Straight Reds - wrong priorities

[Bus-Conductor]

I've thought this for a very long time. FIFA, UEFA, EPL etc have all got their priorities wrong when it comes to straight red cards.

Personally I'd much rather see a straight red come out for a dangerous tackle, than for a stupid girlie slap or piece of petulance.

The pundits spen hours bemoaning terrible fouls then as soon as a ref gets out a red, he's acted too quickly or "there was no intent" or "the boy was just going for the ball and timed it badly" etc. They can't wait to cast him as a game spoiling, card slinging numpty.

The reality is that all fouling is cheating, and cheating of the worst kind as it not only deprives us of an entertaining piece of skill but often effects a players career either short term or worst case long term.

The odd moment of hand bags actually enhances the entertainment and will never cause serious injury.

I'm not saying it should go unpunished, just shouldn't be prioritised over terrible tackles that show no regard for the receipients livelyhood or health.

Kicking a player who shows skill has become an acceptable facet of our game. Why ?

 

[alextheyid]

i see your point and agree to a certain degree..

..the issue with 'handbags' i.e. a cheeky slap á la fuller or drogba is that it is clearly deliberate, pre-meditated and in no way to do with the game going on.
A bad challenge be it from the last defender, or with two feet or studs showing, will nearly always, if spotted, warrant a red, but more often than not the fouling player is attempting to get or kick away the ball not the player..

..and not all fouling is cheating, a professional foul where a defender might spot a bit of danger and fells the attacker IS, but fouls can be mistimed tackles, and therefore accidental.

Not trying to sound patronising by the way, as im sure you're aware of most of the things ive said, but i agree with you that maybe professional fouls should be dealt with more firmly than they are being so.. and confrontations not viewed as awfully as they are..