Just out of interest, anyone got any views on Michael Oliver last night? I personally thought he got the penalty decision correct and really find it quite odd from Juventus and the Italians for the totally over the top reaction towards Oliver. Just to be clear, I actually wanted Juventus to win so I'm not biased towards Oliver just because he's English.
I think it's an embarrassment for Italian journalism because they're so biased and lack rational judgement. They're lacking professionalism. Hell, even local Barcelona papers are saying it wasn't a pen Basically they don't think it's a penalty because they really don't want it to be one. Furthermore, the logic I've heard for defending Buffon is absurd and how there shouldn't be penalties called that late in games. Basically people who think that would think that Suarez's handball against Ghana shouldn't have been called a penalty nor a red card because it was the last action of the game. Might as well just start rugby tackle anyone who has possession. Oliver had every right to send off Buffon, but probably should've sent off a couple more Juve players as well because they were pushing Buffon into him. I wouldn't have been surprised if Oliver ended the game there. I've lost some respect for Buffon with the way he's handled himself afterwards talking about Oliver (don't give a shite that he's English btw) and insulting him. His only argument is that it shouldn't be a penalty because I really don't want it to be one. How about your back line do a better job of marking? Having said all that I was hoping Ronald would miss the penalty just to add to the drama.
Also the player who fouled Lucas Vasquez should've been sent off for a red or second yellow card for stopping a clear goal scoring opportunity.
Yeah was just a farce, I mean one team was already in the changing rooms having a halftime brew and then gets recalled back out. I like the idea of VAR but it really needs rethinking in regards to its application. For a start once VAR is looking at an incident, they should then make the decision for the ref instead of the referee running off the pitch to look in a monitor to make the decision himself. VAR should just make the decision like in Rugby. Will be much quicker imo.
Probably a "clear and obvious" mistake which would justify the use of VAR, but I still don't understand why they need to get the ref to watch the screen and corroborate the decision. If it is clear and obvious, the official(s) watching the screen upstairs can make the decision conclusively without fear of being contradicted. It just drags the whole process out.
Thought it was a pretty straight forward hand ball myself but guess that's why VAR might not work, as football can be very subjective.
But his hand was sticking out enough... I think majority of people now agree that a hand ball is only a handball if the hand is not in a natural position or it looks intentional. Then there's other people who think it should be handball no matter what if it touches the arm.
Fergie in a serious condition in hospital. Very sad and thoughts and prayers go to him and his family. A legend of the game and really hope he pulls through.
Thought I'd add this here for those that haven't heard. Very sad to hear this news. RIP Jay-Lloyd Samuel. We're saddened by the news of Jlloyd Samuel's death, aged just 37. Jlloyd played for the #YoungLions at U18, U20 and U21 levels, and was called up to the senior squad in 2004. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him. pic.twitter.com/MDEKioxCRV— England (@England) May 15, 2018
Cynical from Ramos there, think he knew exactly what he was doing with the arm lock and wouldn't let go. Actually feel for Salah.
This game kinda sums up the three-year Real Madrid UCL reign: Rely on other teams to cock up chances and occasionally score an incredible goal while always finding a way to win. Quite a good team, but definitely not the best ever... I really hope Sergio Ramos gets what he deserves for what he did today.
As if losing Salah so early wasn't bad enough, then the dozy keeper giving them a goal. It's amazing how many dozy keepers there are (particularly and understandably at youth level) when it comes to releasing the ball.
I guess we can use this thread for transfer speculation as Everton, Leicester and West Ham all after Grealish if reports are to be true https://readeverton.com/2018/05/31/everton-eye-big-money-swoop-for-england-u21-star/
Ryan Fredericks to West Ham seems to be on the cards Look forward to @RyanFredericks_ joining @WestHamUtd best right back by far in the Championship last season, massive talent, top guy, just what The Hammers need. (Love @ThomasCairney to come as well, but that is unlikely) pic.twitter.com/WkITvESFh0— Ian Abrahams (Moose) (@BroadcastMoose) May 31, 2018
I wonder if that could work out well for Steven Sessegnon. You'd expect them to sign a replacement but whoever he is, he won't be as established as Fredericks.
That would be a good move IMHO. Especially if Roberts follows him, with Gray and Vardy there could be a full English attacking four.