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Lions Cup win amid linesman controversy

London Maccabi Lions A 3-2 Redbridge Jewish Care A

February 18, 2010 15:14
Clash: Adam Hakimi sends Mike Pearson sprawling as Ref Tony McEvoy caused controversy
1 min read

Referee Tony McEvoy defended his decision not to use linesmen during the first half of a controversial JC League Cup tie in which the Lions came from behind to win.

The official was clearly rattled after an incident-packed tie during which he awarded the hosts two disputable penalties and sent off RJC left back Sam McCarthy after the final whistle for foul and abusive language.

Explaining why he chose not to use assistants during the first 45 minutes, McEvoy said: “I never use linesmen because I can make the decisions myself more fairly than a linesman who is from one of the teams. Even if I do employ linesmen, I’d still have the ability to, and frequently would, overrule them.”

McEvoy’s decision to backtrack and revert to using flagmen in the second period was praised by Lions manager Eilon Kennet. “To be fair to him, as is usual protocol, he offered both teams the opportunity to use linesmen.