Post by Salem6 on Dec 30, 2003 17:25:05 GMT
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Philips Was Not Innocent
I find it interesting that Lehmann's action is the only act mentioned about being brought before the FA. While he deserves it, Lehmann was not the only player from that match who deserves a report.
Kevin Phillips stamped on Lehmann in the first half, quite intentionally. The referee had just finished speaking to both players and had his back turned, so he would not be expected to see it. However, the video panel should act on this one.
Had it been the other way around, you can guarantee the Arsenal player would be pilloried.
Michael Cairns
…Let the FA look at the film. If you watch the entire game you'll see at least two instances where the referee missed unsportsmanlike behaviour from the Southampton players on Lehmann. It's remarkable the referee missed Phillips stomping on Lehmann's foot during one of the corner kicks.
There's really no excuse for Lehmann's actions at the end of the game, but if the FA is going to do anything they need to punish Phillips for idiotic behaviour during the corner and throughout the game.
Michael Henshaw, Charlotte, NC
…Isn’t it strange how the so-called 'Football Association' have managed to spot Jens Lehmann throwing a ball at Kevin Phillips but somehow could not see the incident when Kevin Phillips STAMPS on Lehmann’s FOOT with his METAL STUDS ! ? ! ? ! ?
The incident was well spotted by TV cameras and it was replayed several times, yet the FA don’t seem to have a problem with players stamping on the opposition.
People don’t talk about how Jens did NOT react to the kick, people don’t talk about how many INTENTIONAL foulsLlehmann had to put up with, but they talk about how he threw a ball to a player at the end of the game.
The FA would be a total disgrace if they charge Jens and not Phillips. Bottom line, what Jens did is nothing compared to the Phillips stamp - nothing.
Rukan Sabano, Dubai
…Three short points re: Jens Lehman supposedly being reported to the FA:
1. Is Phillips being reported for his first-half stamp on Lehmann?
2. Is Prutton being reported for his studs-up lunge at Lehmann?
3. Is Phillips being reported for his continuous fouling, not just on Lehmann?
No? Didn't think so.
A centre-forward myself, I believe that keepers are afforded too much protection in the modern game, but what went on at St Mary's yesterday was nothing short of victimisation. Both Phillips and Prutton could have seriously injured Lehman (I'm still nursing a broken toe from a stamp at a corner) whereas the worst that could have happened from Jens' throwing of the ball at Phillips' back was a bruised ego from ANOTHER game without a goal.
And before Man Yoo fans start writing in, smelling blood (someone else having a suspended player), I also think that Fletcher was very harshly treated. I also applaud Fergie's reaction, if not the Nevillers.
Here's to a cracking 2004 with THFC going down.
G Parker
Lehmann Should Be Punished
There is not much to say after last night’s final whistle fun at St. Marys. Lehmann was very fortunate to escape punishment after pushing an official at Old Trafford in September. Now he must face a fine and suspension. Simple. Shabaan must be the happiest man at Arsenal now.
Bill McMullan, Leiden, Holland
Going Off Silly Arsenal
As a supporter of neither of the top two (Gills fan!), I must say that I lean more towards United with every year that passes. Once again, with Arsenal winning a game they are completely in control of, they still manage to find a way of blotting their copybook with a display of schoolboy petulance from Lehmann at the end.
And did anybody else find Henry and Pires' giggling schoolboy interview at the end incredibly arrogant? Manchester United seem to have cut back on the vein-bulging ref-charging incidents over recent seasons and even Ferguson has become more humble and likeable in old age. I don't think I'm alone in hoping for a Chelsea/United title win this year.
Luke
Why Would Curbishley Join THFC?
In response to David Pinkus' letter suggesting Alan Curbishley as the new manager for THFC, I'd like to point out that surely ANYONE is preferable to David Pleat.
As an Arsenal fan I was happy when Glenn Hoddle was sacked as, given time, I'm sure he could have turned the club around. Not into Arsenal/ManU/Chelsea challengers, but to a decent top half of the table, hope for a decent cup run club. Like Charlton, Fulham and Southampton are this season.
