The Mail Bag
Cheating
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After watching the Brazil game last night and seeing the Kaka incident on view to millions throughout the world, I just thought what a great opportunity for Fifa to make a real statement about cheating in the game. They missed the chance with Thierre Henry.
I would love to see them rescind the red card given to Kaka and give a red card and subsequent ban to the Ivory Coast player. The referee did not see the incident so I can't understand why he sent him off. If either the referee's asistant or the 4th official advised him, they obviously need to go to 'Specsavers'.
Players receive retrospective punishment from video evidence for incidents the referee has missed so why not for cheating?. By not doing anything about this type of thing, Fifa are in fact condoning cheating.
Ron Haslam, Posted 21/06/2010 at 10:12:27
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Good point, Ron. The sense I get is that most people want the officials to be making the 'correct' decisions if at all possible... but (and correct me if I'm wrong) I get the strong impression that Fifa continually reassert the total power and dominance of the referee as the only and final arbiter. Hence their repeated failure to do anything to rectify obvious wrong calls by the referee. They apparently actually revel in the human errors and resulting controversies as being a fundamental part of the game.
There's an argument to made for that in historical terms and for consistency right through the levels where the instant replay is simply not available. But only if you do your utmost to have competent referees and officials, and it seems that's the area where Fifa are weak.
I think football at the highest level — and that means ones with video coverage — must inevitably bring in some form of video verification for crucial decisions. I don't quite know how it would work but they have made it work in other sports that have massive TV followings... so why not football?
I thought there was something about the Fourth Official now (since June 1) being able to provide input to the referee, based on what he sees of the game from the sidelines (but not any video replays). This would be an advance if it actually works but knowing the Fifa mentality, I'm not convinced this would reverse a bad call.
There's an argument to made for that in historical terms and for consistency right through the levels where the instant replay is simply not available. But only if you do your utmost to have competent referees and officials, and it seems that's the area where Fifa are weak.
I think football at the highest level — and that means ones with video coverage — must inevitably bring in some form of video verification for crucial decisions. I don't quite know how it would work but they have made it work in other sports that have massive TV followings... so why not football?
I thought there was something about the Fourth Official now (since June 1) being able to provide input to the referee, based on what he sees of the game from the sidelines (but not any video replays). This would be an advance if it actually works but knowing the Fifa mentality, I'm not convinced this would reverse a bad call.
Fairness, justice or logic don't usually rank too highly with football's ruling elite. Last night was arguably the most perfect example of the illogical bollocks that says you can never rescind or appeal against a second yellow card. No! even when the referee doesn't see it, nor consult on it, nor on the fact that it was disgusting cheating of the first order.
The sick prick who perpetrated that abomination last night should be banned for at least 3 games and preferably 6 or more. It was beyond blatant. He just ran towards Kaka for no fucking reason (the ball was elsewhere) other than to provoke some, any, reaction.
As Brazil have qualified it won't do too much damage, but it stank and needs to be dealt with. Cheats need to be publicly humiliated & punished. If nothing is done over past night's incident then it is final proof that the idiots are indeed in control of the asylum.
The sick prick who perpetrated that abomination last night should be banned for at least 3 games and preferably 6 or more. It was beyond blatant. He just ran towards Kaka for no fucking reason (the ball was elsewhere) other than to provoke some, any, reaction.
As Brazil have qualified it won't do too much damage, but it stank and needs to be dealt with. Cheats need to be publicly humiliated & punished. If nothing is done over past night's incident then it is final proof that the idiots are indeed in control of the asylum.
Ironically the actions of the Ivorian player could come back to haunt him in another way — Portugal will now play a Brazil side without Kaka and Elano needing only a draw to be certain of knocking the Ivory Coast out.
Of course, after the result against North Korea today the goal difference alone will probably be enough to see them through!
Of course, after the result against North Korea today the goal difference alone will probably be enough to see them through!
Also - What did everyone think of Gervinho for the Ivory Coast. He is a left winger with pace and ability. Might be a good potential replacement for Pienaar?
I think the World Cup so far has been a terrible advert for the game on the biggest stage. Every single game has had elements of diving, simulation, cheating or whatever you want to call it. Yes, Keita was despicable in his behaviour last night, but the Brazilians had been at it all game too. Luis Fabiano was shot at least five or six times by a sniper in the crowd, Robinho cried and whinged just as much as he does off the pitch and Dunga was going bananas on the sidelines about every single tackle made on his players.
I even saw a few North Koreans rolling about against the Portuguese today, and they aren't even allowed to watch international television! It's a cancer and blight that has spread to terminal proportions in the game we love. What happened to the rule about players getting punished for making the 'card' gesture after being fouled? I still see many players doing it.
