Dugout Discussion
21 April 2013 3775 comments
Mark Mark
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Park the lawnmower and throw the kid next door a fiver to clean the car. Let nothing tear you away from the couch as Sunday presents a double bill that will surely keep us out of the sunshine, warmed only by the rays of our telly screens.

It all starts at White Hart Lane, where Spurs take on Man City in what looks a vital encounter for Andre Villas-Boas’ side. With rivals Arsenal stealing a somewhat unconvincing march on third with the win at Fulham, it’s over to Tottenham to see if they can navigate past second-placed City to earn a precious three points. As for Roberto Mancini’s side, they’re surely fighting for pride, regardless of the maths at the top of the table.

The big news from the Lane is that Gareth Bale is fit to start for Tottenham after making a rapid recovery from an ankle injury. Aaron Lennon misses out altogether, though, and with Jermain Defoe taking his place on the bench, Villas-Boas hands Clint Dempsey and Gylfi Sigurdsson places in the attacking midfield three behind Emmanuel Adebayor.

For City, Sergio Aguero only makes the bench and David Silva misses out altogether due to a hamstring problem sustained in the recent Manchester derby. Mancini opts for Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko up top and brings back the likes of Pablo Zabaleta, Matija Nastasic and Gael Clichy after resting the trio in the midweek match with Wigan.

That ample lunchtime treat is followed up by a trip to Anfield for the four o’clock kick-off, as Rafa Benitez returns to the venue of former glories. His Chelsea lineup take on a Liverpool side that’s stuttered of late and with Luis Suarez blanking in the last four, Fantasy managers will be looking for the Uruguayan to get back on track, although Daniel Sturridge, against his former club today, will also be looking to crash the party.

Our Dugout Discussion chatroom has been fired up and is ready to take you right through to the evening roast.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. Twelve years a slave
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    sky news got the bite in closeup

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      That was a quick replacement.

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  2. Viper
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Brendan Rogers trying to turn the blame on Torres for an elbow on Carragher rather than condemning Suarez for the bite...

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      yep pretty sad

      just come out and apologise

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      1. Wings of Steel
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        He didnt see it Bemba. how could he?

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    2. COMH
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Blind faith

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    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      what about sturridge tackle?

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      1. Vasty Deep
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        that was pretty awful too...great game of football, but pathetic in one particular respect.

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    4. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Embarrassing.

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  3. jas5sk - Youtube channel
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    I could almost try to understand supporting Messi or Ronaldo or even Rooney, if he was a nutbag like Suarez.

    However, Liverpool fans are fanatically supporting a villain that has dragged them to 7th in the PL table.

    They used to be a "Big Four" club, challenging for a title year in, year out.

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    1. Scroobius Mac
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I have no idea what your logic is there.

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      1. Something Clever
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        That's because there isn't any.

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        1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 8 months ago

          You're missing the point. It's not just about biting. It's about embarrassing the club worldwide. It's not just one incident with Suarez, it's more like "1 or 2 incidents per year"

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    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Huh?

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    3. Tuchap - Lurker
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      What!

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    4. gebb
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      What, he's not good enough to be biting people?

      Why start bashing liverpool supporters in general. Nobody asked suarez to do this, he is responsible for his own actions. I still think he's an amazing player and I stand by defending him and claiming that he had changed. This obviously changes how people feel about him now, but it should reflect badly on what people have said about him in the past.

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    5. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Liverpool can do better than this.

      If it was Balotelli doing the things Suarez does to embarrass the club, he would be shipped off.

      Forget all the goals he's scored, Liverpool are still 7th. Having him around is not worth hurting the history of the club.

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  4. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Frustrating to see Rafa bring on Lampard when we're a goal ahead and not bring on Lampard vs City when we're a goal behind.

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    1. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I failed to understand this move also

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    2. Dogba
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I was more sadden by the Hazard -> Bena move. Took whatever sting we had left out.

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      1. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        He wants Europa. That fat spanish waiter.

