I wouldn't call this a 50-50 decision. I'm surprised the AR got this one wrong - all players were moving at roughly the same pace and relation...Not an ideal start with the offside goal. Although I'm not implying a conspiracy, Barcelona and Madrid have been getting these lucky 50/50 decions/non decisions for years. Though my view may be biased as I hate both clubs
I agree with you....but it definitely shouldn't be that way. For oh so many reasons. Unfortunately that's why he did it twice in this game and he'll keep doing it. Because referees are too afraid to take the necessary action, because the culture of the game doesn't support that, so the referees perpetuate that poisonous culture, and the cycle repeats.He could have cautioned, but would have been absolutely slammed if he sends him off for that.
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Unfortunately, I think not getting the cards out for Pepe's simulation(s) is the one major blip in an otherwise almost flawless display from Clattenburg last night (given that the offside goal was entirely in the assistant's hands). Despite what Deusex suggests above, I think his judgement of what is/isn't a caution was spot on and his positioning, fitness and movement should be shown at all future training courses as a masterclass in how a referee should move around a football pitch.
I thought he handled the Pepe situations very well.
He could have cautioned, but would have been absolutely slammed if he sends him off for that.
His alternative reactions of making it clear just how ridiculous his behaviour was, and really drew more attention to him as an absolute clown showed he can handle these incidents in the biggest games well and professionally.
I personally think that appointment was a test for him, and if he has a good tournament at the Euros and none of the home nations get far enough has a chance of a semi or maybe even final.
he has clocked his actions and won't tolerate it.
Then I guess his children will be nextExcept that he did tolerate it
I see what you did thereThen I guess his children will be next
Then I guess his children will be next
I agree with you....but it definitely shouldn't be that way. For oh so many reasons. Unfortunately that's why he did it twice in this game and he'll keep doing it. Because referees are too afraid to take the necessary action, because the culture of the game doesn't support that, so the referees perpetuate that poisonous culture, and the cycle repeats.
I mean, this player cheated twice to get opponents sent off, he's everything that people hate about the game, he's completely bringing the sport into disrepute and is engaging in activities that FIFA and football associations love to pay lip service to 'cutting down on'.....and yet we still make excuses for him to be on the park, so 'people don't talk about the referee'. This sport is absurd!
It's that very culture which makes it all about the referee - the excuses achieve the exact opposite of what they're trying to do!
Okay, won't tolerate it further!Except that he did tolerate it
I'm sure he was totally going to do something about it the third time. Ok, the fourth. I swear, he wasn't going to let it go more than 7 times. Not a moment more than 9!Okay, won't tolerate it further!