Something seriously needs to be done — its absolutely disgusting and disgraceful to see a grown man feigning injury like a gunshot wound, when a replay shows little or no contact has been made — even worse when he is up running around minutes later like it never happened. Get the fucking finger out, FIFA!!!
I even saw a few North Koreans rolling about against the Portuguese today, and they aren't even allowed to watch international television! It's a cancer and blight that has spread to terminal proportions in the game we love. What happened to the rule about players getting punished for making the 'card' gesture after being fouled? I still see many players doing it.
Something seriously needs to be done — its absolutely disgusting and disgraceful to see a grown man feigning injury like a gunshot wound, when a replay shows little or no contact has been made — even worse when he is up running around minutes later like it never happened. Get the fucking finger out, FIFA!!!
I was furious when that Nigerian fella was sent off the other day against Greece. Atrocious over reaction to the slightest touch, rolling and writhing in agony, yet the second the red was shown the Greek lad was up like a shot. The commentators didn't even mention it! This World Cup has been a poor show all round, modern football is rubbish.
Ste, completely agree with your feelings against the Greek player BUT that Nigerian was a knob of the highest order and had to go! Stupid rush of blood - the ref had no option.
Agreed, it's about time something was done by FIFA. Personally I just think they are gutless.
Anybody see the officials in the Chile and Swiss game this afternoon? A comedy act straight out of vaudeville, You couldn't make them up.
Agreed Ron. The most bizarre actions from the French referee was that he 'consulted' Fabiano about his double handball, and the Ivorian player about the Kaka incident. He then took the word of the players to allow the goal in the first case, and show a red card in the second one. It seems that maybe double handballs are OK in the French mindset.
There was a precedent in the 2002 when Rivaldo got banned for cheating, so it might happen. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for FIFA though.
There was a precedent in the 2002 when Rivaldo got banned for cheating, so it might happen. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for FIFA though.
Though it would've been nice to see Keita get a yellow for the bad acting, I don't agree Kaka's should be rescinded. He clearly elbowed Keita in the chest and then lied to Drogba's face about it. He deserved that second yellow.
I was more annoyed with Ronaldo getting away with 2 or 3 blatant dives against Ivory Coast, and that was AFTER his yellow card. But the ref chose to ignore them or all the officials saw some contact on him where there wasn't any.
I was more annoyed with Ronaldo getting away with 2 or 3 blatant dives against Ivory Coast, and that was AFTER his yellow card. But the ref chose to ignore them or all the officials saw some contact on him where there wasn't any.
And Blatter makes nonsense statements about worrying of match-fixing. Isn't he hysterical. Yet, referees are kept completely unaccountable to teams and the public. Being American, it's pretty shocking to see.
Even our grid-iron football league, the NFL, will annouce errors by officials in the week following a game where some team protests some result-altering call. The NFL not only acknowledges errors, but also issues apologies to the team and its fans.
Afraid, in FIFA, we have the ultimate old-boys club and recalcitrant grandpas. The only sport in US that can compare in "ancient traditions" to soccer is baseball. Even baseball has added replay authority to game officials in certain few situations.
Look, everyone can see on the TV what's happening. I doubt officials are better or worse than 50-60-70 years ago when most viewers were in the stadium or watching on one or two long-shot cameras on TV.
Today, with such detailed, up-close camera coverage, nothing gets by without being seen. Some camera will catch it and the TV producer in the booth absolutely is going to show it. FIFA needs to step into the 21st century. This is NEVER going away.
Oh, and for God's sakes add the second referee, so you have better pitch coverage. That change has been obvious forever.
Even our grid-iron football league, the NFL, will annouce errors by officials in the week following a game where some team protests some result-altering call. The NFL not only acknowledges errors, but also issues apologies to the team and its fans.
Afraid, in FIFA, we have the ultimate old-boys club and recalcitrant grandpas. The only sport in US that can compare in "ancient traditions" to soccer is baseball. Even baseball has added replay authority to game officials in certain few situations.
Look, everyone can see on the TV what's happening. I doubt officials are better or worse than 50-60-70 years ago when most viewers were in the stadium or watching on one or two long-shot cameras on TV.
Today, with such detailed, up-close camera coverage, nothing gets by without being seen. Some camera will catch it and the TV producer in the booth absolutely is going to show it. FIFA needs to step into the 21st century. This is NEVER going away.
Oh, and for God's sakes add the second referee, so you have better pitch coverage. That change has been obvious forever.
