I know people are probably sick of hearing about how De Gea gets slaughtered by the media and how Hart is seemingly immune to criticism, but the Everton-City match yesterday riled me.
On two occasions, the referee awarded City free kicks because Anichebe was standing in front of Hart at a corner kick. Most of the teams United have played have utilised this tactic, probably in no small part down to the media highlighting De Gea's alleged inability to deal with crosses.
Not only have the referees been happy for this to happen, commentators have praised it as clever play and encouraged teams to do it. I even remember one pundit (possibly G. Nev) criticising De Gea for not finding a way around it, saying that he should be more commanding in the 6 yard box.
A fuss was made over the Celtic-Juventus game a few weeks ago in which Lichsteinter stood between his keeper and a Celtic player trying to employ the same tactic. Lichsteiner was slaughtered for blocking a player off, when the player he was blocking off was trying to block off another player. (Might need to read that more than once). I understand that the commentators were very pro-Celtic that match but it seems that in general, the media have nothing against people standing in front of keepers.
I was naturally baffled when Everton were penalised for doing this yesterday. Pushing and shoving in the box has always been described as a grey area, but whether or not you are allowed to block the keeper off should be fairly black and white.
Does anybody know of any FA laws regarding this or is it down to the interpretation of the referee?
Standing in front of keepers
posted on 17/3/13
That may be true, it's also a hindrance to him.. I actually feel the goal keepers get way too much protection from referees.
posted on 17/3/13
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 17/3/13
Sadshow
No offence taken, i think it should be allowed as i've said its only like marking a player.
posted on 17/3/13
There shouldnt be. A player should be allowed to stand his ground wherever he pleases. Theres always been players in front of goalies. If they go out of their way to block the goalie from coming out, then its a foul. Goalies have it pretty easy though. They run into people all the time, fall over, then get rewarded the free kick even though they're the ones that jumped on the other player.
posted on 17/3/13
Frank
They do get away with murder, they have the benifit of being able to run or jump into players to catch or punch the ball, but if a player runs into the keeper to try and win the ball its a free kick, go figure?
posted on 17/3/13
There shouldnt be. A player should be allowed to stand his ground wherever he pleases. Theres always been players in front of goalies. If they go out of their way to block the goalie from coming out, then its a foul.
--------
This is spot on and is also the point most people seem to miss
posted on 17/3/13
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 17/3/13
Sadshow
It was instant , shame it took so long for it to register with you, but i'm sure as you develop it will come
posted on 17/3/13
"I know people are probably sick of hearing about how De Gea gets slaughtered by the media and how Hart is seemingly immune to criticism, but the Everton-City match yesterday riled me."
I keep seeing this, I have to ask which media people are referring to? The last few weeks in particular, De Gea had been nothing but praised in te papers I have read, whereas Hart has absolutely got criticism. Earlier in the season, they were more critical of De Gea but I really haven seen it for a while now.
posted on 17/3/13
Meant to say, as it should be. De Gea has played very well recently.