I'd agree Alan Curbishley is the best choice for a new manager for most teams - but can someone tell me why, whether the THFC board realise this or not, he would leave Charlton for the poor old Lilywhites.
Sorry to be horrible, but I'd love to see the THFC go down - especially if we can do what we should have done last season and lift the title. :-)
Dan Rickard, Essex
Blame Hoddle, Not Levy
Having supported Tottenham for the best part of 20 years, this is honestly the worst side I have seen in that time. Us THFC fans have had to put up with mediocrity for the last ten years but now the situation is worrying, with Nationwide a real possibility.
Although a hero as a player and a legend at WHL, it hurts me to say that the main reason why THFC are in this predicament is Mr Hoddle. You can't blame ENIC. Apart from Chelsea, THFC were the biggest spenders in the premiership in the close season, so they have put the money up.
Unfortunately Hoddle's choice of players leaves a lot to be desired. Acimovic and Bunjevcevcic just do not have what is takes for the Premiership, Redknapp, although a great player when he plays, never plays due to injuries and Postiga, although still unproven, surely the money could have been spent more wisely?
But perhaps the biggest Hoddle mistake was to let Steffen Freund leave for nothing. Although not blessed with skill, he was nevertheless a battler and gave the team a lot more solidarity, a feature which they are blatantly missing now.
These are worrying times for Tottenham fans and Mr Pleat will have to get the signings right in January (with a defensive midfielder top of the list), otherwise we will be seeing Nationwide football in August.
Jamie Gross, Hampstead, North London
THFC Will Not Go Down
It is totally ridiculous to think that the footballing gods would decree anything so startling as the relegation of Tottenham Hotspur. For this to happen would actually make the 2003/4 Premiership season memorable and distinguish it from the grimly repetitive years that have gone before. There are ten immutable laws of modern English football:
1) The Championship shall be shared between two clubs in perpetuity.
2) The FA Cup shall be shared between four clubs in perpetuity.
3) If a club has not won a trophy since 1996, it shall never, ever win one again.
4) All clubs shall be relegated within two years of their promotion.
5) Any team in the Nationwide League Division One can expect one year in the Premiership to be followed by consecutive relegations and bankruptcy.
6) Newcastle United shall always begin the season taking one point from a possible fifteen, dramatically improve by February to be declared "genuine contenders" by Sir Alex Ferguson and then finish 15 points behind the eventual champions.
7) Liverpool shall always be at least 15 points worse than Manchester United.
8) An "unfashionable" club shall always be third or fourth until late April, shall ultimately finish 9th and shall then be relegated the following year.
9) In any given season one or more of Tottenham, Leeds, Everton or Aston Villa shall "flirt" with relegation only to survive in the final two weeks of the season at the expense of a recently-promoted club.
10) The only "big" club ever to be relegated shall be Manchester City.
Everybody knows that these laws are true and unchanging. All this wailing and gnashing of teeth from THFC fans is simply froth. They will not go down. It is written in the stars...or should that be the Sky!!
Bryn Bowden, Sydenham
Big-Ups To Kleberson
I’d just like to write in and say that I’m amazed at how little credit Kleberson has been given for his performances in the last month or so.
He’s come back after a long injury, with a team he barely knows in a league which is vastly different to the one where he has played his entire career, and played quite sensationally. His style of two-touch football is truly a joy to watch, as his phenomenal movement of the ball and his excellent work rate.
But most brilliant of all are the cute little flicks and passes which no one (other than Scholes) would even think of.
Add to this the fact that it has all been done despite the wide variety of roles he has been asked to play (inside right, defensive midfielder, offensive midfielder, withdrawn striker) and that he has played with a variety of different players (sometimes being used with the "first choice" midfield and then at other times playing with the squad players) and it truly is testament to how great a footballer he is.
My only hope is that, in spite of how good P Neville has been playing this season, Klebs establishes himself as Keano's first-choice midfield partner before the Champions League starts again as the experience of winning on the biggest stage would prove a major asset in that forum.
Rix B, Manchester United fan
HAVE YOUR SAY...
Now let's hear what you've got to say about this story... or anything else happening in the world of football. Send your opinions, rants, praise or abuse to theeditor@football365.com
Also, you can participate in the Football365 Discussion Forum by clicking here.