Agree with Conor @6. It has been a terrible World Cup for the neutral and retrospective punishment is the only way to cut it out. It disgusts me to see fit athletic grown men simulate like complete wimps. Pathetic.
As Conor (6) mentions, the Brazillians were at it all game, breaking up three or four Ivory Coast counterattacks by the having a player doing a comedy rolling on the ground, feigning some mythical injury routine, resulting in the Ivorians having to knock it out of play. At least one of those counters caught Brazil completely flat-footed and outnumbered in their half with Drogba waiting to pounce, so I had a "Nice one, ref!" moment when Kaka was sent to the jacuzzi. He might not have deserved it but his team did.
Whatever happened to the "simulation" ruling, and the shirt pulling, and the... etc. Officiating definitely needs an overhaul.
Whatever happened to the "simulation" ruling, and the shirt pulling, and the... etc. Officiating definitely needs an overhaul.
They wouldn't need to rescind the red card though as looking at video evidence would show Kaka using two hands to push an Ivory Coast player and no action being taken. He's then booked for clapping in the face of Yaya Toure (the referee made it very clear that this was what it was for) so should have been sent off by then anyway.
I totally agree on retrospective punishments for playacting though, in fact I suggested it about ten years ago, with a ten-game ban and everybody told me how ridiculous that was. Its amazing how many people are saying exactly the same thing now...!
The thing is, its been done, Dida for AC Milan against Celtic and Rivaldo against Turkey in 2002 both received retrospective punishments, all they need to do is do it regularly.
There is a big grey area with 'simulation' though. Witness Italy's penalty against New Zealand. What do people think about that? My opinion is that it WAS a penalty, for shirt pulling, this despite the obvious swan dive from De Rossi. Where defenders do sly fouls, and forwards act to make them obvious to the referee, seems to be an area that not many people recognise or deal with. Often the 'experts' seem to think an incident is EITHER a foul OR a dive when it's often both.
I totally agree on retrospective punishments for playacting though, in fact I suggested it about ten years ago, with a ten-game ban and everybody told me how ridiculous that was. Its amazing how many people are saying exactly the same thing now...!
The thing is, its been done, Dida for AC Milan against Celtic and Rivaldo against Turkey in 2002 both received retrospective punishments, all they need to do is do it regularly.
There is a big grey area with 'simulation' though. Witness Italy's penalty against New Zealand. What do people think about that? My opinion is that it WAS a penalty, for shirt pulling, this despite the obvious swan dive from De Rossi. Where defenders do sly fouls, and forwards act to make them obvious to the referee, seems to be an area that not many people recognise or deal with. Often the 'experts' seem to think an incident is EITHER a foul OR a dive when it's often both.
A Chilean lad got booked for diving over a tackle earlier, and didn't complain, nodding his head in agreement as the ref showed him the yellow, even though in the laws of the game he should have had a penalty. All he had to do was exactly the same thing but kick the defender as he went down and it would have been a blatant penalty for the ref to give. We've got to the stage where your diving technique matters.
Agree with all that has been said. In a way for my sanity/ health its just as well we are not in Europe. When some of the teams we have played over the last few years roll around crying, I'm ready to put my fist through a wall and smash the tv.
Fifa need to show some balls and ban the twat last night for rolling around like he got hit by David Haye.
Cahill got sent off for a dodgey tackle that deserved a yellow and there have been numerous terrible tackles that have received either no card, or a yellow just. Not sure what some of the refs have been smoking.
Fifa need to show some balls and ban the twat last night for rolling around like he got hit by David Haye.
Cahill got sent off for a dodgey tackle that deserved a yellow and there have been numerous terrible tackles that have received either no card, or a yellow just. Not sure what some of the refs have been smoking.
What I can't believe is that you Ron, and many others here, and everyone else I spoke to about the game last night mentioned the Kaka incident before the double handball by Fabiano. That was the absolute disgrace in the match, and took the game totally out of the Ivory Coast's hands.
Maradona does it once and gets (rightly) vilified for eternity; Fabiano controls it twice with his hand, knocks it in the back of the net, and it gets brushed over completely by everyone.
Maradona does it once and gets (rightly) vilified for eternity; Fabiano controls it twice with his hand, knocks it in the back of the net, and it gets brushed over completely by everyone.
The World Cup sets the tone for the direction football takes and unless there is a miracle and one of the 'minnows' win it (which will not be permitted by Fifa who'll contrive to ensure this never happens, aka Denmark in the Euro's a few years ago), we will continue to be tormented by cheating and the inexorable move towards a non-contact version of the game. It's desperate isn't it?! Apart from the moral fibre showed by our beautiful club (in glorious isolation), the only other option is to go watch non-league for a dose of honesty and a bit of a laugh. It's a good job the world is going to end in 2012 after we've won the Premier League.
