Collina Is Needed Off The Field Right Now
Long time readers (well as long time as can be with a blog that started in May) and footcer friends who know me in real life will know my fascination with the J-League in relation to MLS (with how similar the two are). And, often I leave myself saying, "why didn't MLS think of that?"
This is one of those cases.
Japanese officials have asked recently retired (or well, retired if that word means "forced out" given the ultimatum have Opel as your sponsor or keep on the uniform) Italian referee Pierluigi Collina to come to Japan.
Of course he won't end up there and the whole thing is just a publicity stunt (if we're to believe Bobby McMahon) and Collina will never end up in Japan.
But why couldn't it be our publicity stunt?
Sure there are more people in Japan than in the United States who know who he is but the Japanese reasoning could work just as well here:
Those words would never come out of Commissioner Garber's mouth but the sentiment could be the same. Having Collina come in and referee a few matches could at least teach the MLS' referees a thing or two (such as when it's appropriate to call a penalty kick). I mean, hades, it could teach the top level English referees a thing or two as far as this season goes (but, the EPL is way past the point where it needs gimmicks).
MLS fans have had many reasons to doubt the referees this year and at least for those who really know footcer, Collina could set their minds a little at ease.
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Speaking of refereeing, I think Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoichkov, thinks that the UEFA WCQ that took place on Saturday was a corruption filled Bulgarian domestic league match (recent news reports say there might not be any other kind).
The former Fire and DC United player (and yes I'm pretty pissed that Fox Soccer Channel didn't mention that fact once during the broadcast or on the Fox Sports World report) got red carded out of the loss that eliminated Bulgaria from qualification contention for arguing the ejection of one of his players.
He then went on the offensive (and that's putting it mildly) saying that the referee was fixing the match because he had the scoreline (Sweden winning) already set with a gambling ring.
He actually went as far as to say that he hates Sweden. Not the team, per se, but apparently the whole country.
In other "Coaches Gone Wild" news Italy's Marcello Lippi swore at a camera man in frustration after his team's 1-1 draw at Scotland. The funniest part is that he called him a "dickhead." News reports don't say if it was in Italian or English since it took place in Scotland but was aimed at an Italian reporter.
To be fair to Lippi, the cameraman did follow him to the Glasgow Hilton.
Keeping on the Isles, Republic of Ireland coach Brian Kerr allegedly got in a fight with Roy Keane over training schedules (and the curfews there attached to).
But what I want to ask is: who hasn't Roy Keane gotten into a fight with?
Anyhow, the best part of this story is the fact that Kerr bascially said (to paraphrase), "if the game's on Wednesday, I could really care less if my players go out drinking the Friday before?"
Of course what else do you expect of the Ireland coach? Were he to say otherwise, his players would run him out of town faster than you can say Ricardo Lavolpe. :)
It's just a good thing Pierluigi Collina isn't around off the pitch to blow the give the red card - there might not be any managers left.
This is one of those cases.
Japanese officials have asked recently retired (or well, retired if that word means "forced out" given the ultimatum have Opel as your sponsor or keep on the uniform) Italian referee Pierluigi Collina to come to Japan.
Of course he won't end up there and the whole thing is just a publicity stunt (if we're to believe Bobby McMahon) and Collina will never end up in Japan.
But why couldn't it be our publicity stunt?
Sure there are more people in Japan than in the United States who know who he is but the Japanese reasoning could work just as well here:
"The level of J-League referees is not low but they tend to be criticised for their judgements. If Mr. Collina blows the whistle, it will help the fans understand the authority of referees."
Those words would never come out of Commissioner Garber's mouth but the sentiment could be the same. Having Collina come in and referee a few matches could at least teach the MLS' referees a thing or two (such as when it's appropriate to call a penalty kick). I mean, hades, it could teach the top level English referees a thing or two as far as this season goes (but, the EPL is way past the point where it needs gimmicks).
MLS fans have had many reasons to doubt the referees this year and at least for those who really know footcer, Collina could set their minds a little at ease.
---
Speaking of refereeing, I think Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoichkov, thinks that the UEFA WCQ that took place on Saturday was a corruption filled Bulgarian domestic league match (recent news reports say there might not be any other kind).
The former Fire and DC United player (and yes I'm pretty pissed that Fox Soccer Channel didn't mention that fact once during the broadcast or on the Fox Sports World report) got red carded out of the loss that eliminated Bulgaria from qualification contention for arguing the ejection of one of his players.
He then went on the offensive (and that's putting it mildly) saying that the referee was fixing the match because he had the scoreline (Sweden winning) already set with a gambling ring.
He actually went as far as to say that he hates Sweden. Not the team, per se, but apparently the whole country.
In other "Coaches Gone Wild" news Italy's Marcello Lippi swore at a camera man in frustration after his team's 1-1 draw at Scotland. The funniest part is that he called him a "dickhead." News reports don't say if it was in Italian or English since it took place in Scotland but was aimed at an Italian reporter.
To be fair to Lippi, the cameraman did follow him to the Glasgow Hilton.
Keeping on the Isles, Republic of Ireland coach Brian Kerr allegedly got in a fight with Roy Keane over training schedules (and the curfews there attached to).
But what I want to ask is: who hasn't Roy Keane gotten into a fight with?
Anyhow, the best part of this story is the fact that Kerr bascially said (to paraphrase), "if the game's on Wednesday, I could really care less if my players go out drinking the Friday before?"
Of course what else do you expect of the Ireland coach? Were he to say otherwise, his players would run him out of town faster than you can say Ricardo Lavolpe. :)
It's just a good thing Pierluigi Collina isn't around off the pitch to blow the give the red card - there might not be any managers left.
posted by incendiarymind at 8:18 PM
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