Descent argument descends into farce
Chris O'KeefeJavier Mascherano's reaction to his sending off was perhaps undignified. However, the preceding events, the Argentine midfielder should have reason to question referee Steve Bennett's reasoning for his dismissal.
Shaun Custis highlighted Mascherano's labelling by ever knowledgeable Sun as the "dumbest man on the planet" in the wake of the Ashley Cole 'incident'. After all Mascherano should of course tread carefully as a consequence of someone else's actions (unpunished of course).
This is not a vindication of the player's actions, the attempts at restraint by his teammates openly suggest they were suspicious of the "card happy" referee in charge. However, his actions and punishment do not yield comparison with other incidents such as Ashley Cole's conflict with Mike Riley or even countless moments where the referee has been subjected to "descent" as its been called.
For the issue of descent to be truly dealt with the culture of refereeing - both their ability to control proceedings and how players react to them should be dramatically redefined. For example, if Alain Rolland or Andre Watson who have both refereed at the highest level in Rugby Union were to officiate in football, how many players would stay on the pitch? Mascherano would have been one of many to bite the bullet yesterday!
Players know in football that they push the boundaries of interrogation when it comes to officials, hence Mascherano tame by comparison questioning of Steve Bennett. Bennett's ability to control has been discussed in a public forum before, not always favourably.
Those looking after the rules of the game and how they're acted upon in a match simulation need to look at how they approach dealing with players. Then there would be no more Chelsea huddles around the referee trying to influence decisions, no next Roy Keane and lieutenants arguing about a free-kick. Mascherano isn't the dumbest man on the planet, the powers that be hold that mantle thinking the status quo is acceptable with no need to question anyone else but the players union. It would be nearly as naive as the headline that makes the scapegoat!
posted by C O'K @ 1:22 pm
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home