The Berardi Sending-Off

It's a pity Berardi reacted to the provocation by Matt(y) Taylor following the former's mis-timed tackle on the latter, and I'm not condoning Berardi's reaction for one second. It was always going to put him at risk of being sent off, but that's the kind of committed, red-mist character he is.

What I find pathetic is how Taylor went down like a sack of King Edwards, clutching his face and rolling about, seemingly needing treatment for what looked like nothing more that a "head-push", yet he was on his feet a minute later looking none the worse for wear. If he had the physique of Mr. Puniverse then it might be understandable but not as a professional forward, supposedly used to being in the wars with opposing defenders.

Berardl's offence was not in the same league as Zidane against Materazzi in the World Cup, even though that one was into Materazzi's chest. Can you imagine Norm or Batts, or Tommy Smith, Ron Harris, Franny Lee or Jimmy Case reacting like that if Berardi had "done" them? No, neither can I.

I'd like to think that Taylor's reaction formed part of the referee's decision when sending him off but I don't suppose we'll ever know.

I absolutely can't stand to see cheating on the field of play, and players like Rivaldo, who clutched his face and dropped down "dead" when the ball hit him on his thigh by the corner flag, Bilic, who got Laurent Blanc sent off in the 1998 World Cup semi-final when doing the same when Blanc was no-where near him, and Maradona for the so-called "Hand of God" will never have my respect as players or people.

There will be those who say that everyone makes mistakes that they regret, and I can accept that, but in such a high profile environment with thousands of youngsters watching and looking to emulate these unworthy "heroes", there seems to be a mind-set these days of players trying to cynically gain an advantage by conning the referee into sending off an opponent. Honesty and respect seem to be two qualities sadly lacking in some players. Perhaps I'm too naïve and idealistic, but that's just me, there you go.

The referees have a tough time having to make on the spot decisions but then there is video evidence which should be used to help them make informed decisions. However, that's a whole different area for debate and not one I want to get in to here.

Suffice it to say, I think the ref got it right yesterday with both players, but I would seriously question how genuine Taylor's reaction to the head-butt really was.