Apart from the vuvuzelas, one thing that worries me about this world cup is the refereeing.
Already, some matches have been majorly affected by red cards. There does not even seem to be any consistency.
Australia have already fallen victim to two red cards to their most influential players, neither of which were justified.
I would go so far as to say that those red cards have cost Australia a place in the final 16.
Even as an England fan, I had to feel slight sympathy towards the German who was red carded after two yellows in the match with Serbia. (klose) That referee was nuts, he was yellow carding every tackle.
Glen Johnson probably committed two early fouls yesterday the equal of klose's, and fortunately the referee gave him some latitude.
Kaka's red card was quite laughable, but I guess not if you are a Brazil fan.
Another player got a harsh red card for a contested header in the penalty box, for a leading elbow, and quite frankly you could be sending defenders off every week in the prem league for the same thing, but most of these are accidental, nothing malicious.
The most bizarre booking I have seen was yesterday when a player went down on the edge of the box and received a yellow for simulation, and replays showed clearly he got a smack on the head which sent him over.
I have a nagging feeling that this world cup could well be won or lost by the actions of referees. Every team is only one incorrect red card decision away from a probable loss, and a loss is now pack your bags time.
I cant understand why the amnesty for cards has been extended to after the quarter-finals, and yet on the other hand some referees are handing out cards willy nilly. It does not make sense.
Even more concerning is the inconsistency aspect, some shocking studs up sliding challenges from behind have even escaped punishment altogether.
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