Another week and another red card makes for a grumpy supporter
Usually when Melbourne lose I take the result pretty philosophically, but some reason on Sunday I was pretty grumpy after our 2-0 loss to Queensland. Grumpy because of the way we played and tactics used. Grumpy because of the poor refereeing. Grumpy because one of my favourite players got sent off. And grumpy because I knew I would cop a lot of crap from the number of Roar fans that I know.
I went into the game in a pretty good, especially with the news that Wellington had beaten Sydney. But as I got to the ground and took my seat, it just didn’t feel like it would be our day. Maybe it was because I wasn’t wearing my “lucky hat” from the previous two home games. Who knows.
Tactically I think we got it wrong from the start. Last night’s game clearly showed that Brebner and Lopez can’t play in the same starting line-up. Brebner looked woeful and often got the balls that we have seen Lopez distribute with such efficiency in the previous five rounds. Also the relegation of Berger to the bench seemed a bit odd has been providing plenty of drive on the left.
And then there is Ben Williams, Sydney FC’s favourite referee. Missed a blatant handball in the area and should have carded Tiatto early on for one of his numerous late challenges. It set the tone for the rest of the match. And the Carlos Hernandez send off for a second bookable offence. Player gets his run checked and gets carded for simulation. What about the numerous body checks by Craig Moore all night? For once, I agree with Eamonn’s comments, we don’t need him in the Socceroos lineup.
In my grumpiness I almost forget to mention that it was great to see the Northern Terrace back in almost full voice. They have been missed. They are part of what makes Melbourne the best supported team in the land and hopefully the FFA sees the error of their HEM ways with a show of support such as this. Instead of sitting by myself in future I might actually join them.
I’m not really blaming the ref for the loss (just asking for the removal of the double standards) as in reality we didn’t deserve to win and some credit must go to Queensland for their efforts. I am thinking maybe we should start the game next week with ten men and save the referee the trouble of picking someone to send off because no one likes a grumpy Neil.
Tags: ben williams, carlos hernandez, melbourne victory, queensland roar
September 29th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Hope you were not grumpy at your long suffering football girlfriend? Also do you think FFA got it wrong by granting another Melbourne licence, instead of a regional one (ie Geelong)? A bit like Newcastle
September 29th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
We up here in Bris have been jocking amoung ourselves that we were going to win this one because it was not going to be at Suncorp… but this is not funny! Cant win at home against anyone but can dominate the best team in the league away. Maybe it is us… maybe we smell…
September 29th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Mate you should see what it’s been like from our world view. Few thought we could win.
Re-Moore I think that was all the Moore camp’s publicity to ensure that his Roar contract negotiations went well. A few Roar fans expected him to go to GCFC.
The Roar are good enough to get themselves into positions that other teams dream about, but not good enough to score the tap ins. Charlie Miller has started to look like he likes doing things the hard way - against Newcastle he headed a few balls he could have chested down and belted in. In this game he volley over the bar two shot he could have taken 2 touches on.
September 29th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I don’t think the FFA got it wrong by granting another license in Melbourne. It will hopefully create a great rivalry within Melbourne. My only concern is that they may struggle initially to get an audience as the Victory has such a foot hold. A regional license would never work in Victoria as there isn’t the interest to sustain a team like their is NSW which has a much stronger regional football base.
Ed, I don’t understand why you guys can’t win at Suncorp, its just one of those anomalies. But to be honest not too many teams have that strong of a home record. Its just the Roar’s is a little worse than others.
I have to agree with you John on Charlie Miller, although he was very good in the midfield he missed some clear chances when unmarked - maybe he’s finally caught that Queensland Roar non-scoring disease.
September 30th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Think John is right about Moore - cant really see him being selected, its more of a PR excercise, he had a terrible trot with injuries and suspension early in the season and his value as a marque was proabley in question - one clever little press release later and he is a hero again (and he has been very good last couple of games - perhaps it was even aconfidence boost to him).
Also agree that Charlie could have taken a touch with both those volleys!!
Neil, thats is a very good point you make, Roar are not the only team who struggle to win at home and it must hurt the league, fans hate to see thier team go dwon at home.
September 30th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Let’s not beat around the bush here - a clear case of double standards (or worse) has emerged the last few weeks and it simply does not stand up to scrutiny in the context of what happens in the league week to week.
I found the officiating on Sunday an absolute disgrace and it is as clear a case of bias as I have ever encountered.
I don’t care about the result of the game - I do care about the standard of officiating at the moment.
As far as I am concerned, the FFA can only regain some credibility if it cites Tiatto and he ends up with the same penalty Fred copped two seasons ago.
An utter disgrace, makes a mockery of the whole comp.
September 30th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
It certainly is frustrating as a supporter to see players being sent off so frequently. Particularly considering that all three reds could’ve gone either way — especially with Fabiano and the lack of any real evidence.
The funny thing is, Queensland were by far the more physical team on Sunday. Double standards indeed.
September 30th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Mike
that’s spot on - the Roar were far more physical - this is why I am so infuriated about how the game panned out - and how the last three weeks have turned out - I personally believe that some form of institutionalised bias has entered the game.
The Tiatto incident, and what happens post-match (if anything), will tell all.
September 30th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Speaking of physicality, in my opinion the Victory are not that much of a physical side. It just has that reputation, partly due to the influence of Muscat. In the last three weeks I have noticed Adelaide, Central Coast and Queensland playing the man a lot more than the ball and not being punished for it all.
I agree with you Pippinu on the Tiatto incident - if nothing is done (and we have heard nothing at this stage) it certainly smack of double standards especially if two players have already been done for spitting which in my opinion is minor offence when compare to a forearm to the neck.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
[…] was asked to comment in my previous post about the announcement last week that the FFA has become talks with a […]
October 1st, 2008 at 10:21 am
I am so annoyed at what has happened to Melbourne and the manner in which Tiatto was exonerated, that I have decided to not have anything to do with the A-League forthwith. I will not renew my membership next season.
I have written a damning article in my blog, and will continue to work towards exposing the A-League as a rigged competition.
October 1st, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Pippinu, I hear your pain.
Some Refs aren’t up to the job. But what are the choices? It is a tough job.
The FFA made a rod for its own back starting this star chamber thing that allows decisions to be reviewed after the match - you will recall the first game last season with a decision against Tiatto. The Roar has lost more fans than Melbourne has now because of its home team record. And many fans think that it is a conspiracy against them. Unfortunately, or fortunately it is the game.
October 1st, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Yes I can remember fumming about Ref decisions at Suncorp and feeling like there must be some kind of conspiracy against QLD (off the top of my head I think QLD were only awarded one penalty in the first 2 seasons despite spending more time in the box than any other team).
I think the problem is more a lack of Refs experienced at this level rather than conspiracy. The sallary cap is enough of a tool to ensure no one team becomes too dominant, no conspiracy is required.
The A-League is a step up for officials as well as players. The players are faster, stronger, crafter, more famous and generally harder to handle. The crowds are bigger, more demanding and TV coverage more intense than ever before.
At the moment the officials dont seem to be keeping up, players are being sent off far too often, yet the league is very physical, at times brutal and skillful players are not being protected.
I recon Tiatto and Muscat have both been guilty of bringing the game into disrepute on numerous occasions and I would like to see the kind of play that left Vargas on the ground bannished from the A-League.
October 2nd, 2008 at 8:01 am
Yes Ed, if there was a conspiracy the Roar would win at home. The Fox guys are pulling their hair out (if they have any), it is a hugh plus to their audience if the Roar win at home - it keeps people up here interesting in watching the game on TV.