Sometimes its frustrates me that football is run by people that don’t seem to understand the game. They don’t understand the passion that it evokes, and how important it is to both players and spectators. Season after season, I witness moments on the football pitch where bad decisions are made, and whether or not those decisions end up being pivotal, it annoys me that they could have been prevented.
One such moment that certainly wasn’t pivotal, occurred on Sunday afternoon in the match at the Reebok Stadium. Bolton’s Tamir Cohen was brought on for the final five minutes against Arsenal, and from a corner in the final minute, he headed home the winning goal. In honour of his late father Avi Cohen (a former Liverpool player) who was killed in a motorcycle accident, he took his shirt off to reveal a t-shirt with a picture of his father.
A poignant moment. However, referee Mike Jones was forced to caution the Israeli as removing your shirt is a bookable offence. I don’t blame the referee; I’m sure failure to show the yellow card would have resulted in Jones getting suitably punished for not following the guidelines.
In this instance, Cohen’s booking was irrelevant. Bolton won the game, and it was a fitting tribute to Avi Cohen. But what if there were different circumstances? What if it was a cup final, with thirty minutes remaining, and Cohen had already been booked? Referees can’t be sentimental, and surely it should make no difference what the scenario is. Therefore, he would have been sent off for displaying a genuine moment of emotion. Even if a player takes their shirt off for no real purpose other than to express passion, why is it deemed an offence worthy of a yellow card?
FIFA don’t know.
Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct: "A player who removes his jersey when celebrating a goal must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour."
Yes we know that, but why?
FIFA don’t know.
Baring the torso? Potentially revealing something offensive underneath? Time-wasting? Inciting the crowd?! They all seem very unlikely and utterly ridiculous. Yet this is a rule which could play a major role in a game of football.
Here’s poor Eric Hassli, striker for the world famous Vancouver Whitecaps, getting a second yellow card for removing his shirt after scoring a penalty. (Hilariously, he has an identical shirt underneath to try and get away with it!)
There are some rules in football which I disagree with, but can sort-of understand why they exist. If you jump into the crowd to celebrate a goal, fans could possibly get crushed as they rush down to celebrate with the goalscorer. Therefore you deserve to get booked for risking the safety of the fans.
But I don’t believe there is any risk involved with removing ones shirt. It’s a moment of passion, and I can only assume that the people who make the rules don’t know what that is. They certainly don’t know what it’s like to score a goal.
I’m just glad that Tamir Cohen's had the opportunity to pay tribute to his father. And it only cost him a yellow card.
Sunday 24 April 2011
Monday 4 April 2011
The closest relegation battle in years - but who will survive?!
The top of the Premiership table appears to be fading towards a predictable conclusion; and whilst it is naïve to assume anything this season, it looks as though Arsenal’s frailties and Chelsea’s terrible mid-season spell have gifted an underwhelming Manchester United side their 19th league title.
If the finale to the title race turns out to be slightly anti-climactic, the battle to stay in the Premier League will more than makes up for it. I can’t remember so many teams fighting for their lives at this stage in the season - it is truly remarkable to see eight teams still in trouble with just seven games to go. Mick McCarthy got it spot on responding to a question regarding a sufficient points total for survival, “I just keep cracking on and hope we end up with more points than three other teams at least”.
Since the 1995/1996 season when the number of clubs competing in the Premiership was reduced to twenty, only Sunderland (1996/97), Bolton (1997/98), and West Ham (2002/03) have suffered relegation despite reaching 40 points. Considering all twenty teams this season have already reached the 30 points mark, 2010/11 may be another rare season where 40 points isn’t enough to survive.
So as we approach the run-in, let’s take a look at the sides still in danger, and whether they have what it takes to get enough points to stay in the division:
Wigan, current position: 20th, played - 31, points - 31
Momentum: The Latics have enjoyed a couple of decent results; first of all beating fellow strugglers Birmingham City with a last minute Maynor Figueroa strike, and then earning a point against Spurs on Saturday. Their next three matches are away from home, so understandably they’re everyone’s favourites to go down.
