04 Dec 2023 21:21:11
So who thinks Haaland should be suspended for his disgraceful and aggressive behaviour on Sunday, ? Surely not the example top players should be setting.
04 Dec 2023 22:13:36
It's not a good example to set, but that call was just the worst. I don't think he'd have gone that far if the ref had blown up straight away, but to play the advantage and then pull it back when it looks like it will actually go somewhere is outlandish.
As a former ref, I agree there needs to be protection for officials, especially at grassroots level, and pros should advertise good behaviour to those watching.
I do, however, think that the associations are not doing enough at the top level to reinforce the need to maintain high standards in the role. The referees themselves have to set a good example and they are regularly failing to do so this season.
05 Dec 2023 16:49:44
I agree it wasn’t a good call, city didn’t fail to win because of that decision though they just didn’t defend well enough, 2 billions worth of a team and they can’t beat a bunch of spurs second team in their own back yard, grealish still would of had to go and score. biggest financial cheats in the league still unpunished I don’t think they can have huge complaints they have gotten so many dodgey decisions their way over the last few years, (including a few against us) but when the shoe is on the other foot they think they can behave like that, Lo Celso didn’t seem to do anything after the final whistle and Haaland shoulder barged him and then started slinging abuse like a spoilt child.
05 Dec 2023 17:54:33
I saw the video and to me it looked like Lo Celso made the move to block Haaland rather than Haaland going for him.
The result, the rest of the game and other issues have no relevance to this issue. Why should players not be allowed to get mad when a decision like this happens?
At best it is hugely incompetent but it could easily be something more sinister. There really is no reasonable explanation to signal advantage and then change your mind before it plays out.
Hopefully the FFP investigation is resolved properly one way or the other based on the actual facts but we can't have referees trying to even the odds on the pitch.
05 Dec 2023 18:25:43
The one positive for us from the City- Spurs game is if you look at Spurs first goal, we have the same ability to break at pace and potentially hurt City. They have conceded 10 goals in the last 4 games so if you get at the back four you can score against them. I hope we play to our strengths and don’t just sit back, if we do we have a chance if not we will get done I’m afraid.