Yes, it has happened again, yet more controversy surrounding another Premier League fixture with referee Mark Clattenburg the centre of attention aided by both Nani and Gomes. This time we have to head 35 miles east from Anfield to one of Liverpool's biggest rivals, Old Trafford and the home of Manchester United. The fixture at hand was Manchester United vs. Tottenham, a fixture Spurs haven't won since 1989 when a sole Gary Linekar strike was the difference between the two.
However, before I delve deeper into the weekend's situation, let me remind out of the last fiasco that occurred when Mark Clattenburg officiated a Manchester United - Spurs fixture. January 2005 and then Spurs midfielder Pedro Mendes takes advantage of a poor Roy Carroll clearance lofting the ball 50 yards only for the former United keeper to bundle the ball over the line by, at least, a full yard. Yet, Clattenburg failed to spot said incident and play resumed as normal leading to a 0-0 draw between the two. At the time, both Clattenburg and his linesman at the time (Rob Lewis) were both to blame for the incident leading to cries of video replays being introduced and goal line technology being included into the modern game (the same record on repeat for almost 6 years now).
Yet, in my opinion, the officials aren't to blame for Nani's goal. Don't get me wrong, they aren't off the hook in the situation (we will get to that later) but the blame falls solely onto the shoulders of Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes as he failed to live up to a fundamental schoolboy footballing law of 'playing to the whistle'. Despite the above picture clearly indicating that Nani handled the ball, Clattenburg had his back turned as he waved play on for the penalty claim from Nani so missed said handball. Clattenburg gave no foul so play was asked to continue....unless you’re Heurelho Gomes of course. The Spurs keeper picked the ball up and placed it down for a free-kick only for the Portuguese winger to calmly slot the ball home to give United a 2-0 lead.
The furore surrounding the goal escalated when Gomes angrily stormed over to Clattenburg's assistant on the touchline who was flagging for, what must've been the handball by Nani. This is where Clattenburg took it upon himself to turn a confusing situation into a controversial one. Whilst strolling over to his assistant to discuss the matter at hand, Clattenburg asked the Spurs players to leave himself and his assistant tall about what decision to make following the goal. However, one man took it upon himself to jog a full 75 yards from defence to make his voice heard. This man is Manchester United and England captain Rio Ferdinand who, whilst the Spurs players were asked to leave the matter to the officials, Ferdinand was allowed to stand with the two and get his feelings across on the situation. Only three people will know what Ferdinand said in that discussion or whether he swayed the decision in United's favour or not yet, what is the major talking point, in my opinion, is the fact that Ferdinand was allowed to makes his feelings know to the officials yet the Spurs players were asked to leave the two officials alone during the chat between the two.
As a Spurs fan, I dare say the goal would have had no bearing on the result as United were coasting on a 1-0 lead at this point and the fact the goal was given hasn't angered following the replays of the goal yet. What has really got to me is that Clattenburg appears to have given one rule to some and a different to another by allowing Ferdinand to remain in the vicinity of the conversation whilst Spurs players were asked to leave the officials to it.
To this day, (Tuesday) the saga rumbles on with Redknapp in hot water about his comments towards Clattenburg's officiating on Saturday evening, and with the verdict set to be given this afternoon, Redknapp has sworn to not give any immediate post-match interviews should he be charged a move, in my opinion, is an immature and pathetic one from Redknapp. Yes, the goal was controversial but to make such a bold statement, coupled with Redknapp admitting the goal probably wouldn't have had any bearing on the final result anyway, is much to similar to a spoilt child throwing their toys out of the pram. Redknapp should accept his charge, should he be given any, and get on with his teams Champions League showdown with current holders, Inter Milan.
Anyway, my final thought is that it was Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes' fault for Spurs' conceding the second goal yet Clattenburg should ensure that his rules are made across to everyone, no matter who they are in the future. As for Nani, fair play, he capitalised on a situation and sealed the three points for his team.
Right, gotta go. I will write again when I can.
Laters,
Macca
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