Firstly, we don't really know what he saw or didn't see - there are a number of players in close proximity in the area at corners and the referee doesn't have the view from the TV gantry.

Secondly, a referee cannot give a penalty when the ball is not in play.

I agree that we were unlucky not to get one for the holding on Dann - given how often they've been given thus far, it was pretty clear to see. Having said that, the Dann handball probably was as wel - we were lucky the ref was stood looking at his back, as it blocked his view of the contact with the ball.

The Zaha foul was definitely outside - quite clear on the replays.

I did think the reaction from the Boro bench was unnecessary - there was one genuine penalty appeal not given - the rest was just exaggerated appeals for minor things.

Straying from the thread somewhat but still on the subject of refereeing:

1) Why is Rooney allowed to exploit his high profile (eg as England captain) by maintaining a perpetual dialogue with referees during matches? He has a winge on any decision which meets with his disapproval. Refs should crack down on this behaviour.

2) It also rankles to hear Mourinho refer to Clattenburg by his first name. Even though he criticised the ref following the Manchester derby, his use of first name was a ploy. In effect. He was saying: " Mark is a friend who made a couple of mistakes, but I'm sure he will compensate for that the next time he referees one of our matches." It was a way of seeking to compromise Clattenburg ahead of future matches when he refs Man U

Depends on what you mean should. The ball was the only thing inside the box. Its a great 'pro' foul by Zaha, who earned us all three points with that and his game contributions. So by the law, it was a free kick. But morally, it was more grounds for a penalty than the one against Southampton, or where players are clipped going nowhere in the box.

The holding thing. It does need to be consistent, but there is an argument that we'll be having a lot of penalties each game. I think referees need to book players for this, rather than give a penalty. That way they can avoid 'deciding games' and it puts the blame squarely on the players actions.

Otherwise we could well reduce the next two seasons to penalty shoot outs between the two sides.

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Was at the game and I thought the ref was pretty good at letting the play go. Hoof, you point out that Mike Dean gives loads of pens for holding in the box... I worry where this is going now they're "clamping down" on it. We're going to see more and more players taking a dive at corners to win a penalty (see Stoke at home last game week).

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