Philips Was Not Innocent
I find it interesting that Lehmann's action is the only act mentioned about being brought before the FA. While he deserves it, Lehmann was not the only player from that match who deserves a report.
Kevin Phillips stamped on Lehmann in the first half, quite intentionally. The referee had just finished speaking to both players and had his back turned, so he would not be expected to see it. However, the video panel should act on this one.
Had it been the other way around, you can guarantee the Arsenal player would be pilloried.
Michael Cairns
…Let the FA look at the film. If you watch the entire game you'll see at least two instances where the referee missed unsportsmanlike behaviour from the Southampton players on Lehmann. It's remarkable the referee missed Phillips stomping on Lehmann's foot during one of the corner kicks.
There's really no excuse for Lehmann's actions at the end of the game, but if the FA is going to do anything they need to punish Phillips for idiotic behaviour during the corner and throughout the game.
Michael Henshaw, Charlotte, NC
…Isn’t it strange how the so-called 'Football Association' have managed to spot Jens Lehmann throwing a ball at Kevin Phillips but somehow could not see the incident when Kevin Phillips STAMPS on Lehmann’s FOOT with his METAL STUDS ! ? ! ? ! ?
The incident was well spotted by TV cameras and it was replayed several times, yet the FA don’t seem to have a problem with players stamping on the opposition.
People don’t talk about how Jens did NOT react to the kick, people don’t talk about how many INTENTIONAL foulsLlehmann had to put up with, but they talk about how he threw a ball to a player at the end of the game.
The FA would be a total disgrace if they charge Jens and not Phillips. Bottom line, what Jens did is nothing compared to the Phillips stamp - nothing.
Rukan Sabano, Dubai
…Three short points re: Jens Lehman supposedly being reported to the FA:
1. Is Phillips being reported for his first-half stamp on Lehmann?
2. Is Prutton being reported for his studs-up lunge at Lehmann?
3. Is Phillips being reported for his continuous fouling, not just on Lehmann?
No? Didn't think so.
A centre-forward myself, I believe that keepers are afforded too much protection in the modern game, but what went on at St Mary's yesterday was nothing short of victimisation. Both Phillips and Prutton could have seriously injured Lehman (I'm still nursing a broken toe from a stamp at a corner) whereas the worst that could have happened from Jens' throwing of the ball at Phillips' back was a bruised ego from ANOTHER game without a goal.
And before Man Yoo fans start writing in, smelling blood (someone else having a suspended player), I also think that Fletcher was very harshly treated. I also applaud Fergie's reaction, if not the Nevillers.
Here's to a cracking 2004 with THFC going down.
G Parker
Lehmann Should Be Punished
There is not much to say after last night’s final whistle fun at St. Marys. Lehmann was very fortunate to escape punishment after pushing an official at Old Trafford in September. Now he must face a fine and suspension. Simple. Shabaan must be the happiest man at Arsenal now.
Bill McMullan, Leiden, Holland
Going Off Silly Arsenal
As a supporter of neither of the top two (Gills fan!), I must say that I lean more towards United with every year that passes. Once again, with Arsenal winning a game they are completely in control of, they still manage to find a way of blotting their copybook with a display of schoolboy petulance from Lehmann at the end.
And did anybody else find Henry and Pires' giggling schoolboy interview at the end incredibly arrogant? Manchester United seem to have cut back on the vein-bulging ref-charging incidents over recent seasons and even Ferguson has become more humble and likeable in old age. I don't think I'm alone in hoping for a Chelsea/United title win this year.
Luke
Why Would Curbishley Join THFC?
In response to David Pinkus' letter suggesting Alan Curbishley as the new manager for THFC, I'd like to point out that surely ANYONE is preferable to David Pleat.
As an Arsenal fan I was happy when Glenn Hoddle was sacked as, given time, I'm sure he could have turned the club around. Not into Arsenal/ManU/Chelsea challengers, but to a decent top half of the table, hope for a decent cup run club. Like Charlton, Fulham and Southampton are this season.
