The Mail Bag
Refs: The Football World is Changing
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This is the World Cup, with world referees and sorry Tim – you can't tackle like that at all. Some will get away with it at times, like Carragher last night but the “Latin" Refs, or the “3rd nation” refs will ultimately pull out the cards, yellow if you're lucky... but red if you ain't.
The tackle itself was late and to be fair it could have seriously damaged the German lads leg/ankle. The game IS MOVING towards a non-contact game, not necessarily in England but, as the Rest of the World move that way, the refs will use that as the standard and unfortunately the tear-away’s like Cahill, Rooney, etc will get punished.
Like it or not, this is what is happening – side-note: Moyesie be aware for Everton in Europe, when we get there. Passion won't do!
Mike Oates, Posted 13/06/2010 at 21:44:20
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Correct me if I'm wrong but my understanding of the rule is yellow for recklessness, red for malice or excessive recklessness. If I'm right, then that tackle was not a red card. Cahill, when he realized the tackle was going to come in late, pulled his feet back so he wouldn't get the German with his studs. It wasn't a good tackle and definitely a foul. If the ref decided it was reckless, it was definitely justifiable to give a yellow. But, again based on my understanding, there's no way that was red worthy.
You've been watching too much ITV, Mike. Everyone else thought it was a yellow. Appalling decision.
Appalling decision. Howard Webb echoed the correct sentiment when he jetted out to South Africa, he wants the game to be the topic of conversation, not the referee.
You mentioned 'Passion' in your original post, well what we saw from the ref was passion. It was an emotional reaction, there didn't seem to be any contemplation in the referee's mind whatsoever as he proudly brandished the red card. Now we have a player who'll be unable to play in his team's next game and that team will likely go out. Where's the justice? One of the most sickening things I've seen recently was Busquets' dive against Inter in the Champs league semi. That cost a man, Thiago Motta if I remember correctly, the chance to play in the pinnacle game of club football. What's happened to Busquets? Nothing. No comeback, no recompense. Football has become a horrible game under the guidance of Blatter.
You mentioned 'Passion' in your original post, well what we saw from the ref was passion. It was an emotional reaction, there didn't seem to be any contemplation in the referee's mind whatsoever as he proudly brandished the red card. Now we have a player who'll be unable to play in his team's next game and that team will likely go out. Where's the justice? One of the most sickening things I've seen recently was Busquets' dive against Inter in the Champs league semi. That cost a man, Thiago Motta if I remember correctly, the chance to play in the pinnacle game of club football. What's happened to Busquets? Nothing. No comeback, no recompense. Football has become a horrible game under the guidance of Blatter.
He did make contact and it was late, Michael, but it was never a straight red card. A nailed on yellow, yes, but not worthy of instant dismissal.
Clearly grounds for appeal but I doubt Australia will be successful.
Clearly grounds for appeal but I doubt Australia will be successful.
An extract from the LOAF for you
A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off if he commits any
of the following seven offences:
• serious foul play
• violent conduct
• spitting at an opponent or any other person
• denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring
opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply
to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
• denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent
moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a
free kick or a penalty kick
• using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
• receiving a second caution in the same match
A player, substitute or substituted player who has been sent off must
leave the vicinity of the fi eld of play and the technical area.
Not sure which of the first two it was but have just heard it is being appealed by the "Aussies".
Hope it helps
Ian
A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off if he commits any
of the following seven offences:
• serious foul play
• violent conduct
• spitting at an opponent or any other person
• denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring
opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply
to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
• denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent
moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a
free kick or a penalty kick
• using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
• receiving a second caution in the same match
A player, substitute or substituted player who has been sent off must
leave the vicinity of the fi eld of play and the technical area.
Not sure which of the first two it was but have just heard it is being appealed by the "Aussies".
Hope it helps
Ian
If you watch the replay you would see it was possible Schweinsteiger may have suffered a bad ankle injury. Following the letter of the law the ref took it as a dangerous tackle. In the EPL it would have been a yellow but in this tournament the managers and players alike were warned about how tackles would be interpreted.
