We moan everytime Mike Dean is the ref, its not my fault your naive enough to be taken in by the extra hype that derby day brings. Most of us are happy when Sian Massey is the linesmen, but that never gets reported as its not "newsworthy" it doesn't create controversy. Same applies when Clattenburg is the ref, it doesn't get reported, because it doesn't create controversy. But as per usual, its always about the capital city, it has to be because of the controversial penalty he gave you at the CCCS. It has nothing to do with other factors, games where MD has officiated that we have also not been happy with his performances. Its that issue that Cardiff fans cannot get their heads around, hence the ego. You think its all about you. If James Linnington was appointed the ref, we would be shouting the same thing, questioning the appointment to ref a derby game. Then what excuse would you use as to why we were complaining about the appointment. There are only a handful of refs who for me personally are fit enough to ref a derby game, and Mike Dean is not one of them. Howard Webb, Mark Clattenburg, Martin Atkinson and Kevin Friend. They are my personal opinions. Let me ask you something, would you be happy if Anthony Taylor was appointed the referee for the derby. Especially after the recent controversy at the Chelsea game?
I personally think it doesn't matter, I'd happily have Taylor again. Deans just a likely to give a pen to you as he is to us.
Oh agreed Blue, he is as likely to give us a pen, as he is you, but its nothing to do with that side of things, its just our experience with him is not a good experience. And that will always stick in the minds. I am personally not too bothered, but understand why others are, then at the same time I would have preferred 1 of the 4 I mentioned to officiate the game instead. As I personally find them to be better referee's. Although Clatenburg is more of a biased choice as I find his style suits our play style. The other 3 have no real bearing, I just like them as ref's
Listen! Maybe it would be better all round if swansea are allowed to ask the FA if they can select the ref for the return game. It would save all the grief.
I was just going to say something along those lines. Prejudices for and against refs exists at most clubs. Nothing wrong with highlighting it - we've done it ourselves, but the extremes to which some fans come down on them is laughable. I've got nothing against Mike Dean, and I could say Clattenburg bottled it by not giving hand ball for us against Lloris when he was clearly outside his area - but what's the point? You might as well let the fans appoint the ref for each game. At least then there would be no lame excuses prepared for a possible defeat other than it would probably be the lino's fault.
But then, in fairness Sparkey, how can any Cardiff fan tell us we are wrong, when I doubt you have watched our matches to even tell us that our opinions on Mike Dean are extreme. And you couldn't say that Clattenburg bottled it, as it was the linesman's call. Clattenburg was never in a position to call that. So that's most certainly apples and oranges. So to that statement there is no point
I never said your opinions on Mike Dean are extreme. I said some fans of most clubs in general have prejudices- don't be so defensive and read it properly before you jump. Do you always have to come over here for an argument rather than a discussion?
For your information, I'm not a fool swansa, but I will admit to using the wrong word. Perhaps "arguing" was a bit strong - maybe just "reading other's comments with blinkers on, reading into them what you want to see, and then responding with offended club bias syndrome" would have been more appropriate...............
I admit I thought you were referring to us, but I wasn't looking to argue Just making a point is all. And I never called you a fool Sparks You reading into things too seriously again
So to sum up you agree that influencing a referee to favour your team is fine and you also agree that players actively saying they will look to get an opposing player sent off prior to a game is to be encouraged? Answer my question.
What makes you think he is influencing the ref? A blog written by a Cardiff can is enough to convince you?
You really are a thick pest. Read the whole article from start to finish and you might understand though I somehow doubt it. Just for clarity I mean the article you are commenting on. Don't want you getting lost.
I preferred the unbiased articles from almost every other media outlet... You know, the ones not written by a Cardiff fan.
Who cares what he thinks Bob, he so full of hatred that anything he says should be viewed with suspicion and then ignored. So boring, churning out the same old all the time.