Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of last week's controversy concerning Rob Styles' refereeing performance was not how he seemed to crumble under the weight of knowing that he awaited slaughter by the media, but that Sky, in their usual vacuous summary of the match, suggested, no, more accurately presumed, that Mr Styles would be suspended for the following weekend of the premiership program. On cue, the head of referees, Keith Hackett, offered apologies and his sacrificial lamb in the form of Styles' suspension. However, the real consequence of this extraordinary pressure was to influence directly results the following week. Of the ten premiership matches only one penalty was given (and missed!). There were good shouts at several grounds most notably at Old Trafford, where two possibilities were not given, correctly, and one possiblity at Villa Park, which should have been awarded to Fulham. As Mark Lawrenson wisely observed on lunch time's Football Focus, it was going to take quite something for referees to give penalties this weekend given the hysterical media response to the previous weekend's events. And so it proved.
This week's "whipping up of a storm " occured at Old Trafford where, despite inconclusive video evidence, Sky's Andy Gray unequivocally stated that the referee had made a huge mistake. He would not hear, or see, any other conclusion. We mentioned last week that video evidence was not infallible and this was a classic example of its failings.
Now, it is the football supporters' lot that each and every one of them feels hard done by individuals in the media. We do not know where Mr Gray's empathies and sympathies lie, but his blatant myopia, ably assisted by his Sky studio pundits, has caused yet more refereeing controversy where none exists. The referee has to have no doubts when awarding a penalty. After many many viewings we are still in doubt, therefore the correct decision was made. End of story.
There is already too much of a financial stake in football and Sky's own interests only serve to rachet up those stakes. But hey: why the fuss? It was only ever going to be a matter of time before the game's paymaster exercised their grip on the game.
We are the paymaster of the game's paymaster. Isn't it about time we exercised our grip on that paymaster?
Reclaim the Game. The Weekend's Events
- City of Grief Part II. This week it was Everton's turn to to play host to mass grief following the very tragic death of 11 year old Rhys Jones. I know, I know..not politic etc but the appearance of hordes of professional, insincere, hand wringers only bring scorn when the geatest of sympathy should be felt.
- Well David Beckham made his flight and duly took up his LA Galaxy playing role. Played like a drain too in their second of two defeats in three appearances for the club. Not surprisingly, his new employers are now questionning the practicality of his travelling 6000 miles to appear in "friendly" internationals.
Hats Off, Take a Bow (or Not)!
Player of the Week: Micah Richards (again!). A rare plus in an evening of negatives both on and off the Wembley pitch. Honourable mention to Freddy Eastwood, formerly of Southend United, now of Wolves. Money well spent, we thinks.
Hero of the Week: Martin O'Neill. Having the good grace to admit bad behaviour and apologising to a referee! Reminiscent of an old Ealing comedy when a miscreant admits to a "fair cop".
Villain of the Week: Andy Gray. Inciting controversy where none exists (see above).
Cliche of the Week: anything to do with "mountains to climb"; "uphill struggle"; "got it all to do". Delivered by the same commmentators who now write off Manchester United's title defence after three games, having tipped them heavily to retain their title.
Shock of the Week: Claire Tomlinson (again!). Still in Rob McCaffrey's place! Only with slighter paler shirt - you see, let a woman start talking about football and immediately us boys are talking about fashion!
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