As far as simulation goes, my tip Mesut Ozil was booked for simulation and he deserved it too with a swan dive with no contact and the ref and not the assistant gave that, he still went on to stay on his feet later in the box and get man of the match. I thought the ref had a fair game all told. In an ideal world, consistency would be the word and as such Carragher would have gotten a second yellow for his elbow in the game against USA.
As far as simulation goes, my tip Mesut Ozil was booked for simulation and he deserved it too with a swan dive with no contact and the ref and not the assistant gave that, he still went on to stay on his feet later in the box and get man of the match. I thought the ref had a fair game all told. In an ideal world, consistency would be the word and as such Carragher would have gotten a second yellow for his elbow in the game against USA.
*Looking forward to the knock-out stages when the shite Asian, African and South American refs have all been sent home from the tournament*
It probably predates your experience as an Evertonian, James, but 15 years ago, this German twat was the darling of a Spurs team that sought to brush Joe Royle's Everton team aside before heading to the so-called "dream final" match-up at Wembley against Manchester United.
Result: Spurs 1 - 4 Everton. The twat has never forgiven us. A tremendous game... in fact, I'm sure I've got it on tape somewhere... have you still got one of then old-fangled VCR's in the Virginia? Send me your snail-mail address.
Result: Spurs 1 - 4 Everton. The twat has never forgiven us. A tremendous game... in fact, I'm sure I've got it on tape somewhere... have you still got one of then old-fangled VCR's in the Virginia? Send me your snail-mail address.
Mike do you remember that Klinsmann dive and pen was the only goal we conceded in that FA Cup run?
If you look at the tackle on the BBC website, you can see that it is his shin/side foot that makes contact, as he is pulling out if the challenge because he probably knows he can't win it, hardly any contact at all. Disgusting decision but you expect nothing less when Dracula is reffing a game, too concerned about how he looks than actually reffing the match.
Sorry Mike, that was a clear yellow. Definitely not a red, and as it was Australia and not Everton, I have utterly no bias whatsoever.
I think 99% of people would not see that as a red.
I think 99% of people would not see that as a red.
Yes harsh, but it's the World Cup in June, not Stoke vs Wigan in January.
And to be fair, we do know that Tim has a bit of a habit of diving in / daft tackles.
On a football note, you can only beat what is put infront of you and I think the Aussies Dutch coach Bottles it a la Moyes and the top teams and gave them too much respect. Thus conceding the main thing the Aussies had going for them... their so-called 'never say die' Aussie battler attitude.
The talk here in NZ is that the All whites coach is going to change his formula (not much of one I know but it makes the best of what he has got), a back 3, 2 wing backs and 3 big fast forward / midfield players, wimp out and play a holder and not a good one either, more like sticking Yobo or Jags there.
As we have seen with Everton, that Plan A is OK so long as it works, but they only have to get lucky once and you are in the shit.
New Zealand, never mind Carpe Diem, seize the day.... CARPE JUGULAR, go for the throat, get in their faces, make then EARN the right to treat you as minnows.
And to be fair, we do know that Tim has a bit of a habit of diving in / daft tackles.
On a football note, you can only beat what is put infront of you and I think the Aussies Dutch coach Bottles it a la Moyes and the top teams and gave them too much respect. Thus conceding the main thing the Aussies had going for them... their so-called 'never say die' Aussie battler attitude.
The talk here in NZ is that the All whites coach is going to change his formula (not much of one I know but it makes the best of what he has got), a back 3, 2 wing backs and 3 big fast forward / midfield players, wimp out and play a holder and not a good one either, more like sticking Yobo or Jags there.
As we have seen with Everton, that Plan A is OK so long as it works, but they only have to get lucky once and you are in the shit.
New Zealand, never mind Carpe Diem, seize the day.... CARPE JUGULAR, go for the throat, get in their faces, make then EARN the right to treat you as minnows.
Mike O -
Hasn't the game always been much more physical in England than in Europe? I always thought this was the general stereotype.
Insofar as the tackle was concerned, I thought it was simply ill-timed and Cahill appeared to pull his legs back. Surely a yellow and not a straight red.
