Stuart Attwell Controversies (from Wikipedia)

Within six minutes of his first Championship game between Sheffield United and Blackpool game, Attwell made a match-changing decision. Blackpool's Ian Evatt was adjudged to have committed a professional foul on Sheffield United's Billy Sharp, though replays show that there was no contact. Attwell sent Evatt off and awarded Sheffield United a penalty (which was saved by Blackpool keeper Paul Rachubka). Blackpool manager Simon Grayson questioned the Football League's decision to put such an inexperienced referee in charge of such a high pressure game. Fansites after the match dubbed Attwell a 'buffoon'.

Things did not get much better for Attwell in the following weeks. In the FA Cup 3rd Round tie between Swansea City and Havant & Waterlooville, Attwell was accused of not being able to control the players by Swansea manager Roberto Martínez.

Reading's 'ghost goal' - Watford v Reading
On 20 September 2008, Attwell refereed a game between Watford and Reading at Vicarage Road and allowed a goal to stand which had actually gone four yards wide, much to the bemusement of all players and fans present on the day - despite the fact Attwell was merely following the decision of the linesman. The goal quickly became known as 'the ghost goal'. It was ruled that the game would not be replayed as this would set a dangerous precedent for reversal of refereeing decisions. It reopened the debate for goal-line technology, though this looks like being a long way away, as FIFA have cancelled the goal line trials it had in place the beginning of the 2007-08 season.

East Midlands Derby
On 2 November 2008, Attwell refereed a game between Derby County and Nottingham Forest. He disallowed two Derby goals in the final few minutes (the second of which was ruled out for a push, a decision which particularly incensed Derby manager Paul Jewell), booked 8 players and issued a straight red to Forest midfielder Lewis McGugan in a match that many Derby fans did not consider particularly dirty. Derby boss Paul Jewell was especially vocal in his dismay at Attwell's performance, accusing the 25-year old official of 'losing control' of the game and 'robbing' the Rams of a victory. The press furore around his display  saw Attwell called in for a meeting with Referee's Chief Keith Hackett,  and consequently axed from the following weeks fixture list, though he was reinstated to the position of fourth official for Hull City vs Bolton Wanderers.

Days after the game Derby manager Paul Jewell said that a member of the Football Association had contacted him and told him that the second goal should have stood.