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2010-2011 Football Thread
- Thread starter Lord Blackadder
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A Red for having the nerve to let Alves kick your blocking foot! Every Barcelona player involved in surrounding the referee should have seen yellow, Messi not even booked for his jump knee attack, no bookings for preventing the taking of free kicks, more than an edge in the diving competition... For the day when the World removes it's head from Barcelona's backside and sees the current team for what it is; 40% good football, 60% cheat. Still, gets Mourinho back for his FC Porto side.
Messi's second; good play by Messi and poor static defending by Real Madrid.
Cheers,
OW
Messi's second; good play by Messi and poor static defending by Real Madrid.
Cheers,
OW
I think Barca dive too much, but Real were far from innocent in that quarter. Also, Mourinho's Real offered very little going forward in their own stadium. Perhaps that is the best way to play Barca, but if Real can't make it work who will?
Ultimately, this is the fundamental problem with two-team leagues - the few games that actually matter are always hugely controversial for the wrong reasons. Still, I think only one side was ever going to win that match. One wonders if Carvalho would have made a difference - or all of Real's best attacking players other than Ronaldo for that matter (Higuain, Benzema, Kaka).
Mourinho's powerful broadside after the match is surely going to get him into hot water though, he pretty much flat-out called Barcelona, UEFA and a number of refs a bunch of cheats.
EDIT: A toddler with a better free-kick than me.
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Whereas United fans have never been known to sing anything sick or morally wrong...
To City's credit, Roberto Mancini and their Chairman and primary spokesman for their Abu Dhabi ownership group spoke out against the Munich chants and it seems their board is coming up with a plan to address the issue, which could include banning fans that sing the chants and make the "airplane" gesture. Good on them.
As for some United fans' repugnant chants directed at a certain Gallic manager of a certain North London club, Sir Alex has been banging on about it for the past couple of seasons in interviews and match program notes and AFAIK it is having an effect.
Pretty spot on about Barcelona. But given the chance, Mourinho would send out his players to dive, feign and break up play too, so I feel it's rich of him to be complaining.. taste of his own medicine.
I was more referring to chants United fans make about Hillsborough to Liverpool.
Ronaldo has been dropped from Madrid's squad for their weekend league match. The media seem sure it is Mourinho's way of punishing him for questioning Real's tactics after the Barca match, but I have to think he'd be rested anyway ahead of a do-or-die match against Barca in which Mourinho will need Ronaldo at his very best. The fact that he is out of the squad rather than on the bench may be the extent of the "punishment".
Munich/Hillsborough chants are sick, I can't believe some supporters (regardless of the club in question) sink to such lows.
With that being said, and speaking as a foreigner who didn't grow up in the English football environment, Liverpool and Man U treat those events with such extreme gravity it almost invites taunting. I think that the nature of rival football clubs ratchets up the extremely defensive nature of supporters towards their own disaster while making certain elements more likely to shamelessly taunt their opponents.
Wanting to crush an opponent on the pitch is one thing, but mocking real tragedies is something else. Unfortunately there are a few people out there at every club who ruin it for everyone else.
Munich/Hillsborough chants are sick, I can't believe some supporters (regardless of the club in question) sink to such lows.
With that being said, and speaking as a foreigner who didn't grow up in the English football environment, Liverpool and Man U treat those events with such extreme gravity it almost invites taunting. I think that the nature of rival football clubs ratchets up the extremely defensive nature of supporters towards their own disaster while making certain elements more likely to shamelessly taunt their opponents.
Wanting to crush an opponent on the pitch is one thing, but mocking real tragedies is something else. Unfortunately there are a few people out there at every club who ruin it for everyone else.
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There are still fans that chant rubbish about Hitler towards Spurs, Millwall fans taunting Leeds Utd fans with Turkish flags, and plenty of other examples involving plenty of other clubs. The clubs themselves need to take a more active role in clamping down on this type of rubbish, and the FA needs to be more actively involved as well.