It's 2012 according to the Maya....and Glen Hoddle.
The World Cup has ceased to be the festival of football it used to be and it is now all about money. The sea change came in '94 when the tournament went to the USA where 99% of the population were not in the least fucking interested. It went to the USA for two reasons, huge wads of cash and to give Diana Ross a penalty, which she missed.
Accordingly, the link between FIFA and proper Football is getting more and more tenuous. So don't expect them to do anything about these injustices because that is not their priority.
Accordingly, the link between FIFA and proper Football is getting more and more tenuous. So don't expect them to do anything about these injustices because that is not their priority.
Sorry to sound so cynical but this World Cup is starting to get on my nerves! Please God give me a good ole' Prem game on a cold and snowy Saturday in January....please!!!
Bring on Tony Hibbert, I'm really missing him! And despite all these superstars on show, I've not seen a goal yet as good as the last I saw at the Old Lady last season... Bily's! Bring it on.
Bring on Tony Hibbert, I'm really missing him! And despite all these superstars on show, I've not seen a goal yet as good as the last I saw at the Old Lady last season... Bily's! Bring it on.
(21) - Dave, Dave, Dave, Dave, DAVE!!
"The sea change came in '94 when the tournament went to the USA where 99% of the population were not in the least fucking interested".
Ugh.
If Dumb Remarks was an Olympic event, can't say you'd win the Gold. But you'd be up on the dais with a medal around your neck, no question.
Are you actually blaming current wage structure in soccer on the United States? And by completely fabricating a statistical "fact" to support your position?
C'mon man, tell me you're a comedian breaking in new material. You sat typing that with one of those fake arrows through your head? Wearing a Groucho mask, maybe? Naturally, I could have mis-interpreted. Let's look again, shall we?
"The sea change came in '94 when the tournament went to the USA where 99% of the population were not in the least fucking interested".
HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa
Can't speak for anyone else in here. But I think you're hilarious. Keep it coming. But don't rush on my account. I'm not done with this one yet, "The sea change came in '94 when the tournament went to the USA where 99% of the population were not in the least fucking interested".
HoHoHoHoHoHoHoHoHoHoHoHoHo
The US to blame for wage structure in soccer! Oh my ribs are sore. Stop it Dave. You're killing me.
"The sea change came in '94 when the tournament went to the USA where 99% of the population were not in the least fucking interested".
Ugh.
If Dumb Remarks was an Olympic event, can't say you'd win the Gold. But you'd be up on the dais with a medal around your neck, no question.
Are you actually blaming current wage structure in soccer on the United States? And by completely fabricating a statistical "fact" to support your position?
C'mon man, tell me you're a comedian breaking in new material. You sat typing that with one of those fake arrows through your head? Wearing a Groucho mask, maybe? Naturally, I could have mis-interpreted. Let's look again, shall we?
"The sea change came in '94 when the tournament went to the USA where 99% of the population were not in the least fucking interested".
HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa
Can't speak for anyone else in here. But I think you're hilarious. Keep it coming. But don't rush on my account. I'm not done with this one yet, "The sea change came in '94 when the tournament went to the USA where 99% of the population were not in the least fucking interested".
HoHoHoHoHoHoHoHoHoHoHoHoHo
The US to blame for wage structure in soccer! Oh my ribs are sore. Stop it Dave. You're killing me.
That Kader Keita guy was linked strongly with us for quite a while with actual quotes from the player saying Everton was an option (from last summer I think). I did my usual scouting mission and YouTubed him. Very quick but, after that piece of playacting, I wouldn't have him on a free. Absolute disgrace, Fifa should ban anyone like that for 6 months from all forms of professional football — professional being the operative word
Who's talking about wage structure, you dimwit?
I'm talking about Fifa's corporate behaviour and making decisions based upon the ability to make money in the same way a Capitalist Corporation would... and the fact that that is increasingly their priority rather than the game itself.
I'm talking about Fifa's corporate behaviour and making decisions based upon the ability to make money in the same way a Capitalist Corporation would... and the fact that that is increasingly their priority rather than the game itself.
The wage structure in football is another issue and if you would like a discussion about that, open a thread... as long as it's about Everton!
James Flynn,
Sorry James. I've just relised you're probably American! I forgot to make the necessary allowances.
Just a reminder though.
WAGES are paid by players Clubs.
We are talking about INTERNATIONAL football here where only expenses are paid...lucrative maybe....but not wages.
Ergo, what has wage structure got to do with the World Cup?
Get it?
Sorry James. I've just relised you're probably American! I forgot to make the necessary allowances.
