April 23, 2011

Mullan Breaks Zakuani's Leg with Hard Tackle: Seattle Sounders winger Steve Zakuani suffered a fractured right tibia and fibula from a reckless tackle by Colorado Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan in the third minute of their match Friday night (video). Mullen, who earned an immediate red card, said afterwards, "It was a tackle that I've done hundreds of times and I'd probably do it again. I apologize and wish Steve a speedy recovery."

posted by rcade to soccer at 08:26 PM - 3 comments

When I ref'd youth soccer (14yrs to 17yrs old), I'd see this happen a lot. Thankfully, it wasn't broken bones, but spike marks on the shins or shoulders to the back.

A player thinks he gets fouled, doesn't get a call, and then IMMEDIATELY attacks the next player he can get near that has the ball (or had the ball...or will have the ball).

It got to the point where if I saw a player complain about a non-foul, I'd immediately have my whistle ready for the next thing he did, because it was ALWAYS an aggressive play. I'd even warn a player that I was watching him, and he'd STILL commit a hard foul.

posted by grum@work at 03:03 AM on April 24, 2011

I call that the "David Batty Effect".

/Also the name of my new punk band.

posted by owlhouse at 03:35 AM on April 24, 2011

A player thinks he gets fouled, doesn't get a call, and then IMMEDIATELY attacks the next player he can get near that has the ball (or had the ball...or will have the ball).

I even do that when playing football video games.

posted by tron7 at 12:18 PM on April 25, 2011

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