The commentator was already half out of his seat.
"EZRA'S DOWN INSIDE THE PENALTY AREA!"
Every Wigan player nearby turned instantly toward the referee, and so did the Brighton players, with their arms spread and protesting before the decision had even been made.
For a split second the entire stadium seemed suspended between two possibilities.
Then............
The whistle came, high-pitched and ringing through the stadium, and as it did, the Amex exploded, with the Wigan fans applauding in joy for what they expected to come while the Brighton fans did the opposite.
"THE REFEREE'S GIVEN SOMETHING!"
The commentator was shouting now.
"WIGAN WANT THE PENALTY! BRIGHTON CAN'T BELIEVE IT! AND THIS PLACE HAS ERUPTED!"
Players from both sides converged immediately.
Some were appealing, and some were arguing.
But most were simply trying to reach the referee before the decision became official.
