[Ted Cikowski]

fianlly someone stood up to a shitty ref. I always hit refs, I think you should get awarded a goal if you hit them in the face.

[pething101]

What happen?

[MPJ334]

can we say violent conduct and a send off? not to mention, when appropriate, assault and battery...

[Ombak]

Hilarious that I'm reading this as I watch tapes of the WC... JP got sent off a few minutes ago in the Korea x Portugal game I'm rewatching.

[IASocFan]

JP also got a significant suspension from FIFA events - I think it was about 6 months. I don't know when the next Portugal competition is.

[lanman]

He got a 3 month ban, 2 of which co-incided with the off-season. Had he been a no-name from Armenia or Indonisia then he would have received a minimum 12 month suspension.

[Alberto]

Originally posted by lanman
He got a 3 month ban, 2 of which co-incided with the off-season. Had he been a no-name from Armenia or Indonisia then he would have received a minimum 12 month suspension.

Exactly. The punishment was very lax given the serious nature of the offense, punching referee Angel Sanchez of Argentina during the World Cup. Pinto should have sat out until the Christmas break. That would have been the fair punishment.

[lanman]

I thought it should have been longer than half a season. I remember a referee that hit a player was banned for life. He should have received a minimum 12 month worldwide ban, and an additional 12 months at international level. A rugby player who struck the ref would never play the sport again.

[pething101]

I would think a year ban atleast. Life time if who ever decides that was in a bad mood.

Disturbing trend between refs and playerrs in all sports it seems. Neither part is completely innocent. Damn ESPN.

[Alberto]

Originally posted by pething101
I would think a year ban atleast. Life time if who ever decides that was in a bad mood.

Disturbing trend between refs and playerrs in all sports it seems. Neither part is completely innocent. Damn ESPN.

Didn't see or was aware of a piece on ESPN. Was it soccer or other sports?

In the case of Pinto, Sanchez was completely justified in sending him off. Pinto made a very bad scissors tackle from behind on a Korean player. It was the kind of play where there was no intention in winning the ball. Potentially, the player could have had his leg broken. Pinto reacted poorly. Right after the match members of the Portugese confederation including it's president and Eusebio went to speak to Sanchez in the referee's dressing room. This should have led to a suspension and fine for these gentlemen too. I think the pressure brought to bear by the Portugese Football Confederation accomplished it's intended goal. FIFA set a bad precedent with such a lax suspension. Made worse because Pinto did it in the World Cup. Pinto showed no respect nor did he bring honor to the game by his behavior in the premier event in soccer.