Because I am computerless at present I had to get by with audio only. I am looking forward to visual images later. Somehow it did seem like a GT game with us coming back from the dead.
Yes and was it a deliberate handball by Doucoure? Thought it might have just hit his hand about 5 yards from the goal? Probably didn't help he went running off celebrating (naturally!)
GT would not have been amused at a Watford player doing that if it was deliberate. Our reputation with referees is not so good that we can afford things like this. Even if it wasn't deliberate then his celebrations afterwards don't give a good impression either. I have actually seen a player go to the referee after a goal like that and own up to handball and ask for the goal to be disallowed.
True maybe running off going mad didn't help but sadly players won't admit to anything like diving or handball now! They'd probably be transfer listed and basined to the Reserves if they did..
How many times have Watford been on the wrong end of these situations, ghost goal v Reading, Dier handball this season and many many more....it doesn't sit well with me, but for a change we have got the benefit of a poor decision. BUT, of course it is terrible that this travesty has befallen a team playing against Watford as opposed to Watford being the victim of the poor decision, Watford should be docked 25 points and Doucoure banned for the rest of the season!!!!
I agree completely. We had a big penalty shout for handball in the first half and they did a few things not entirely in keeping with their nickname. But let's get this into perspective - it was a game neither team could afford to lose so it was always going to be a bit tasty. I certainly don't want us playing by a different moral code if it means we are disadvantaged. I don't feel especially proud saying that but it's the way the game is.
Yep - did you see what actually happened? I was right up the other end so didn't but a few were saying he got smacked in the face.
I had similar thoughts, I don't like cheating, if it was deliberate, but it does even things up a bit.
The last time I remember a goal being allowed and then not given as a result of a confession was Miroslaw Klose when playing in Italian football - who accidently handled the ball into the net and then asked the ref. not to give it. An act which endeared him both to German and Italian fans and just may have benefited his club more than if the goal had been awarded. Such sportsmanship doesn't happen often in modern football, which is a pity - so maybe it was a point won, but a chance lost. Quite honestly I couldn't give a monkeys about it 'evening things up' - or about the idea 'If the ref. doesn't see it it's ok.` GT. would have thrown the book at any Watford player who did that.
Fair play that you have such a strong moral compass...have you asked Doucoure if he did handle it on purpose? I don't know, I was at the other end so did not see it and neither have I watched match of the day. If he did do it purposefully then yes I agree he could/should have owned up...but neither you or I or anyone other than the man himself knows the answer to that question. I guess we also need to wait and see if Marco 'throws the book' at him should he confirm it was deliberate.
Well as I say a player will never admit diving or cheating .. Pundits and manager say falling to the ground is all part of the game making the most of a touch .. Had it been Southampton they would have not complained and we'd be the ones moaning. Sadly moral compass in football on and off the pitch has long gone at the expense of "gaining an advantage "
I don't think players do these things deliberately, it's the action of a split second. I don't think Diego Maradona thought in 1986 - 'Right I'm going to use my hand for this one'. It just happens - players use their arms to gain height or momentum when going up, or in, for headers in the penalty box and it can happen that there is hand contact which was not premeditated. But the player knows immediately afterwards what has happened - whether deliberate or not. So what does he do - go and claim the crowds adulation as if nothing had happened ? Would Luther Blissett have done this ? Times have changed I know - but does the fact that society has changed mean that I have to ? Whoever does this must know that the action will be replayed a hundred times on video and may reflect badly on his career - may even mean that future referees will not be disposed in his favour in the future. With our disciplinary record this season it is an event which we didn't need.
But.... It could be that if Doucoure had told the ref it was actually handball which resulted in a loss of a point and ultimately led to relegation he would become the most hated player in Watford's history. His owners, coach and fellow players would also have questioned his affection for the club. It would need a brave soul to take a moral stance for the good of the game against all self and club interest.
There was a push on Richarlison in the first half and Gray being held back in the second which were both decent penalty shouts too.
