The 2007/08 season kicked off this weekend with some bright football and few moments of major controversy. Andy Gray, perhaps pining for the bad old days, said Rob Styles was too quick to show Reading's Dave Kitson the red card after he had only been on the field for 37 seconds for a dangerous tackle. Straight red, very little to argue with as Kitson scythed into Evra's ankle at high speed. Blackburn and Middlesboro enjoyed a little post-match dust up but that was about it. On the opening day of the season, the football did the talking, in the premiership anyway.
There are clear indications that referees have been ordered to take a lower profile this season. I wonder what this means. Don't give decisions that might annoy people? I hope not, but the FA appears to think that players and managers have agreed to change their ways and police themselves better. I'll believe it when I see it.
What is interesting is to see former psycho Roy Keane calmly patrolling the touchline at the Stadium of Light, a picture of zen-like grace. Will wonders never cease, or is he just waiting for the first ref to commit a howler in front of his dug-out?
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