Just a reminder though.
WAGES are paid by players Clubs.
We are talking about INTERNATIONAL football here where only expenses are paid...lucrative maybe....but not wages.
Ergo, what has wage structure got to do with the World Cup?
Get it?
I agree with Michael Kenrick #2 about using video evidence, and sending off offences would be ideal to try out video evidence, on account that the game has stopped and it normally takes 2-3 minutes to make the decision, therefore an official could look at the replay and relay it to the ref in less than a minute.
But I agree with just about everyone, diving must be stopped and the only way to do it is retrospective fines and suspensions.
But I agree with just about everyone, diving must be stopped and the only way to do it is retrospective fines and suspensions.
Dimwit is it? Wow. At least I tried to encourage what I took to your comedic aspirations or position you as an Olympic medal winner.
Dimwit it is, then. Forget the comedian references. No offense meant. I'll re-visit your comments (in full at that).
"The World Cup has ceased to be the festival of football it used to be and it is now all about money. The sea change came in '94 when the tournament went to the USA where 99% of the population were not in the least fucking interested. It went to the USA for two reasons, huge wads of cash and to give Diana Ross a penalty, which she missed.
Accordingly, the link between FIFA and proper Football is getting more and more tenuous. So don't expect them to do anything about these injustices because that is not their priority".
I see more clearly now. Your standing on the top dais, turned to your left, right hand over heart, Gold medal around your neck. Your country's flag being hoisted, the sound of your National Anthem swells . . . . .
This thread's about shitty officiating as a matter of fact, not corporate greed. Gold medal winner you might be, but explain the connection, please.
It's TV coverage that's caused the demand for improved officiating/officiating accountability. It's TV commentators/replay that's pounding away at the need for improvement in how matches are officiated and how officials are held accountable to the public.
As it's also TV contracts that are providing the massive rights fees for club games and World Cups and those paying the fees the ones trumpeting the need for reform the loudest, what does FIFA corporate greed have to do with it?
With all respects to your Gold medal, of course, Dave.
Dimwit it is, then. Forget the comedian references. No offense meant. I'll re-visit your comments (in full at that).
"The World Cup has ceased to be the festival of football it used to be and it is now all about money. The sea change came in '94 when the tournament went to the USA where 99% of the population were not in the least fucking interested. It went to the USA for two reasons, huge wads of cash and to give Diana Ross a penalty, which she missed.
Accordingly, the link between FIFA and proper Football is getting more and more tenuous. So don't expect them to do anything about these injustices because that is not their priority".
I see more clearly now. Your standing on the top dais, turned to your left, right hand over heart, Gold medal around your neck. Your country's flag being hoisted, the sound of your National Anthem swells . . . . .
This thread's about shitty officiating as a matter of fact, not corporate greed. Gold medal winner you might be, but explain the connection, please.
It's TV coverage that's caused the demand for improved officiating/officiating accountability. It's TV commentators/replay that's pounding away at the need for improvement in how matches are officiated and how officials are held accountable to the public.
As it's also TV contracts that are providing the massive rights fees for club games and World Cups and those paying the fees the ones trumpeting the need for reform the loudest, what does FIFA corporate greed have to do with it?
With all respects to your Gold medal, of course, Dave.
It's one thing when the lesser nations do a bit of playacting, but why do the so-called best players in the world have to resort to it? I agree with Conor(6) and Andy (14), the Brazilians had it coming.
In my opinion they are lucky that the Ivorians didn't do what I used to do to players who dived and got players booked. I earned my booking, and they left the pitch in agony.
I think there would be a lot less feigning of injuries if the 'injured' had to take a 5 minute recovery break, thus weakening his team. The Germans would be down to about 3 players within the opening 20 minutes of the game.
In my opinion they are lucky that the Ivorians didn't do what I used to do to players who dived and got players booked. I earned my booking, and they left the pitch in agony.
I think there would be a lot less feigning of injuries if the 'injured' had to take a 5 minute recovery break, thus weakening his team. The Germans would be down to about 3 players within the opening 20 minutes of the game.
Dave (26) - Why thank you for your allowances, my being American and all. In that spirit, I'll take it your "dimwit" comment was said in affectionate tolerance for an American cousin.
So (again in that spirit) you will, of course, understand and cheerfully accept my question, "Exactly, what the fuck are you talking about"?
This is a thread on red cards.
So (again in that spirit) you will, of course, understand and cheerfully accept my question, "Exactly, what the fuck are you talking about"?
This is a thread on red cards.
Steve (29) - "In my opinion they are lucky that the Ivorians didn't do what I used to do to players who dived and got players booked. I earned my booking, and they left the pitch in agony."