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  5. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    I have no idea what to do now. Cheers Suarez 👿

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  6. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    FA decides Suarez must wear a
    mask for rest of season.

    http://media1.sulia.com/static/user_images/4/2013-04-21/42918d4c-0f4f-413c-ac37-ad1cc914e819

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    1. Lawrø
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      😆

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    2. Jafooli
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Classic.....post that again...Deserves it...

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  7. SPorting
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Apparently The Sun has an exclusive interview with Suarez tomorrow.

    Mainly because you can't see vampires in The Mirror.

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    1. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      😀 😀

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    2. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Vampires can't walk in the sun though... 😉

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  8. Joga Bonito®
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    suarez and Fellaini out for Bale and Tevez?

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  9. Dogba
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Currently I got a frontline of Giroud Suarez Berba. Giroud is going, and Suarez as well if he gets banned. I'm thinking Kone and Tevez. Better options? I don't trust Lukaku's gametime.

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    1. Yome
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I also have to kick Giroud and Suarez out. I am thinking of Defoe, Tevez and Kone. I also do not think Lukaku is a good option

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      1. Dogba
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Defoe is a tough one to judge as well. Not sure he'll start both, he's been out for a good while. Even if he was the undisputed first choice over Ade, I don't think he'd have the match fitness for it.

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  10. Wings of Steel
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    All aside still think this is worse and Rooney got nothing

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjVU6Twg2lg

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    1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Worse? Really?

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      1. Wings of Steel
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Id rather be nipped on the arm than smashed in the face with rooneys elbow

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    2. ~SpartakMac
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Just as bad, without a doubt.

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    3. gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      He got nothing as the ref saw it (apparantly) and deemed it not to be worthy of even a booking. They only get reviewed after the game if the ref didnt see it.

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  11. boc610
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    safe to say that was a Super Sunday...it had everything!

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  12. Chu Young Ping Pong
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Now it's Bale vs RVP for the POTY.

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    1. Scroobius Mac
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Votes are already in. Today makes no difference.

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      1. Chu Young Ping Pong
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Ohh, didn't know that.

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    2. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Something to chew upon for the next week? 😉

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      1. Chu Young Ping Pong
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        😀

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  13. SPorting
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    In other news:

    46 (-4) so far.

    All down to DDG vs Benteke tomorrow.

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  14. Beautiful Game
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    best strike options for the double gamewk???

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  15. Back to Back Ballacks
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Suarez > Lassie

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  16. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Is this how it all starts? To be bitten by a Uruguayan rat-monkey, and for Ivanovic to become one of the undead and get a craving for human flesh?? Is Suarez the enabler of the apocalypse?? Will Ivanovic become the first zombie to spread the disease that will turn into a deadly plague and wipe out humanity??? 😯

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  17. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Let's be honest, who is going to want to sign Suarez now? He'll stay at Liverpool

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    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I'd have him at Arsenal in a heartbeat.

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      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Suarez will eat your heart out!

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    2. COMH
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      There is always another team willing to give a player a fresh start. It's a clean slate for any player joining a new club regardless of how scummy they are.

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      1. Back to Back Ballacks
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        *clean plate

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        1. ~SpartakMac
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 8 months ago

          Couldn't resist 😆

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    3. Wings of Steel
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Teams will queue to get him. Football is the most fickle business on earth.

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    4. ~SpartakMac
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Dramatic...

      When the dust settles people will remember he's a world class player. Scumbag or not.

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  18. COMH
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Never watched the full 2nd half. Is Rafa right about the 6 minutes + stoppage time being more than it should have been?

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    1. Dogba
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I think it seemed a bit excessive. Rafa did make a sub in injury time, so that adds a little.

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    2. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I think it was about right to be honest. He's just clutching at straws like most managers do. I'm a Chelsea fan, too.

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    3. Tuchap - Lurker
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      It was their own doing really. Oscar went off (actually injured or not I don't know) and it took a hell of a long time to do so.

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  19. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    just got in from footie training 🙂 wow how times have changed that I can say that

    missed the bite... any link?

