Great Expectorations

For many reasons, Bolton Wanderers are not likely to top the Fair Play League. It’s simply not their style – if ‘style’ is the right word.

On occasions, their rather unsophisticated approach includes less than complimentary reactions to decisions made by officials. This is something they have become accustomed to getting away with, given that the average Premiership referee leaves practically everything to be desired.

Unfortunately for them, Alan Wiley is not your average Premiership referee. Indeed many would argue that during the past two seasons he has established himself at the very top of his profession. Unlike most of his colleagues, he gives the impression of knowing the game as well as the Laws. His judgement is good and his manner is unfailingly calm and firm.

As such, he is more than a match for El Hadji Diouf, the Premiership’s answer to Jade Goody, who discovered that abuse of Alan Wiley is an offence punishable by a straight red card – and rightly so.

A somewhat surprised Douif left the field of play, characteristically depositing saliva in his wake. And his manager was clearly spitting mad.