Re: sectarian chants and such, it reminded me of the time I got tickets to USA v Mexico in a World Cup qualifier a couple years ago. The stadium was in Columbus, Ohio, which has a sizeable latino population. Sure enough, the USA fans were outnumbered 2-1 in their own stadium. USA won an entertaining match 2-0 thanks to two Michael Bradley goals.
Overall it was a great experience - except for one drunken moron behind me who periodically shouted abuse at the Mexicans, occasionally crossing the line into racist remarks. It really threatened to ruin the biggest match I'd ever been to. What made it worse for me was the fact that the Mexico fans all around us cheered their team on heartily and never sunk to the drunken idiot's level; they just ignored him. Football is the one place I can be patriotic without feeling like a nationalistic prick, and this asshat did his best to spoil it.
Overall it was a great experience - except for one drunken moron behind me who periodically shouted abuse at the Mexicans, occasionally crossing the line into racist remarks. It really threatened to ruin the biggest match I'd ever been to. What made it worse for me was the fact that the Mexico fans all around us cheered their team on heartily and never sunk to the drunken idiot's level; they just ignored him. Football is the one place I can be patriotic without feeling like a nationalistic prick, and this asshat did his best to spoil it.
The likes of Chelsea and Manchester City will no doubt be sending their scouts around (he's probably too old for Wenger to make a move), but they're too late – a Dutch club have already signed him up on a ten year contract!
It should be said though that it's not another extreme example of a club trying to snap up ever younger talent – it's only a 'symbolic' contract that he's signed with his local team VVV Venlo, done in good humour as a bit of a publicity stunt. Mind, a look at said contract reveals he's already a better writer than most Premier League players...
Anyway, more important matters – problem chanting. There are lines that shouldn't be crossed, and chants that reference incidents where people have lost their lives are just as distasteful as racist ones. Part of the problem is that supporters of one club will claim that the chants directed at them by another set of fans justify their own – Manchester United's Hillsborough chants and Liverpool's Munich references being cases in point. These chants aren't clever, and they certainly aren't funny.
There are a couple of guys who sit not too far from us who aren't averse to some quite crass comments, in particular when we're playing a team from a part of the country with a large Asian population – so cue them trying to start songs about said town's love for Taliban and Osama Bin Laden. I don't know which is the sadder sight, their bigoted behaviour or the fact that one of them takes their son along, who gazes up at his father in awe as he starts up another song.
Both myself and Mrs Cake – and others around us – have reported him to the stewards before, but to no avail. More than once though a burly gentleman in the row behind him has advised him to sit down and shut up, which tends to do the trick...
As for players diving, haranguing officials in groups, and all that – they do it for one very simple reason. It works. We've all seen players win penalties or get an opponent sent off through simulation – they get what they want, and they get away with it. We've all seen players crowding referees and snarling in their faces until they get a decision awarded or even changed in their favour – once again, they get away with it. The worst culprits are the 'big' teams, officials sometimes seem in complete awe of their star players and they get away with murder at times.
So long as players are able to benefit from these tactics, we're going to carry on seeing them happen. So clamp down on simulation, and if players crowding a ref don't retreat after a warning, book them. Once players start seeing red for these tactics, they might start to learn. All we need is for the authorities to grow a set of balls and have the courage to carry through with clamping down on players overstepping the line.
So, don't go holding your breath or owt.
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Agreed on all points Jaffa.
Just once I'd like to see a ref caution the whole crowd of players surrounding him after a foul. Put 5-6 players on a yellow right off the bat and that should shut the smart ones up for the rest of the match. If the manager complains, send him to the stands. Keep doing it until players keep their mouths shut and stop crowding the refs.
Edit: HUGE mistake from Gomez but a bigger mistake from UEFA and FIFA for continuing to ignore goal-line technology. The ball did not cross the line completely.
Edit 2: Chelsea was the better team on the day, but Spurs might feel a bit robbed - though the fact remains that Gomez manufactured Chelsea's first goal for them, even though it should not have been awarded.
Just once I'd like to see a ref caution the whole crowd of players surrounding him after a foul. Put 5-6 players on a yellow right off the bat and that should shut the smart ones up for the rest of the match. If the manager complains, send him to the stands. Keep doing it until players keep their mouths shut and stop crowding the refs.
