AyeDubbleYoo

Doesn't need to be so. FA could sanction a rule that enables them to override referees decisions only in situations where serious violations (three match bans or more) were ignored: Eg. assault, two-footed tackles. Those situations tend to be fairly obvious when watched afterwards on TV, Consequently, they are not difficult to enforce True, I guess they could make an exception in cases of violent conduct. Suppose the only problem with that would be how they identified these cases... would it just be whatever makes the news?

Which is probably their excuse for making this decision. My problem is, if it was say Joey Barton and not Rooney, Clattenburg would have conveniently admitted he didn't see the incident entirely and Barton would have been suspended. Aye, possibly, if that's true then obviously that's where it becomes dodgy. I agree referees will naturally tend to favour the bigger names, more famous, international players etc. Not sure if anything can really be done about that in principal.

Love how the players are aware of Carver's history and his links with Sir Bobby. Nice to see his name being brought up by young players.

So are Gareth Barry, Matthew Upson, Emile Heskey, Jamie Carragher and a host of others mind.

Yeah, either they have to stick to the current rule or they have to routinely review every game. They can't leave the system open to pressure by the media or the clubs.

Carver is looking like a very astute appointment. The fact that Simpson is aware of his links with Sitr Bobby and how that relates to the history of the club is a very good thing to hear.

I thought Bruce had done alright signings-wise, the only question is whether the club can really afford them.

I know that FA is tied in this matter. But my point is that there's a difference between believing that you saw the situation, and actually having complete oversight. It is obvious that Clattenburg could not have seen the elbow, if he's done that, he must give Rooney a red. Accordingly, Clattenburg did not see what REALLY did happen. He judged on what he THOUGHT happened. And that's fine in as a main rule: referees must take split decisions, under pressure from both fans and players. Players may block the view, or the referees themselves are far away, due to a counter attack for example. But when dealing with serious violations like the case of Rooney, the FA must have an opportunity to intervene anyways, independently of the referees' report about the situation. It's lack of that rule that frustrates me. Clattenburg made a call based on his perception of what happened, not the FACTS. We that watch telly, see what really went down, and FA should therefore have the power to step in and make Rooney pay. I totally agree, the problem is that Clattenberg can't admit that he gave a freekick for something he didn't see. Therefore he has to tow the "I took appropriate action" line. You're right there should be independent review of the video footage.

Clattenberg fucked it up by giving a free kick for something he hadn't seen properly. Now he's forced to say that he took appropriate action, or he'll look like he gives free kicks for no reason. Hence under the current laws the FA have no power to do anything.

By the letter of the law it's correct though, if the referee says he took action then the FA have no powers to act. I know it's stupid, but I wouldn't call it corruption. An interesting question would be, if Clattenberg said something like "during the game I took appropriate action because I thought it was just a 'coming together', but after seeing video footage I now think it was an elbow", could the FA act? I'm guessing not as that would be to allow referees to change their decisions after seeing video.

I totally imagined that Nolan did have an England cap. I can even picture him standing in the line singing the anthem. Either it was an U21 game, a dream or I'm going mental. Could be either.

That Phelan character sort of fudged the issue on MOTD and said he hoped there wouldn't be a 'witch hunt because it's Wayne' or some other total bollocks. Fergie has since come out with some equally astounding shit about it being nothing to worry about etc.

Yes, I just used your minor error to make myself feel superior.

There needs to be an independent review panel for violent conduct and diving. Made that point loads of times. They would routinely review every Premier League and maybe Championship game regardless of what is in the media or on Sky that week. TBF to the FA, I can understand that they don't want to go around undermining their referees by reversing a load of decisions. Problem is that everyone already knows Clattenberg was totally wrong... so that argument doesn't really stand up any more. Also, doesn't posthumous mean after death?

Don't think you could ever accuse this forum of giving too much credit to Ryan Taylor like.

At a guess I'd say they were from that Fourfourtwo interview. Wasn't aware there was one, sorry. You fuckin wanna be! Reet, ootside.

At a guess I'd say they were from that Fourfourtwo interview. Wasn't aware there was one, sorry.

Think that Chelsea link is total balls TBH, those quotes about London could easily just be about why he likes it in Newcastle. We don't even know when they're from.

I basically just want us to keep Enrique, he's an amazing player and is getting better all the time. If we do sell him for big money, then getting in good replacements will obviously soften the blow. But I would much rather keep him.

5th it is then, any higher bidders?

Got nothing but respect for the guy for what he's done since he left us. Yes, you could say that he should have always been like this, but that's a bit simplistic. He's put in a load of work to improve his fitness and prolong his career. Inspirational to anyone who is trying to improve their health and fitness.

Wenger is just the most important cog in the whole Arsenal machine, and they have a clear philosophy about building success sustainably and creating great players rather than buying them. There's an excellent interview with the chief exec, Ivan Gazidis on the BBC website right now. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/9408793.stm Don't know how anyone can argue with or criticise that. So they happen not to have won a trophy in a while, they're building a sustainable top football club for a generation.

Hasn't Szczensy had a good season? I agree they need to sign a proper commanding CB, but not so sure they need to replace their goalkeeper.

Except that he's totally transformed the club from top to bottom and put it in a position to compete at the top for probably the next 10-20 years.

Fuck that, they deserve it. Who gives a fuck about the top four/five? Just shows what could happen if we actually tried in the cups.