Comments on: Ribery Gets Carded For Paying Tribute To Dead Friends In A Friendly

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:50:31 +0000

I think this rule stinks in general. I’m relatively new as a soccer fan, but it seems that pulling off the jersey to celebrate has been a bit of a traditional way to celebrate a goal for a while, hasn’t it? Lately, I have seen some really offensive goal celebrations that appear to be lifted from some of the touchdown celebrations seen in American Football the last few years. It seems to me that pulling off the shirt is a celebration of joy whereas various pelvic thrusting moves are just crude and also seem to be more of an insult to the opposing players rather than a celebration. And let’s not forget the growing popularity of the “dog with worms” celebration!

By: Johnny

Johnny — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:45:44 +0000

re: “Goats are happy creatures”

LOL

By: derek

derek — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:25:15 +0000

Ribery knew the rules and knew he’d get a card if he took his shirt off. It was worth it to him to do so. The referee should not be asked to interpret the meaning of what is written on players undershirts before handing out a card. They have enough to do already.

What I don’t understand is does Ribery wear that shirt under his jersey every game until he scores? Since he does it for the TV cameras (no one in the stands is going to be able to read it while he’s running around), would a black armband and a message (via team handlers) to the TV commentators accomplish the same goal (no pun intended)?

By: -nickt.-

-nickt.- — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:19:06 +0000

i’ll take international friendlies over the epl most days. cards for taking off your shirt are kind of dumb. if the rule is to stop players from antagonising opposing fans and players then card when that happens. thought that was against the rules already? i’ve never been offended by an opposing players undershirt or god forbid their bare chest. i can’t see having different rules for friendlies though. all or nothing. i”m pulling for nothing.

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:53:46 +0000

If the games are meaningless, why play them at all? Five weeks before the end of the season, and we all have to catch our breath for a pointless round of friendly internationals we all could have done without.

By: Ernesto

Ernesto — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:12:03 +0000

I agree as well but when you make a rule or a law you cant be putting exceptions under that law, it would never end.

By: Marco P.

Marco P. — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:54:32 +0000

(…) at the same time, there’s only so much of Franck Ribery that a person should have to see…

Cheap shot Brian…

As for the yellow card rule, agreed. For friendlies at least, FIFA (and by extension, referees) should show a little bit more common sense.

By: Isaiah

Isaiah — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:14:32 +0000

I have to agree that the rule is silly, but it is no more silly for Ribery to get a card for this display than for anyone whose shirt says “I heart Jesus” or “Goats are happy creatures” or anything else you can think of to put on a shirt that isn’t inflammatory. The rule is designed to stop showboating, to stop players from antagonizing opponents.

Obviously (or at least to everyone here), this rule is silly, but I think Chris makes the best point with, “giving meaningful cards in meaningless games is absurdly absurd.” That’s the biggest reason it’s stupid.

By: b-man

b-man — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:08:52 +0000

I’ve always thought It was a stupid rule, but on Wednesday it was taken to a new level.

Not only was it a friendly match, it was in no way intended to antagonise the Enfland fans.

AND…. he was paying respect to recently passed away people. Is that really worth a yellow? Of Course it isn’t!

FIFA/UEFA must change this rule immediately.

By: gregori

gregori — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:04:31 +0000

it is a very foolish rule