Edit: HUGE mistake from Gomez but a bigger mistake from UEFA and FIFA for continuing to ignore goal-line technology. The ball did not cross the line completely.
Edit 2: Chelsea was the better team on the day, but Spurs might feel a bit robbed - though the fact remains that Gomez manufactured Chelsea's first goal for them, even though it should not have been awarded.
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Spurs unlucky but ultimately architects of their own downfall. I don't blame the refs i would've have given the goal if i were in their shoes because the ball looked/was more in than out. Gomez has to take the blame. As for the offside, well, we've also seen them given...benefit of doubt and all that.
Harry needs another Goalie and a Striker in the summer. He might also want to start looking for a replacement for Modric. Once he's gone they arguably won't even have a midfield.
I'm actually glad Chelsea won but it just makes me despise Arsenal even more...
Harry needs another Goalie and a Striker in the summer. He might also want to start looking for a replacement for Modric. Once he's gone they arguably won't even have a midfield.
I'm actually glad Chelsea won but it just makes me despise Arsenal even more...
The order of blame for the goal is as follows:
Sandro's goal was well struck but ultimately lucky; it had some curl to it but appeared to take a small deflection off Modric(?) and Cech had no chance. It was amusing to see Harry yelling at Sandro during the celebration, he obviously wasn't happy with the team's shape even though they scored.
Given Chelsea's physical prowess I wonder whether Peter Crouch would have been a better option up top, at least as a substitute, to knock balls down for van der Vaart or Defoe. I think Torres and Drogba both looked good today, Torres is still not back to his best though. Continuing the theme though, Chelsea's winner was a bit lucky - Anelka did well to take on a few Spurs players and drive into the box, but then he got in Drogba's way and the latter shot weakly and wildly; Kalou was in the right place to put it away. Edit: Almost forgot to note that Chelsea had a legitimate penalty appeal turned down and EBJT could have easily accumulated several yellows over the course of the match.
Chelsea's form is improving - not soon enough to save their title hopes, but I think they should just about be able to beat United next week.
P.S. What is it with Frank Lampard and dodgy goal line decision-making?
- Gomez for flubbing a routine save
- The linesman for calling it a goal when he was in a less than ideal position to see it
- FIFA/UEFA/The FA for ignoring goalline technology
Sandro's goal was well struck but ultimately lucky; it had some curl to it but appeared to take a small deflection off Modric(?) and Cech had no chance. It was amusing to see Harry yelling at Sandro during the celebration, he obviously wasn't happy with the team's shape even though they scored.
Given Chelsea's physical prowess I wonder whether Peter Crouch would have been a better option up top, at least as a substitute, to knock balls down for van der Vaart or Defoe. I think Torres and Drogba both looked good today, Torres is still not back to his best though. Continuing the theme though, Chelsea's winner was a bit lucky - Anelka did well to take on a few Spurs players and drive into the box, but then he got in Drogba's way and the latter shot weakly and wildly; Kalou was in the right place to put it away. Edit: Almost forgot to note that Chelsea had a legitimate penalty appeal turned down and EBJT could have easily accumulated several yellows over the course of the match.
Chelsea's form is improving - not soon enough to save their title hopes, but I think they should just about be able to beat United next week.
P.S. What is it with Frank Lampard and dodgy goal line decision-making?
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On the one hand, Chelsea can count themselves fortunate, and the officials should feel sheepish — although if we insist on relying on their instant judgement and deny them technological aids we surely can't be too harsh when they do get a decision wrong.
On the other hand, that botched decision benefited my team to the tune of ten points in a crunch week in the MacRumors Fantasy Football League. So, swings and roundabouts and all that.
On the other hand, that botched decision benefited my team to the tune of ten points in a crunch week in the MacRumors Fantasy Football League. So, swings and roundabouts and all that.
I don't get to say this much, but Arsenal showed some backbone today, though Man U looked a bit flat.
More bad calls in this game as well. The Vidic handball and the trip on Owen were both penalties, though Ramsey's handball did happen just outside the box, so the ref got that call right.
