It’s written in the stars!!!!!’n
Match Day Thread Manchester City v Southampton, FA Cup Semi Final, Wembley, 25th April 17.15 live on BBC and TNT Sports
- Thread starter Libby
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I tend to agree. This video isn't all that clear, there was a flurry of arms and the guy goes down holding his face. I'm not saying Downes is innocent just that the video isn't conclusive. The fact that the Swansea player fell down with his hands on his face, unfortunately doesn't mean he's been hurt these days. I hope the FA had better evidence than just that video to come to the decision they have.
It's quite obvious what is happening here. Downes is an important component to our already minute chance of success, so the FA are making sure that a Championship side doesn't get to the final of their showpiece competition. Get the hearing completed in time to implement a ban (which was obviously decided beforehand) on Downes for the SF. Job done, an all PL final to sell to the football companies that have never heard of Saints.
Were you injured or suspended Osprey?
In that case why did Downes accept the charge? Whether he meant it or not he swung round with his elbow and smashed him in the face. It's either violent conduct or serious foul play.
Possibly to avoid an even worse punishment and to be available for the play offs? If he felt contact through his clumsiness then he was man enough to accept the charge, who knows?
Not for one minute do I condone his conduct on the pitch and would expect opposition players to get the same treatment. BUT it does seem playing for us matters to him and for a long time I did what wonder if it did. He’ll be missed but the team will be fine on the day!
Yeah I assume if he appeals and loses then potentially he gets a worse punishment which may mean missing out on the playoffs, which I’m sure is the clubs priority
No, I was fine, we had a bout of sickness that left us short of staff. It was a one off situation, didn't make me feel better about it! Most of the time my workmates went out of their way to ensure I could attend matches.
Free Oriel! That's what I say, am making up a banner for Saturday, he should be able to last at least half an hour before being sent off for repeated late challenges LOL
In the first half of my post I said "I'm not saying Downes is innocent just that the video isn't conclusive."Which I stand by.
The second part was just a nonsense conspiracy theory which I quite enjoy but even I don't believe. I don't think it's beyond the FA to do something like that though. We all know they fiddle the draw.
Maybe Franny is taking his boots with him, just so he can 'mark' Haaland, in whichever way he is able
Damn. No complaints from me on it being a ban, that’s a bad challenge.
The timing seems baffling to me. Very arbitrary. For example why wasn’t it put in place straight away…. Bristol City should feel like they could complain at having to play against him
And then we have 4 days to prepare , 2 of which we spend thinking he’s available only to suddenly he told he’s not ?! It’s the process not the outcome I’m annoyed about
The timing seems baffling to me. Very arbitrary. For example why wasn’t it put in place straight away…. Bristol City should feel like they could complain at having to play against him
And then we have 4 days to prepare , 2 of which we spend thinking he’s available only to suddenly he told he’s not ?! It’s the process not the outcome I’m annoyed about
The challenge (foul) was done by THB who got away with it, the rest followed with Downes and Matsuki involved in the pile up, the ruck was started by their number 7 who thought that Flynn had fouled the number 20. No sign of any damage to his face or Flynns elbow.
No Downes committed the foul that should have seen him sent off. Then the ruckus happened which saw him booked for shoving someone over.
I disagree, the Swansea player was taken out by THB, the damage was done as he went down.
Clearly Downes. He wasn't going down before Downes clattered him.
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We are putting out a weakened side, two bans and injuries are responsible for that... Tonda will put out what he considers is the team that is best to do the job, lets give him the support that he needs.
I have watched it so many times and tried to see it that way, also looked for the elbow, can't see that either, but I see THB's foot making first contact.
I’m pretty sure IOAG Was suggesting you may have been a Saints player . I suspect you realised that though .