My kids and I watched and we lamented the fact Cahill's World Cup career is probably over. It's a shame. I feel for the guy.
Australia, based upon their warm-up against the USA and this game, doesn't stand a chance of advancing out of the group. They've looked very poor.
The German younsters looked very good and I frankly now want the US to win the final 2 and take the group. Playing the Germans in the first game of the knock-out round isn't going to be pleasant — for the US or England.
Hasn't the game always been much more physical in England than in Europe? I always thought this was the general stereotype.
Insofar as the tackle was concerned, I thought it was simply ill-timed and Cahill appeared to pull his legs back. Surely a yellow and not a straight red.
My kids and I watched and we lamented the fact Cahill's World Cup career is probably over. It's a shame. I feel for the guy.
Australia, based upon their warm-up against the USA and this game, doesn't stand a chance of advancing out of the group. They've looked very poor.
The German younsters looked very good and I frankly now want the US to win the final 2 and take the group. Playing the Germans in the first game of the knock-out round isn't going to be pleasant — for the US or England.
It was a piss poor decision, and as others have said, it stands out in a tournament when the officiating has for the most part been spot on.
Expect to see that referee not make the cut after the group games. It's the FIFA way - quietly dismiss him, problem solved. If it'd been England / Rooney, the Sun and other gutter press would've printed his home address and the school his kids go to by now.
At least Pim knows what we already know - Tim is limited up front on his own, and without the support of a big fella behind him.
Expect to see that referee not make the cut after the group games. It's the FIFA way - quietly dismiss him, problem solved. If it'd been England / Rooney, the Sun and other gutter press would've printed his home address and the school his kids go to by now.
At least Pim knows what we already know - Tim is limited up front on his own, and without the support of a big fella behind him.
It was a pointless tackle and as an Aussie I am pissed that he did something so stupid that has now jeopardised the whole Socceroos campaign (we don't kid ourselves that we are going to make it much beyond the group stages, if that far at all).
But on the other note, I find the refereeing inconsistent. Watching Sth Korea Vs Greece the ref only stopped the play for outrages infringements and to be fair, both teams just got on with it and it was the most entertaining match I have seen.
Australia were never going to beat Germany, but by getting stuck in like a good portion of the team did we now have the legacy of 1 red and 5 or 6 yellows to contend with for the remaining group games.
As much as I love the bloke, Timmy fucked it for the rest of the team (and my country) by that pointless tackle.
But on the other note, I find the refereeing inconsistent. Watching Sth Korea Vs Greece the ref only stopped the play for outrages infringements and to be fair, both teams just got on with it and it was the most entertaining match I have seen.
Australia were never going to beat Germany, but by getting stuck in like a good portion of the team did we now have the legacy of 1 red and 5 or 6 yellows to contend with for the remaining group games.
As much as I love the bloke, Timmy fucked it for the rest of the team (and my country) by that pointless tackle.
That's the problem with World Cups, despite all the best talent on show from around the world — you still get a count from Transylvania or a farmer from Timbuktu in charge of these matches. Fifa need to consider bringing 2 refs from higher level footballing nations. How is it possible to have some goat herder, who normally referees the local amateur match, be expected to use his lack of experience and knowledge to be in charge of a game at the highest level?
I agree, the none performing Refs will, dispite having the minimum FIFA Quals, just not make the cut come the later stages.
I believe the Ref for the S Korea game was a New Zealander, so small need not be bad, it's all about how you perform under pressure.
The Hand of God Ref was one of these affirmative action Refs. I mean what were the thinking of, the two Countries were fighting a war 4 years before.
I believe the Ref for the S Korea game was a New Zealander, so small need not be bad, it's all about how you perform under pressure.
The Hand of God Ref was one of these affirmative action Refs. I mean what were the thinking of, the two Countries were fighting a war 4 years before.
Sorry Mike - I think it was an appalling decision - there are too many card happy referees at this World Cup and the last 4 World Cups. This is not because it was Cahill either.
