| Date | Content |
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10.11.2009
(Cashman) | When is a Dive not a Dive?
Let me start off by saying that I have no allegiance whatsoever to Liverpool Football Club. In fact, watching their plight over the last couple of months has been quite an uplifting experience. Last night their poor form continued when they controversially salvaged a 2-2 draw at home to Birmingham.
The big talking point post match (besides Liverpool's continued poor form, lengthy injury list, etc) was the award of the penalty kick that allowed Steven Gerrard the opportunity to bring Liverpool level.
There is no doubt that David Ngog, the scorer of the opening goal on the night, went down in the penalty box under zero contact from Lee Carsley's sliding tackle. A blantant dive? Perhaps not.
I accept there was no contact and that the theatrical tumble looked utterly ridiculous. However, there is still an argument that an infringment occurred.
If Ngog continued in the same direction without hurdling the challenge, then contact would have been made. Penalty. (And given Liverpool's luck, probably an injury). So given that he did hurdle the challenge, why couldn't he stay on his feet rather than throw himself to the ground? Perhaps he could have. However the chance would have been gone as the momentum Ngog gained would have been lost. Maybe he could have stopped dead to avoid the challenge? Again, this is akin to losing the chance he had created for himself.
There is no doubt that no contact was made. But it is not unreasonable to see why a penalty would be awarded in the circumstances. Why should a player lose the chance they have created due to a poorly timed tackle? Just because he managed to avoid contact does not mean there wasn't an infringement. Carsley's poorly timed tackle interfered with the players run, and gave the referee a decision to make.
I am not saying it was a definite penalty, I am just pointing out that there is an argument for its award.
If Ngog wants to know how to do it next time, he should simply look at Darren Bent's effort this weekend. Or maybe take the tackle and get injured. |
| Date | Comments | |
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12.11.2009
(mike) | I remember Rooney doing the same as Bent (I think against Arsenal). I suppose if Ngog didnt dive he would have lost the chance to score and not got the penalty either. But would you be as sympathatic if it was Drogba and not Ngog??? |
16.11.2009
(Cashman) | The Rooney incident was against Arsenal alright. I'd probably agree with you that I'd have less sympathy if it was Drogba - he's just got too much form for going down easily! |
