Arsenal vs Manchester City, a costly game in more ways than one

Yesterday’s game between Arsenal and Manchester City was an interesting one and not just for the ordinary reasons.

Yes, there were goals and a penalty miss to discuss but they are the things that interested me.  The first of the reasons, briefly, were the red cards.  Laurent Koscielny and Vincent Kompany got sent off during the game and they were sent off for very different reasons which, to me, typify some of the problems with modern defending and modern referring.  

Koscielny wrestled with Edin Dzeko in the box, wrapping both of his hands around the striker’s waist and then he and many others seemed to be very surprised he got sent off.  A slightly harsh decision perhaps but that sort of “defending” needs to be eradicated from the game.  Hopefully the discouragement that a red card provides might help.  Later in the game Manchester City’s captain, Vincent Kompany got sent off.  His dismissal was for a tackle that was full blooded, at speed and in which he took the ball.  I have seen several players needlessly sent off recently for similar “offenses” and he time it happens I despair a little bit more.  The game is fast and referees struggle to keep up.  Give them some help they get things wrong but they don’t have to.

However, the main reason that the game interested me is the boycott that some 900 Manchester City fans conducted over ticket prices.  The Emirates Stadium is a wonderful stadium but charging £62 for a ticket is ridiculous.  Away fans are an important part of the atmosphere at a game and they are an important part of the football club they follow.  To charge them that amount of money is prohibitive and totally unnecessary.  Away fans should be applauded not driven off.  

At least the linesman at the game had the right idea as he suggested to the City players that they should go to the away end and acknowledge their fans.

Peter Stickney

Follow @peterstickney

Comments

[s j little]

\i cannot understand the lack of pressure to do away with this Red card for last line oif defending . Here were 60,000 people who paid at least £50 to get in plus travelling costs and time, and refreshments who after 10 minutes were no longer going to see a competitive game. A penalty is good enough as fair punishment. This Professional foul stuff was brought in out of sentimentality. As a fair punishment it is also bunkum, as sending off after 10 mins is not the same punishment as being sent off 10 mins from the end!
If any other business carried on this was they would be had up for cheating the public. Yes 60,000 plus millions watching TV and itsm all ruined by the rule that is not necessary. Likewise a winning team plays the ball around the back now so as to not let the opponents in, opponents know its no good going after them because they will simply pass back to the keeper if in danger.. A simple rule would do "No pass back from outside the box to the keeper" with a free kick as punishment.
Also "Diving" All that is necessary to stop it is for a panel to meet weekly and dock 3 pts win, 2pts for draw, 1 pt for a defeat. The panel would never have to meet becasue no one would risk cheating anymore.
And why this nonsense of added on time. It is all to the advantage of the top teams. Leave to the ref to blow after he has added on time without disclosing it. Disclosing demoralisesm gallant teams who have given all and now fear the last minutes when the big clubs can bring on 3 new million plus substitutes.
I thought journalists always boost they are there to protect the public. I havn't seen much of it of Football journalists or commentators!