I think that it is a great pity they do not adopt the approach of the Refs in Rugby Union - in that sport the Ref would get the Captain to have a word with his player as a warning/give the player a talking to as a first and final warning. Too often Refs in World Cup matches use yellow/red cards as a first resort and not a last resort. There was I think 5 yellow cards and 1 red in that match - it makes it sound like a battle.
The way these Refs are going in players will in a few years time be afraid to make any physical challenge for the ball, tackling will become a thing of the past and we will see football become a less watchable version of basketball. The only way a team will be able to win the ball back will be because of a mistake by the opposition. I recall the 1994 Bulgaria v Mexico World Cup match,which was ruined by an inept "card happy" Ref. The players were afraid to challenge for the ball. I ended up switching of and turning the TV back on again 30 minutes later to see if there was a penalty shoot out. Sure enough there was.
And what made matters worse last night, was the patronising commentary from the ITV. I think you would have had greater impartiality if we had been given the German TV commentary!!!
Re: my previous post.
My intention was not to suggest that ALL Asian, African and South American referees are poor. For instance, Jorge Larrionda of Uruguay, is perhaps the number one referee at the World Cup.
It's just my opinion that many referees from these regions, such as yesterday's Mexican referee from the Germany v Australia game, are a very low standard of referees.
My intention was not to suggest that ALL Asian, African and South American referees are poor. For instance, Jorge Larrionda of Uruguay, is perhaps the number one referee at the World Cup.
It's just my opinion that many referees from these regions, such as yesterday's Mexican referee from the Germany v Australia game, are a very low standard of referees.
Can this decision be appealed? During the presser after the game the comments were that they cannot appeal...
Definitely it should have been a yellow card....but I also think that the refs previous record of giving red cards was a good pointer and one or two of the Oz team were trying to make up for their lack of pace at the back by being intimidatory...eg: Lucas Neill, who seemed to be in a bad mood from the start.
The comments about hand balls and diving have been in the English game ever since I can remember and I started playing and watching in the 50's... Franny Lee was the best exponent of diving I have ever seen and Scholes has scored for England with his hand... Our managers never 'see' incidents of fouls by their own players but ALWAYS see fouls and handballs by opposing players.
It's not just continentals who cheat!!
I don't think the Germans will go all the way as I think they are a bit on the young side and their defence does not look that great... BUT, it's the best German team to watch that I have seen and I think that by the next World Cup they will have a really good side!!
Appaling decision, and if that becomes the standard, it'll may end up a 5 aside tournament. In addition if that all it takes to get someone sent off, watch the amount of simulation increase.
I feel really sorry for Timmy, that could be his last appearance in a world cup.
Michael No 9 — If you're giving away videos of that game, count me in — it was amazing! Cheers!
Michael No 9 — If you're giving away videos of that game, count me in — it was amazing! Cheers!
For me it was never a red... but there was certainly plenty of contact, as Pat rightly pointed out when he realised he wasn't getting to the ball, he pulled his legs back under him and almost made the tackle with his knees..
Badly timed, but no malice. Yellow.
Badly timed, but no malice. Yellow.
The referee was a disgrace and if he has any integrity he would look favorably at an appeal. The over reaction from the German player didn't help either but you wouldn't really expect any less at a World Cup would you.
The tackle was incredibly stupid however from Tim. There was no need to make that challenge and if it is the end of his World Cup perhaps he might learn from it and clean up that part of his game.
Ridiculous article. Simply dreadful refereeing, by a man who apparently just loves to send people off.
Oh and Lucas Neill should have been down the tunnel for his knee in the back of Klose...
Absolutely ridiculous thing to do.
Absolutely ridiculous thing to do.
@ 16 "As much as I love the bloke, Timmy fucked it for the rest of the team (and my country) by that pointless tackle"
Sorry mate but what a crock of shit. The whole team fucked it for your country, they were a complete shambles. Schwarzer's ridiculous attempt at taking the cross for the second goal should have seen him sent off for simulation (pretending to be a real goalkeeper).
Australia are a terrible team and Tim Cahill is your best player. His act of stupidity is that of someone who has more passion and pride then the rest of your sorry shower of shite put together.
