Thursday, March 08, 2007
Valencia vs. Internazionale
From the March 6, 2007 match:
Some comments:
1. Since the UEFA Champions League was not shown live on TSN that morning, I watched the ending of the match on TLN in Spanish. I viewed the silly fight.
2. Once again soccer fights are shown to be generally inferior to hockey fights.
3. I admit to finding soccer shenanigans amusing as long as no one is seriously hurt. I did find this silly brawl funny and laughed, especially with the guy in the grey outfit running away from the two players trying to slide tackle him.
4. However, in reality UEFA should attempt to eliminate these kinds of occurrences. Having attended several games in Europe and studied the European game somewhat, I realize that at times the crowds can be volatile and a brawl on the field could potentially lead to a brawl in the stands and outside the stadium. At worst a riot could occur and that is no laughing matter.
5. UEFA can suspend individual players and coaches, and ban fans, but prevention is a key. At the end of the match several police officers should have immediately been prepared to break up any altercations between players, coaches and potentially fans. Romans, Chapter 13 gives the governing authorities the right the bear the sword to bring wrath upon one who practices evil. Now, I am not suggested decapitation at soccer stadiums! However, the governing authorities realizing that soccer matches provide potentially volatile situations should be ready before, during, and after games to prevent fights, brawls and violence through the use of legal force. Yes, I admit I find soccer shenanigans in moderation funny at times, but having been to several games it would not be amusing if a riot of any type occurred. UEFA and local authorities need to be better prepared to stop soccer related violence.
Cheers,
Russ
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As of this posting, the six most popular You Tube clips from today feature this soccer brawl.
ReplyDeleteThat is disgraceful. How can the players let it get that far!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
ReplyDeleteI think that emotions get out of hand and this is further fueled by the authorities not stepping in and preventing violence soon enough.
Russ:)
Every thing is perspective, and these guys need some. Come on people its just a game, take it easy, play hard, have fun, Enjoy! Remember, many youth are watching you and you are to be examples of excellence and sportsmanship. The two can function beside each other when respect and integrity are present. Cant we just get along?
ReplyDelete-Sir Real-
Thanks for the good comments, Sir Real. Is that short for Sir Real Madrid perhaps?
ReplyDeleteRuss;)
shit its life and be are human...
ReplyDeleteCheers, Casey.
ReplyDeleteHere is a follow up:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/03/15/sports/EU-SPT-SOC-UEFA-Brawl-Penalties.php
Valencia's Carboni says sanctions could be UEFA muscle-flexing
The Associated PressPublished: March 15, 2007
MADRID, Spain: Valencia sports director Amedeo Carboni suggested Thursday that UEFA was making an example of the club by punishing it heavily for its part in a brawl at a recent Champions League game.
"It could be a UEFA tactic to demonstrate its strength," Carboni was quoted as saying by the Web site of sports daily Marca. "Speaking not as a sports director but a Valencia fan, I have to say we weren't pleased by the decision. What was seen on the field wasn't that serious."
UEFA announced Wednesday that Valencia substitute David Navarro would be suspended for seven months for running on the field and punching Inter Milan midfielder Nicolas Burdisso, breaking his nose, at the end of last week's second-round game.
Valencia's Carlos Marchena was banned for four Champions League matches, while the club has been fined 250,000 Swiss francs (€155,000; US$205,000).
The Italian club received the same fine, while four of its players — Julio Ricardo Cruz, Ivan Cordoba, Maicon and Burdisso — received suspensions from two to six Champions League matches.
UEFA, under new president Michel Platini, said it would request that FIFA extend Navarro's ban to all international competitions.
Valencia said Wednesday it plans to appeal.
"We trust the sanction will be reduced because the players don't deserve the punishment which has been imposed on them," Carboni said. "I really feel for the boys although David Navarro knows he did something he shouldn't. The club supports him because he did it to defend a teammate."
Navarro and Marchena trained as usual with the team on Thursday and left without commenting.
Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores said both players may be in the starting lineup for Saturday's league game with Racing Santander.
"I'm sure that they won't be affected because they know it's an important time of the season and are aware that we need them to be 100 percent. In addition, I think this may be a spur for them to show their importance to the team," Sanchez Flores said.
Last week's game ended 0-0, putting Valencia into the Champions League quarterfinals on away goals after the 2-2 draw in the first leg. Valencia faces Chelsea next month