going by the rules as the referee saw the incident and dealt with it, however I have always thought that this was a ridiculous rule that needs changing. Rooney has once again let himself down through pure stupidity.
Agree completely. Ridiculous rule, deserves to be banned BUT shouldn't be banned, such are the rules.
wasting your breath. these mongrels can't understand the simple fact that a free kick was given because of it, so no further action can be taken. unless the fa change the rules they have stuck by for years. they probably will, a witchhunt led by the bbc and motd already began last night. still bitter alex wont talk to them
Agreed Berb, both that Rooney won't be banned and that the rule should be changed. If they can rescind a red card after the game, they should surely be able to implement one to implement retroactive punishments after the incident. Gonna be interesting to see how the rest of the media respond and if they follow the Beeb's lead. I remember Gerrard elbowing Brown against Pompey last season and Welbeck against Sunderland in September and getting away scot free with almost no media reaction. What're the chances the same thing will happen for Wayne?
A new precedent needs to be set here. Retrospective action cannot be taken if the referee saw and dealt with the incident at the time, as Clattenburg did yesterday. But that's ridiculous and punishments ought to be reviewed when the referee has made a mistake. However, is it just me that is glad Rooney wasn't sent off? Players get wound up all the time and do stupid things in the heat of the moment and I wish refs would have a word more often rather than brandishing red cards. Take DJ Campbell yesterday - yes he raised his hands, but does anyone want to see players sent off for that?
Interesting point, but I think if they change the rules it's only gonna cause more problems. At the moment, any raised hands in an opponent's face is a red card offence. If you make it more contingent, then a lot of judgement comes into play and you'll only get more controversy. Was Campbell's offence worse than Drogba vs Vidic in the CL final? What about when Fashanu elbowed Mabutt back in the early 90s and fractured his cheeckbone? Where do you draw the line between what's ok and what's not? I think if you loosen the rules in this area you're just going to get more injuries and arguments about refs being incompetent or biased.