If you are to have any chance of qualifying you need him back for Game 3 and hope that the rest of your bedraggled shite-houses manage to squeeze a point from the next game.
Sorry mate but what a crock of shit. The whole team fucked it for your country, they were a complete shambles. Schwarzer's ridiculous attempt at taking the cross for the second goal should have seen him sent off for simulation (pretending to be a real goalkeeper).
Australia are a terrible team and Tim Cahill is your best player. His act of stupidity is that of someone who has more passion and pride then the rest of your sorry shower of shite put together.
If you are to have any chance of qualifying you need him back for Game 3 and hope that the rest of your bedraggled shite-houses manage to squeeze a point from the next game.
This referee sent 3 people off on 2 occasions in his most recent domestic season as well as 2 on 4 and numerous one offs. The guy that refereed the England game on Saturday night was suspended for 6 weeks last year donestically for consistent poor decision making. Who ratifies these people being accepted as officials at the top tournament in the world, and are all the referees that their countries have to offer even worse?
Thor Sørensen - you're a shit rascist.
Have you not seen a poor European ref? What sport have you been watching?
Have you not seen a poor European ref? What sport have you been watching?
@29 Amit Vithlani:
"LOL"... get back in your foul mouthed little box.
I'd take Schwartzer over Howard any day of the week!
Here's hoping the Aussies can pull it together against Ghana and give Timmy the chance to redeem himself in the 3rd game.
"LOL"... get back in your foul mouthed little box.
I'd take Schwartzer over Howard any day of the week!
Here's hoping the Aussies can pull it together against Ghana and give Timmy the chance to redeem himself in the 3rd game.
"Thor Sørensen - you're a shit rascist"
It's not racism though, I'm not sure it has a word, maybe 'continentalism'. But I don't think you should throw that word around casually.
It's not racism though, I'm not sure it has a word, maybe 'continentalism'. But I don't think you should throw that word around casually.
No way was it a red card!
Tim went in round the side, with one leg and he was not showing his studs. He didn't get the ball, but he was trying to get it and there was absolutely no malice in the challenge at all!
Terrible decision!
Tim went in round the side, with one leg and he was not showing his studs. He didn't get the ball, but he was trying to get it and there was absolutely no malice in the challenge at all!
Terrible decision!
No way was this a straight red card. Simple as that really, and if it can be appealed I hope it is rescinded or reduced to a yellow.
Overall though, so far, this is the worst World Cup I have ever seen with regard to standards of play and apart from dribs and drabs in '58 and '62 (there were no satellites in those days!) I've watched them all since '66.
Argentina looked ok in fits and starts and Germany looked good but this has to be moderated by the fact that they were playing a poor Australia side made even poorer by a poor refereeing decision.
No player stands out as an exciting newcomer and the established 'greats' have so far been disappointing....even Messi! (By his own standards at least)
For obvious reasons the early stages of world cups are populated by poor sides that will never qualify. But historically this often led to individual surprises and eccentric teams that at least provided 'entertainment'. Even that seems to have passed away now and in order to survive the inferior sides have abandoned adventurousness and replaced it with negativity. It's a shame really but I suppose that is the way the game has gone over the last decade or so.
I hope the trumpet things don't catch on and go 'worldwide' and if there are any Blues out there in Africa with one, make sure you leave it there before you come home! Freakin' things!!!
Overall though, so far, this is the worst World Cup I have ever seen with regard to standards of play and apart from dribs and drabs in '58 and '62 (there were no satellites in those days!) I've watched them all since '66.
Argentina looked ok in fits and starts and Germany looked good but this has to be moderated by the fact that they were playing a poor Australia side made even poorer by a poor refereeing decision.
No player stands out as an exciting newcomer and the established 'greats' have so far been disappointing....even Messi! (By his own standards at least)
For obvious reasons the early stages of world cups are populated by poor sides that will never qualify. But historically this often led to individual surprises and eccentric teams that at least provided 'entertainment'. Even that seems to have passed away now and in order to survive the inferior sides have abandoned adventurousness and replaced it with negativity. It's a shame really but I suppose that is the way the game has gone over the last decade or so.