THAT player: Charles N’Zogbia - Wigan’s player of the season last year, and hard to argue against him winning it this time around. The Frenchman will need to be in top form to inspire his side for the remainder of the campaign.
Goals: Or lack there of. The league’s lowest scorers, and top scoring Hugo Rodallega has only managed 7.
Verdict: Relegated. The four points earned against Birminham and Spurs were vital, but with five of their remaining seven matches away from home, I can’t see Martinez masterminding a revival.
Wolves, current position: 19th, played - 31, points - 32
Momentum: Mick McCarthy’s side have generally played well all season, but have been unable to convert good performances into good results. But the last few weeks have seen them earn valuable points against Spurs, Blackpool, West Brom, and most recently, neighbours Aston Villa. Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle was a setback, and the loss of Kevin Doyle to injury is a massive blow, but their final seven games are against sides from seventh downwards, so if they can re-discover their good form, survival is a very real possibility.
THAT player: Jamie O’Hara - a really wise loan signing, and has already made an impact. Wears his heart on his sleeve and works incredibly hard for the team.
Goals: Mick McCarthy must be cursing his luck with Doyle ruled out for the remainder of the season, but the likes of Steven Fletcher and Sylvan Ebanks Blake will get goals, whilst Matt Jarvis will be on a high after his call up to the England squad.
Verdict: Safe, just. Mick McCarthy’s side have started to show a winning mentality which has been missing all season, and there’s enough talent in the team to win games.
West Ham, current position: 18th, played - 31, points - 32
Momentum: What a strange season it has been, especially at Upton Park. Back in January, it was reported that West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal was Avram Grant’s last in charge. And then suddenly, he had the full backing of the board. Only those involved really know what was going on, but since that day, the Hammers have only lost two league matches, beating Blackpool, Stoke, and Liverpool along the way. The return of Thomas Hitzlsperger, and the signing of Senegalese striker Demba Ba have added an unexpected sense of optimism around the club. The manner of the defeat to Man United on Saturday was disappointing, but with crucial games against Wigan, Aston Villa and Blackburn still to come, there’s plenty for the Hammers to be hopeful about.
THAT player: Scott Parker should be an England regular in my opinion. He brings so much to the West Ham team, and without his passion and ability, they’d be relegated already.
Goals: Demba Ba has been a revelation - such a handful for defences, and his goals have been key to their current resurgence. Elsewhere, the likes of Cole, Piquionne, Hitzlsperger and Parker will all contribute with the odd goal.
Verdict: Safe. Why? Two words: Scott Parker.
Blackpool, current position: 17th, played - 31, points - 33
Momentum: As Ian Holloway’s side welcomed the new year, the Seasiders were in the top half of the Premiership, having experienced a wonderful first half of the season. Four months later, and Blackpool are in freefall, having gained just eight points from fourteen matches in 2011. If the league table started from January 1st, they would be rock bottom. Having said that, the recent 3-1 win against Spurs proves that this team are fearless and capable of getting results. The question is, can they find their 2010 form?
THAT player: Charlie Adam, who else? According to reports, he was minutes away from heading to Tottenham. Blackpool fans can thank their lucky stars that the move fell through, and he stayed in the north west. He seems to be key to everything good that the Tangerines do.
Goals: Once again, if Adam stays fit, he will get crucial goals - penalties, free-kicks, tap-ins, and if he can add a few more to his current tally of nine league goals, they’ve got a great chance of surviving. Unfair not to mention DJ Campbell, who’s also scored nine, and when he returns from suspension, Blackpool’s attack will be more potent.
Verdict: Safe, just. With their remaining fixtures, the home matches against Wigan, Newcastle and Stoke stand out as season defining contests.
Aston Villa, current position: 16th, played - 31, points - 34
Momentum: The Aston Villa fans have made it clear how they feel about Gerard Houllier. The Frenchman has shot himself in the foot on a number of occasions: first, carelessly indulging in his past, stating he would rather lose to Liverpool than any other club, and then, somewhat bizarrely leaving out key players as his side surrendered to Manchester City in the FA Cup. Since that 3-0 defeat at Eastlands, the Villains have lost at Bolton, and more painfully were beaten by neighbours West Brom at Villa Park. Chief Executive Paul Faulkner has backed the under fire boss, and now the Villa faithful must do the same.
