Cant deny the rule in hindsight, should not have been a penalty, such a shame to be the deciding factor at such a high level, crucial game. I would be gutted if it was in reverse.
It was the timing of it, not the mistake. Like in the 1962 Scottish League Cup final, going into the last minute Hearts 1 Kilmarnock 0. Killie get a free kick inside Hearts' half, everyone goes up for it; Jim Richmond the rightback chips it into the far post where The Killie captain Frank Beattie rises above everyone to nod the ball in to the net. The cheers are stifled as the referee, Tiny Wharton, has seen an offense which no-one else saw, and the goal does not stand. To this day no-one knows what the offense was, including the Hearts players. He never spoke about it, but I think the clue was in the way he used to run on to the pitch before the game, holding the ball upside down in one massive hand, like Pat Jennings. He simply wanted to be the centre of attention. Referees are, to use Billy Connolly's expression, "human therefore fallible".
I think it was for a push on the Hearts right back Billy . . . . PS . . . . Let it go Billy, it was 53 years ago
I actually enjoyed this world cup more than I would have, thanks to Ponders charity bash (I've pretty much switched off now). Having Japan beat South Africa was just wonderfull, although I did'nt realice at the time how catastrofic the defeat against Scotland was. England was a big let down though, and my interest waned when they both went out. Iliterally can't muster an interest in who wins out of those who are left now, so I'll bid this thread farewell, with a big thanks to Ponders for organising the party!
Did they finish bottom of their group, Dick? If so, you 'win' a fiver for your chosen charity. It was the luck of the draw, me old son.
They are now enjoying a well deserved rest, SuperC. All that getting thrashed is tiring on the mind and soul, as you well know.
Evening All, Sorry I haven't been about much of late. Bad health and butterflies have occupied the majority of my time. Over the next day or two I shall sort out the prizes for the RWC competition. And I'll also add some weight to Kish's excellent protest movement. Please bear with me. P.