More bad calls in this game as well. The Vidic handball and the trip on Owen were both penalties, though Ramsey's handball did happen just outside the box, so the ref got that call right.
meanwhile Borussia Dortmund scores themselves their 7th Bundesliga title in germany thus finally equaling their arch rival schalke 04
who on an unrelated note were absolutly hammered by Bayern 4:1 on saturday with bayern scoring all 5 goals
Bayern is very heavily fired up though since loosing a single point now could mean them missing out on the CL again
on a more comical note the austrian league remains close with 7 teams still being able to win the league... out of 10 teams mind you
who on an unrelated note were absolutly hammered by Bayern 4:1 on saturday with bayern scoring all 5 goals
Bayern is very heavily fired up though since loosing a single point now could mean them missing out on the CL again
on a more comical note the austrian league remains close with 7 teams still being able to win the league... out of 10 teams mind you
Stand in front of a hair dryer, set it to maximum, switch it on, and feel your tactics blown back in your face. Ferguson deserved that; too negative playing for a draw - they have used the soak up and break game before, but to sit back and not apply pressure to that Arsenal defence! He also needs to choose between his Hernandez obsession and the league title. And relax.
The goal; farting around in defence inviting pressure and Park ball watching.
Penalties; Vidic handball, Evra pulled back, Ramsey handball? looked like he was just in, but Lord Blackadder mentions it was outside - angle?, and Owen having his calf stamped on. It would have been better if the Arsenal one had been given, at least Manchester United would have come out and played earlier. But as I've said, the result was merited based on how they set out.
Whether goal-line technology is introduced or not, agree now on the distance to the byline the assistant has to be within to have any input - yesterday was nuts. Without technology/tv, what? paint the goal-line and posts a different colour to the ball, angle the ground behind the line ...?
Cheers,
OW
He also needs to choose between his Hernandez obsession and the league title. And relax.The goal; farting around in defence inviting pressure and Park ball watching.
Penalties; Vidic handball, Evra pulled back, Ramsey handball? looked like he was just in, but Lord Blackadder mentions it was outside - angle?, and Owen having his calf stamped on. It would have been better if the Arsenal one had been given, at least Manchester United would have come out and played earlier. But as I've said, the result was merited based on how they set out.
Whether goal-line technology is introduced or not, agree now on the distance to the byline the assistant has to be within to have any input - yesterday was nuts. Without technology/tv, what? paint the goal-line and posts a different colour to the ball, angle the ground behind the line ...?
Cheers,
OW
Interesting to note that both Ferguson and Mourinho, who are known for effective counterattacking football, had those strategies backfire for them this week. As you point out OllyW, in failing to pressurize Arsenal's defense more Man U probably failed to exploit the Gunners' biggest weakness. It was a cautious approach by Ferguson but it didn't pay off. Perhaps he is taking the Schalke match too seriously?
The replay I saw on Fox Soccer Channel (side-on with United's goal to the right of the screen) made it look very close but the foul seemed to be just outside the area - if it had gone the other way I would have not been surprised as it was so close. An admittedly tough call to make, though in my opinion just about right.
The Gomes fumble goal was a good example of the ineadequacy of the current system. The ref did not award a goal initially, possibly giving the linesman the chance to weigh in. Replays show that the linesman had no chance of being able to see what happened - he was 20 yards up the sideline when Gomes grabbed the ball as it rolled over (but not completely over) the line. Even if he had been on the goal line, he still might have failed to spot the 3 inches of ball still on the line. No human ref could have seen that. The linesman guessed, and in this case he guessed wrong.
P.S. Liverpool have now leapfrogged Spurs (having played a game more though). We've been much more consistent over the last month. While our improved form comes far too late to accomplish much this season (Europa League? Meh, I could take it or leave it), it at least points the way forward and Liverpool fans can expect an even better product next season. It's getting more crowded at the top though.
The replay I saw on Fox Soccer Channel (side-on with United's goal to the right of the screen) made it look very close but the foul seemed to be just outside the area - if it had gone the other way I would have not been surprised as it was so close. An admittedly tough call to make, though in my opinion just about right.
