Refs/response to posts
My blog site is acting in an irritating fashion. It showed no comments posted (I called its bluff and found my boys posts) and is displaying only a draft version of my post. Hope its just me - did it show there were comments at bottom of post for you all? I'm responding to posts on the Barca friendly and refs with this post.
First, I'm glad we are all agreeing - makes me think we are on to something.
Overall, I want more refs with a better "game feel." It is a bit vague I know, but basically the ref should realize that his role is to facilitate fluid play.
Certain games demand the ref to stop the play and have a chat with a player (or issue a card) if things are getting really chippy. I like that b/c it will let players know that cards are coming and hopefully encourage fewer fouls and more fluid soccer.
What I hate is a ref who assumes he must be the center of attention and places himself at the forefront of games that don't need it. These refs assume the role of parochial schoolteacher who reflexively assumes the lads are misbehaving and need a stern talking to from an adult. (At times, I think Graham Poll fits this genre.) Referees should aspire to be invisible - if the players don't abide, then make yourself visible.
I know Pierluigi Collina was perhaps over-hyped as a ref , but I thought he was good in his approach. He used his scowl and menacing stare down when players deserved it (not just cause it was a great look with the bald dome and crazed eyes). But if the players were playing in a sporting fashion, he did not always thrust himself into the spotlight - he just let the game go. I love when refs do this.
I do think referees need a lot more protection and respect - the common mindset of players, fans, and coaches is that the refs are whipping boys. I hate it when the refs are mauled by a horde of angry teammates after a call. Refs should never have to back away from advancing idiots and they should never feel intimidated on the pitch - yet at times I think they do and it just leads to more problems.
I think players should not be allowed to approach the referee if he gives his "get away" signal. The only player who should be allowed to approach (if he is not in an out-of-control Roy Keanesque frenzy) is the captain.
Really unfair is any abuse of the linemen - so often players take out frustration with vicious tirades against the poor linesmen, who have no defense (cards to issue). Despite so many missed calls, Linesman must be left alone - Bellamy is gonna bring a linesman to tears one of these days. Sadly, if Bellamy does, I bet the Kop will roar with approval.
Btw, I think my comment on that Onyewu penalty call was "One of the worst PK calls ever." If that had not been called, I would not assume we would have gone through - but we would have been in with a shout. But I agree- it really took the wind out of our sails, after we had scored our first legitimate goal. I couldn't link to that article - Boris, can you post link again? My comments on the USA/Ghana match are in the following post:
http://handbagsattenpaces.blogspot.com/2006/06/some-world-cup-match-reports-france-3.html
Definitely check out the Community Shield preview on FSC (also the EPL preview was pretty good). Highlights inlcude last year's FA Cup Final - is there anything more emotional and exhilirating than Steven Gerard goals? They just get my heart pumping, esp the injury time wonder strike from 35 yards.
I will say I like Liverpool at 3/1 in the Shield. Also the draw at 5/2.
Chelsea seems a bit unsettled trying to incorporate some big names and an unhappy William Gallas. As Bobby M said on the Report, Mourinho doesn't know his best line-up yet. I don't think Makalele is available and I imagine Mourinho will expiremnt more with the 4-4-2.
Liverpool a) has a tough Champions League match under their belt, which helps at this point and b) has played better than anyone against Chelsea in the Mourinho era. I also like the way the Liverpool players sound in the preseason - they really believe in Rafa. I dig him too.
First, I'm glad we are all agreeing - makes me think we are on to something.
Overall, I want more refs with a better "game feel." It is a bit vague I know, but basically the ref should realize that his role is to facilitate fluid play.
Certain games demand the ref to stop the play and have a chat with a player (or issue a card) if things are getting really chippy. I like that b/c it will let players know that cards are coming and hopefully encourage fewer fouls and more fluid soccer.
What I hate is a ref who assumes he must be the center of attention and places himself at the forefront of games that don't need it. These refs assume the role of parochial schoolteacher who reflexively assumes the lads are misbehaving and need a stern talking to from an adult. (At times, I think Graham Poll fits this genre.) Referees should aspire to be invisible - if the players don't abide, then make yourself visible.
I know Pierluigi Collina was perhaps over-hyped as a ref , but I thought he was good in his approach. He used his scowl and menacing stare down when players deserved it (not just cause it was a great look with the bald dome and crazed eyes). But if the players were playing in a sporting fashion, he did not always thrust himself into the spotlight - he just let the game go. I love when refs do this.
I do think referees need a lot more protection and respect - the common mindset of players, fans, and coaches is that the refs are whipping boys. I hate it when the refs are mauled by a horde of angry teammates after a call. Refs should never have to back away from advancing idiots and they should never feel intimidated on the pitch - yet at times I think they do and it just leads to more problems.
I think players should not be allowed to approach the referee if he gives his "get away" signal. The only player who should be allowed to approach (if he is not in an out-of-control Roy Keanesque frenzy) is the captain.
Really unfair is any abuse of the linemen - so often players take out frustration with vicious tirades against the poor linesmen, who have no defense (cards to issue). Despite so many missed calls, Linesman must be left alone - Bellamy is gonna bring a linesman to tears one of these days. Sadly, if Bellamy does, I bet the Kop will roar with approval.
Btw, I think my comment on that Onyewu penalty call was "One of the worst PK calls ever." If that had not been called, I would not assume we would have gone through - but we would have been in with a shout. But I agree- it really took the wind out of our sails, after we had scored our first legitimate goal. I couldn't link to that article - Boris, can you post link again? My comments on the USA/Ghana match are in the following post:
http://handbagsattenpaces.blogspot.com/2006/06/some-world-cup-match-reports-france-3.html
Definitely check out the Community Shield preview on FSC (also the EPL preview was pretty good). Highlights inlcude last year's FA Cup Final - is there anything more emotional and exhilirating than Steven Gerard goals? They just get my heart pumping, esp the injury time wonder strike from 35 yards.
I will say I like Liverpool at 3/1 in the Shield. Also the draw at 5/2.
Chelsea seems a bit unsettled trying to incorporate some big names and an unhappy William Gallas. As Bobby M said on the Report, Mourinho doesn't know his best line-up yet. I don't think Makalele is available and I imagine Mourinho will expiremnt more with the 4-4-2.
Liverpool a) has a tough Champions League match under their belt, which helps at this point and b) has played better than anyone against Chelsea in the Mourinho era. I also like the way the Liverpool players sound in the preseason - they really believe in Rafa. I dig him too.
posted by the idiot at 1:02 PM
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