Football

[SS4]

Touchline bans are anachronistic in themselves. It's an era of two-way radio communication, mobile phones, file-sharing (take a picture and email it to the assistant) nowadays so I feel a touchline ban is practically useless.

Although what can one do? Do referees have the power to keep people out of the stands/grounds?

 

[richw]

Touchline bans are anachronistic in themselves. It's an era of two-way radio communication, mobile phones, file-sharing (take a picture and email it to the assistant) nowadays so I feel a touchline ban is practically useless.

Although what can one do? Do referees have the power to keep people out of the stands/grounds?

Put them in a cell for the match, with no communication tools allowed?

The governing body has the power to refuse access to the stand/ grounds of any individual they wish.

 

[andrew bell]

Touchline bans are anachronistic in themselves. It's an era of two-way radio communication, mobile phones, file-sharing (take a picture and email it to the assistant) nowadays so I feel a touchline ban is practically useless.

Although what can one do? Do referees have the power to keep people out of the stands/grounds?

Yes they do have powers to keep people out of grounds. Earlier this season, the 2nd most hated manager Steve Evans was banned from attending any Rotherham matches for 6 matches. I refer to my post a few pages ago saying about stadium bans, its the way it has to happen. A stadium ban is just that, a manager is not allowed access to the stadium 3 hours prior to kick off and is allowed no communication with anyone who is part of the staff at the club

 

[SS4]

Tis a miracle! Victory
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I've forgotten what 3 points felt like

 

[balne-wonderer]

Tis a miracle! Victory

im watching six nations but flicked back for injury time. that could be a crucial win.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

The goal scored by Ryan Giggs, being the first goal that he has scored in Premiership league matches in the 2012/3 season, means that he has now scored in every single season since the Premier League was established.

 

[richw]

The goal scored by Ryan Giggs, being the first goal that he has scored in Premiership league matches in the 2012/3 season, means that he has now scored in every single season since the Premier League was established.

I was thinking he scored against West Ham, but it may have been in the FA cup

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Touchline bans are anachronistic in themselves. It's an era of two-way radio communication, mobile phones, file-sharing (take a picture and email it to the assistant) nowadays so I feel a touchline ban is practically useless...

Arséne Wenger had a two match touchline ban for communicating with the bench via a member of coaching staff during a touchline ban. This was despite Arsenal discussing the terms of the ban with UEFA before kick-off.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

A twelve point lead is quite a point to consider in the Premiership, considering the clubs immediately underneath the current leading team have been dropping points themselves in recent weeks.

 

[313103]

Congrats to Manchester United on winning the Premier League this season. Hopefully i can say that one year about Arsenal, but the way things are with Arsenal i will be meeting my maker before that happens.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Tis a miracle! Victory
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I've forgotten what 3 points felt like

Even at Villa Park, everything comes to those who wait, but I must confess you have been waiting for quite a while....:cry:

By means of a comparison, Oldham Athletic too chose to win in the league on Saturday after what seemed to be a long period of time, beating MK Dons in order to do this...hock:

 

[andrew bell]

Congrats to Manchester United on winning the Premier League this season. Hopefully i can say that one year about Arsenal, but the way things are with Arsenal i will be meeting my maker before that happens.

Didn't Arsenal do the double last season

obviously I am talking about Arsenal Ladies

 

[balne-wonderer]

The goal scored by Ryan Giggs, being the first goal that he has scored in Premiership league matches in the 2012/3 season, means that he has now scored in every single season since the Premier League was established.

I believe he also scored in a couple of seasons before the Premier League.

Although that won't be noted as such as we all know football was only invented in 1992.

He could however be the first player to reach 1000 Premier League appearances, he'd have to play on for a couple more years but with his fitness levels being so high who says he won't?
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Congrats to Manchester United on winning the Premier League this season. Hopefully i can say that one year about Arsenal, but the way things are with Arsenal i will be meeting my maker before that happens.

I think the writing was on the wall several weeks back, Man City just didn't seem to have the stomach for the fight.

The stars have all aligned for Manchester United this season without a doubt. Together with signing Van Persie which has been key, they've had all the little lucky breaks that add up to alot come the end of the season.

