Decoding EFL Decisions: Former Premier League referee Chris Foy reveals what's Behind the Whistle

In "Behind the Whistle," former Premier League referee Chris Foy dissects a variety of crucial match decisions from the most recent EFL matches.

Behind the Whistle aims to give supporters of EFL clubs an insight into the decision-making considerations and also clarification of certain calls to provide an understanding of how the laws of the game are interpreted.

As part of a regular feature on following the conclusion of a matchday, Foy will be here to run you through some refereeing matters in the EFL…

Coventry City 2-1 Hull City

Incident: Possible penalty (Coventry) and potential second yellow card (Hull)

Decision: Penalty given (Coventry) and no second yellow card awarded (Hull)

Foy says: "The referee gets both calls right here.

"Firstly, the Hull City defender can have no complaints at the award of a penalty, as he mistimes his tackle and does not make any contact with the ball, making contact that trips his opponent.

"Although he is already on a yellow card, the tackle does not meet the threshold for a second yellow - it is not reckless and the player is moving away from goal, so it is not an obvious goalscoring opportunity being denied. Therefore, a penalty kick, with no caution is the correct call."

Preston North End 1-1 Leeds United

Incident: Possible second yellow card (Preston)

Decision: No second yellow card (Preston)

Foy says: "Preston North End's No 4 is extremely fortunate to stay on the pitch here, as he escapes a second yellow for his tackle on Leeds United's No 2.

"Although there is no ill-intention in the tackle, his foot follows through after touching the ball and he catches his opponent on the ankle with his studs.

"The nature of the challenge is reckless as it lacks consideration for the opponent and, while already on a yellow card, it runs a high risk of a second caution being shown.

"The correct decision in my view would have been to show the second yellow and dismiss the Preston player from the field of play."

Stoke City 2-2 Cardiff City

Incident: Goal scored and possible offside (Cardiff City)

Decision: Goal awarded, no offside (Cardiff City)

Foy says: "As the shot comes in from Cardiff City's No 8, it looks 'for the world' as if the player that taps the ball in at the back post is standing in an offside position.

"Thanks to the benefit of replays, we can see that Stoke City's No 16 is actually playing him onside.

"This would have been challenging to identify in real time, taking into consideration the crowded box and the fact that the assistant referee is having to stay level with the second last defender. It is testament to his awareness and excellent judgment that the goalscorer is recognised as being onside and the assistant correctly keeps his flag down.

Shrewsbury Town 1-4 Wycombe Wanderers

Incident: Goal scored, possible offside (Shrewsbury Town)

Decision: Goal disallowed, offside (Shrewsbury Town)

Foy says: "This is another example of first-class awareness and judgment from an assistant referee as Shrewsbury Town's goal is disallowed.

"As soon as the shot comes in from Shrewsbury's No 3, all eyes are on the two strikers running towards goal. Although the eventual scorer No 14 looks to be just onside, No 27 is slightly ahead of him and in an offside position when the initial shot was struck. When No 27 then makes contact with the ball before No 14 scores, he is impacting play, and the assistant referee therefore correctly puts the flag up."

Bromley 0-0 Port Vale

Incident: Possible ball over the line (Port Vale)

Decision: - No goal given (Port Vale)

Foy says: "This is an unfortunate incident for Port Vale who should have been awarded a goal.

"Without the benefit of goal-line technology in League One and Two, and with a quickly developing phase of play, it can present challenges to the assistant referees to judge whether or not the whole of the ball has crossed the whole of the line.

"In this specific incident, there is clear evidence on replay to suggest that the ball has indeed crossed the line, with a key indicator being how far into the goal the Bromley defender is standing.

"While this decision is not a straightforward one in real time and the vision of the assistant referee may have been impacted by those players in the area, it is ultimately a decision that should have resulted in the awarding of a goal to Port Vale."