Originally posted by Exiled_red
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I've just realised we're talking at cross purposes. The intent point came up in reference more to Carra than Rafael. 
People were saying Carragher's foul wasn't as bad as Rafael's because they thought Carra didn't mean to hurt anyone whereas Rafael did (or didn't care if he did). I pointed out that intent isn't relevant to whether it's a foul.
On reflection I imagine it can change the severity of the punishment because it might change the category from a foul to dangerous play or unsportsmanlike conduct or whatever. All the same, how you're meant to judge intent is fraught with difficulty.
But I don't think it's reasonable to claim Rafael's foul was worse, intentional or not. I think he could fairly have seen red for dangerous play and Carragher even more so, probably for the same offence, even if you think he didn't mean to make contact. It was an ugly foul, standing leg and Nani was lucky it only drew blood rather than broke his leg. Mistimed or malicious, it was a sending off.

Sorry my bad.
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