Well, after a morning's work thinking about the match, I still don't think we deserved to lose.
I've read most of the posts on this thread, and there's been some good points raised.
However, I don't think we can complain too much about the sending off. At the end of the day, Babel put his hand in the other player's face (twice, I think), and whilst there was no punch or slap, by the letter of the law the referee is entitled to send him off if he sees fit.
That being said, I do believe a more experienced referee at this level would have seen the incident a little clearer, and the fact that Babel made no attempt to hit the other player meant he could have got away with a yellow. In all fairness, he could have shown two reds, here's a ruling I found that shows the Benfica player had to go off:
serious foul play (includes any use of excessive force or brutality against an opponent when challenging for the ball. Examples include a dangerous slide tackle from behind, or an "over the top tackle" in which a player raises his foot so the cleats could hit a player, or a two footed tackle that takes down the opponent. FIFA has broadened this definition by saying that "Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force and endangering the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play. For current rules visit fifa.com, Laws of the Game. The above quote is from Questions and Answers, Additional Instructions for Referees). The rules now include "Decision 4", which says: "A tackle, which endangers the safety of an opponent, must be sanctioned as serious foul play".
The force with which he kicked Torres, with no intention to take the ball, leaves no other option for me. Interesting to note the studs mentioned in this quote too, as Babel received a flying kick to the head studs raised, and Kuyt got one in the face. The referee just didn't apply the rules of the game correctly, I'm afraid.
However, if Babel wanted to defend Torres, he should have done his talking with the ball and shown more maturity. Even if his "loyalty" toward Torres is better than indifference, he was only going to hurt the team as a whole by getting into trouble.
I've also noticed that people have mentioned we could have conceded more through headers, but I only recall one or two clear cut chances, notably one player who was alone at the far post and headed over the bar. Fair enough, they could have scored another, but Torres should have scored towards the end when the match was still 1-1, a very clear chance, so I still think a draw, whether it be 1-1 or 2-2 was the fair result.
Next week at Anfield, I hope the ground has a strong atmosphere. The player's have proven they can turn matches around and this is no different. With a roaring Kop, however, things would be even easier.
I just hope we give them a real pasting they deserve.
Is Paul Tomkins back with more expert analysis?
