Tough tackling

Apoligies for the delay from my last post.

The big debate on a national front has been the intensity of tackles coming from many a player in the premier league and how they are dealt with. It has always been part of the English game to have a tough, intense game. Take Leeds of the 1970's for instance, whos intimidatory tactics were just seen as "the game". Even the influx of more technical foreign stars has not curtailed this, suggesting that it is a part of the game deeply embedded in English footballing culture.
However, one part of the foreign game which has been imported is the intolerance to such tackles and behaviour. In the past fortnight we have seen tackles of "excessive force" from Karl Henry, Nigel De Jong, Jack Wilshere and Fabrice Muamba. They were dealt with by red card, nothing ( excluding an international voluntary ban), red card and a freekick respectively. Now this is seen by many, Danny Murphy for instance, as inconsistency. However, this appears unfair on the referees concerned. As is so often said, "two years ago that wasnt a red card", in Wilsheres case for definite this is true. But that doesnt mean it was incorrect. One of the biggest issues for referees, is to apply the leagues directives. The weekend of Wilsheres red, a clampdown on tough tackling was almost certainly the directive. Unfortunate, yes. Good refereeing, also.

The other big issue arising this weekend has been regarding the offside law. There is no doubt that in the case of the Old firm game and Kenny Miller and with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, that the officials concerned got it right. Andy Gray was in a typical "Super sunday last word" mood - to the point, but perhaps offering the common sensical view on football. He was right, how could Ronaldo come from 20 yards offside to score in a matter of seconds. This is the common sense view which most fans and referees (including myself) hold. However, this was until i heard the words of Dermot Gallagher this morning, who talked of the FIFA intitiative to allow the offside to give strikers a little more freedom and the fact that "being offside is not an offence". This must be forgotten but i appreciate if many more crucial games are settled by such controversial circumstances, it must be looked at.

On a personal front, I have been assessed twice in the space of three games. This is nervewracking and can lead to some needless mistakes. I can only await the report from assessors which have appeared genuinely happy with my performances.