thfcsteff
George Hunt
I thought it could be interesting to discuss this in light of the latest (false) Bale furor and subsequent debate in the Bale thread.
The modern game has become increasingly rife with faster players, stronger players, a faster game, more rules against tackling and the like plus greater analysis than ever before.
Every moment is played out, any potential moment is morphed into a mini-controversy.
Refs are under enormous pressure to make the right decisions, and more often than not, get it right, BUT like us al, they read the papers and hear the TV/radio. They become unwittingly influenced. Managers learn how to use those 60 seconds to influence matters if they feel it can be done, and friends of managers/players will feed stories to the papers.
It has been my opinion for several years that we have been far too soft when it's come to defending ourselves both on and off the pitch. Last season, I'd have been delighted if we'd taken a managerial touchline ban to complain about the two acts of thuggery at Eastlands and the disgraceful performance of Foy at Stoke. I was DELIGHTED with both Rafa and Joe Jordan in Milan against AC as I think we showed them that they could not get away with that sort of cheap rubbish. We defended ourselves. Jordan is a hero for that night forever! This season, I feel strongly that we should've been out there defending Bale at the first tilt, drawing attention TOWARDS the intent of those who play against him as opposed to being left dealing with trying to defend him in the aftermath of 'controversy'.
One of the biggest silences this season took place at the deathstar. A stupid challenge by Adebayor, that is undeniable. But clearly there was a massive overreation from Cazorla, which was supplemented by Wheelchair getting in the ref's face. Why do we not speak about those acts as being unhelpful? Why do we not point out that Cazorla was actually fine? Why do we not point out that Wheelchair had a hand on Bale? Instead we retreated away quietly.
I think we all agree that a sense of good behavior and honor is a fine thing, but I'd also like to see a little more 'instant' leadership out there and a little more 'post-match defense'. I think AVB has generally been excellent post-match, save the odd bizarre comment, and am hopeful that he will be prepared to build on his Bale comments if the nonsense goes on. But I'd like to see a few more of our players defending our interests on the pitch too. It's no coincidence to me that Man U, Chelsea and L'Arse get consistently huge home decisions; they have pressure refs for years and years. It's not the nicest thing, but it's been going on forever.
So. Are we too nice as a football club? Discuss?
The modern game has become increasingly rife with faster players, stronger players, a faster game, more rules against tackling and the like plus greater analysis than ever before.
Every moment is played out, any potential moment is morphed into a mini-controversy.
Refs are under enormous pressure to make the right decisions, and more often than not, get it right, BUT like us al, they read the papers and hear the TV/radio. They become unwittingly influenced. Managers learn how to use those 60 seconds to influence matters if they feel it can be done, and friends of managers/players will feed stories to the papers.
It has been my opinion for several years that we have been far too soft when it's come to defending ourselves both on and off the pitch. Last season, I'd have been delighted if we'd taken a managerial touchline ban to complain about the two acts of thuggery at Eastlands and the disgraceful performance of Foy at Stoke. I was DELIGHTED with both Rafa and Joe Jordan in Milan against AC as I think we showed them that they could not get away with that sort of cheap rubbish. We defended ourselves. Jordan is a hero for that night forever! This season, I feel strongly that we should've been out there defending Bale at the first tilt, drawing attention TOWARDS the intent of those who play against him as opposed to being left dealing with trying to defend him in the aftermath of 'controversy'.
One of the biggest silences this season took place at the deathstar. A stupid challenge by Adebayor, that is undeniable. But clearly there was a massive overreation from Cazorla, which was supplemented by Wheelchair getting in the ref's face. Why do we not speak about those acts as being unhelpful? Why do we not point out that Cazorla was actually fine? Why do we not point out that Wheelchair had a hand on Bale? Instead we retreated away quietly.
I think we all agree that a sense of good behavior and honor is a fine thing, but I'd also like to see a little more 'instant' leadership out there and a little more 'post-match defense'. I think AVB has generally been excellent post-match, save the odd bizarre comment, and am hopeful that he will be prepared to build on his Bale comments if the nonsense goes on. But I'd like to see a few more of our players defending our interests on the pitch too. It's no coincidence to me that Man U, Chelsea and L'Arse get consistently huge home decisions; they have pressure refs for years and years. It's not the nicest thing, but it's been going on forever.
So. Are we too nice as a football club? Discuss?