THAT Player: Ashley Young. Villa boast several young talented English players, and none more talented than their versatile midfielder. He’s attracted attention from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, and therefore his final role as a Villa player could be to inspire his side to the two or three wins they require for safety.
Goals: Darren Bent. He’s scored five times since joining Villa, and with talent from wide and behind him, he’ll get plenty of chances.
Verdict: Safe. Is the phrase, “too good to go down”, a kiss of death? With the players they’ve got, they should be in the top ten.
Birmingham, current position: 15th, played - 30, points - 34
Momentum: Winning the Carling Cup will give Blues fans many happy memories of that day at Wembley, but the bigger picture is that it may have dented their chances of survival. Since the final on February 27th, they’ve suffered defeats to fellow strugglers West Brom and Wigan, and lifting that trophy must seem a distant memory. The win against Bolton on Saturday was crucial, and with struggling Sunderland visiting St Andrews, and a trip to Ewood Park in the coming weeks, McCleish’s side need to continue the momentum.
THAT player: Craig Gardner - Local lad and Blues fan, represents what Alex McCleish demands from his players. His passion, but more importantly, his ability, could prove to be crucial.
Goals: Only Wigan have scored less this season, with Nikola Zigic and Cameron Jerome failing to have the desired effect.
Verdict: Relegated. Lack of goals being the determining factor.
Blackburn, current position: 14th, played - 31, points - 34
Momentum: The award for Strangest Decision of the Season goes to the Blackburn Rovers chicken loving owners, who thought getting rid of Sam Allardyce would be a good idea. They replaced the vastly experienced Allardyce with the vastly inexperienced Steve Kean, and that decision could come back to haunt them come May. Winless since January 23rd, Rovers are in big trouble unless they start winning.
THAT player: Chris Samba - inspirational captain and defender, and is the second highest scoring defender in the league with four goals (behind Robert Huth). He may need a few more goals to keep his side in the league.
Goals: Rovers don’t have a prolific scorer, which could be a big problem for Steve Kean. However, they do have players capable of scoring - the young Canadian David Hoilett looks a good prospect.
Verdict: Relegated. They’ll need at least two wins from their remaining games, and I can’t see them getting that.
West Brom, current position: 13th, played - 31, points - 36
Momentum: Roberto Di Matteo may consider himself a tad unlucky to have been sacked, but Roy Hodgson has steadied the ship somewhat, and is still unbeaten as Baggies manager. The win against Liverpool on Saturday was Hodgson’s first home victory as boss, and the side looks more defensively sound. This unbeaten run will only boost confidence within the camp as they head towards the business end of the season.
THAT player: Peter Odemwingie has scored almost a quarter of West Brom’s goals this season, and if he can get a few more, it’ll go a long way in keeping them in the league.
Goals: Aside from the Nigerian, the Baggies do have plenty of players capable of scoring, even if the stats suggest otherwise. No-one apart from Odemwingie has managed more than four league goals this season, but James Morrison and Chris Brunt will get on the score-sheet.
Verdict: Safe. They’ve got a tricky run-in, with Chelsea and Spurs around the corner, but Roy Hodgson will keep it tight at the back and earn enough points to keep them up.
PREDICTION:
13th West Brom
14th West Ham
15th Aston Villa
16th Wolves
17th Blackpool
18th Birmingham
19th Blackburn
20th Wigan
If the finale to the title race turns out to be slightly anti-climactic, the battle to stay in the Premier League will more than makes up for it. I can’t remember so many teams fighting for their lives at this stage in the season - it is truly remarkable to see eight teams still in trouble with just seven games to go. Mick McCarthy got it spot on responding to a question regarding a sufficient points total for survival, “I just keep cracking on and hope we end up with more points than three other teams at least”.
Since the 1995/1996 season when the number of clubs competing in the Premiership was reduced to twenty, only Sunderland (1996/97), Bolton (1997/98), and West Ham (2002/03) have suffered relegation despite reaching 40 points. Considering all twenty teams this season have already reached the 30 points mark, 2010/11 may be another rare season where 40 points isn’t enough to survive.
