'Trigger Arm` Referees London Derby

Referee Trevor Kettle, once labelled as having a 'trigger arm` by then R`s boss Ian Holloway, will referee the R`s London derby against Charlton Athletic.

Mr. Kettle was promoted to the Football League referee`s list in 2003 and refereed his first game in Division 3 at Vetch Field, as a hatrick from Brad Maylett helped Swansea to a 4-2 victory over Bury.

The match in question under the tenure of Ian Holloway, was when Rangers were reduced to stale-mate at London Road, after Peterborough had been reduced to 10 men after defender Sagi Burton was given his marching orders in the 29th minute. Rangers inability to break the deadlock infront of a massive travelling army led Holloway into his post match verbal tirade.

In April 2006, Kettle took charge of the R`s 1-1 draw at home to Derby County, Marc Nygaard broke the deadlock before now Watford striker Tommy Smith pegged the Rams level. Another red card from the pocket of Mr. Kettle, Darren Moore sent off for a second bookable offence, his holding throughout the game should have perhaps warranted a sending off earlier than the 88th minute.

Last season it was a tale of two goals, one allowed; one disallowed. Southampton were the visitors to Loftus Road, and when Grzegorz Rasiak sent Simon Royce sprawling one would be forgiven that in this climate of officiating that the referee would rule with the keeper, it was not to be. Down the other end barely moments later, Dexter Blackstock put the ball away under slightly less controversial challenge, and the referee blew for a foul. Inconsistency, thy name is Kettle! Bradley Wright-Phillips a Rangers transfer target previously, rounded the scoring off in the 90th minute.

Mr. Kettle made it 3 sending offs in 4 Rangers matches, when on the final day of last season he sent off Sami Timoska, albeit justifiably, for a second bookable offence. Rangers blooded the youth in a 1-1 draw that blew away any fleeting hope of a playoff place for Stoke City. Martin Rowlands 6th minute strike was cancelled out by once Rangers trialist Mamady Sidibe.

Finally Trevor Kettle reffed a struggling Rangers under the guidance of caretaker manager Mick Harford, to a creditable draw against Preston at Deepdale. Kettle said no to a half hearted penalty appeal from North End, before opting to trust the judgement of a gormless linesman over his own. Now Stoke midfielder Paul Gallagher had his spot kick saved by an inspired Lee Camp. A certain Patrick Agyemang started for the opposition and couldn`t get the ball past the impressive Camp.

Mr. Kettle has taken charge of 34 games this season, showing a staggering 136 yellow cards and 6 reds; most recently sending off Barnet midfielder Jason Puncheon in their 2-0 home defeat to Peterborough.

Games Taken Charge:
18th October 2003 - Peterborough United 0-0 QPR
15th April 2006 - QPR 1-1 Derby County
20th January 2007 - QPR 0-2 Southampton
6th May 2007 - QPR 1-1 Stoke City
23rd October 2007 - Preston North End 0-0 QPR

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Writer: Boxer 

Date:Wednesday April 16 2008

Time: 8:33PM

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