A moment of crass stupidity and gross incompetence by referee James Linington ruined an evening's entertainment for thousands of football fans at the Madejski Stadium this evening. Before setting off on my sixty mile journey to this evening's game I took the precaution of checking the weather forecast. The BBC website predicted thick fog around 8.00 p.m. clearing quickly around 9.00 p.m. It would appear referee Linington failed to consider the weather forecast as an indicator of how the weather might change during the course of the game. Regardless of this oversight he allowed the game to begin as the fog rolled in. Conditions worsened as the game progressed, but not sufficiently to warrant abandonment. As half time approached, as predicted, the fog began to lift, and when the second half was due to begin there was little evidence of any fog anywhere – apart from in the space between Mr Linington's ears!
Without bothering to step out onto pitch he decided to abandon the game on the basis of his assistants' opinion that the other side of the pitch was not visible thereby making it difficult to make accurate decisions. (They seemed to be having just as much difficulty spotting incidents, such as a blatant tug on Kermorgant's arm in the penalty area as he moved towards the ball, occurring right under their nose. As far as I was aware the referee should allow the game to continue as long as he is able to see both goals from the centre of the pitch. Had he bothered to check before he made his absurd decision, he would have found visibility more than adequate to see across the pitch as thousands of spectators would verify. The stadium announcer declared the fog to be "worse outside the ground" which made all the more galling as we all queued in perfect visibility to leave the car park which for some reason took much linger that usual. The decision to abandon the game after everyone had purchased their half time refreshment and had settled down in their seats for the second half. As Mr Linington is employed by the Football League they should compensate the spectators (liable due to referee's error!)
In spite of the conditions the first half was keenly contested. Fulham may have had slightly more possession but Reading created the two best chances. McCleary beat the offside trap with a superbly timed run but a poor touch hampered his chances of making the most of the opportunity. He still managed to get his shot away but by then Bettinelli had set himself and turned the ball wide for a corner. McCleary should have scored but he usually finishes more convincingly when he does not have some much time to make his decision about how to beat the ‘keeper. There second effort came in stoppage time and was a brilliant solo effort from Harriot who wriggled past lunging defenders to unleash a thunderbolt which Bettinelli saved at full stretch. Sadly he put so much into his shot he appeared to have torn his hamstring and limped off for what looks like being a lengthy lay off.
Both teams played well in spite of being closed down very quickly all over the pitch with Fulham edging control of midfield. Kelly in no way shirked a challenge but was simply overpowered by the Fulham's physical presence. In view of the recent drubbing at Craven Cottage Jaap Stam's team had a much more secure look about them – apart the left side where the visitors seemed to get behind the defence with alarming regularity. (This also happened in the game on Boxing Day.) Also worth noting the absence of Moore in the heavy away defeat was significant. He was excellent again this evening. His full blooded challenge on Aluko was worthy of a Tackle of the Season Award.
It is hard to say which way the result might have gone but it was cracking first half with two very good sides going at each other with some intensity. It promised to be an even better second half but thanks to Mr Linington it did not happen. Fulham looked as good as any team I have seen in this league this season and I am looking forward to the re-arranged fixture whenever that may be. So at the mid-point in the season the Royals find themselves in third place in the table. It looks like being a happy new year for their fans.
Fulham Match Abandoned As Fog Clears
From the Discussion
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RG Royal Ginger 30 Dec 2016 · 9:16pm
That sucked. The fog was easing. Should have been called at about the 25 minute mark when it was impossible to follow the action. Funny how they called it just as the players are returning to the pitch when the club's half time tills are nice and full...
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SL sloughroyal123 30 Dec 2016 · 9:31pm
AAH 6: couldn't see him Gunter 6: couldn't see him Moore 6: couldn't see him Blackett 6: couldn't see him VDB 6: couldn't see him Harriott 6: couldn't see him Evans 6: Couldn't see him Williams 6: Couldn't see him Kelly 6: Couldn't see him Macca 6: Couldn't see him Kermit 6: Couldn't see him
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JM John Madejski's Wallet 30 Dec 2016 · 9:35pm
Thought we were ok considering the conditions. If only McCleary had put away that chance from the stunning hold-up/through ball from Kermogant...... Their right winger was ripping us to shreds, f'ck he was fast. But Harriott makes an awful wingback .....THAT tackle from Joey :lol:
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BC bcubed 30 Dec 2016 · 9:35pm
AAH 6: couldn't see him Gunter 6: couldn't see him Moore 6: couldn't see him Blackett 6: couldn't see him VDB 6: couldn't see him Harriott 6: couldn't see him Evans 6: Couldn't see him Williams 6: Couldn't see him Kelly 6: Couldn't see him Macca 6: Couldn't see him Kermit 6: Couldn't see him Generous marks!
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AT AthleticoSpizz 30 Dec 2016 · 9:35pm
Guess it has more to do with the tv companies Linington has gone to the top of my "hanging list'...what a total dick.......could he not've delayed 2nd half kick-off for ten minutes to reasess the improving visibility?....guess he was paid off by Sky or someone. Regardless of whether the club do the 'right thing' and honour those with tickets free admission for the re-arranged fixture...or not...(remember v Leicester NY day 2003 anybody?), Linigton will not be paying the expenses incurred...nor the effort that fans have made in the (worse fog) to get to the game. Luckily, I am just a walk away.......if you like the A33...it was nice…
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WS Winston Smith 30 Dec 2016 · 9:42pm
30/12/16. Fogmageddon Never forget, never forgive.
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JM John Madejski's Wallet 30 Dec 2016 · 9:44pm
Usually I'm about the last out of the stadium and therefore one of the last out of the dogtrack car park... handily was stood right next to the East Stand gate when the announcement and legged it to the car 8)
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SC SCIAG 30 Dec 2016 · 9:46pm
Couldn't complain if it had been called off either of the times that he went over to speak to the benches, but the match was perfectly playable at the end of half time. It's an absolute disgrace that the referee didn't come to check.