So as we approach the run-in, let’s take a look at the sides still in danger, and whether they have what it takes to get enough points to stay in the division:
Wigan, current position: 20th, played - 31, points - 31
Momentum: The Latics have enjoyed a couple of decent results; first of all beating fellow strugglers Birmingham City with a last minute Maynor Figueroa strike, and then earning a point against Spurs on Saturday. Their next three matches are away from home, so understandably they’re everyone’s favourites to go down.
THAT player: Charles N’Zogbia - Wigan’s player of the season last year, and hard to argue against him winning it this time around. The Frenchman will need to be in top form to inspire his side for the remainder of the campaign.
Goals: Or lack there of. The league’s lowest scorers, and top scoring Hugo Rodallega has only managed 7.
Verdict: Relegated. The four points earned against Birminham and Spurs were vital, but with five of their remaining seven matches away from home, I can’t see Martinez masterminding a revival.
Wolves, current position: 19th, played - 31, points - 32
Momentum: Mick McCarthy’s side have generally played well all season, but have been unable to convert good performances into good results. But the last few weeks have seen them earn valuable points against Spurs, Blackpool, West Brom, and most recently, neighbours Aston Villa. Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle was a setback, and the loss of Kevin Doyle to injury is a massive blow, but their final seven games are against sides from seventh downwards, so if they can re-discover their good form, survival is a very real possibility.
THAT player: Jamie O’Hara - a really wise loan signing, and has already made an impact. Wears his heart on his sleeve and works incredibly hard for the team.
Goals: Mick McCarthy must be cursing his luck with Doyle ruled out for the remainder of the season, but the likes of Steven Fletcher and Sylvan Ebanks Blake will get goals, whilst Matt Jarvis will be on a high after his call up to the England squad.
Verdict: Safe, just. Mick McCarthy’s side have started to show a winning mentality which has been missing all season, and there’s enough talent in the team to win games.
West Ham, current position: 18th, played - 31, points - 32
Momentum: What a strange season it has been, especially at Upton Park. Back in January, it was reported that West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal was Avram Grant’s last in charge. And then suddenly, he had the full backing of the board. Only those involved really know what was going on, but since that day, the Hammers have only lost two league matches, beating Blackpool, Stoke, and Liverpool along the way. The return of Thomas Hitzlsperger, and the signing of Senegalese striker Demba Ba have added an unexpected sense of optimism around the club. The manner of the defeat to Man United on Saturday was disappointing, but with crucial games against Wigan, Aston Villa and Blackburn still to come, there’s plenty for the Hammers to be hopeful about.
THAT player: Scott Parker should be an England regular in my opinion. He brings so much to the West Ham team, and without his passion and ability, they’d be relegated already.
Goals: Demba Ba has been a revelation - such a handful for defences, and his goals have been key to their current resurgence. Elsewhere, the likes of Cole, Piquionne, Hitzlsperger and Parker will all contribute with the odd goal.
Verdict: Safe. Why? Two words: Scott Parker.
Blackpool, current position: 17th, played - 31, points - 33
Momentum: As Ian Holloway’s side welcomed the new year, the Seasiders were in the top half of the Premiership, having experienced a wonderful first half of the season. Four months later, and Blackpool are in freefall, having gained just eight points from fourteen matches in 2011. If the league table started from January 1st, they would be rock bottom. Having said that, the recent 3-1 win against Spurs proves that this team are fearless and capable of getting results. The question is, can they find their 2010 form?
THAT player: Charlie Adam, who else? According to reports, he was minutes away from heading to Tottenham. Blackpool fans can thank their lucky stars that the move fell through, and he stayed in the north west. He seems to be key to everything good that the Tangerines do.
Goals: Once again, if Adam stays fit, he will get crucial goals - penalties, free-kicks, tap-ins, and if he can add a few more to his current tally of nine league goals, they’ve got a great chance of surviving. Unfair not to mention DJ Campbell, who’s also scored nine, and when he returns from suspension, Blackpool’s attack will be more potent.
