I went to my first football match with my grandfather aged 5 and was enthralled. Eventually life took over and my interest waned, but having always been part of households which were male predominated I have picked up a few bits of information along the way. In my view therefore:
I sincerely hope that the laser wielding idiot is discovered and punished appropriately, I don’t agree that all fans should be punished, for this deplorable act.
Unfortunately over the last few years it has become very noticeable that players do tend to fall at the slightest provocation when in the box (and out of it for that matter!). I also dislike the way commentators applaud players for “winning a free kick or penalty”. Do we presume that managers think similarly.
Before I go on, I am definitely not saying that two wrongs make a right, but……..
It has been reported albeit limitedly in parts of the media, that the Denmark goal (although excellent) should not have stood.
One would assume that players are aware of FIFA rules, but there is photographic evidence that Danish players broke Rule 13. “When 3 or more defending players form a “wall” all attacking team players must remain at least one metre (one yard) from the wall til the ball is in play”.
Yes, I do know that a metre is not the same as a yard, though obviously FIFA don’t. However either way they didn’t comply. I merely add this as further example of rule bending.
In the much quoted words of Jimmy Greaves “Football is a funny old game”