Even yesterday, Everton's best defender and player of the season for me Sylvan Distin was injured in the warm up, that weakened their team greatly. Just one of the those important little things that have gone in Fergie's favour this season.

They had the good end of refs decisions as well that turned 1 point into 3 on several occasions. Such as the string of poor decisions (including a blatant offside) at Chelsea, the poor penalty calls against Liverpool, the Welbeck dive against Wigan tha earned a penalty and several other key decisions.

It's just been one of those seasons for Man Utd where everything has gone in their favour whether it be refs, key opposition players getting injured and lucky breaks.

I think even an in form Man City would have struggled to compete. The big question is now will Man City's owners invest in new players over the summer? And what of Mancini's future?

 

[JoeH]

They had the good end of refs decisions as well that turned 1 point into 3 on several occasions. Such as the string of poor decisions (including a blatant offside) at Chelsea, the poor penalty calls against Liverpool, the Welbeck dive against Wigan tha earned a penalty and several other key decisions.

In a 4-0 victory, how does a 'dive' where the penalty is then missed turn one point in to three?

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

They had the good end of refs decisions as well that turned 1 point into 3 on several occasions. Such as the string of poor decisions (including a blatant offside) at Chelsea, the poor penalty calls against Liverpool, the Welbeck dive against Wigan tha earned a penalty and several other key decisions.

Conversely, can you cite any examples of decisions going against them that have turned 3 points into 1 (or even 0)?

 

[balne-wonderer]

In a 4-0 victory, how does a 'dive' where the penalty is then missed turn one point in to three?

it was 0-0 at the time. that decision changed the game, Wigan lost their heads. Lets not forget in the same game the same player should have been sent off for a sickening lunge on Franco Di Santo. had it have been suarez there would have been hell to pay. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ez-diving-dangerous-tackle.html#axzz2KcTU2zWH

man utd have played the best football no doubt. fergie as always also has them playing as a team something that man city simply don't do.

 

[JoeH]

it was 0-0 at the time. that decision changed the game. had it have been suarez there would have been hell to pay.

It was 0-0 at the time because it was only five minutes in to the game and the penalty was missed.

Are you seriously suggesting that United couldn't have scored in the remaining 85 minutes? That missing a penalty somehow inspired the team to go on and score four goals?

Are you sure you haven't confused the match with something else?

 

[balne-wonderer]

It was 0-0 at the time because it was only five minutes in to the game and the penalty was missed.

Are you seriously suggesting that United couldn't have scored in the remaining 85 minutes? That missing a penalty somehow inspired the team to go on and score four goals?

Are you sure you haven't confused the match with something else?

Not at all. Had Welbeck have been punished for his dive it would have been different but it was clear from reaction of the Wigan players that they had been badly affected by the decision. It's hard enough playing against 11 Man Utd players, never mind 12. Wigan have been on the recieving end of poor reffing several times against Man Utd. The Paul Scholes horror tackle and unpunished assault with an elbow by Rooney on McCarthy that resulted in Rooney laughing and joking with the ref about it.

Like I said, Man Utd have been the best team this season and deserve to be top on merit but their huge lead owes some to luck and refs. No doubt about it.
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Is anyone watching tonight? Liverpool against West Brom on Sky Sports, i'll be watching as i'm stuck in the hotel room as usual anyway.

Tomorrow is going to be fun, i'll be leaving Wednesbury around 2pm to drive all the way up to Middlesbrough for the mighty whites clash. Then back to home to Leeds after the game before being up at 5am to drive back down to Wednesbury.

Surely I deserve to be on some kind of super fan programme on Football Focus?

The Aston Villa fans were in better spirits at work today, I didn't see all the game as I flicked to the Six Nations but I gather that N'Zogbia might be finding a bit of form at a crucial time. Villa play Man City on March 4th Mon night and guess who's going to be there

 

[JoeH]

Not at all. Had Welbeck have been punished for his dive it would have been different but it was clear from reaction of the Wigan players that they had been badly affected by the decision. It's hard enough playing against 11 Man Utd players, never mind 12. Wigan have been on the recieving end of poor reffing several times against Man Utd. The Paul Scholes horror tackle and unpunished assault with an elbow by Rooney on McCarthy that resulted in Rooney laughing and joking with the ref about it.

Incredible.

