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But Before We Ban Eduardo (Closed)

RedCardRef
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But Before We Ban Eduardo

Pundits have, for a long time, advocated the use of video replays to retrospectively punish divers. There are though, a couple of flaws in the idea that need to be addressed. Here, in order to move on the debate about Eduardo's dive against Celtic, are a few of them...

First and foremost, diving is not a bannable offence according to the rule-book. Simulation is - according to the guidelines set out by all governing bodies of the game - only worthy of a yellow card. So even if Manual Gonzalez had deemed Eduardo to have taken a dive under challenge from Artur Boruc then the full extent of the referee's legitimate response would have been a relatively meaningless caution. There is absolutely no basis in law for Eduado to be suspended.

Exceptions can be made in exceptional circumstances, such as when Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty feigned injury last May against Aberdeen, but the bottom line is that until diving and cheating is deemed an offence more serious than say, Emmanuel Eboue removing his shirt to reveal a vest carrying his support for the big man upstairs, then a retrospective ban is essentially illegal.

The second fundermental problem with demanding players are banned for diving is the unanswered question of who would decide what incidents to review. As a system of justice, video retrospective remains open to misuse, discrimination and media-baiting unless a panel of match reviewers is appointed to watch and re-watch every single game from every single league. Which is never going to happen.

Few, if anybody, will sympathise with Eduardo with his plight if he is handed the ban being demanded by Fleet Street, but any scenario that involves newspapers and television stations effectively deciding which players are deserving of retrospective punishment is abhorrent and horribly flawed.

Video replays are at their most beneficial and valid when used objectively to determine matters of fact: whether an offence has taken place inside or outside the penalty box, whether the ball has crossed the line, whether the player was in line with the last defender or not, and so on.

But diving cannot be regarded as a clear-cut matter. We all may have the opinion that Eduardo took a dive but can anyone state that Boruc did not touch his right leg?

The phrase"He was looking for it" has become a familiar refrain but nobody seems sure if that actually amounts to cheating. If we are to bring in retrospective punishment against alleged cheats, there are plenty of guidelines first required.

Last edited by RedCardRef, 8/28/2009, 6:22 pm

8/28/2009, 6:17 pm

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Snowdrop3
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Re: But Before We Ban Eduardo

If Eduardo's charge is based on Aticle 10, para 1c of the UEFA disciplinary regulations (Misconduct of Players): 'Players may be suspended for two competition matches, or for a specified period, for acting with the obvious intent to cause any match official to make an incorrect decision or supporting his error of judgement and thereby causing him to make an incorrect decision' ....
They have to prove 'obvious intent'. That will be difficult ......
Another point, are players to be punished for referees making incorrect decisions? Players and Clubs will need deep pockets.

8/28/2009, 6:56 pm

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Sunday Pundit
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Re: But Before We Ban Eduardo

Has anyone forgotten about a cheeky chappie called Ronaldo??? I don't remember his name being dragged through the mud for 100% blatant dives.

Eduardo may have dived, but in real time, when the ref saw it, when we all saw it first, it looked like a penalty. The debate is about whether we should have instant replays and "3rd man" technology, not whether Eduardo should be burnt at the stake.

Celtic fans, come on grow up, you were 2-0 down already and were being outplayed completely until the incident, you weren't ever going to win and a Arsenal goal was inevitable. You aren't good enough for the CL or the Prem. Enjoy your away day to Hamilton.

8/28/2009, 7:22 pm

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BiscuitMan
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Re: But Before We Ban Eduardo

Whatever happens. Eduardo can take his punishment, it realy doesn't bother me, especially seeing as it will be two matches of rest we can afford him in what should be a relatively straightforward group.

---
Nil~Conscire~Sibi

8/28/2009, 7:48 pm

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Snowdrop3
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Re: But Before We Ban Eduardo

Eduardo's ban has been overturned. As I said, it is difficult if not impossible, to prove 'obvious intent'.

9/14/2009, 5:44 pm

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neildfc
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Re: But Before We Ban Eduardo

I bet that chelsea's ban will also be overturned.

9/14/2009, 7:40 pm

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