The Gomes fumble goal was a good example of the ineadequacy of the current system. The ref did not award a goal initially, possibly giving the linesman the chance to weigh in. Replays show that the linesman had no chance of being able to see what happened - he was 20 yards up the sideline when Gomes grabbed the ball as it rolled over (but not completely over) the line. Even if he had been on the goal line, he still might have failed to spot the 3 inches of ball still on the line. No human ref could have seen that. The linesman guessed, and in this case he guessed wrong.
P.S. Liverpool have now leapfrogged Spurs (having played a game more though). We've been much more consistent over the last month. While our improved form comes far too late to accomplish much this season (Europa League? Meh, I could take it or leave it), it at least points the way forward and Liverpool fans can expect an even better product next season. It's getting more crowded at the top though.
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Another day, another new shirt. Here's the polyester rag that will adorn the torsos of XIII and daneoni's heroes next season...
Pretty standard Arsenal fare of course, but it's clean and unfussy which is always good and exactly how shirts should be. Of note is the embellished crest, commemorating the 125th anniversary of the founding of the club.
One team that Arsenal will be wearing that strip against next season is QPR. The Hoops are Championship champions of course, and the dirty, time-wasting, match spoiling, injury feigning, new right-back injuring, mascot plagiarising, glove wearing cheats will be taking their place in the top flight in 2011/12.
Or will they?
As mentioned before, they're in a spot of hot water involving the transfer of Alejandro Faurlin. They have seven charges to answer (including some relating to third party ownership of the player) and there's talk that they could be facing a points deduction – possibly one that could not only deny them the title but also their automatic promotion place, forcing them to win the play-offs if they are to achieve promotion.
One of the tabloids reported during the week that QPR could be facing a 15 point deduction, but the FA are keeping tight lipped until they reach their final decision. However, there are unconfirmed reports that the FA have contacted the the Championship's top sides to warn them that the play-offs might have to be put back a week – which would have to happen if QPR are hit with the deduction and decide to appeal the decision.
Interesting times.
Pretty standard Arsenal fare of course, but it's clean and unfussy which is always good and exactly how shirts should be. Of note is the embellished crest, commemorating the 125th anniversary of the founding of the club.
One team that Arsenal will be wearing that strip against next season is QPR. The Hoops are Championship champions of course, and the dirty, time-wasting, match spoiling, injury feigning, new right-back injuring, mascot plagiarising, glove wearing cheats will be taking their place in the top flight in 2011/12.
Or will they?
As mentioned before, they're in a spot of hot water involving the transfer of Alejandro Faurlin. They have seven charges to answer (including some relating to third party ownership of the player) and there's talk that they could be facing a points deduction – possibly one that could not only deny them the title but also their automatic promotion place, forcing them to win the play-offs if they are to achieve promotion.
One of the tabloids reported during the week that QPR could be facing a 15 point deduction, but the FA are keeping tight lipped until they reach their final decision. However, there are unconfirmed reports that the FA have contacted the the Championship's top sides to warn them that the play-offs might have to be put back a week – which would have to happen if QPR are hit with the deduction and decide to appeal the decision.
Interesting times.
I like the wide stripes much more than the thin ones.
Speaking of shirts, Columbus are without a shirt sponsor this season, so we are playing with a retro sponsor-less look (shown here with equally sponsor-less Sporting Kansas City):
Attachments
The likes of Chelsea and Manchester City will no doubt be sending their scouts around (he's probably too old for Wenger to make a move), but they're too late a Dutch club have already signed him up on a ten year contract!
It should be said though that it's not another extreme example of a club trying to snap up ever younger talent it's only a 'symbolic' contract that he's signed with his local team VVV Venlo, done in good humour as a bit of a publicity stunt. Mind, a look at said contract reveals he's already a better writer than most Premier League players...
I hear Mancini's already made an approach for him, after his mum announced he can actually put his bib on unaided
The thing is, they're not supposed to give it unless they're 100% sure and there's no way that linesman could have been sure. Still, I'm sure goal line technology will be talked about by the officials over a few free lunches...
Interesting indeed, bit more of an update on this
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