Verdict: Safe, just. With their remaining fixtures, the home matches against Wigan, Newcastle and Stoke stand out as season defining contests.
Aston Villa, current position: 16th, played - 31, points - 34
Momentum: The Aston Villa fans have made it clear how they feel about Gerard Houllier. The Frenchman has shot himself in the foot on a number of occasions: first, carelessly indulging in his past, stating he would rather lose to Liverpool than any other club, and then, somewhat bizarrely leaving out key players as his side surrendered to Manchester City in the FA Cup. Since that 3-0 defeat at Eastlands, the Villains have lost at Bolton, and more painfully were beaten by neighbours West Brom at Villa Park. Chief Executive Paul Faulkner has backed the under fire boss, and now the Villa faithful must do the same.
THAT Player: Ashley Young. Villa boast several young talented English players, and none more talented than their versatile midfielder. He’s attracted attention from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, and therefore his final role as a Villa player could be to inspire his side to the two or three wins they require for safety.
Goals: Darren Bent. He’s scored five times since joining Villa, and with talent from wide and behind him, he’ll get plenty of chances.
Verdict: Safe. Is the phrase, “too good to go down”, a kiss of death? With the players they’ve got, they should be in the top ten.
Birmingham, current position: 15th, played - 30, points - 34
Momentum: Winning the Carling Cup will give Blues fans many happy memories of that day at Wembley, but the bigger picture is that it may have dented their chances of survival. Since the final on February 27th, they’ve suffered defeats to fellow strugglers West Brom and Wigan, and lifting that trophy must seem a distant memory. The win against Bolton on Saturday was crucial, and with struggling Sunderland visiting St Andrews, and a trip to Ewood Park in the coming weeks, McCleish’s side need to continue the momentum.
THAT player: Craig Gardner - Local lad and Blues fan, represents what Alex McCleish demands from his players. His passion, but more importantly, his ability, could prove to be crucial.
Goals: Only Wigan have scored less this season, with Nikola Zigic and Cameron Jerome failing to have the desired effect.
Verdict: Relegated. Lack of goals being the determining factor.
Blackburn, current position: 14th, played - 31, points - 34
Momentum: The award for Strangest Decision of the Season goes to the Blackburn Rovers chicken loving owners, who thought getting rid of Sam Allardyce would be a good idea. They replaced the vastly experienced Allardyce with the vastly inexperienced Steve Kean, and that decision could come back to haunt them come May. Winless since January 23rd, Rovers are in big trouble unless they start winning.
THAT player: Chris Samba - inspirational captain and defender, and is the second highest scoring defender in the league with four goals (behind Robert Huth). He may need a few more goals to keep his side in the league.
Goals: Rovers don’t have a prolific scorer, which could be a big problem for Steve Kean. However, they do have players capable of scoring - the young Canadian David Hoilett looks a good prospect.
Verdict: Relegated. They’ll need at least two wins from their remaining games, and I can’t see them getting that.
West Brom, current position: 13th, played - 31, points - 36
Momentum: Roberto Di Matteo may consider himself a tad unlucky to have been sacked, but Roy Hodgson has steadied the ship somewhat, and is still unbeaten as Baggies manager. The win against Liverpool on Saturday was Hodgson’s first home victory as boss, and the side looks more defensively sound. This unbeaten run will only boost confidence within the camp as they head towards the business end of the season.
THAT player: Peter Odemwingie has scored almost a quarter of West Brom’s goals this season, and if he can get a few more, it’ll go a long way in keeping them in the league.
Goals: Aside from the Nigerian, the Baggies do have plenty of players capable of scoring, even if the stats suggest otherwise. No-one apart from Odemwingie has managed more than four league goals this season, but James Morrison and Chris Brunt will get on the score-sheet.
Verdict: Safe. They’ve got a tricky run-in, with Chelsea and Spurs around the corner, but Roy Hodgson will keep it tight at the back and earn enough points to keep them up.
PREDICTION:
13th West Brom
14th West Ham
15th Aston Villa
16th Wolves
17th Blackpool
18th Birmingham
19th Blackburn
20th Wigan
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