Problem is they did Steve. There were two horrendous tackles which should have been red cards. Possibly not on players who had dived, but they got their revenge anyway.
Two wrongs don't make a right. Causing your opponent to "leave the pitch in agony", even if they did dive/simulate or whatever, is stooping below their level. How you can deliberately set out to hurt an opponent is beyond me. Simulation is minor in comparison.
Problem is they did Steve. There were two horrendous tackles which should have been red cards. Possibly not on players who had dived, but they got their revenge anyway.
Two wrongs don't make a right. Causing your opponent to "leave the pitch in agony", even if they did dive/simulate or whatever, is stooping below their level. How you can deliberately set out to hurt an opponent is beyond me. Simulation is minor in comparison.
Some of the refereeing has been of Benny Hill standard. The bloke today that did Chile vs Switzeland completely lost the plot. I loved the irony when he gave a card for diving at the end. The problem is that if there is even "minimal contact" made the fouled player is allowed to roll around as he has a broken leg, yet with this condition he can still ask for a yellow card. Most teams are all guilty of it with a few exceptions. North Korea and New Zealand both stay on their feet and I applaud them.
Haha this is quite a funny thread ;)
Amateur dramatics thread.
What with the lack of goals, overall poor games, the ball, those fuckin horns, the diving, the poor refereeing.
The only bright spot is the attitude and performance of New Zealand.
THE WORST WORLD CUP EVER!
The only bright spot is the attitude and performance of New Zealand.
THE WORST WORLD CUP EVER!
Do not all the referees in this World Cup and previous ever get schooled with videos showing all the dirty tricks that these overpaid players get up to?Why do we have a 4th official if not to help with some of these shameless tactics?
Kaka's dismissal was a disgrace. The referee was totally incompetent as was the referee in the Spain game today. Surely to god one of the officials saw the penalty box incident that went unpunished.
There could be many more injustices in the next few weeks unless Fifa acts quickly by kicking out the incompetent referees and advising those that are left not to pull out yellow cards so quickly without checking with the fourth official for incidents they are not sure about.
My biggest gripe about referees is their lack of consistency. I don't criticise the Ref nor do I condone or excuse Cahill and Kewell for their red cards. Those decisions were harsh only in comparison to dozens of much worse incidents that got yellows or went completely unpunished. It is about time that Refs were made to give their version of contoversial decisions.
Sheer incompetence trumps all. That will be a problem in any field, sports officiating too and the incompetent weeded out.
But I think the main problem and cause of all the play-acting is Fifa requiring one official to drag his ass across a soccer pitch for 90 minutes.
Even the players are spaced that they get to walk around here and there and rarely go end to end. But the 35/45-year-old referee has to? And he's out there alone. He DOES have to.
Except he doesn't and with good reason. He'd drop dead. After all, soccer players retire specifically because their legs give out. Yet, refs are expected to keep up. Which they can't and it's unreasonable to think even the best officials keep up all the time. And how many fit the description "Best"? Can't be many, eh?
So we wind up with how many calls a game from far away where it appears from 30-40 meters at ground-level that something bad happens. While simultaneously, we're watching on TV wondering "WTF kind of call was that. Are you blind"?
Which he isn't. Just too far away because he knows he must pace himself a certain way to even hope to be moving well near the end of the game as at the beginning. As this is a normal state of affairs everywhere on earth in soccer, can't be surprised players take advantage.
The obvious solution is two referees in each game. So Referee A can go deep into one end routinely, while Ref B covers near mid-field. And vice-versa. It's no radical suggestion. I know it's come up before. And any number of other sports deploy at least 2 officials on the pitch/field/ice.
But I think the main problem and cause of all the play-acting is Fifa requiring one official to drag his ass across a soccer pitch for 90 minutes.
Even the players are spaced that they get to walk around here and there and rarely go end to end. But the 35/45-year-old referee has to? And he's out there alone. He DOES have to.
Except he doesn't and with good reason. He'd drop dead. After all, soccer players retire specifically because their legs give out. Yet, refs are expected to keep up. Which they can't and it's unreasonable to think even the best officials keep up all the time. And how many fit the description "Best"? Can't be many, eh?
So we wind up with how many calls a game from far away where it appears from 30-40 meters at ground-level that something bad happens. While simultaneously, we're watching on TV wondering "WTF kind of call was that. Are you blind"?
Which he isn't. Just too far away because he knows he must pace himself a certain way to even hope to be moving well near the end of the game as at the beginning. As this is a normal state of affairs everywhere on earth in soccer, can't be surprised players take advantage.
