The ref would have been well within his rights to send off the player even if he allows the goal according to the laws.
Similarly, if a player tries to punch the ball off the line but succeeds only in punching into the net, the ref can also give a goal and send the player off according to the laws. The reality is that this doesn't happen, and if the goal is scored the player stays on. However in this case, by blowing so quickly, the ref leaves himself with no choice. Arsenal were fortunate he didn't give a penalty, since the foul took place only inches outside the box and Eto'o, running at full tilt, went down nearer the penalty spot than the edge of the box. Another ref may also have cautioned Eboue for the dive he took to obtain the free-kick from which Campbell scored, so (given the Ivorian had already been booked) Arsenal could have been 0-0 and down to 9 men with 55 minutes to play. Precious little said about that I note. On jingoistic occasions like this watching it in the pub is one way to avoid having to hear the commentary without also having to view the game in eerie silence. BTW, the best team in Europe won the tournament, so no-one should have any complaints. Cheers, Al Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ the Leeds List is an unmoderated mailing list and the list administrators accept no liability for the personal views and opinions of contributors. Leedslist mailing list [email protected] http://list.zetnet.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist