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  20. Clintymints
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    The funny photos and comments are coming in fellas

    Let's start it off

    "The real tragedy here is that Frank Lampard now knows Ivanovic is edible."

    http://i.imgur.com/r3tN817.jpg

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    1. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      😆

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  21. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    wtf is this interview with Rafa? the guy has no idea what he's even asking him

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  22. Something Clever
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Let's be real here. It's going to get more attention because it's unusual, but was it worse that the Shawcross tackle on Ramsey? Keane's 'tackle' on Hangeland? Cantona attacking a fan? No.

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    1. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I think it was, tackles still happen as a part of football and will always be there. The Suarez bite is just a shame to the principles of sport as a whole.

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      1. Kostja
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        As a human it is embarrasing to see someone act that way. Whereas a nasty tackle I can understand

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      2. Wings of Steel
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        The sport is already shameful. Has been for a while

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        1. Kostja
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 8 months ago

          I agree, the diving and bad refereeing decisions are sad to watch. But the money is too good for the people in charge to do anything about it

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      3. Something Clever
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Ivanovic will have a bruise as a result of the bite. Hangeland never really played again and Keane admitted that he went in with the intention of injuring him. Shawcross broke Ramsey's leg through a foul, and in my opinion he knew he was goin to hurt him. Which is worse?

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        1. Granville
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 8 months ago

          Are you actually sticking up for Suarez here?

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          1. Something Clever
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 8 months ago

            Not at all. What i'm saying is that worse things happen in football that biting. It's the nature of the offence that is causing such vitriol. It's seen as cowardly and bizarre, and it is, but footballers in the past have done worse and survived. I think Suarez probably won't and i'm wondering why.

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        2. Kostja
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 8 months ago

          I dont think Shawcross meant that, but if he did want to injure him on purpose than it is worse for sure. But Keanes tackle was revenge and I can totally understand that and would have done it myself. I respect players like Keane(even Viera respected him for this) who dont moan to the ref about fouls but just get theirs back when they get the chance.

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          1. Kostja
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 8 months ago

            I personally play with a similar principle, and cheaters(divers, biters) get to feel the studs as well.

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          2. Something Clever
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 8 months ago

            'But Keanes tackle was revenge and I can totally understand that and would have done it myself'

            Sorry, stopped reading here. Hangeland gave Keane verbal. Keane tried to end his career. Not the same.

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            1. Kostja
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 8 months ago

              For all that haland could have known Keanes career could have been done at that moment. And attacking a man while he is down and injured and cannot defend himself is in my opinion one of the worst things you can do. I think he got exactly what he deserved.

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              1. Kostja
                • 14 Years
                12 years, 8 months ago

                Preferrably these cases should be delbt with by the officials and divers and other players who show unsporting behaviour should be banned for life. (a la the guy in greece who showed the nazi salute)

                But as this is not the case I will not feel bad if any of these Suarezes, Ashley Youngs, Ronaldos get some non life threatening reasons that they cant play again.

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                1. Kostja
                  • 14 Years
                  12 years, 8 months ago

                  And players often feel the same, but cant act on it because they would get banned themselves.

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              2. Something Clever
                • 16 Years
                12 years, 8 months ago

                Didn't 'attack him' though did he? He never laid a finger on him.

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                1. Kostja
                  • 14 Years
                  12 years, 8 months ago

                  Verbal attack is also an attack, you think if you or Keane could walk you/he would let someone acting like this with you walk away?

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                  1. Kostja
                    • 14 Years
                    12 years, 8 months ago

                    Maybe you would but I dont have that much discipline to just take abuse. That is why I agree with what Keane did.

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                  2. Something Clever
                    • 16 Years
                    12 years, 8 months ago

                    Verbal attack and physical attack share the same word but have very different meanings. If i were to offer you the choice of a few insults or an attempt at breaking your leg i'm pretty sure which you'd choose. Naive.

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    2. Art Vandelay
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      No.

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    3. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Are you a Liverpool fan?

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      1. Something Clever
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Nope.

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        1. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 8 months ago

          Okay. I only ask as you're really reaching to stick up for Suarez, that you almost sound like an apologist. You can't compare a rare tackle where someone gets a horrific injury to a deliberate bite which is an attempt to maim someone. That's apples and oranges. what if he spat in Ivanovic's face? That isn't physically harming, but it's disgusting and would get a big ban. Biting an opponent you just don't do. It's also physical assault. If you bit someone on the street you'd be up in front of a magistrate.