The obvious solution is two referees in each game. So Referee A can go deep into one end routinely, while Ref B covers near mid-field. And vice-versa. It's no radical suggestion. I know it's come up before. And any number of other sports deploy at least 2 officials on the pitch/field/ice.
So I have to watch a bunch of cheating wankers ruin the game I love and then I have to come on here and witness folks ruining a venue for respectful discussion by abusing one another personally. As on the pitch, a couple of hotheads brings down the tone of proceedings. And as on the pitch, it's a culture thing: If you openly disrespect the other people you are sharing space with, you encourage every one else to adopt the same attitude and tone. Regular offenders should sort it out. It's tedious for everyone else.
The referees have no chance, everybody but everybody is trying to con them.
A rule should be introduced where any player -— or manager in Bradley`s case — waving imaginary cards at a referee in order to get an opponents booked/sent off, should imediately recieve a red card themselves.
A rule should be introduced where any player -— or manager in Bradley`s case — waving imaginary cards at a referee in order to get an opponents booked/sent off, should imediately recieve a red card themselves.
I agree with most of the sentiment on this thread. I find it more and more difficult to watch football these days. The cynicism shown by the players, with the constant diving, feigning injury and trying to get other players sent off, is sickening. It also breaks up the flow of the game.
The media and fans are quick to criticise the refs, but I feel the real problem is with the players, and to a lesser extent, the managers who never criticise their players for cheating. If they didn't cheat, then the ref's job would be so much easier.
While I am sure that players have always tried to gain some form of an advantage, the amount of cameras and media coverage now make the cheating all the more obvious. Eventually Fifa will have to introduce some form of video technology to try and sort this issue out.
However I think they will only get to it when it becomes clear to them that people are not going to matches/switching off their TV sets, hitting Fifa in the pocket. Fifa only cares about its corporate partners and keeping the cash rolling in.
The media and fans are quick to criticise the refs, but I feel the real problem is with the players, and to a lesser extent, the managers who never criticise their players for cheating. If they didn't cheat, then the ref's job would be so much easier.
While I am sure that players have always tried to gain some form of an advantage, the amount of cameras and media coverage now make the cheating all the more obvious. Eventually Fifa will have to introduce some form of video technology to try and sort this issue out.
However I think they will only get to it when it becomes clear to them that people are not going to matches/switching off their TV sets, hitting Fifa in the pocket. Fifa only cares about its corporate partners and keeping the cash rolling in.
Fabiano's second goal was a joke. He possibly couldn't have got out of the way when the ball came down on his arm the first time but he was certainly guilty the second time. The referee was just a joke — he actually did joke with the player about the incident — and HE should be disciplined by Fifa. As for the rest of the incidents mentioned, I am becoming very cynical about the world game.
I tend to agree a bit with Dave Roberts (at the serious risk of upsetting James Flynn) but nevertheless, I think James that you have the wrong end of the stick in terms of what was meant by 'huge wads of cash'
Happen Dave was thinking of corporate sponsorship (something Americans do spectacularly well) when he said that the WC went to the USA for 'huge wads of cash'. Sod all to do with wage structure I would surmise...
As for the 99% of Americans not interested in football - hardly in question is it?
99% might be a bit of a fallacy but I would be willing to bet that a sizeable chunk of Americans would have something other than football as their No.1 sport....
Happen Dave was thinking of corporate sponsorship (something Americans do spectacularly well) when he said that the WC went to the USA for 'huge wads of cash'. Sod all to do with wage structure I would surmise...
As for the 99% of Americans not interested in football - hardly in question is it?
99% might be a bit of a fallacy but I would be willing to bet that a sizeable chunk of Americans would have something other than football as their No.1 sport....
Fifa's response to the Thiery Henry handball made a mockery of its Choose Respect campaign. By taking no action over that incident it made a laughing stock of its own Choose Respect campaign.
Immediate steps should be taken to get rid of cheating pretenders.
James Flynn #37;
They tried something like that in last year's Europa Cup. With an extra official behind each penalty area. Made little difference.
I happen to agree with you though. I have said for years that we need 4 Linesman. Two running down the sides of each half. That alone would enable a lot more to be seen.
They tried something like that in last year's Europa Cup. With an extra official behind each penalty area. Made little difference.
I happen to agree with you though. I have said for years that we need 4 Linesman. Two running down the sides of each half. That alone would enable a lot more to be seen.
In the midst of all this hatred for referees, it was interesting that a few weeks ago an umpire at a baseball game called a decision incorrectly and cost the pitcher a "perfect" game. He did an interview after the game and was in bits, apologising profusely to the player, and was gutted for him.
