Not to accuse referees, but this needs to stop

Aston Villa are denied a penalty when Vertonghen dragged Helenius down by his shorts, then Real Madrid are awarded a spot kick in the 97th minute when it looks like Elche may hold them to a 1-1 draw.

Two decisions that changed football matches, points, participation in cups and ultimately, money and success.

Spurs probably would have beaten Villa anyway, but Real Madrid couldn't beat newly promoted Elche, who had been out of the top flight for 24 years.

It was no surprise that Pepe 'won' the penalty, as he's used to getting his own way, or kicking out until he does. Losing to him would have been a loss of face, so it was either a red card, or cheating to win.

But there are plenty of players that cheat (Ashley Young is back in the spotlight), but we need stronger referees.

Just because Manchester United, Real Madrid etc. are expected to beat the smaller teams, referees can't have different sets of rules for different teams/players.

We deserve consistency, honesty and professionalism. There is more than money and success on the line. There is integrity. There is no doubt that Real Madrid win is tainted. And while they will still finish in the top 2, Elche could get relegated by a point and have to wait another 24 years to play in La Liga.

Let's pay the referees more, make them (and the cheats) more accountable, and make it an even playing field.

Could Lee Cattermole be unleashed on Ashley Young?

He's a cheat. We know it, his manager knows it, and I'm pretty sure he knows it.

No, I'm not talking about when he tweeted pictures of his junk when on England duty, I'm talking about the consistent diving to try and win penalties and get people sent off.

Ashy Young had already been booked for diving against Crystal Palace on Saturday when he went down again under minimal contact. It may have been a foul and possibly even a penalty (although I think it was outside the box), but the issue is the way he plays for them.

Clicking your heels, flicking your legs up in the air and rolling perfectly to catch the referee's eye as you come down isn't something you do on the fly.

He practices cheating, it's the only way he can produce the same trip, flip and landing so effortlessly.

No, he's not the only one, but it got a man sent off, effectively won the game and even his manager knows he's doing it. Fine him, ban him, or get someone like Lee Cattermole to properly smash him.