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          1. Something Clever
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 8 months ago

            Not sticking up for him at all. What he did was horrid. Just saying that worse has happened in the game and will again. By your own logic, the sentence passed down to Suarez had he done that in the street would very likely be shorter than that passed down to Keane had he done the same thing, considering the damage done.

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            1. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
              • 15 Years
              12 years, 8 months ago

              So you're using an example of a bad tackle in football as a comparison to something that would be common assault, possibly ABH/GBH, anywhere. I think your logic is flawed, as a bite is a blatant attempt to maim with intent. Keane's kick on Hangeland only looked bad because he was in mid air. Plus Keane's tackle on Hangeland (which didn't end his career, despite people thinking it did) could be argued in court that he was going for the ball. You can't say the same as Suarez.

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              1. Something Clever
                • 16 Years
                12 years, 8 months ago

                I wouldn't define what Keane did to Hangeland as a tackle at all. It was as much assault as what Suarez did to Ivanovic, and Keane admitted as much. Be honest with yourself here, which offence comes closer to the definition of 'maim with intent'? What Keane did or what Suarez did? You can argue it in court all you like, doesn't make it any truer.

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                1. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
                  • 15 Years
                  12 years, 8 months ago

                  Again, you're comparing a bad "ATTEMPT" at a tackle on someone, who got up off the floor and played the rest of the game, to someone biting someone. You're desperately trying to compare apples with oranges. The kick was dealt with within the constraints of the laws of the game. It happens, people get kicked. Biting, however, doesn't. You don't seem to be able to grasp the concept of that. Same with spitting at someone -- there is no harm done there, but that would get you a longer ban that kicking someone. Your logic doesn't add up.

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                  1. Something Clever
                    • 16 Years
                    12 years, 8 months ago

                    Keane received a five match ban and a fine after admitting that he purposely tried to injure Hangeland. This is not an attempt at a tackle. It's assault in just the same way that biting is. It's the nature of the offence that has you confused. It's just unusual is all, just because Keane used his legs doesn't make it any better than what Suarez did. He just used a different tool is all. And he was smarter about it.

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                  2. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
                    • 15 Years
                    12 years, 8 months ago

                    I think we're going to have to agree to disagree on this one. You think biting someone is on par with a foul, I don't. Ciao.

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                  3. Something Clever
                    • 16 Years
                    12 years, 8 months ago

                    Can't reply to your last post for some reason, but yes, happy to agree to disagree. Nice chatting you.

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                  4. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
                    • 15 Years
                    12 years, 8 months ago

                    'til we meet again! 😉

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  23. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Something to lighten the mood: http://i.imgur.com/wttFeYn.gif?1

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    1. New Ghost
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Yowza

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  24. SpinyNorman [*_*]
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Of the 6 DGW teams, how many players from each will you be getting in for GW36?

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    1. Viper
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      3 x Spurs
      2x City
      2x Chelsea
      1x Swansea
      1x Wigan

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  25. The mad Mata
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    To be bitten is bad enough but by those horse teeth it's horrendous.
    Last we'll see him in this country me thinks, Which is a shame because for all his mental problems I did enjoy watching him play.

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  26. Gravless wonder
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Suarez deserves a long ban and will get one since the ref did not see it.

    Previous case was “a comical nibble” that the FA could not take retrospective action on (stupid rule)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzXBSvngRR0
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/h…..076094.stm

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  27. Twelve years a slave
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    it on sky news now

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    1. Twelve years a slave
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      he grimace when he bite , like doing it really hard , fa going look into it they say

      100& big ban

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  28. Vpan
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    With Suarez ban imminent, RVP will surely go for Golden Boot now.

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    1. busteddocket
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      this would solve the problem.

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    2. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      😆

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    3. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Good1:)

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    4. Jafooli
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Classic.....post again.......ha, ha....

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  29. lfcserg
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Suarez > Tevez and Demel > Zabaleta for a 4pt hit?

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    1. There's Always One!
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Yep

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