Can you imagine Twattenberg doing that?
Can you imagine Twattenberg doing that?
Just to have officials talk to the us (via the media) and explain things as if they were normal human beings would make such a difference.
At the moment, Fifa's 'respect' campaign is no such thing, its more of a 'referees are sacred' and you can't talk to them or criticise them.
Referees should routinely discuss and explain their decisions, and rescind them if they feel they're wrong. The idea of refereeing infallibility that Fifa seem to want to promote is ridiculous.
At the moment, Fifa's 'respect' campaign is no such thing, its more of a 'referees are sacred' and you can't talk to them or criticise them.
Referees should routinely discuss and explain their decisions, and rescind them if they feel they're wrong. The idea of refereeing infallibility that Fifa seem to want to promote is ridiculous.
Re the World Cup USA 1994, the irony being that, in the land lacking soccer interest, it was by far the best attended World Cup ever, before or since. The total attendance of nearly 3.6 million remains the highest in World Cup history, despite the expansion of the competition from 24 to 32 teams (and from 52 to 64 matches) in 1998.
The problem non-Americans have with their 99% presumptions is they are 15 to 20 years behind the times and have no concept of the recent migrants and ex-pats who have continued to swell the population of the US in an era when television coverage of football games from Europe and Latin America is massive. The number of ordinary foreign league and cup games shown live and in full with native commentary is now phenomenal.
The problem non-Americans have with their 99% presumptions is they are 15 to 20 years behind the times and have no concept of the recent migrants and ex-pats who have continued to swell the population of the US in an era when television coverage of football games from Europe and Latin America is massive. The number of ordinary foreign league and cup games shown live and in full with native commentary is now phenomenal.
The 1994 World Cup was more about generating interest in soccer, which was back then very much a minority sport at professional level, but was growing hugely as a participation sport for young people. Those young people who played the game have grown up and now form a substantial proportion of the population who have a major interest in soccer / real football. I don't know what that proportion is but I do know it is a hell of a lot more than 1%.
Regular readers of The Observer will (might?) be familiar with a regular column in the sports section called (I think) 'Said And Done'.
Basically it's a lot of world football stuff that never gets mentioned in the tabloids, but should as (in my opinion) it is of far more interest and importance than which satsuma-coloured scrubber John Terry happens to be hanging out of that particular week.
One of the regular subjects covered (featured almost every week) is FIFA and it's clear from reading the column regularly that Sepp Blatter presides over as crooked and bent an 'organisation' as ever existed.
All (or most) of the issues raised above could, if the will was there, be sorted out in one meeting.
But the will ISN'T there.
In fact regular readers of the column will know that the will only exists to keep 'the corporate family' happy and for each FIFA member to grab as much as he (and she?) can.
The only way it can change is for supporters to get together and to threaten to boycott McDonald's and Pepsi until things change.
You can bet your bollocks If they feel threatened, FIFA will.
By the way, agree with whoever said worst World Cup ever.
Garbage.
Basically it's a lot of world football stuff that never gets mentioned in the tabloids, but should as (in my opinion) it is of far more interest and importance than which satsuma-coloured scrubber John Terry happens to be hanging out of that particular week.
One of the regular subjects covered (featured almost every week) is FIFA and it's clear from reading the column regularly that Sepp Blatter presides over as crooked and bent an 'organisation' as ever existed.
All (or most) of the issues raised above could, if the will was there, be sorted out in one meeting.
But the will ISN'T there.
In fact regular readers of the column will know that the will only exists to keep 'the corporate family' happy and for each FIFA member to grab as much as he (and she?) can.
The only way it can change is for supporters to get together and to threaten to boycott McDonald's and Pepsi until things change.
You can bet your bollocks If they feel threatened, FIFA will.
By the way, agree with whoever said worst World Cup ever.
Garbage.
I think it is up to the media to humiliate the cheats, Rivaldo's career went downhill after his shameful cheating and he will be remembered for it more than for all the skill he showed. Alan Kirwin called for a 3- or 6-match ban, How about a one-year ban?
Michael (47) - well-put/described/accurate. The only thing missing was in your first paragraph. "it was by far the best attended World Cup ever" It was also the best run World Cup ever.
As for the 99% stuff. He was exaggerating to make a point. I knew that.
Will come back and check those percentages in MLS 2020, when so many of the world's elite players are in MLS (In their prime).
As for the 99% stuff. He was exaggerating to make a point. I knew that.
Will come back and check those percentages in MLS 2020, when so many of the world's elite players are in MLS (In their prime).
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1 Posted 21/06/2010 at 16:45:05
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Nothing of the sort is going to happen though!