Good to see Blatter pushing fair play

[nineteen]

Bloody hell, wish they'd just stop

I'd be very surprised if anyone actually believed they had a chance of being added to Friday's draw as the 33rd team. That said, I think it's great that they keep pushing the issue. Why should they let FIFA off the hook when there's an opportunity for improving the game here? The FAI have never been mistaken for visionary's but in this case their persistance may just force the hand of those in power, and escalate the introduction of new measures to help officials manage games.

It ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new. This coolness arises partly from fear of the opponents, who have the laws on their side, and partly from the incredulity of men, who do not readily believe in new things until they have had a long experience of them.
-Niccolo Machiavelli

[billd]

It was a game of football. If these things did'nt happen it would give people like us **** all to talk about. It's what makes the game great. It's the difference between viewing one of Carra's tackles as fair, Ngogs "Dive" as justified and "Frump Lumpturd" as a brilliant footballer. Roy Keane got it right - "Get over it".
BTW I think Lampard is a brilliant footballer and those who question Carragher should be ashamed of themselves. That Lad never goes out to give any less than 100%. (Also applies to Kuyt).

[Charly]

Agreed !

At the end of the day, it wouldnt be football if there was not cheating, no dodgy decisions, no goal line ****ups.

I cant think of anything worse than adding extra refs, replays and goal-line tech.

There is nothing more funny that seeing a rival team lose because of something dodgy. And we as fans need things like beachballs to blame for defeats.

Ireland didnt deserve to go South Africa. Perhaps if they preferred football to curling gaylick football, they may have done a bit better. As it is, its no great loss.