I have previously discussed how I continue to be mystified by how international soccer is managed as with the long resistance to using basic technology to confirm goals. The recent controversy out of Brazil however leaves me stunned by how these rules often ignore the obvious. In this case, the team’s masseur with Aparecidence snuck on to the field and saved a certain score in a semi-final play-off — resulting in Aparacidence winning the game and moving on toward the finals.
The score was 2-2 when the opposing team Tupi moved toward a last minute score. The masseur then ran on the pitch and blocked two goal-bound shots. Notably, none of the officials took any action and the masseur just grabbed his bag and ran from the field (being chased by some of the Tupi team).
Since the game was left as a tie at 2-2, Aparecidence was declared the winner since they were the away team. What is striking is that this was an employee of Aparecidence and not some deranged fan. Since it was clear that it would have been a goal, shouldn’t there be some equitable ruling. Even if they are not going to count the goal, they could at least waive the away team status. It seems that soccer needs a principle of respondeat superior where a team is responsible for the actions of its employees. It is clear from the video below that both kicks would have been scores for Tupi.
What do you think should be done in such circumstances?
Poor DigitalDave! Now that everyone has beat-up on soccer as a sport, let’s go after anyone who voices another opinion.
Wow, I am surprised at the hostility here on the Turley blog, which is usually more reasoned, do I dare say sports-man-like?
Prof Turley asked what do we think should be done in these circumstances. I believe the referee acted appropriately in that he ruled the goal(s) did not count.
Here is a comment from someone named “Patrick” on worldsoccertalk.com which explains more fully:
The referee was correct with this ruling, as it would be no different if it were say a dog, or a BEACH BALL… It’s deemed part “part of the pitch” and no goal is allwed. The only time a goal is allowed is if the ball actually crosses the line. The only way to change this is to change the rules of the game. Maybe insert penalty kick in that sort of situatio? It’s not the players or teams fault one fan decided to do this, they shouldn’t be punished or fined. However the venue and its security should be the one’s that are insead at fault in my opinion.
As far as all the other negative soccer comments, I can only suggest that you refrain from watching soccer matches. I’d just like to see any of your baseball, basketball, American football players run (and kick, etc) for 45 minutes, have a brief rest, and then run for 45 more minutes. Soccer certainly has it’s faults, but maybe you could learn a little more about it before slamming a game you obviously have no interest in. Many many people in the world do not agree with these negative comments.
mmmm lets see some say baseball is much better then soccer. and that is their opinion. personally sitting around watching a bunch of grown man swing a bat at a ball. then attempt to run around 3 bases to get to the fourth. soccer= a bunch of grown men running around kicking or head butting a ball down a field while trying to keep their balance and keep the opponent from knocking them down and stealing it. to hit a goal in a net….. NEITHER SOUNDS APPETIZING TO ME. now basketball and football are the sports to watch all day everyday. what im getting at. is we werent asked if it was boring to us. we were asked what we think about the apparent cheat that caused a team to lose their advancement to the finals. so lets turn that around…
yankees vs red sox.. game is tied and one good hit for either side ends the game. yankees are up at bat. batter hits ball and takes off running for 1st base while hitter at 3rd takes off for home. red sox player sneaks up on batter and trips him…. before batter can get up and get to home. the baseman has retrieved the ball and batter is struck out. not sure if anyone on here is a yankee or red sox fan. but what do you think would happen if that scenario took place? especially in the finals?
” Yes, the entire planet loves soccer, but I suppose they are all idiots except for us “exceptional” Americans. Only WE can see the obvious truth that soccer is fake, boring, etc.”
I hope that no one took my message as an attack on those who “love” soccer. I never intended to deny that there are many who love this game.
But it is obvious that they love it as a social event, not as a competitive sport. Witness the vuvuzela. People love to play it in some parts of the world. The soccer match going on at the same time is a mere irrelevance.
The rules are designed to make scoring very unlikely. They have a special “offsides” rule to make sure no offensive player gets anywhere near the goal.
And certainly no one can claim that the players are not principally actors. They fling themselves to the ground whenever an opponent comes within 3 ft.
Overall the game is engineered for fixing. As long as the goalies, a few key players and the officials know what the outcome is to be, it is a simple matter to arrange. What else could explain examples such as above?
“There is little in life more subjective than entertainment.” That’s why reality TV thrives.
those two cops in full riot gear are optimists. that crowd turns on them and they’ll be red stains under plexiglas.
Watch Rugby. More bang for the buck and the fans don’t act like animals.
Gene,
Maybe if DD likes soccer so much and is embarrassed to be an American…. I’m sure he could find a much more accommodating country…..
DD,
Who made you the arbiter of what others find boring? There is little in life more subjective than entertainment.
It’s times like this I am embarassed to be American. Based upon these comments, it appears that all Americans are complete morons when it comes to soccer. Yes, the entire planet loves soccer, but I suppose they are all idiots except for us “exceptional” Americans. Only WE can see the obvious truth that soccer is fake, boring, etc.
The only things more boring that soccer are…. Watching paint dry… Tennis…. And of course…. Golf…… Now, if you’re in an altered state….all things are funny……
Yeah, soccer players, just clueless actors that can can keep a ball in the air with their feet while a 200 lb guy is shoving them, tap it to a mate, and do a world class sprint, to deftly touch the return pass for a 100 mph kick at the goal that curves 10 ft. Nothing to see hear.
The answer to this is so obvious I can’t believe it has been missed.
*ALL SOCCER MATCHES ARE FIXED*
The masseur didn’t do anything wrong. He preserved the per-arranged result. There was obviously some confusion. Some of the Tupi players may not have been aware of the required result, but the officials were.
If you watch soccer for more than 15 minute4s, you can’t fail to realize:
a) The players aren’t trying very hard.
b) The rules and officiating are not designed around a competitive sport.
c) Acting is a major part of the game.
d) The crowd is not there to watch a sporting event.
Amen, brother.
nick,
The only time I ever enjoyed a soccer game was I had some buddies in college who played indoor league soccer. It’s a much, much faster game. Baseball, which people often complain about being boring, can be but isn’t always really boring on television. On radio and live though? Nothing like it. Engaging and relaxing at the same time.
Gene, Bingo! My son played soccer so I went to all his games. Hell, he’s Colombian so he had to play. But the games were torture. I coached him in baseball and I never find a baseball game boring. But, I am objective enough to know that many find baseball as boring as I do soccer.
It’s soccer … everyone loses.
Soccer is an analogy for politics. Lie, deny, cheat, declare victory and go on to the next game. …. The public is easy to convince their eyes lie to them.
That Woody Allen clip is a perfect example.
Who gives a doodley? Do anything except watch others doing nothing of any redeeming value.(press off on your remote*!*)
“What do you think should be done in such circumstances?”
I generally think “Why in Hell am I watching soccer? Isn’t there a baseball game on?”
If they had a team masseuse this may have not occurred.