Is your argument really that a perceived bias in favour of Manchester United "badly affects" rival teams to the point that they can't even manage to play?

This really is the ultimate anti-United conspiracy theory. United don't even have to benefit from a refereeing decision for there to be a conspiracy anymore.

 

[balne-wonderer]

Incredible.

Is your argument really that a perceived bias in favour of Manchester United "badly affects" rival teams to the point that they can't even manage to play?

This really is the ultimate anti-United conspiracy theory. United don't even have to benefit from a refereeing decisions for there to be a conspiracy anymore.

You've missed the point. How many teams arrive at Old Trafford expecting defeat? You must know it, it doesn't take much for any little belief to be crushed. Just look how Sunderland roll over time and time again but oddly play Man City like it's a cup final.

Big Sam said as much after the FA cup game. He got charged for his comments of course but he made a pretty decent observation based on two decisions that simply did not add up.

Obviously, occasionally, TV coverage can give you a biased view as well, camera angles sometimes miss lead the viewer but as you are a regular at Man Utd games i'm happy to take your view.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

You've missed the point. How many teams arrive at Old Trafford expecting defeat? You must know it, it doesn't take much for any little belief to be crushed.

Can I ask if you could bring your considered opinion to bear on another thread on this forum about The Pope. There seems to be a discussion starting as to the fact that he is feeling not able to do the job any more at 85, but some feel there is more to it than that. I have a feeling that your deep knowledge of the power of Manchester United (and their manager) to affect any known matter on Earth could reveal the answer to their question....

 

[balne-wonderer]

Can I ask if you could bring your considered opinion to bear on another thread on this forum about The Pope. There seems to be a discussion starting as to the fact that he is feeling not able to do the job any more at 85, but some feel there is more to it than that. I have a feeling that your deep knowledge of the power of Manchester United (and their manager) to affect any known matter on Earth could reveal the answer to their question....

To be honest I didn't even know about the Pope's big news until about 10 mins ago.

All Liverpool early on against Wes Brown, a stinging Johnson shot only parried by the keeper but Shelveys follow up was correctly ruled out for offside.

Gerrard skids a shot just past the post.

WBA have left Odemwingie out of the squad and Lukaku on the bench. Not great intent from them.

In other news, if rumours are to be believed, Adam Pearson has tabled a majority bid for Leeds United. It never rains...

 

[SS4]

To be honest I didn't even know about the Pope's big news until about 10 mins ago.

All Liverpool early on against Wes Brown, a stinging Johnson shot only parried by the keeper but Shelveys follow up was correctly ruled out for offside.

Gerrard skids a shot just past the post.

WBA have left Odemwingie out of the squad and Lukaku on the bench. Not great intent from them.

In other news, if rumours are to be believed, Adam Pearson has tabled a majority bid for Leeds United. It never rains...

I should hope so playing against one man

 

[balne-wonderer]

I should hope so playing against one man

Urgh. What was I thinking, never even noticed that.

23 mins in and WBA have had a corner, that's as good as it's got for them.

Free header for Agger tipped over by the keeper, surely just a matter of time.
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very boring second half so far, still 0 0.

 

[SS4]

very boring second half so far, still 0 0.

And I can see it ending that way too

 

[balne-wonderer]

And I can see it ending that way too

Big chance for Gerrard, saved by Foster and a rusty Borini can't turn in the rebound. Closest either team has come to a goal for ages.
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Big talking point here, Liverpool penalty

And Gerrard misses! Great save by Foster. And he gets the corner safely as well. Silence at Anfield!

 

[SS4]

Big chance for Gerrard, saved by Foster and a rusty Borini can't turn in the rebound. Closest either team has come to a goal for ages.

A dodgy* penalty has been granted to Liverpool. Could this be the turning point?


* according to BBC WM

Saved!

 

[balne-wonderer]

Oh it's in!!! McCauley! Incredible!

Well fair play to West Brom, outplayed for 80 minutes but kept going, came from a corner after a lashing Mulumbu shot tipped past the post by Reina.

Could be a huge win for West Brom.

 

[SS4]

Got a lot more interesting this second half!

 

[balne-wonderer]

Ooooo Lukaku goes close! That would have been game over. Have Liverpool got anything left? The new signing is on.