Protection for 'keepers
Posted by: JamieWednesday on 15 October 2006
Yesterday's events at Reading kind of underline the fact that keepers do need the protection that so many pundits feel is undeserving of the referee - to lose two keepers to blows to the head rendering each unconcious is clearly a very serious matter and surely underlines the fact their role needs a higher level of discretion from the ref. Frankly I just felt sick each time when watching both players lying flat out.
Petr has now had to undergo surgery and watching back the replays of the challenge it's no surprise and certainly the follow through by Reading's Hunt does seem a touch over the top, although only he knows how much intent was there. Although Steve Coppell's explanation that Hunt was just 'keen' and 'enthusiastic' having been selected to start for a change, hardly justifies sending another player to a neuro surgical unit...
Whether keepers need greater protection or others need to show less 'enthusiasm' should be debated as a result of this game.
Petr has now had to undergo surgery and watching back the replays of the challenge it's no surprise and certainly the follow through by Reading's Hunt does seem a touch over the top, although only he knows how much intent was there. Although Steve Coppell's explanation that Hunt was just 'keen' and 'enthusiastic' having been selected to start for a change, hardly justifies sending another player to a neuro surgical unit...
Whether keepers need greater protection or others need to show less 'enthusiasm' should be debated as a result of this game.
I woz there.
Injuries to both keepers seemed to be accidents (seeing the incidents again on MoTD, neither were malicious imho). I think Mourinho was a bit over the top in his condemnation of the Reading player. I do not think he deliberately ran into Cech. Speaking to a couple of Chelski fans today they seemed to think it wasn't deliberate. Cudicini was desparately unlucky, he bounced off one player into Sonko's path (who was already airborne) - he's a big bloke and most people would come off second best in a collision.
Hope they both recover fully soon.
It did get a bit heated in the second half. Both players sent off were for two yellow cards which were a bit harsh but that's Mike Riley for you. Drogba was lucky not to be sent off for raising his hands during one of the melees.
Lampard fell over nothing to get the free kick that led to the goal. He did nothing for the rest of the match. Perhaps Mourinho could do Chelski and England a favour and give him a rest, he has got Ballack after all.
The only time I was aware of Shevchenko was when he was substituted by Joe Cole after the first sending off. £30m well spent there.
Overall Reading should have had a draw. I had the feeling that Chelski could play much better, I am not sure that Reading can.
Seagull
(Brighton fan but Reading season ticket holder
)
Injuries to both keepers seemed to be accidents (seeing the incidents again on MoTD, neither were malicious imho). I think Mourinho was a bit over the top in his condemnation of the Reading player. I do not think he deliberately ran into Cech. Speaking to a couple of Chelski fans today they seemed to think it wasn't deliberate. Cudicini was desparately unlucky, he bounced off one player into Sonko's path (who was already airborne) - he's a big bloke and most people would come off second best in a collision.
Hope they both recover fully soon.
It did get a bit heated in the second half. Both players sent off were for two yellow cards which were a bit harsh but that's Mike Riley for you. Drogba was lucky not to be sent off for raising his hands during one of the melees.
Lampard fell over nothing to get the free kick that led to the goal. He did nothing for the rest of the match. Perhaps Mourinho could do Chelski and England a favour and give him a rest, he has got Ballack after all.
The only time I was aware of Shevchenko was when he was substituted by Joe Cole after the first sending off. £30m well spent there.
Overall Reading should have had a draw. I had the feeling that Chelski could play much better, I am not sure that Reading can.
Seagull
(Brighton fan but Reading season ticket holder
)