see the clip below- bad foul by adams- but no caution from what I see on the clip. but if this is an mls game- caution and a hard whistle? tackle looks really ugly http://soccernet.espn.go.com/video?video=channels/339821/1687490&cc=5901
Yes, certainly should have been a yellow card here. Adam is not good enough to play at this level in EPL. He really wasn't very good when playing in the Scottish PL. Liverpool would be better off selling him along with Andy Carroll. Both were waste of money signings by the previous managerial set-up which probably is one reason they all got fired! PH
I've probably seen about 6 of these international friendlies over the past couple weeks. Without fail, the first hard foul that absolutely needs to be a caution has been handled with a quiet word or strong verbal rebuke by the referee. Presumably, that's because these are "friendlies." At Fenway, Stoica probably gave 4-5 "no more" indications when, clearly, he didn't actually mean "no more" (and, in an MLS game, he would have definitely gone to the pocket). This incident was no different. I have no doubt that Rivero would have gone yellow in an MLS match. But for some reason there's a pervasive mentality that these "friendlies" need fewer cautions (Rivero also ignored a blatant tactical hold the other way a few minutes later--which, to be fair, he sort of had to after ignoring this tackle). Hopefully this foul puts a stop to that. Specifically to this match, there were other potential long-term ramifications to be considered. But, in general, time and again it's been shown that friendlies can get out of control. I can understand a slight adjustment in refereeing philosophy in such matches, but you can't throw everything you know and what works out the window just in an effort to show fewer cards.
I agree. In the Fenway game too much was let go in the name of a "friendly", which is why I was glad to see Rivero get the card out later. His first warnings were not heeded, so then it is time for cards, and the blame goes on the players, not the referee. The hopefully, the nasty fouling stops. PH
I'd argue that preseason friendlies should be called tighter than competitive games. The priority in these games is to protect the players and the ref can't protect the players if he doesn't use his tools. Besides, there is no real consequence for 1st yellow cards with cards not accumulating.
No real consequences for reds in most cases, either. I'm sure the WFC has a rule about suspensions, but for the stand alone friendlies, other than a fine from the club (which by no means would be a guarantee) I can't think of any potential consequences. EDIT: I've been reminded, at least in regards to England, that I am wrong about this: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-400764/United-pair-given-match-bans.html
These games don't matter a hill of beans. I never understood why people are willing to fork over hard earned dollars for an exhibition. In the grand scheme of things I even wonder if it contributes to the development of referees. Many of the top teams are not playing it seriously. It's a training game to get ready for the regular season. I think a national team international friendly might be of more importance.
For the WFC, I recall reading in the competition regs that players only get suspended for VC and SFP. But there is a consequence for reds in that the managers want the players to get their reps in and the fans want to see the stars play. As for why the friendlies draw a crowd, there's a craving in the US for soccer at a level higher than MLS, a lot of people are more connected to european clubs and for the fans of a european club this might be their only chance to see them live.