I'd agree Alan Curbishley is the best choice for a new manager for most teams - but can someone tell me why, whether the THFC board realise this or not, he would leave Charlton for the poor old Lilywhites.
Sorry to be horrible, but I'd love to see the THFC go down - especially if we can do what we should have done last season and lift the title. :-)
Dan Rickard, Essex
Blame Hoddle, Not Levy
Having supported Tottenham for the best part of 20 years, this is honestly the worst side I have seen in that time. Us THFC fans have had to put up with mediocrity for the last ten years but now the situation is worrying, with Nationwide a real possibility.
Although a hero as a player and a legend at WHL, it hurts me to say that the main reason why THFC are in this predicament is Mr Hoddle. You can't blame ENIC. Apart from Chelsea, THFC were the biggest spenders in the premiership in the close season, so they have put the money up.
Unfortunately Hoddle's choice of players leaves a lot to be desired. Acimovic and Bunjevcevcic just do not have what is takes for the Premiership, Redknapp, although a great player when he plays, never plays due to injuries and Postiga, although still unproven, surely the money could have been spent more wisely?
But perhaps the biggest Hoddle mistake was to let Steffen Freund leave for nothing. Although not blessed with skill, he was nevertheless a battler and gave the team a lot more solidarity, a feature which they are blatantly missing now.
These are worrying times for Tottenham fans and Mr Pleat will have to get the signings right in January (with a defensive midfielder top of the list), otherwise we will be seeing Nationwide football in August.
Jamie Gross, Hampstead, North London
THFC Will Not Go Down
It is totally ridiculous to think that the footballing gods would decree anything so startling as the relegation of Tottenham Hotspur. For this to happen would actually make the 2003/4 Premiership season memorable and distinguish it from the grimly repetitive years that have gone before. There are ten immutable laws of modern English football:
1) The Championship shall be shared between two clubs in perpetuity.
2) The FA Cup shall be shared between four clubs in perpetuity.
3) If a club has not won a trophy since 1996, it shall never, ever win one again.
4) All clubs shall be relegated within two years of their promotion.
5) Any team in the Nationwide League Division One can expect one year in the Premiership to be followed by consecutive relegations and bankruptcy.
6) Newcastle United shall always begin the season taking one point from a possible fifteen, dramatically improve by February to be declared "genuine contenders" by Sir Alex Ferguson and then finish 15 points behind the eventual champions.
7) Liverpool shall always be at least 15 points worse than Manchester United.
8) An "unfashionable" club shall always be third or fourth until late April, shall ultimately finish 9th and shall then be relegated the following year.
9) In any given season one or more of Tottenham, Leeds, Everton or Aston Villa shall "flirt" with relegation only to survive in the final two weeks of the season at the expense of a recently-promoted club.
10) The only "big" club ever to be relegated shall be Manchester City.
Everybody knows that these laws are true and unchanging. All this wailing and gnashing of teeth from THFC fans is simply froth. They will not go down. It is written in the stars...or should that be the Sky!!
Bryn Bowden, Sydenham
Big-Ups To Kleberson
I’d just like to write in and say that I’m amazed at how little credit Kleberson has been given for his performances in the last month or so.
He’s come back after a long injury, with a team he barely knows in a league which is vastly different to the one where he has played his entire career, and played quite sensationally. His style of two-touch football is truly a joy to watch, as his phenomenal movement of the ball and his excellent work rate.
But most brilliant of all are the cute little flicks and passes which no one (other than Scholes) would even think of.
Add to this the fact that it has all been done despite the wide variety of roles he has been asked to play (inside right, defensive midfielder, offensive midfielder, withdrawn striker) and that he has played with a variety of different players (sometimes being used with the "first choice" midfield and then at other times playing with the squad players) and it truly is testament to how great a footballer he is.
My only hope is that, in spite of how good P Neville has been playing this season, Klebs establishes himself as Keano's first-choice midfield partner before the Champions League starts again as the experience of winning on the biggest stage would prove a major asset in that forum.
Rix B, Manchester United fan
HAVE YOUR SAY...
Now let's hear what you've got to say about this story... or anything else happening in the world of football. Send your opinions, rants, praise or abuse to theeditor@football365.com