I don't think it's a pen. As has been said, if Hugo didn't get the ball before the player, how come the ball went off in that direction? Yes there could have been a ricochet, but probably only if Hugo touched the ball first. One thing is for sure however, it was certainly not "obviously" a penalty, regardless of what anyone is arguing, and therefore the officials, for once, got the decision right.
Just occurred to me you could hit the side of the ball with your foot, which destroys my previous point...but look at Pedro's foot in the first image I shared. He's trying to get his toe under the ball, not knock it to the side... ...yeah, yeah, clear as mud...but if you look at all the pictures and still think Hugo didn't get a touch before contact with the player...then what I ought to do is give up.
On that we can agree! Seriously though, appreciate the in depth analysis, although the question isn't really about whether Hugo touched before the forward, because that doesn't define the foul. It is whether Hugo's lunge/dive was reckless under the current standards. In the same game there were two onfield 'tackles' that were adjudged fouls by the official ( who was useless, it has to be said). Winks pulled off what looked to be a good tackle but was penalised. It's the inconsistency that gets you!
Good analysis....but I should point out that making contact with the ball is irrelevant to whether it is a foul under the current laws. I actually think this is a drafting error which has been there for years when they tried to make it clear that a tackle or challenge could still be a foul even if the ball was touched first. The Law reads 1. Direct free kick A direct free kick is awarded if a player commits any of the following offences against an opponent in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force: • charges • jumps at • kicks or attempts to kick • pushes • strikes or attempts to strike (including head-butt) • tackles or challenges • trips or attempts to trip If an offence involves contact, it is penalised by a direct free kick. • Careless is when a player shows a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or acts without precaution. No disciplinary sanction is needed • Reckless is when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent and must be cautioned • Using excessive force is when a player exceeds the necessary use of force and/or endangers the safety of an opponent and must be sent off So all that matters is which player was 'careless'. Completely bonkers but it is this sort of formulation that gives referees an impossible job.
Amazing.They've counted 6 shots to Watford. 19 to Spurs....and we can only score 1 goal.....in the 96th minute. So glad to see another clean sheet. Is that 8 for Hugo now?
Oi you !!! Your user name has returned, and Spurs have 3 games this month against Chelsky. If you make any more avatar wagers with Deirdre and lose, start learning how to type using your feet.
