Johnson’s tackle on Lescott this week was excellent, the fact that it was two footed was only reckless in terms of the risk involved in this charged climate. The officiating was sensible and conducive to good football.
Mancini’s remarked that it was a worse tackle than the one that saw Kompany dismissed in the cup derby; he’s in the wrong mindset. Kompany’s was an equally excellent challenge and the fact that he must serve a ‘statutory three-match suspension for a serious foul’ is ridiculous. (Plus an additional game since this was Kompany’s second dismissal this season.)
One can appreciate Mancini’s frustrations with refereeing inconsistencies but it’s hard to appreciate the city managers inconsistent sentiments. As Gerrard wasted no time in pointing out in the post match interview, Mancini accused Rooney of influencing the referees decision to brandish the red last weekend, while only days before that he was making frantic card gestures himself in the Stadium of Light.
The FA need to be more transparent and forthcoming regards these issues, as Mick McCarthy pointed out after the Milijas dismissal the ‘rarefied atmosphere out there is a difficult place to work in whether you are a player, coach, manager, referee or assistant.’
Another example of this was Barton’s sending off a few weeks ago, which arguably played a part in Neil Warnock axing as QPR boss. There’s quite a distance between squaring up to an opponent and actually head-butting them and predictably the officials were overly sensitive once more. Apparently there is also quite a distance between knowing the rules and knowing the game. Of course Barton aired his views in his preferred forum of Twitter; ‘Someone has to set the precedent to stop the game from being ruined, maybe I’ll be the 1st one.’ Pffft, right you are, Joey.
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theiry henry swears at a fan and admits it – dont hold your breath for any fa punishment he dosnt play for liverpool.
I’ve been enjoying the EPL for near 15 years now, and even more so now days than before, as more and more football is being broadcasted to us down in S.Africa.
I have to say this but in recent years we’ve noticed the level of refereeing decrease – we initially put it down to a quick and talented league, where the referees weren’t seeing it all – which is human. People will make mistakes, and not see things well enough to make an initial decision.
What is shocking us and absolutely confusing us is the secondary decisions – the decisions that have to be made after all the hard work is done.
For instance, Chelsea v Newcastle last month, in which the ref did brilliantly to spot a foul from Luiz on Ba as the last man in defence. The hard work was done… The foul was on the edge of the Chelsea box and a blatant goal scoring opportunity. That same day, Bolton’s Cahill is sent off for dragging down Parker on the half way line after it appeared he could have been the last man back.
Here’s the issue: we down South do not believe the referees are part of the same association, let alone following the same law book. Human error is understandable, but when a ref then just has to follow the book. To do what someone else difficultly decided for him seems outrageously simple but each has failed this season.
In those examples I used, the Luiz tackle was in the 1st 15mins at 0-0 and Chelsea ended up 3-0 winners. Bolton lost their game too… But understandably, as Cahill was sent off but Luiz wasn’t.
I don’t know if the UK has noticed it, but we’re beginning to suggest match fixing given the decisions made upon decisions. it otherwise seems as though there is zero communication in the referee association in England, no meetings, no distinct set of rules and guidelines. All the referees are making it up as they go it appears.
Spot a tackle, notice something at top speed, and we’ll forgive them for getting the odd decision wrong, but we’re expecting more from the officials – for the sake of the game.
Is swearing at verbal attacking fans less offensive for the FA than a single finger salute to verbal attacking fans??? We, as fans, want to know the best way that we can get players banned from games…. ha ha ha.
Good shout CMW
An issue that must be tackled is…where are your more recent posts Mr. Clerkin. As an avid reader and someone who takes your opinion very seriously i was just curious as to wether your pool of knowledge in relation to how liverpool can improve has gone????
Could it be that you finally realise what others have been saying about the club for years???
Or is it this new girl on the scene taking youur eyes off of what is really important???