Borussia Monchengladbach Show Real

I posted this yesterday on twitter having seen it on World Soccer.  Its an impressive show real from Borussia Monchengladbach showing what a passing force they have become this season.  There transformation has been impressive given they were strugling last season in the Bundesliga but this season they have climbed the table.

The pace at which they move the ball around is scary at times.

Stoke City win Delap Appeal

Stoke City have won their appeal against Rory Delaps sending off against Crawley at the weekend.   

The Football Association upheld Stoke's appeal and Delap's three-match suspension has been withdrawn. Tony Pulis after the match said: "If you look at the referee, he actually gives a throw-in, not even a free-kick. "The fourth official has told our coaching staff he made the decision because there was excessive force."

Assistant Referee hit by "missile" thrown by fans - Belgium League

During a recent Belgium league game an assistant was injured when he was hit on the head by something thrown by a fan.

It appears though to be a piece of cardboard!

His feet are on the ground! - So what!

This week it was announced that the Premier League are going to be working with clubs to talk to them about the run of dangerous challenges we have had recently.  While its a positive move, I would also like to see the FA use the various media outlets (Sky, BBC, Web) to explain and share the DVD they will be using.This is a crucial step and will help educate everyone.  Unfortunately it will kill the debate and Sky & BBC would never take part.

This weekend we had the Robert Huth sending off.  Which according to MOTD wasn't as his feet were on the floor and it wasn't two footed so it wasn't a sending off. Bollocks!!

Stoke City v Sunderland by kevnido
Stoke City v Sunderland by kevnido

It doesn't matter if a player is taken out by a foot, shin, thigh, arm if it is excessive or uncontrolled it will result in the player being sent off (well should)

Law 12 states the following

“Using excessive force” means that the player has far exceeded the necessary 

use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent.

• A player who uses excessive force must be sent of

“Using excessive force” means that the player has far exceeded the necessary use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent.

• A player who uses excessive force must be sent of

Also if a player has gone into challenge the player with his feet but has in fact not made contact with his feet.  Would say to me at least that he didn't have control in the challenge.

News Roundup

A collection of news links that explain themselves!

• ROBERTO MARTINEZ claims referees see Wigan as an 'easy touch.'

• Nigel Pearson isnt happy with Referee Gavin Ward

• Retired French FIFFA Assistant  Stéphane Duhamel has been found hung

• Uefa say there are 3 key elements to being a succesful Referee

• Scottish Referee's have taken to Boxing Training

Steve Mclaren is on the look out for a ghost!