[Michael W]

Bellamy really has been an excellent signing for Liverpool. Most probably Dalglish's best, in fact.

Cost nothing as well, and what a bargain he's proving.

[H_B]

craigkillie, on 25 January 2012 - 20:51, said:

Completely irrelevant. It doesn't matter if the ball was going out for a throw-in.

Richards had his arms outstretched from his body. While he did not intend to handle the ball, the position of his hands was unnatural and made himself a bigger target. For me, the decision was a correct one.

Me too. Clear penalty.

[xbl]

Saw this on F365:

Quote

Let the patronisation of Cardiff begin. Said Steven Gerrard: "It's going to be the game of their lives. They're going to be right up for it. They are going to play at a level they've not played at before so it's important that we don't drop our standards."

Year Liverpool last in a major final: 2007.
Year Cardiff last in a major final: 2008.

[Diamonds are Forever]

craigkillie, on 25 January 2012 - 20:51, said:

Completely irrelevant. It doesn't matter if the ball was going out for a throw-in.

Richards had his arms outstretched from his body. While he did not intend to handle the ball, the position of his hands was unnatural and made himself a bigger target. For me, the decision was a correct one.

I agree with your first point, but what is the 'natural' position of someones arms when sliding in to make a block like that? His arms looked to be in a perfectly normal position to me, you can't attempt a block like that with your arms glued to your side or behind your back (even if you could, that would be even more unnatural).

This post has been edited by Diamonds are Forever: 26 January 2012 - 17:42

[craigkillie]

His hands were up at his head height - possibly even above his head. Obviously you wouldn't expect them to be by his side while he's sliding, but you wouldn't expect them to be raised that high either.

[Jimmy85]

craigkillie, on 26 January 2012 - 19:59, said:

His hands were up at his head height - possibly even above his head. Obviously you wouldn't expect them to be by his side while he's sliding, but you wouldn't expect them to be raised that high either.

I think when you're throwing your self in an attempt to block the ball there's every chance your hands would be that high. His hands weren't that high in attempt to use them to deliberately block the ball from heading towards goal, in my opinion of course.

It's not a clear cut descision by any means. Incidents like these go a fair distance to showing how hard a job the refs have. There's fairly convincing arguments for awarding the penalty, and equally there's plenty of reasons not to.

[7-2]

Top bit of planking from Kenny Millar to help get McCarthy sent off on Tuesday.

[Musketeer Gripweed]

If nothing else, that photo proves Richards has a huge arse.

For what it's worth, I shouted for it more in hope than expectation. I was pretty surprised when it was actually given.

[Rab B Nesbit]

aidan-bufc, on 25 January 2012 - 23:42, said:

Kenny Dalglish's interview about the penalty decision amused me:

Reporter: "What do you think of the penalty decision?"
Kenny: "What do you mean?"
Reporter: "The handball"
Kenny: "Exactly".

Brilliant!
Looking forward to a first trip to the new Wembley.

[xbl]

craigkillie, on 26 January 2012 - 19:59, said:

His hands were up at his head height - possibly even above his head. Obviously you wouldn't expect them to be by his side while he's sliding, but you wouldn't expect them to be raised that high either.

What do you expect him to do with his hands mid slide tackle? hold them by his sides? He's throwing himself into a massive tackle, which is basically an organised fall, I challenge you to keep your hands "natural".

[craigkillie]

xbl, on 26 January 2012 - 22:09, said:

What do you expect him to do with his hands mid slide tackle? hold them by his sides? He's throwing himself into a massive tackle, which is basically an organised fall, I challenge you to keep your hands "natural".

From the post you quoted:

craigkillie, on 26 January 2012 - 19:59, said:

Obviously you wouldn't expect them to be by his side while he's sliding