Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Terrific golf, pity about unruly crowd
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 04/10/2025
» Now that the dust has settled on the dramatic events at Bethpage last weekend, it is time to reflect on what was a most extraordinary Ryder Cup tournament that will long be remembered for both good and bad reasons.
The umpire who became a legend
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 27/09/2025
» The widespread tributes to cricket umpire Harold 'Dickie' Bird who passed away this week at the age of 92 show how much he was admired in the cricketing world. It is extremely rare for an official in any sport to be acknowledged in such a manner, but Bird was someone special. He was an eccentric character and the subject of many anecdotes.
Soft penalties put English Premier League referees on the spot
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 06/04/2024
» Last weekend there were some very contentious penalty decisions given in the English Premier League. That's nothing new of course, but it's becoming a regular occurrence and makes one wonder if the authorities should take a long hard look at the rules. There are also feelings that VAR could be better utilised.
Day of drama and excitement - Premier League
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 11/11/2023
» There have been quite a few extraordinary games in the Premier League over the years but it would be hard to match the frenetic clash between Spurs and Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Monday.
Pressure mounts on EPL refs after introduction of new rules
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 02/09/2023
» There has recently been lively debate on the standard of refereeing in the Premier League this season.
Red mist descends after rough handshake
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 20/08/2022
» Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte chose to mark the 30th anniversary of the Premier League in a rather unorthodox fashion by having an unseemly confrontation on the touchline at Stamford Bridge last Sunday, resulting in them both receiving red cards.
Mixed emotions in aftermath of England’s defeat at Wembley
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 18/07/2021
» The headline for this column last week read “Let’s hope Three Lions v Azzurri showdown doesn’t go to penalties” — and we all know what happened.
Mixed emotions in aftermath of England's defeat at Wembley
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 17/07/2021
» The headline for this column last week read "Let's hope Three Lions v Azzurri showdown doesn't go to penalties" -- and we all know what happened.
Justice prevails as ludicrous red card for Balbuena overturned
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 01/05/2021
» It was hard to argue with West Ham manager David Moyes when he commented on Sunday: "We have just seen another ridiculous weekend of decisions."
The 'Humble One' puts on a charm offensive
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 23/11/2019
» For some Tottenham Hotspur fans it may have been hard to decide which was the most distressing news this week -- the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, or the arrival of Jose Mourinho.