Get what you are saying 4th Gen I do and good point. Just I am looking at it in this particular case and I think it is a fine tackle but then again I can see why the ref would give it. Even Ferguson said that.
hugh wrote:Looking at it again and I still think it's a penalty, but obviously that's arguable. What gets me is this; if the ref gives the penalty, is he absolutely bound and obliged to show the red card? Last man, goal scoring opportunity and all that?
Yes
hugh wrote:I thought that rule was designed to punish the cynical "professional foul"? Fletcher's challenge was quite clearly an honest attempt to play the ball. Surely the ref's got to have room to make a judgement on that? If he hasn't, he should. A penalty's punishment enough.
In this case it is a goal scoring opportunity and Fletcher is last man so if it is a penalty he has to go. Which it isn't and he shouldn't!
hugh wrote:P.S. I know alot of people'll say he did "play the ball", but I'm just not convinced that 'cos the heel of his boot brushed against the ball in passing that means he played it. You tackle from behind in the penalty area, you better make sure you get it 100%.
He did - what part of 100% does touch the ball not mean he doesnt get it.