Man United call was an easy decision so to get it wrong is simply indefensible

We were always told by our bosses that they would defend us when they could but they could not defend the indefensible.

For Ceri Richards, one of the most experienced assistant referees around, to miss such a straightforward decision is inexcusable.

The fact that he allowed Ashley Young to then fool Lee Mason into giving a penalty to Manchester United and reduce Queens Park Rangers to 10 players compounds the error.

Dubious: Shaun Derry was sent off for this 'challenge' on Ashley Young

Richards used to be an international referee and knows how tough the job is when you are the man in the middle being let down by your assistants.

The fact that Mason made the decision on the penalty and red card will be of little comfort to Richards as he drives home to Wales.

The top end of the table has certainly been affected by match officials over the last couple of weeks — remember the penalty Fulham should have had late on at Old Trafford with a referee standing in a similar position.

Clinical: Wayne Rooney coolly converted the spot kick

Rangers and Wigan will be bemoaning their luck this weekend, the latter also falling at the hands of one of the other most experienced assistant referees in their defeat by Chelsea on Saturday.

Dave Bryan was looking across the Wigan defensive line and inexplicably did not detect that Branislav Ivanovic was clearly offside.

It’s often very difficult when forwards are moving up and the defence are coming out but this decision was simple. Both decisions are indefensible.

The moment that gave the champions a leg up



It was offside: Ashley Young is offside as the ball is played in, and the assistant has a perfect view

It wasn't a foul: Young throws himself to the floor after minimal contact from Shaun Derry

Tweet: QPR chairman Philip Beard was not impressed with the incident

In the past two seasons Ashley Young has won more penalties than any other player in the Premier League.