Did the ref get it right at St James'?

Posted Thursday, April 21, 2011 by UK.eurosport.yahoo.com

Referee Lee Probert made two big calls during Newcastle United's 0-0 draw with Manchester United - but did he get them right?

Both teams felt they should have had a penalty during the match, with Newcastle believing Anderson brought down Peter Lovenkrands in the 58th minute.

Then in stoppage time came the match's biggest talking point when Javier Hernandez was booked for diving in the box after United swore the Mexican had been tripped by Danny Simpson.

Sir Alex Ferguson called the decision to book Hernandez an "insult" but still had some positive words for Probert.

"I thought the referee had a good game, but he's let himself down by booking the player," he said.

"If it's not a penalty, fine, but to book him is an insult. There is definitely contact, no doubt about that."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew though said the referee got things spot on: "My heart sank because I thought the ref had given it. The history of Manchester United - last-minute goals, the club that they are, the manager that they have, I honestly thought the referee had given it," he said.

"You have to applaud him for the decision he made because it was the correct decision. Danny (Simpson) stuck a leg out, if I am honest, but just retrieved it back in and Hernandez went over."