I hope the trumpet things don't catch on and go 'worldwide' and if there are any Blues out there in Africa with one, make sure you leave it there before you come home! Freakin' things!!!
Just heard DM on the radio about this:
"It warranted a booking.The referee with his slicked-back hair made sure he got noticed and showed a red card."
Classic stuff!
"It warranted a booking.The referee with his slicked-back hair made sure he got noticed and showed a red card."
Classic stuff!
Trust Moyesey to hit the nail on the head!
Mike, Mitchell & Joel...
Just saw 2 worse tackles than Tim's in the Holland game - one was 2-footed, all studs showing, both were nasty, ankle-breakers
Guess what?
Thanks for the Moyesy quote, Brendan; man's a breath of fresh air
Just saw 2 worse tackles than Tim's in the Holland game - one was 2-footed, all studs showing, both were nasty, ankle-breakers
Guess what?
Thanks for the Moyesy quote, Brendan; man's a breath of fresh air
Amit (29)
A little tip, mate. In future, don't beat about the bush, say what you mean!
As for the game, it was a very poor Australian side. A side which in terms of age peaked in 2006. Question is does our Timmy know Paul Scholes (sic)?
As an aside, I hear that many players from many teams hate the new ball. It may interest people to know that, the whole of last season, addidas, based in Germany, allowed the exact ball to be used thoughout their season.
Oh well, nothing like looking after your own is there.
A little tip, mate. In future, don't beat about the bush, say what you mean!
As for the game, it was a very poor Australian side. A side which in terms of age peaked in 2006. Question is does our Timmy know Paul Scholes (sic)?
As an aside, I hear that many players from many teams hate the new ball. It may interest people to know that, the whole of last season, addidas, based in Germany, allowed the exact ball to be used thoughout their season.
Oh well, nothing like looking after your own is there.
Jason Heng @31 -" Thor Sørensen - you're a shit rascist."
Wtf!!!!!!!!
Sure, I've seen plenty of dire European refs.
I was just saying that, IMHO, many referees from the above mentioned regions, such as last night's Mexican referee, are a very low standard of refs. That's far from saying ALL Asian, African and South American refs are poor!
The game itself in many of these countries are very different from the football played in the UK (the footy I prefer!). In many Asian leagues football is more or less a non-contact sport and in many places in South America, diving is much more accepted as part and parcel of the game and not frowned upon like here. It's different cultures, and as a result different ways of refereeing. I prefer the British/German/Scandinavian way as opposed to the latin/african way. That's in no way racist!
Furthermore, I even went on to name a South American referee, Jorge Larrionda of Uruguay, as pherhaps the number one referee at the the World Cup. How on earth is that racist!?!?
Wtf!!!!!!!!
Sure, I've seen plenty of dire European refs.
I was just saying that, IMHO, many referees from the above mentioned regions, such as last night's Mexican referee, are a very low standard of refs. That's far from saying ALL Asian, African and South American refs are poor!
The game itself in many of these countries are very different from the football played in the UK (the footy I prefer!). In many Asian leagues football is more or less a non-contact sport and in many places in South America, diving is much more accepted as part and parcel of the game and not frowned upon like here. It's different cultures, and as a result different ways of refereeing. I prefer the British/German/Scandinavian way as opposed to the latin/african way. That's in no way racist!
Furthermore, I even went on to name a South American referee, Jorge Larrionda of Uruguay, as pherhaps the number one referee at the the World Cup. How on earth is that racist!?!?
Thor, your stereotyping needs work. Mexico is not in Asia, Africa or South America.
Richard Porter, I stand corrected. ;-)
For South American, read Latin American.
For South American, read Latin American.
Jon Cox, Germany was the one country that agreed to use it all season as they aren't fucking daft or niave to think they deserve to win it just by turning up like good old Engerland. The other nations were also offered it and most turned it down or used it sparingly, that particular debate was made during one of the boring games.
The worst referees I've seen have been English. In fact, the best referees I've seen have come from smaller nations as the arrogance isn't there (see Collina, Elleray, Webb for details).
If that was a red card, very few Premier League games would finish with more than 8 or 9 players per team.
