Major League Soccer’s referee issue really is a head-scratcher.
Now, calls get missed in every match, in every league in this big world. Debates can and do rage about whether “this” was a yellow card, or “that” warranted red. But so many are fairly obvious. This foul, for instance:
.
.
A two-footed lunge with cleats exposed. Right-o. That’s back pocket. Red card, right? Or at very least, a yellow, followed by a good butt-chewin’ from the referee, a warning of absolutely, positively no more from the offender.
At the very, very, very least, it’s a foul. Right?
Or was it? Not to referee Geoff Gamble, who just shrugged.
Like I said, a real head-scratcher. Well, MLS didn’t just shrug. Seattle’s important holding midfielder is the latest to be retroactively suspended. He’ll miss two matches, starting with Saturday’s contest at Chivas USA.
The timing is pretty bad for Sigi Schmid’s side, which is winless in its last three.
-
- orbmech - May 26, 2012 at 10:58 AM
-
I guess your question about Beckham has been answered – apparently he has the soccer equivalence of diplomatic immunity. I suppose today in Houston he will badger the ref until he either gives red cards to every Houston player or snaps and tries to bludgeon Beckham with a water bottle. The second would be much more interesting to watch.
-
- Steve Davis - May 26, 2012 at 11:41 AM
-
Sadly, I guess you’re right. (Although I’m happy for the Houston fans, I suppose. … And as someone told me on Twitter yesterday, maybe the punishment is MAKING him play, especially in the heat and humidity of Houston!)