Millions of people banging on for years about the injury time granted at Old Trafford when the rags were not winning have been proven right…
Dan Taylor, The Grauniad’s man in Manchester who in the heat of the moment I accused of being a rag this weekend has leapt straight back into the VMC good books with a stunning piece of hackery.
The survey using Opta statistics followed united and the rest of the Big Four’s league matches since the beginning of the 2006-2007 season.
Key findings over the three seasons are:
“On average, there has been over a minute extra added by referees when United do not have the lead after 90 minutes, compared to when they are in front. In 48 games when United were ahead, the average amount of stoppage time was 191.35 seconds. In 12 matches when United were drawing or losing there was an average of 257.17sec…
“The average stoppage time added at Old Trafford in the period in question is below that given at Anfield, the Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge. United’s is 205 seconds, compared to Liverpool’s 210sec, Arsenal’s 224sec and Chelsea’s 229sec. But there is also evidence to support the suspicions of many managers, players and supporters that United get preferential treatment at home. When Owen made it 4-3 on Sunday the game was five minutes and 26 seconds into stoppage time. In total, the referee, Martin Atkinson, allowed almost seven minutes, even though the fourth official had signalled a minimum of four.”
For the full story go to:
Revealed: Manchester United get more injury time when they need it
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