There are some things in life that are so glaringly obvious that they need little to no explanation – what is seen is proof positive enough. Like, that tower in Pisa, it’s leaning a bit, isn’t it!
Yes, yes it is. That is why it is called the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Other examples can be brought to bear and summarily dismissed by their obvious clarity. Like the ‘penalty’ decision that saw Leeds United defender Gaetano Berardi receive a red card, since rescinded. That, like that there tower in Pisa was a thing so clear that it was blindingly obvious.
👀 We will be appealing this on Monday pic.twitter.com/5E7t3SEefX
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 6, 2019
As penalties go, the decision to grant this one was as bad as any and didn’t warrant a straight red for Leeds United’s luckless Berardi. From the moment that Berardi steps back across Tom Bradshaw to get goalside of him, there is always that understanding that he is going to go down quicker than a punctured tyre.
Look, there’s time-lapse and then there’s TIME LAPSE and Bradshaw’s manner of falling is definitely of the latter variety. There is the briefest of brushing contacts, but that was right on the fringe of the area before Bradshaw burst forwards. Berardi comes across the back of him, shadows clash, Bradshaw sees Phillips goal-side of him and goes to ground.
There’s a separation between both players, clear space between them before Bradshaw hits the deck. He saw the ball run too far ahead of him, made his decision and just stopped running, letting his legs fall from under him. A quick glance to the referee to see if the penalty was awarded and all was good and done.
So, with Gaetano Berardi having his card rescinded, that must mean that Bradshaw should be cited for successful deception of a match official, shouldn’t he? The FA were having none of it. The usual Three Blind Mice of their independent committee weren’t needed as contact had been made.
Yes, but the fall was many yards in front. It’s like the ‘advantage rule’ in Rugby Union. Get a penalty, play for five minutes, advance 20 metres, drop ball, get the advantage. Take penalty, gain 50 yards. It’s that delay, that lapse of time. That’s what’s done Leeds United over. Thing is, their fans know it too and they are being quick to say so over on Twitter.
Leeds United fans comment after half an FA decision and the Three Blind Mice
Who reviewed it, out of interest? So “contact” is sufficient to award a penalty? Bradshaw did dive about 5 minutes later though🤔
— Stuart Grant (@McClumsy84) October 8, 2019
Well I would love to see this footage coz those 3 are the only ones that seem to think so!
— Lee Maspero (@Leemo_LUFC) October 8, 2019
Me wondering where they saw the contact pic.twitter.com/k0jAgRWzOT
— Ellis smithson💙💛 (@SmithsonEllis) October 8, 2019
Is that the three man panel? #lufc pic.twitter.com/SJImoiig2k
— Scott (@scott8687) October 8, 2019
What contact? Tom Daley would have been proud of that dive #lufc
— Gasemall Mactavish (@GasemallM) October 8, 2019
Not at all.
Contact was made, that happens all game. Consider he took 2 further steps then threw his left foot back when it was his right foot that appeared to be closest to Beradi?
Next they be giving free kicks when players come into contact when heading a ball
— Dumpfor (@Dumpforsp) October 8, 2019
Contact was not made! Absolutely ridiculous decision by @FA especially when you have 2 respected ex pro referees saying it’s a dive and the ref was appalling.
— CJ Parker (@cerileedsfan) October 8, 2019
Contact made. Really? Where? pic.twitter.com/B08KwVQeLs
— Sunil Vanmari 💙💛 (@sunman1975) October 8, 2019
