Pollgate The Graham Poll nod given to Pards during the game on Sunday, which seems to have taken up a lot of column inches might well dissipate following the news that Leroy Lita has been charged by the FA with violent conduct. Poll, too busy nodding and winking we assume failed to notice Lita's headbutt on Talal El Karkouri in the 2nd half. An offence Poll concedes "warranted a red card." (more)

Lita meanwhile is a bit partial to a headbutt. (more)

Poll, favourite to referee the expected upcoming title decider between Chelsea and Man Utd, has made himself look a bit of tart recently, this despite him applying common sense over the Song affair.

Although El Khak did get a piece of Lita's ugly mug in his head on Sunday, he frustrated the hell out of me watching with my cup of Twining's because he fell to the ground as if he'd been shot by a sniper. In the context of the game, as picked up by co-commentator Paul Walsh, we really didn't have time for him to be rolling around on the ground. And then we were bloody lucky that Poll chose to ignore his blatent penalty box push on Shane Long in an inane moment of madness.
I'm not sure Pards will change it but I wouldn't mind seeing Bougherra play in the Moroccan's place on Sunday. Magic makes his comeback (although he was on the bench at Citeh) in tonight's reserve game as does Bryan Hughes.  ¶ 15:34