Don't deny that he should not have done so (I think he has admitted this himself), but it is not a red card offence to grab someone in an agressive manner. Its a yellow card offence which he was given at the time.
As we have both said we hold differring opinions on the subject and I dont think we will find common ground but a good debate and one which will go on not just about this case but others in the future. The fact that this is accepted could be seen as part of the wider break down in respect. But that is politics and we should keep this to football. But more tan happy to have thisdebate over a pint some day. Much better than on a keyboard
Now you're talking my kind of language! I know what you mean its a fine line between what's ok on the street and whats ok on the football pitch. I think I'm probably a little old school in my thoughts due to age, but I'm a big fan of the way rugby players behave. They can smash the living daylights out of each other as part of a game, but its all forgotten and drank to afterwards. We have the histronics of Ronaldo/Barton and many others. I am a big believer and was brought up on the "what happens on the field stays on the field" attitude. As long as lines are not crossed I think players should be man enough to accept the small bits of gamesmanship. I've expereinced allsorts from nipping right through to pulling down your shorts! Never bothered me but someone coming in with a leg breaking tackle or a sly elbow is completely unacceptable.
If you have been struck and exaggerated the extent, you'd just be considered to have partaking in a bit of gamesmanship which many feel (particularly in this country) is against the spirit of the game. This is not a bookable offence. Have a look at the rule book, its not covered in such specific terms.
Warmpouch Your quote "If you have been struck and exaggerated the extent, you'd just be considered to have partaking in a bit of gamesmanship which many feel (particularly in this country) is against the spirit of the game. This is not a bookable offence. Have a look at the rule book, its not covered in such specific terms." Mine. "Yes it is a bookable offence, it's called Ungentlemany Conduct, it seems neither you nor Barton have heard of that."
This is pointless. This bloke has changed the facts, the rules of football, the law of the land and his mind all in the space of 3 pages. You can't argue with someone like that. He'll be convinced he's won the debate as well. Unbelievable.
I have, Joey Barton has been proved innocent. He has not been charged with any of the accusations (and lets be factual, that's all they are) you have made. The clubs and Mr Song have.
