Posted:
Fri Apr 02, 2010 5:08 pmby badradio
Honestly I still think the ref was too harsh on sending off Babel...I mean, it's obvious Babel shouldn't have done that, but the ref must have the sensibility to see what's an aggression and what's a 'discussion' between 2 players. He certainly didn't hurt Luisão, he had an unsporting behaviour and should have received a yellow card for that...the ref job is also to lead the game in order to things go well. I don't believe that 'discussion' would bring more problems for the game.. I think it would end there..and it would have been better for the game.
I mean, it was wrong, but he didn't elbowed nobody, no real harming, he wasnt trying to hurt. That's what I don't like in football...refs nowadays give yellows for the most stupid thing (like David Luiz for giving the ball 4 meters behind where the foul was taken), and then let very hard tackles go through (by the way, I think Luisão foul deserved a yellow, no more than that too)...
I know it's frustrating losing like you did...even if you all can admit the 2 penalties were right decisions. It's always frustrating...and I understand that. What makes me kind of 'sad' is how most Liverpool supporters ranted about the Benfica fans. I mean, besides those stupid episodes with the 2 things thrown on the pitch by that idiot, Benfica fans did what every team do in these big matches...obviously you whristle ref's decisions, opposition players...but that's it. It's obvious we would try, just like you'll do next week, to create an 'hostile' atmosphere...it's nothing against you, but just to pressure the opponents.
I remember Babel was 'booed' when he came off (I think that was expectable), just like Torres for being such an ladie on the pitch (sorry, guys, he has LOADS of talent, but he was clearly tired and trying to force as many fouls as possible)...but when Gerrard came off Benfica fans actually clapped him. If you re watch the game you can hear it. It's just a matter on how you behave on the field.
When Manchester United faced us in 2006 before getting you on the draw, we needed to win the last group match against Man Utd at our home. Cristiano Ronaldo was returning to Portugal, he had recently played on that stadium and was largely supported...It's even said he is a benfica fan.
I guess it was his first time facing a portuguese team and press talked about it...We knew he was a key player, so we whristle him all game, like we did to all opposition. Cristiano got nervous, had a terrible game..and when he was subbed he gave our stand the finger...he wasn't expecting that reception as a portuguese...but on the field he's our opponent.
And it's not such an hostile atmosphere...I mean, in a turkish way....it was the first time we had that thing happening on a european match (throwing the 'missiles'), players are safe, Benfica supporters have fair play, never had a problem with other team's fans... It's not like some turkish, greek hells, where you can't even wear your scarf safely or player are sent things all the time in corners, etc.
That's pretty much 'boo-ing'... The match ends, we even clap your team if needed.
I mean, Estadio da Luz and Anfield are known for being tough stadiums for a reason...not only on support but how it makes it difficult to opponents..
But, anyway, I can't change how you feel about it..just wanted to say that 'hate' english press is saying is rubbish. No hate at all towards Liverpool...
Posted:
Fri Apr 02, 2010 5:12 pmby Reg
I think you're over reacting a bit there son.
Posted:
Fri Apr 02, 2010 6:33 pmby J*o*n*D*o*e
hahaha that guy is right the ref showed him 2 yellow cards, i think he lost the plot and didnt realise it was the same player as he hadnt put the first yellow in the book, lets face it there was no need to show it again, i bet he said after the game it was for the same offence to cover his ar$e, what a fool.
Posted:
Fri Apr 02, 2010 6:40 pmby ste123lfc
Can't beleive that UEFA have not even made a statement regarding the coin throwing and the fireworks throw on the pitch. If this had happened at an English ground we would all of been banned by now. They are just a bunch of anti English tw@ts.
Posted:
Fri Apr 02, 2010 7:07 pmby Igor Zidane
Bad bad cheating fecking tw@ts them. I can't even mention the c.unt in the middle . Fuming . Rafa's fault .
Posted:
Sat Apr 03, 2010 12:57 amby Kharhaz
Your on a wind up. I would delete that link if I were you.
Posted:
Sat Apr 03, 2010 2:06 amby account deleted by request
Putting aside for a moment the sending off and the bias shown by the ref in the game, I don't think there is any real doubt that we were not playing well anyway. The fluency, passing and movement that was very prominent in our previous game was absent, and we were back to the stuttering football of the game against the mancs. Maybe we can only play the relaxed passing game against poor teams, or maybe its all down to Lucas, or more likely in my opinion that the balance of the team is such that when we don't play with a good passing midfielder the whole system breaks down.
We had a spell in the early part of the second half when Gerrard dropped deeper and for the first time we looked likely to create something, sadly it was during this better spell that Benfica scored, Gerrard was pushed forward (or decided to go forward) and we were back to the stuttering football again.
I thought our players showed great determination and effort, but the way our defence was cut open time and time again (even with 2 defensive midfielders ) was a constant worry , and maybe we were a little lucky to come away only the odd goal down (If only fecking Torres had put away that chance! ) as it could have been so much worse.
