Players influence Halsey Mourinho slams referee Moyes has mixed emotions

Steve Bennett sent off Everton's Tim Cahill for his goal celebration, Mark Halsey overturned a Fulham penalty and Rob Styles rejected a Chelsea appeal.

"A bit of common sense is needed by referees," Allardyce told BBC Radio Five Live.

"It is sad if you can't celebrate but we have to stick by some stupid rules."

Former Premiership referee Jeff Winter agreed that Cahill's red card was "absolutely ridiculous".

The Everton midfielder was shown a second yellow card for lifting his shirt over his head after scoring the winner against Man City.

Even Fifa president Sepp Blatter joined the debate saying he did not agree with Bennett's decision.

The Football Association has since refused to comment on Blatter's opinion, saying it follows the "universal interpretation" of the law.

Drogba booking overturned

"A player just showing elation after scoring a goal and then getting sent off is absolutely ridiculous," Winter told BBC Radio Five Live.

"But the rules clearly state if a player removes his shirt then it's a yellow card

"Every referee in the country has been dreading what's happened - when a player who does it receives his second yellow card and he's sent off."

But Winter, who retired from the Premiership at the end of last season, believes Halsey was correct to change his mind about the Fulham penalty.

The great thing about this season is that referees have been managing the game well Former Premiership referee Jeff Winter

Halsey initially awarded the spot-kick after Andy Cole appeared to be brought down.

But after a flurry of complaints from the Arsenal players, he consulted his assistant referee and waved away Fulham's penalty claims.

"Mark Halsey appears to have got the right decision," Winter said.

"But it seems as if referees can't win.

"If he'd have given the penalty he would have been chastised for that.

"And he's had the strength of character to change his mind and is still getting in the neck."

Winter is experienced at solving player disputes on the pitch

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho also joined the criticism over the weekend after Styles denied Didier Drogba a penalty against Aston Villa and then booked him for diving.

Referees' chief Keith Hackett admitted Styles was not in the right position to judge accurately.

And though Drogba's yellow card has now been rescinded, Hackett says he understands Mourinho's frustration.

"I can imagine the disappointment of a penalty not being given and a player being cautioned when in fact a player should have been awarded a penalty," said Hackett.

Winter insists it is now important that the furore surrounding referees must not be blown out of all proportion.

"The great thing about this season is that referees have been managing the game well," added Winter.

"There has been a lot more respect between referees and players and less cards shown.

"If players start harassing referees and showing dissent that will change.

"I'm hoping for the good of the game there won't be too many more of these incidents."