I know these are different referees with different standards, but by any reasonable reading of the rules it was a yellow card.
Gutted for Tim. He'll be back in 2014 though!
I know these are different referees with different standards, but by any reasonable reading of the rules it was a yellow card.
Gutted for Tim. He'll be back in 2014 though!
English referees aren't poor. -they're just bent. ;-) *tongue in cheek*
On Moyes (36, 37, 38) - Reminds me about us talking of EFC promotion in the US. Moyes would be a huge hit in the media here.
So he winds up wherever doing commentary on the World Cup and we watching ESPN suffer thru "experts" Alexi Lalas and Ruud Gullitt (key players in the Galaxy debacle before Arena's arrival), and guess who ToffeeWebbers; Steve McManaman.
So he winds up wherever doing commentary on the World Cup and we watching ESPN suffer thru "experts" Alexi Lalas and Ruud Gullitt (key players in the Galaxy debacle before Arena's arrival), and guess who ToffeeWebbers; Steve McManaman.
Surely it's better to be a shit racist than a good racist? :<)
Speaking of Cahill's dismissal, that was NOT a red card. Football used to be a contact sport but is more turning into a theatre of overpaid ballerinas.
There was a time when a tackle like that was no more than a free kick. European football is different to Asian, African and South American ditto. Likewise, there is also a difference between the referees.
British fans are more likely to enjoy a tough tackle and a hard battle on the field, as contrast to the South Americans in general. The referees are just a mirror of their own league.
So if you like a game of tough tackling, dogs-of-war football, there has to be a referee that understands that, and to a certain point likes that too. Otherwise they would ruin the game with far too many red cards... As most of the referees that Thor Sørensen was referring to, would do (post number 8).
With that being said, referees have still only got two different cards to show. There is the yellow card and there is the red card.
If Jason Heng (from post number 31) was in charge of FIFA, there would be a third one, called the "Racist card". He would have shown that to the entire Australian crowd after their dissatisfaction to the Mexican referee. Thor Sørensen would have got one on mail too with his name written on it. Well, pretty much everyone would get it, as Jason Heng pulls his "Racist card" faster than Lucky Luke pulls his trigger.
Show me the card Jason, haha.
There was a time when a tackle like that was no more than a free kick. European football is different to Asian, African and South American ditto. Likewise, there is also a difference between the referees.
British fans are more likely to enjoy a tough tackle and a hard battle on the field, as contrast to the South Americans in general. The referees are just a mirror of their own league.
So if you like a game of tough tackling, dogs-of-war football, there has to be a referee that understands that, and to a certain point likes that too. Otherwise they would ruin the game with far too many red cards... As most of the referees that Thor Sørensen was referring to, would do (post number 8).
With that being said, referees have still only got two different cards to show. There is the yellow card and there is the red card.
If Jason Heng (from post number 31) was in charge of FIFA, there would be a third one, called the "Racist card". He would have shown that to the entire Australian crowd after their dissatisfaction to the Mexican referee. Thor Sørensen would have got one on mail too with his name written on it. Well, pretty much everyone would get it, as Jason Heng pulls his "Racist card" faster than Lucky Luke pulls his trigger.
Show me the card Jason, haha.
Steve McManaman (Or "MAC") as the Americans call him, is the shittest pundit I have ever seen in my entire life.
That includes Pat Nevin, Ron Atkinson, David Pleat, and Andy Townsend.
Also, Ally McCoist as a commentator? Jesus Christ, USA, get someone decent for goodness sake.
That includes Pat Nevin, Ron Atkinson, David Pleat, and Andy Townsend.
Also, Ally McCoist as a commentator? Jesus Christ, USA, get someone decent for goodness sake.
Also, Amit's post (29) made me "LOL"
SO true.
SO true.
Jimmy (50) - The best thing to me as an EFC fan happened watching ESPN's coverage. I'm looking at Lalas and Gullitt (is there some rule that once one finishes fucking up a team(s) as player/manager/executive, you qualify as expert on TV?) drone on about the obvious, the commentary was thrown over to yet another foreighner I didn't know.
