The incident happened ten minutes from the end of Saturday’s match when we were down two-one. Clarkson got to the ball first and then Brown got himself tangled in the striker’s ankles. Down he went and then the referee made his decision.
All of the studio discussion concentrated on David’s behaviour while the keeper didn’t get a mention. The replay suggests that the referee’s view of the incident may have been hampered by a defender. There is no defence to our man’s reluctance to accept Toner’s decision and he can have little complaint at the second booking.
However, the debate about the dive or penalty will continue. The TV evidence seems to show that the keeper made contact and it is the case that almost every striker would have tried to gain the advantage.
Clarkson will have to watch the next game from the stand and no doubt he’ll rue his unnecessary dismissal. Let’s hope he learns from the experience.