Over this Clattenburg business? The ***** referees put up with from players, and what he said is hardly an insult
Apparently he called Lallana a prima donna and commented how much he's changed since he played for England
"You're very different now you've played for England. You never used to be like this." Is that all he's accused of saying? It's not even an insult. He's just pulling his leg. Pathetic really that they've taken it this far.
I kept expecting to hear Southampton reckoned he'd said something worse and this was Clattenburg's version, but that is exactly Southampton's version of events too.
I think their argument is that Clattenburg dismissed a penalty appeal first and foremost, and they're using the ref's reply as a way to show that the decision was based more upon a perception of the individual involved than the incident itself. But yes, it is pathetic.
It's embarrassing. The amount of abuse that players launch at referees. It's like when those poor little lambs in the crowd make a complaint to the police, whenever a player dares to respond to the barrage of abuse they get throughout the 90 minutes.
This. There is much to be embarrassed about in the modern game. This Southampton business is cringe worthy.
Set of puffs. Want to try a shift of proper work and real pillocking and see how long they last before bursting into tears.
I like the suggestion in the Torygraph this morning that the players comments to the ref are recorded and published. I wouldnt mind betting that several Southampton players said far worse to Clattenburg that his comment back to Lellana. All Southampton are doing are making themselves look ridiculous As to the penalty - players have themselves to blame - for example whenever Ashley Young goes down in the box my first thought is its a dive as more often than not it is - there were several players all diving in the new years day games so its not too surprising that refs sometimes miss the genuine pens as well
What I can't understand is that Southampton are in a very rich vein of form over the last few years, and on balance, the majority of the supporters in UK will give them great credit for this. They've done it the right way and have had/still have some great players and coaching staff. This incident just makes them look ridiculous and totally dilutes their efforts and achievements over the last few years.
Yeah made me laugh when Moyes was moaning about Young not getting a penalty against Spurs, serves his right for diving and winning some previously. Refs are going to be less likely to give you a penalty if you've got previous.
Once had a referee in the Barnsley Sunday League who told me to "stop f*cking swearing otherwise I'll f*cking book you." It had the desired effect. Chigger was his nickname, no idea what his real name was.
Referees need to book players every time an expletive is used if that is the way the premiere lge clubs are acting maybe a few bans may make them realise what circus they are creating