Redressing the penalty balance

[bibblebub]

Newcastle were awarded a - let's say - dodgy penalty in their match against ManU yesterday.

But ManU have been awarded many soft penalties, particularly at Old Trafford, over the last decade or more so it's just these decisions balancing themselves out.

Who can argue with that?

[Count-A-Strong]

Not me bibble. Time for technology to come on board and all the old farts who run the FA to retire.

[brionon]

No Technology for me. Stopping the game every time someone shouts Handball.

[joeluke]

ManU are the beneficiaries of so many dodgy decisions at Old Trafford, one goes against them for once in a while and we never hear the last of it

[penelope2]

Fergusson will rant about anything when Man U under perform. How many times have refs baulked about giving decisions to opposing teams at Old Trafford. What goes round, comes round. He's obviously a worried man. Man City for a win this afternoon !!!

[elgreco]

The Press are saying that the FA will take a dim view of Sir Alex's rantings about the officials decision. I suppose there will be another suspension from the touchline or seeming else just as meaningless. When will these prima donna managers and players stop whingeing and accept that officials are human and occasionally make wrong calls(I don't know if it was right or wrong in this case). If the FA are serious about bringing discipline and respect back to the game, then the punishments should be point deductions. Owners and supporters would soon tire of the temperamental outbursts of their 'heroes'.

[Philtaz]

Just another reason for the introduction of technology. The argument that it would slow the game is rubbish.
During the resultant furore around the decision whilst the players approached the ref and surrounded him and the linesman, the 4th official had plenty of time to look at the decision via the TV cameras, it would have taken all of 20 seconds.
It doesn't need to be used for every decision, just those inside the penalty area that are contentious.

If a decision is disputed in general play (studs-up tackle and possible sending off etc) each team could be allowed say two appeals per half, similar to those given to cricket captains in LBW decisions.

Over the length of a season such decisions as yesterday's can result in winning or losing a title or relegation, which costs clubs millions either way, which is why technology needs to be introduced.

[rowanwitch]

just do what other sports do restrict the number of challenges per game....

[Davethedog]

Balance out thats the first time in my memory (and i'm no spring chicken) that I can remember anything going against Man U.

Long way to go to get balance. I suppose they'll get Howard Webb to reff all games in future at OT.

[Hopkirk]

Do you notice that every time ManU lose, or draw at home, Fergy lashes out at the officials?

Perhaps he should teach his team to score more, instead of blaming others.

[Duncer]

Philatz, I take on board your points, and agreed with most of them, but if anything can contribute to Man Utd losing this, or any title, then I for one am firmly against technology.

[atrollope]

Another Football thread that has descended into Manchester United - Sir Alex Ferguson hating..you just cannot rein in your jealousy at their bulging Trophy cabinet....How dreary!!

[bibblebub]

atrollope - the thread didn't exactly descend into that because that's how it was in my OP

[Duncer]

atrollope - hardly jealousy as I disliked ManUre in the early Seventies when they won virtually nothing and Sir Awex was still a player. I disliked the fact folks in Belfast supported them, rather than their local team - glory hunting little Salad Chefs that they were.