Today's Football 29/12

[distortiondave]

Man city I think!

[agreenwood]

West Brom seem to be coming to glad we have a huge gap

West Brom are another side that have had a fortuitous run of fixtures.

[Commy]

The name Patrick Roberts (scored for Sunderland) rings a bell, like he was destined for big things and a big club bought him for big money or something?

According to Wiki, he went to Fulham and then Man City. Played once for Man City and then on loan to a number of clubs before signing for Sunderland.

[Commy]

The problem with Rovers is that their main creator up top is Brereton which leaves them with nobody to score.

[taio]

I suppose it’s difficult for officials to have a bar where an action such as that becomes violent. It’s why players are sent off as soon as they raise their hands to their opponent’s head/face. I suspect the difference of views here is that most people would agree that it is a very soft offence to be sent off for, but on the flip side by the letter of the law it is a red card offence, and that is why I would be very surprised if an appeal was withheld.

This is what violent conduct is as per the laws of the game:

Violent conduct is when a player uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball.

In addition, a player who, when not challenging for the ball, deliberately strikes an opponent or any other person on the head or face with the hand or arm, is guilty of violent conduct unless the force used was negligible.

I just don't see how this incident fits either of those two things.

[Carwin261]

*******’s lose.

[Swizzlestick]

Really highlights our quality the way we dominated Boro considering their highly impressive form under Carrick.

[RVclaret]

Really highlights our quality the way we dominated Boro considering their highly impressive form under Carrick.

Absolutely! Our pressing in that game was outstanding, completely stopped them playing. Often an under-looked part of our game.

[ClaretLoup]

Sunderland in 4th place and whipped Wigan 4 - 1 at home.

Hats off to Mowbray he has steadied the ship and steered it in the right direction after we battered them at their place.

[distortiondave]

I'm not following events too closely, but i always thought it was a red card offence to kick/throw the ball in an opponents face regardless of the force used.

[tiger76]

Really highlights our quality the way we dominated Boro considering their highly impressive form under Carrick.

Yep! same with Birmingham who we brushed aside, both they and Boro are among the form sides in the division, however we dispatched each with a minimum of fuss.

[Rileybobs]

This is what violent conduct is as per the laws of the game:

Violent conduct is when a player uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball.

In addition, a player who, when not challenging for the ball, deliberately strikes an opponent or any other person on the head or face with the hand or arm, is guilty of violent conduct unless the force used was negligible.

I just don't see how this incident fits either of those two things.

Fair enough. I think hitting an opponent in the head with the ball is using excessive force, because in such a situation any force is excessive. Happy to agree to disagree though. Do you think the red card will be overturned on appeal?

[Pickles]

Some terrible sides in this league.

[taio]

Fair enough. I think hitting an opponent in the head with the ball is using excessive force, because in such a situation any force is excessive. Happy to agree to disagree though. Do you think the red card will be overturned on appeal?

I doubt it will be overturned, no. As you say excessive force will be the argument. I don't agree with it though.

[distortiondave]

Fair enough. I think hitting an opponent in the head with the ball is using excessive force, because in such a situation any force is excessive. Happy to agree to disagree though. Do you think the red card will be overturned on appeal?

What if he said 'heads up!' first and then the bloke headed it back to him?

[BurnleyFC]

John Coleman might be under a bit of pressure at Accy.

[jos]

Sunderland now in 4th place with 37 points, 13 points from current top and 13 points from current 23 in relegation zone.

[Pickles]

John Coleman might be under a bit of pressure at Accy.

Chuffed for Morecambe though. They've never been relegated! Over a hundred years.

[claretburns]

The name Patrick Roberts (scored for Sunderland) rings a bell, like he was destined for big things and a big club bought him for big money or something?

Came through as a 16 year old at Fulham, made a big money move to Man City when he was 18 I think, then had numerous loan spells at clubs such as Celtic and Middlesbrough. Not sure if he is on loan at Sunderland from City or whether he is with them permanently.

[Conroysleftfoot]

Blackpool giving Sheffield a hard time tonight. Hope our lads take note, we might be cruising at the moment but don't take anything for granted.

[4:20]

Blinking heck Blackpool have fought hard since their goal. Quite a few chances for them, putting Sheff U under some real pressure. Sheff to hold on though.

[Stayingup]

Blinking heck Blackpool have fought hard since their goal. Quite a few chances for them, putting Sheff U under some real pressure. Sheff to hold on though.

Yes its a pity Blackpool couldn't find an equaliser.

[Carwin261]

Rovers have a relatively easy run of fix’s for the next 6,then I can’t see picking up many more points

[Hibsclaret]

Sometimes not a bad thing to have a team on your coat tails particularly when it is just one team that is close enough. Really puts more pressure on the chasing pack and can lead them to essentially play for the playoffs.

I reckon the top 6 will be Burnley, Sheff U, West Brom, Boro, Watford and possibly Coventry in that order. With the lad being injured at Cov you could perhaps swap them for Sunderland.

[IanMcL]

Norwich will pick up.

[IanMcL]

Generally good tonight. Keeps the gap to 3rd huge! 11 +1 for goals.

[ElectroClaret]

John Coleman might be under a bit of pressure at Accy.

Accy will do well to stay up.