Another week and another red card makes for a grumpy supporter
Monday, September 29th, 2008Usually 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.






