Mark Clattenburg’s detection and swift action to dismiss West Bromwich Albion’s Goran Popov who displayed all that is wrong with the Premier League at The Hawthorns in February.
After an innocuous challenge from Tottenham’s Kyle Walker, Popov clearly spat at the defender and was immediately shown the red card. Spitting at an opponent is a disgusting and cowardly act and has rightly been given its own category within law 12.
Disgusting: Popov's spit towards Walker showed all that is wrong with the Premier League
Worst decision
Mike Jones was the referee who denied Luis Suarez a clear penalty when he was brought down by Norwich City’s Leon Barnett as he bore down on goal at the end of September. It was one of the easiest decisions of the season and yet Jones, a competent referee, waved appeals away.
The fact that it was Suarez again leaves one wondering if his reputation as a player who goes down too easily is affecting referees' decision making.
Howler: Jones waved appeals away after Suarez was brought down by Barnett in the box last September More from Graham Poll... GRAHAM POLL'S WEEKEND REF WATCH: City fans have fond memories of retiring Halsey, while Probert appointment is surprising after last week 17/05/13 GRAHAM POLL weekend watch: Friend's friendly approach is perfect for the heat of the relegation battle 03/05/13 Graham Poll: Referees doing their job will never make news, but well done to the select group for their superb work this weekend 29/04/13 GRAHAM POLL'S WEEKEND REF WATCH: Madley debut is well deserved, while Clattenburg will hope for an easy afternoon on Chelsea return 26/04/13 Graham Poll: Chelsea should give a warm welcome to Clattenburg... or they may suffer the consequences 23/04/13 GRAHAM POLL: Ban Suarez NOW for seven games... he's got previous! 22/04/13 GRAHAM POLL'S WEEKEND REF WATCH: Marriner's consistency makes him a worthy FA Cup final appointment 19/04/13 Graham Poll: Fergie's right to be furious over Carroll's one-man wrecking ball show 18/04/13 VIEW FULL ARCHIVEMost promising ref
Michael Oliver who had a super season and continues to improve and impress. In March he showed great understanding and maturity in consecutive Premier League games between Liverpool and Tottenham and then Chelsea and West Ham. He then controlled the Merseyside derby without fuss or drama. Very much the referee for the future.
Best official
Not a referee this year but an assistant and it is Sian Massey, the 27 year old from Coventry who unfairly came to prominence when caught up in the Andy Gray/Richard Keys fiasco but has been noticed all of this season for her accurate decision making.
In the second half of the season she worked regularly worked with number one referee, Howard Webb, and taking the place of either Darren Cann or Mike Mullarkey speaks volumes for how well she has officiated.
Best comeback
Mark Clattenburg who, after being caught in the centre of a media storm following John Obi Mikel and Chelsea’s unproven accusations of improper comments, missed weeks of appointments until the case was dismissed.
He returned in good form and was appointed to 21 Premier League games - almost catching the other leading referees up. I wish him well for next season.
Most annoying aspect of refereeing in the Premier League
The PGMO insistence that referees cannot speak to the media; they could show their human side, educate the public (and media) and admit to errors which they are happy to do.
Rule change for next season
None, just apply the one which means when players abuse you or your assistants they are sent off, whoever they are or who they play for. They are damaging the game we love and would stop if they knew they were going to be dismissed.
Top star: After coming to prominence during the Gray & Keys fiasco, Massey has performed well this seasonFunniest moment
Mark Clattenburg forgetting his cards for the second half at Reading v Liverpool.
Oops: Clattenburg left his cards in the dressing room at half time and had to borrow the fourth official's setWorst foul
Has to be Callum McManaman’s shocker on Massaido Haidara. I’m glad the young man has gone on to play superbly well for Wigan and not make any more rash challenges.
Shocker: McManaman's tackle on Haidara was the worst foul of the seasonWeirdest moment
The Luis Suarez biting incident with Branislav Ivanovic. Just when you think you’ve seen everything...
Ouch: Suarez bizarrely dug his teeth into Ivanovic's arm last monthMore... Premier League end-of-year report: Which teams deserve top marks and which sides are bottom of the class? So how much did YOUR team earn out of the Premier League? Fulham climb the money table as Newcastle drop £2m after defeat Farewell Fergie! A super send-off at The Hawthorns for his 1,500th and final game in charge of Manchester United
