When you think about how things like technology and player development have changed the game the way that every action on the pitch can be reviewed and broken down frame by frame by the networks, or how todays players are bigger, stronger and faster than ever, then how the hell can 1 referee and 2 linesman be responsible for that much action and speed? Throw in the antics of the "Foolballers" and the game turns into speedy pantomime.
How about an "Eye in the sky" a group of officials to review the match live and be able to speak to the referee via some kind of headset, review infractions like penalties and handballs in 30 seconds or less and let the referee keep harmony on the pitch. If the foolballers knew that the EYE was on them then I bet the diving and cheating would diminish.
I have watched, lived and played this game a various levels and it is in my blood, I know I speak for the rest of the world's football fans who want better. We deserve 11 players versus 11 players, not 11 Italian divers versus 10 other hard working players.
If I want to see diving then I will watch the olympics, If I want to see cheating then I will work for a Corporation.
Drogba: One of the best worldwide, I would not like to fight him in a dark alley, but on the pitch my wife could knock him over with a feather.
Don't they all take acting classes now?! :¬)
ReplyDelete(Ta fer the follow!)
Imagine Andy Gray, Liam Brady or King Kenny taking a dive in the old days, they all had too much class.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of the things that bugs me as well, although you can see the same acting in some baseketball games!
ReplyDeletePearl
Yikes. That's "basketball"...
ReplyDeleteGood idea, I've often wondered why technology isn't made more use of. It's terribly sad that so many players resort to cheating. Imagine knowing that you beat a team by fraudulent means. And they must know they'll be found out and that one day their kids and grandchildren will be able to see them cheating over and over again, how will they explain that?
ReplyDeleteWhat has changed in the last 20 years is the movement of players. There were always some nationalities that were more liable for diving but now that players travel as freely it seems that everyone is at it. Some referees don't help either. Watching the Chile - Switzerland match the other day I watched the referee pull up every little infringement that though technically was within the letter of the law correct he wasn't letting the game flow and was only causing problems for himself. In years gone past players weren't as protected as they are now and would have had to just get on with it like men that meant that there was less diving, but probably more serious injuries and definitely a lot more bruising tackles.
ReplyDeletePearl, The funny thing about basketball is that the players are HUGE, and one wee touch on the hand is a foul. I think some of the hoopsters could play in the NFL.
ReplyDeleteEryl, Remember the "Hand of god" Maradonna goal that sunk England. But yet the litte b*****d smugs it up every day with the knowledge of his cheating in the same match as one of the best goals in history.
Scotsman, I agree with all you said, but I still believe that 1 ref and 2 linesman are not enough to keep an eye on 20 men and 2 gloved ones.
How refreshing to read a Scotsman defending England!
ReplyDeleteDaphne, Just don't tell anyone.
ReplyDeleteSausage...
So you are a Scotsman? I'm married to one. Who are you backing this afternoon? Germany or England? If it isn't a rude question?
ReplyDeleteAnswers please before the match;)
Pat, sorry I did not reply, we had a wee holiday for a week on the west coast of Florida. I was pulling for the English but now almost a week later I am pulling for ze Germans..
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