Barclays Premier League 2013/14 Banter

[ColdCuts]

I think splitting the points was a fair result, but I'm disappointed. It was a home match. When you're one of the Big Four you expect to win your home matches. We're Manchester United. If we don't collect all three points at home, that ought to be disappointing, no? Now, should we have been given the penalty?





Obviously, I'm biased. So ignore me if you'd like. But I say it's a penalty. I know Lampard is only a short distance from Cleverley so that's the 'ball played the arm' argument. However, it's apparent that Lampard prevented a clear goal-scoring opportunity with his outstretched arm inside the 18-yard box. We'll never know anything of Lampard's intent. We can't know the man's mind. But the fact is, he did jump into the path of the ball with his arm outstretched and he blocked the shot. I'd have given it. Would you?

It says in The Telegraph that Moyes is asking for clarification. The issue, for me, is consistency. Either it is a penalty, or it is not a penalty, forever. Not sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn't. Anyone care to chime in?

Here's more from BBC Sport: What is 'deliberate' handball?

Finally, since the match ended in a draw, are you guys going to 'split the points' too? You could mail each other two sticks.

In other news, Liverpool, at Anfield, on my horizon.

[4WheelVFR]

Originally Posted by ColdCuts

Finally, since the match ended in a draw, are you guys going to 'split the points' too? You could mail each other two sticks.

That's what I was wondering....do we send each other a fiver now?....

As for the handball, I think it very easily could've been given, seeing other handballs that have been called. Maybe the ref let it slide, taking the distance from the kicker and the distance of his arm from his body into consideration. You guys should've had Mark Clattenburg in your lineup again. That would've fixed it.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by 4WheelVFR

That's what I was wondering....do we send each other a fiver now?....

As for the handball, I think it very easily could've been given, seeing other handballs that have been called. Maybe the ref let it slide, taking the distance from the kicker and the distance of his arm from his body into consideration. You guys should've had Mark Clattenburg in your lineup again. That would've fixed it.

I've been a referee for 12 years and an instructor/assessor for 6 so I have a bit of knowledge in this area.

First, let me say that having been an official, I appreciate and respect how difficult a job it is - in any sport. At the top level, the play moves extremely fast and officials don't have replay or time to deliberate. So I tend to give referees the benefit of the doubt most of the time.

Viewing the posted video, I can see a legitimate plea for a PK. However, consider this. The defender was no more than 2-3 yards when the ball was struck. Also, consider that when a player jumps/leaps, it is almost impossible to keep their hands at their side. I don't see where the arm was extended in an unnatural fashion and even at the highest level, players flinch. So I have no problem with the non-call. That being said, I would not criticize the referee if he HAD called the PK. A bit harsh, maybe. But again, I would support his decision. A call close enough to legitimately go either way.






Besides, it was ManEffingU. So I don't feel bad.

[4WheelVFR]

Originally Posted by pnoon

So I have no problem with the non-call. That being said, I would not criticize the referee if he HAD called the PK. A bit harsh, maybe. But again, I would support his decision. A call close enough to legitimately go either way.






Besides, it was ManEffingU. So I don't feel bad.

I agree with all of the above. Especially the last bit lol. Even being a Chelsea fan, I wouldn't have blamed the ref for a bad call had he called it a PK. A bit harsh maybe, but like yourself, I think it could've legitimately gone either way.

[ColdCuts]

Originally Posted by pnoon

Besides, it was ManEffingU. So I don't feel bad.

Originally Posted by 4WheelVFR

I agree with all of the above.

Yes! Now we got banter!

Peter, I have to say, that was a well-reasoned, level-headed contribution to the thread, which I'm sure everyone agrees is your hallmark here on Cigar Asylum...

You're certain you're a referee?

Honestly, Peter, it's been years since you told me back on CS, so I completely forgot you're a referee! Here's a little joke I think everyone will enjoy, but it's especially for you, my fave Liverpool fan...

The Ref and the Funeral Procession

In the middle of the match, the referee suddenly blows his whistle to stop play when he sees a long funeral procession on the road that runs alongside the field. He closes his eyes and bows his head.

'Wow,' said the yellow-carded striker. 'That is the most thoughtful and touching thing I've ever seen. You truly are a kind man. I'll never think badly of a referee again.'

The referee replies, 'Thanks son, we were married nearly 30 years.'