33 But Controversial

OK, so I've been busy for the last few days and I've only just got around to writing about the Roar versus Melbourne Victory game on Saturday night.  Let's get the basics out of the way first up.  Roar made it 33 games without defeat with a 2:2 draw against Victory.  But there were certainly plenty of talking points right from the outset with Ante Covic getting an early red card after bringing down Besart Berisha.  Henrique converted from the penalty spot, but not without being asked to retake the penalty for encroachment.  Victory quickly hit Roar with two goals to Archie Thompson after being forced into a couple of turnovers.  But some Broich cunning at a freekick saw the German equalise.

It was just after the score hit 2:2 that the major incident in the match took place.  Victory defender Matthew Foschini earned a red card for a tackle on Broich.  Opinions are divided as to whether the tackle was worthy of a red card, but in my mind late, lunging and connecting the player on the foot is a pretty good way to get sent off.  Sure it wasn't the worst tackle that I've ever seen but at full speed it looks pretty bad.  As much as I think Ben Williams is a total wanker of a referee I can completely understand why he opted for a red card.  With Foschini off, Victory parked the bus and Roar weren't able to break them down despite coming close on a number of occaisions.

Sadly things haven't exactly settled since the match.  With a lot of off-colour comments amongst the fans and commentators like Mark Bosnich fanning the flames by getting on his high horse about it only being a yellow card.  Matters got worse when Victory appealed the card and had that turned down.  Salt was rubbed further into their wounds when Foschini got an extra week suspension for a 'frivolous' appeal.

To the credit of the FFA, referee bos Mark Shields has appeared in print and on tv to clearly explain the stance that the tackle warranted a red card.

The reality is fans are never going to agree on decisions like this.  If my player gets sent off I'm always going to say it's harsh and the ref got it wrong.  But when you see shit like fans threatening to bottle refs on facebook, then things are going too far.  Many will argue that the tackle was not malicious and it was just badly timed.  Well it's only a split second that can make a difference between a bruised foot or a broken leg so I'm happy enough for the refs to get a little tough on these sorts of challenges.

Anyway enough of that shit.  Roar are now just two games from an Australian record for successive games unbeaten.  Phoenix are next up and we'll be without Mitch Nichols who is away with the Socceroos.  Let's make it 34!!!!