That photo clearly shows Mane got the ball!

Because it is!! This wasn't that anyway, because he would have been aware Ederson was coming formit.

Seriously, that is the very definition of high leg that was reckless due to the challenge.

It was reckless and it was dangerous.

By the letter of the law, I don't think the ref had any choice at all.

Yes it's dangerous but I still feel Mane has a right to do that. I'm sure Mane genuinely felt he could get the ball which is why he went in like that and had he been a fraction quicker he would have won it and probably scored.

It's such a fine line and the red was the correct call but Mane IMO has every right to take that risk.

If you think he had a right that meant it wasn't a red, then sorry but you are just wrong. You never have a right to make a challenge if you know there is the potential to cause serious injury. That's more or less word for word one of the criteria of a red.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

melton

Then that means bicycle kicks should be banned as there is a very high chance of it being reckless. Plenty of serious injuries occur from what seem like harmless challenges, it's a contact sport and injury can happen from almost anything but you don't ban it just in case.

I've also said it was a red but still expect most players to try what Mane did because they will feel they can win the ball. They will get the red if like Mane they are late but that won't and shouldn't stop them from trying again.

They are if you are near a player and risk hitting them in the head, they are allowed if they are deemed to be low risk.

He cannot go in with his leg at head height with another player challenging for it. That has never been allowed and never should.

Seriously, has there been a mass lobotomy today or something?

The bicycle kick is specifically mentioned in the FIFA laws of the game btw as only allowed in that circumstance.

But you don't know the risk until it happens. Mane's sole intention would have been to win the ball, Ederson could have been slow off his line or even chickened out of the challenge which would have enabled Mane to do what he did. It happens so fast and decisions are made so quickly that you can't say Mane should not go for it, had he not he would have got so much sh-t for not trying.

Injuries will happen and when they are dangerous and wreckless they will be punished but you should never stop players from trying because there may be trouble. What Mane did was IMO a completely natural and genuine attempt to win the ball, he didn't and rightfully got sent off but that doesn't mean he should not have tried.

melton

Then that's a stupid rule, so you can bicycle kick and potentially kick someones head with a restricted view of what's around but you can't leap with the foot in the air with arguably a better control of your body and view of the surrounding area?

Of course you do, that's exactly why high leg is a rule in the first place and why intent isn't mentioned in the rules for that type of challenge. The whole point is the position of the foot has to always be below a certain point if other players are nearby.

Although I would say your argument has changed now though, considering originally it was harsh and could have been a yellow if common sense was applied.

I'm arguing that point, more than whether Mane was right to risk a red or not.

comment by manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 2 minutes ago
melton

Then that's a stupid rule, so you can bicycle kick and potentially kick someones head with a restricted view of what's around but you can't leap with the foot in the air with arguably a better control of your body and view of the surrounding area?
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Eh? No, you can't do a bicycle kick, that's what I'm saying. It is specifically mentioned as only allowed if there is no risk to any other player. If you do it in close proximity to an opposition player, then it's not allowed.

1982

You can't go around kicking goalkeepers in the head and expect to stay on the field, when your foot is up that high.

Melton

I did clearly state at half time having seen the incident more that it was a red. If you're arguing that point then fair enough, I do agree it was a red.

But part of my view has always been about Mane's intent and that he had every right to go for it. If that is the rule then fine, but I disagree and trying to explain why, if players did follow them all the time it would be a far less thrilling game IMO as players would just stop all the time without taking risks but it's against your natural instinct to do so.

VC

I've said it was a red.

Melton

I see, see that's what I don't really agree with, takes such an exciting move out of the game just for the possibility it may cause harm. I get I'm arguing with the law but I just disagree.

I get that to an extent but a high foot to the head is too great a risk for serious injury for me. I don't blame Mane for doing it particularly due to the lack of intent, but there has to be a consequence to taking the risk.

I want danger in the game! It needs more broken bones and detached limbs.

I totally agree there has to be consequence when taking a risk, but also allow risk to be taken if done so well.

man utd 1982

Good judgement is what separates good players from clumsy ones.
You wouldn't see your George Best get caught out like Mane.

Ha! I'm with you apart from the head

Can I just say though before that red card becomes the only talking point, it's no excuse for losing 5-0!

The game wasn't anywhere near as fast back then, also the rules were different.

However much the red changed the game that's no excuse for how sh-t Liverpool have been.

it doesn't have to be malicious to be dangerous, and that was clearly dangerous play, hence the red card

Nothing contentious about this one at all