I can understand the frustration, but Allardyce's reaction to last night's penalty decisions was extreme. Yes the decision to award the penalty against Spence was stupid, and yes there was more of a case for an award against Rafael, but both decisions against the defender would have been harsh. In neither case was there a deliberate and conscious decision made to control the ball with the arm.
Allardyce, however, has blown a gasket, ranting, "There was no doubt whatsoever about the difference between
Rafael's hand ball and Jordan Spence's. Jordan Spence plays for West Ham
away against Manchester United and Rafael plays at home at Old
Trafford. It's got to be that simple when you see it. Phil Dowd was in
the perfect position. Arm to ball, he [Rafael] pushes the ball away with
his left arm. No penalty. Go the other end and the ball hits Jordan
Spence's hand. If you give one, you have to give them both. Simple as
that. You've seen it for yourself and you can look at the replay as many
times as you want. We have a laptop and code the game. I've looked at
his position for the Rafael one and it is perfect – straight in line
with it, right in front of it. He had a worse position than Jordan
Spence's."
"We are very disappointed we are not given a penalty
which is blatant and clear for the referee to see. He couldn't find the
courage to give it."
I suppose he just about stops short of calling Dowd a cheat, but to term a referee a coward is inviting the ire of the powers that be. Ferguson can march on to the field of play to harangue the officials, but that's different. As Allardyce says, different rules apply to Manchester United!
Difficult to disagree with anything Allardyce said. When you play Man U your usually playing the officials and their manager's inexplicable power over proceedings.
ReplyDeletebias for big teams from officials media etc. Pathetic fines for blatant racism over payed prima donnas acting like two year olds my love for the game is dead thank you FA happy 150th birthday
ReplyDeleteI normally agree with some of the stuff you say HF, but this time I could not disagree more.
ReplyDeleteSo Allardyce might get into trouble for telling the truth? So what. I was always told, tell the truth. ITV eventually spoke about the decisions (after there Man U love in finished) and they said the same thing as our manager.
Makes a change to see a West Ham manager show a bit of passion don't you think? Could always have a damp squib like Avram Grant.
I don't agree with a lot of what Allardyce does, but this time I am delighted with his reaction and it was exactly how I felt afterwards, was he bitter? You bet he was.
In fairness you yourself said "I suppose he just about stops short of calling Dowd a cheat, but to term a referee a coward is inviting the ire of the powers that be. Ferguson can march on to the field of play to harangue the officials, but that's different. As Allardyce says, different rules apply to Manchester United!" Well haven't you just said the same as Allardyce yourself? What you said could be interpreted as "Its Man U, one rule for them and one rule for us" Not too far from Fat Sam.
Im sorry to say but its true. United have been getting away with it for years. Maybe the OS will give us the same treatment.
ReplyDeleteShameful behaviour indeed from allardyce (probably). I didn't watch it cos i was watching that thing on bbc2 about Comedians and Corporate events it was ok,but how paul tonkinson gets gigs i'll never know. I still think that allardyce has heaped shame on your club with his actions,whatever they were. Who can they replace him with now though? They've missed the boat with Pep Guardiola.
ReplyDeleteNo sarcastic or factless headlines for us LUFC fans today then hf?
ReplyDeletetin pot cup no one gives a toss about
ReplyDeletePlease post my article on Referees in England again. It is very relevant in the context of last night's game.
ReplyDeleteHF, I think that Sam should be congratulated for his courage and for risking paying a hefty fine himself to say what every one knows already. Ferguson is getting away with it week in and week out. He totally controls the psyche of referees. It had to be said. And bravo Sam for saying it so clearly and loudly. Not that I expect that anything will change mind you.
I can understand managers getting upset about refs. If it hadn't been for the ref on wednesday west ham would've won that game. All pundits,neutrals and even opposing supporters had west ham down as a dead cert for the FA cup this season. I know I did. That would've been without doubt,the springboard to European glory next season and an assault on the Premier League title the following season. I know I thought so. These decisions cost clubs millions. When will football catch up with technology and introduce 2 refs on mini motos at every game? They could even ride pillion,the comedy aspect would soon become an old joke as the refs would be able to keep up with play and get those tricky decisions right.
ReplyDelete