Lee Mason should not have been the man on the spot when Lewis Dunk asked to take a quick free-kick.

That was one of the expert opinions put forward in the wake of the refereeing chaos which provoked debate, arguments, headlines and laughter.

Mason allowed Dunk to take a quick free-kick and, a moment later, had second thoughts.

It was that second whistle which caused confusion and ultimately led to the goal being ruled out.

Martin Atkinson allowed Dunk to do something very similar last season and the goal stood.

Liverpool and a packed Anfield weren’t happy but Atkinson was clear and decisive in his thinking.

Mason, for reasons which former Premier League ref Mark Halsey attempted to explain, was anything but.

Halsey told TalkSPORT radio: “I have a great deal of sympathy with Lee Mason in this instance.

“Not because of the error but because it’s only his third game since January 1 in the Premier League.

“You have got to be refereeing week in and week out for match fitness.

“Not only that. He had controversy in Southampton v Aston Villa with the handball with Matty Cash.

“Then he was involved as VAR with Mike Dean in Fulham v West Ham with the sending off of Soucek.

“His confidence is absolutely shattered.

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“For me, PGMOL are as much to blame, putting Lee in this position to referee this six-pointer.

“It should have been given to a referee that is in form, not a referee that, in my opinion, is struggling for form.”