A respected former PGMOL chief has tipped referee James Linington for a promotion to the Premier League following his performance in the QPR versus Blackburn match.
Linington’s decision to award a penalty kick during the game has been hailed as a masterclass in reading the game, setting him apart in a season where officiating decisions have been under intense scrutiny.
In a tightly contested clash at Lostus Road, Blackburn’s Championship play-off hopes were dealt a severe blow as they suffered a 2-1 defeat away to QPR. The turning point came after Blackburn had fallen a goal behind, when Linington pointed to the spot, granting Blackburn an opportunity to claw their way back into the game.
The penalty decision has reignited debate over VAR and officiating standards, especially after previous controversial incidents. Earlier in the season, two penalties awarded to Blackburn in a 2-1 win over Preston North End had drawn widespread criticism. This time, however, Linington’s call to award a spot-kick for Blackburn Rovers was met with applause for its correctness and clarity.
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The incident in question occurred when Callum Brittain went down inside the area under a challenge from QPR winger Koki Saito. The ensuing penalty, which was converted by Tyrhys Dolan to level the score at 1-1, showcased Linington’s acute awareness and his ability to maintain control in high-pressure situations.
A seasoned official praised the decision, emphasizing that Linington’s performance clearly demonstrated why he deserves a Premier League appointment. The official questioned the methodology behind previous criticisms, insisting that such a well-judged call should set a new standard for the game and leave fans and critics alike impressed by the referee’s composure.
Despite the penalty, Blackburn ultimately returned from the match empty-handed following a late strike from substitute Jack Colback. Controversy still lingered, as there was frustration over the decision not to penalize QPR attacker Alfie Lloyd for handling the ball in the build-up to that goal. With Blackburn’s play-off aspirations taking a hit and QPR remaining just three points adrift of the play-off places, the match has certainly added fuel to the ongoing debate over refereeing standards in the Championship.
