Penalties

[H. Pedersen]

Is it time to re-think the concept of the penalty? My understanding is that the spot kick was instituted to prevent attackers from cynically hacking down attackers in the middle of a goal-scoring opportunity. But now it seems to me the problem is reversed. It is the ATTACKERS who are interrupting goal-scoring opportunities by diving to win a penalty. Is it really fair to award a near-certain scoring opportunity if someone's heels are clipped inches inside the box while running away from goal? With the amount of money riding on every point, should half-wits like Rob Styles be given the power to change a game so dramatically with one blown call?

I have no real solution here, just curious to see if anyone else has thought about this.

[Zulus Thousand of em]

Go away, think through your question, and re-submit.

You've lost me.

[Verbal]

For a kick off, its defenders on attackers not attackers on attackers

Secondly, no. If a defender is stupid enough to dive in when there is no clear danger then he should be punished with a spot-kick given, just like any other foul in the box. They know the rules.

The problem is you've identified the problem (officials), but instead of treating it directly you are instead treating the symptoms.

[Athers]

I suppose if you were to land from outer space and observe, you'd see a sport where scoring is the most difficult of any common sport, yet an easy scoring opportunity can be awarded correctly or incorrectly for any sort of misdemenour inside the box. Wonder how odd it'd be if free kicks were just awarded and all the players had to stand on the line, or like some sort of hockey-style penalty corner. Not serious suggestions of course but it'd be a laugh wouldn't it.

[Lord Kangana]

I'd be interested to see if people would stop diving if a penalty was awarded at the other end should it be considered one.

[Worthy4England]

I'd be interested to see if people would stop diving if a penalty was awarded at the other end should it be considered one.

Now we've got rid of Joofy, I like that idea.

[boltonboris]

I'd be interested to see if people would stop diving if a penalty was awarded at the other end should it be considered one.

Now we've got rid of Joofy, I like that idea.

Don't forget Stelios and Campo

[Lord Kangana]

We never get in the oppo's box anymore, so theres no chance this scheme would work against us. In fact, we could be gettin pens left right and centre without crossing the halfway line. I think I've just discovered Meggers wet-dream....

[Worthy4England]

I'd be interested to see if people would stop diving if a penalty was awarded at the other end should it be considered one.

Now we've got rid of Joofy, I like that idea.

Don't forget Stelios and Campo

Oh aye. The only problem with the concept is that the referee's would still be the same. So Styles would have still seen this as a penalty. Would we really want him or someone like him to have the power to award a penalty the other way against us on the odd chance that we were attacking? I think it would give the top 4 an increased chance of getting penalties even when they weren't attacking - scary stuff.

[boltonboris]

I'd be interested to see if people would stop diving if a penalty was awarded at the other end should it be considered one.

Now we've got rid of Joofy, I like that idea.

Don't forget Stelios and Campo

Oh aye. The only problem with the concept is that the referee's would still be the same. So Styles would have still seen this as a penalty. Would we really want him or someone like him to have the power to award a penalty the other way against us on the odd chance that we were attacking? I think it would give the top 4 an increased chance of getting penalties even when they weren't attacking - scary stuff.

It'd also make it too easy for ref's to NEVER give penalties for fear of getting it wrong - nailed on or not

[seanworth]

They should just ban Styles, and Riley for that matter from the game for life. It wouldn't solve the problem, but we would be taking a huge step in the right direction. It would bring my blood pressure down a notch not having to worry if they are calling a Bolton game.

[communistworkethic]

Go away, think through your question, and re-submit.

You've lost me.

hmm if only I was allowed to say that.......