As he continued Lalas's and Gullitt's presentation of the obvious as "insight", his name and credentials scrawled across the screen: Steve McManaman. Yeah. So. 1998 England International. Fair enough. Played 300 games for Liverpool. (Instantly, without thought) — Stupid cunt bastard!
As an EFC fan, quite proud of myself, because it took a few seconds before I realized my reaction once I saw the word Liverpool on screen. 6 months in an EFC fan and I believe my instinctual response praise-worthy.
As he continued Lalas's and Gullitt's presentation of the obvious as "insight", his name and credentials scrawled across the screen: Steve McManaman. Yeah. So. 1998 England International. Fair enough. Played 300 games for Liverpool. (Instantly, without thought) — Stupid cunt bastard!
As an EFC fan, quite proud of myself, because it took a few seconds before I realized my reaction once I saw the word Liverpool on screen. 6 months in an EFC fan and I believe my instinctual response praise-worthy.
James -
When you hate Liverpool more than any other team on earth then you know it's all over - you've idenitified and found the Dark Side.
Took me about a year, and I can honestly say I hate them more than the Yankees. And that's saying a lot as a dire hard life-long Red Sox man.
If you have to collect all the hate in the world and transpose it to individual teams, it go something like this: Liverpool, Yankees, Rangers, Chelsea, Canadiens, Lakers, and finally the myriad of "poser" teams: University of Michigan, Man U, Real Madrid, Cowboys, Galaxy.... just to name a few. Thank God in Heaven every day that you've chosen / were chosen to love EFC. Real fans, real team, real players - nothing not to love.
And welcome to the healthy world of "finding your Darth Vader". Everyone needs an outlet.
Enjoy the fact Liverpool is in shambles. And truly enjoy it next end season when we finish above them.
When you hate Liverpool more than any other team on earth then you know it's all over - you've idenitified and found the Dark Side.
Took me about a year, and I can honestly say I hate them more than the Yankees. And that's saying a lot as a dire hard life-long Red Sox man.
If you have to collect all the hate in the world and transpose it to individual teams, it go something like this: Liverpool, Yankees, Rangers, Chelsea, Canadiens, Lakers, and finally the myriad of "poser" teams: University of Michigan, Man U, Real Madrid, Cowboys, Galaxy.... just to name a few. Thank God in Heaven every day that you've chosen / were chosen to love EFC. Real fans, real team, real players - nothing not to love.
And welcome to the healthy world of "finding your Darth Vader". Everyone needs an outlet.
Enjoy the fact Liverpool is in shambles. And truly enjoy it next end season when we finish above them.
Jamie (53) - OK.
But you put some things in here, sports fan-wise, got me to wondering. Before I reply further, where are you from? Not your address or anything, just where you were raised, lived? Like that.
But you put some things in here, sports fan-wise, got me to wondering. Before I reply further, where are you from? Not your address or anything, just where you were raised, lived? Like that.
Born in Boston. Live in FL.
Don't read too much into it. Best friend's a Yankee fan. Best customer in business is a Rangers fan from Glasgow. I'd take a bullet for them...
Having an "anit-team" helps solidify your allegience.
Don't read too much into it. Best friend's a Yankee fan. Best customer in business is a Rangers fan from Glasgow. I'd take a bullet for them...
Having an "anit-team" helps solidify your allegience.
Jamie (53), as a child growing up in Liverpool, my dad used to warn me: If I was naughty, I would end up to be a kopite.
Roy (56), that must be the funniest and worst punishment I have ever heard in my life!
Jamie (55) - I've commented over the last few months that many, let's say "more inclined to the negative" EFC fans could just jump over to a Red Sox site and fit in immediately. They need no nothing of baseball and less about the Red Sox. It's not about how well the team is doing. It's all about the negative vibes baby. Just log in, pick a player (or Francona) and start bitching away.
That would work, wouldn't it.
That would work, wouldn't it.
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1 Posted 13/06/2010 at 22:12:23
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A truly shocking decision, especially after the refs had been doing so well on the whole. A great pity for Timmy, and I think a horrible reward for simulation... even if the ref did catch two out of three.