunately made a mistake with Sakamoto which
has only riled this gentleman up more creating more disgruntled
feelings towards referees. Something that isn't needed after
this weekends unfortunate events
#Post#: 101636--------------------------------------------------
Re: Thomas Bramall - Coventry City vs Middlesbrough
DIR By: UmpireIan49
Date: February 16, 2026, 3:19 pm
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I’ve actually turned off from watching it as I’m getting
extremely riled by what I see as further undermining the
integrity and authority of referees.
Referees are not freak shows for people’s entertainment, they’re
there to control a game of football.
I could feel myself getting wound up and was in a relaxed mood
until then. That style of punditry is going to drive people away
from watching decent football.
Watching the Winter Olympics instead - far more therapeutic for
the soul.
#Post#: 101637--------------------------------------------------
Re: Thomas Bramall - Coventry City vs Middlesbrough
DIR By: TA_Ref
Date: February 16, 2026, 3:30 pm
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That’s an exceptional decision for a penalty for handball for
me. I think Blake Antrobus as AR2 has come in with some input
and some great teamwork between him and Bramall to get the right
decision.
Targett’s arm was raised away from his body and I don’t think he
can have many complaints.
#Post#: 101638--------------------------------------------------
Re: Thomas Bramall - Coventry City vs Middlesbrough
DIR By: TA_Ref
Date: February 16, 2026, 3:40 pm
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--- Quote from: UmpireIan49 link ---
>
> I’ve actually turned off from watching it as I’m getting
extremely riled by what I see as further undermining the
integrity and authority of referees.
>
> Referees are not freak shows for people’s entertainment,
they’re there to control a game of football.
>
> I could feel myself getting wound up and was in a relaxed mood
until then. That style of punditry is going to drive people away
from watching decent football.
>
> Watching the Winter Olympics instead - far more therapeutic
for the soul.
>
--- End Quote ---
I’ve just seen a clip on instagram with the Sakamoto YC and
blimey that co-commentator is awful. The sort of comments I’d
expect to hear on fan channels and club commentators rather than
a balanced, neutral pundit should be.
I love how the co-commentator thinks that because Sakamoto
played the ball, he cannot be penalised for a reckless
challenge. The way he dismisses the decision and says ‘never!
Look at this again’ just sums up how much of an awful pundit he
is and I only listened for 20 seconds.
Was that particular caution incorrect? Possibly but we have to
remember things can look so much different in real time and from
different angles so incredibly poor from that pundit
#Post#: 101639--------------------------------------------------
Re: Thomas Bramall - Coventry City vs Middlesbrough
DIR By: Jevontheref
Date: February 16, 2026, 3:54 pm
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I thought handball in the area is a free-kick
🤣🤣🤣
#Post#: 101640--------------------------------------------------
Re: Thomas Bramall - Coventry City vs Middlesbrough
DIR By: TA_Ref
Date: February 16, 2026, 4:08 pm
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I said in the appointments thread that Thomas Bramall’s star is
shining brightly this season and this is another game in which
he has impressed me.
It wasn’t a perfect performance (not many produce perfection in
fairness) but I felt he refereed in his normal style - letting
as much contact go as he could and he stepped in when he felt he
needed to. I felt there was a bit too much persistent fouling
going on around 30 minutes and perhaps maybe a word to a couple
of players might’ve calmed the situation down. He chose not to,
remained in the background and that decision worked for him. 5
cautions in the end I think - good to see one for Ayling for
some tricks after the penalty was awarded. The one for Sakamoto
was probably a tad harsh but the others were all spot on.
Accurate penalty award which looked like good teamwork between
Tom and AR Blake. I think the arm is in a raised position and
slightly out from his body - proximity may have been a question
but I think the penalty is justifiable.
A further comment on the whole officiating team, I thought Eddie
Smart and Blake Antrobus were excellent too - offering correct
input for fouls and cautions which helped enhance their
performance.
The whole officiating team completely warranted their
appointments to the biggest championship game of the season so
far and hope that Bramall continues to have an excellent season
for the remaining few months.
Well done all 👍
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