We watch various sports and see how much physical contact takes place from player to player, then we watch an MLS Whitecaps game, which is becoming a joke – not because of the Whitecaps, but the “diving” by the players.
First let’s remember that these so-called “divers” call themselves professional athletes, while many rapid fans call them “jokers”, making a mockery of a great game.
The Whitecaps have provided room for many talented young players to ply their trait at the professional level and do a remarkable job in promoting the sport to the general public, but sooner or later the rules have to change.
This past weekend the Whitecaps played host to D.C. United who are currently sitting in 10th spot in the Eastern Conference with 14 points, while the Whitecaps are holding down 7th spot in the Western Conference with 16 points.
The recent match-up was pivotal for both clubs, but in making a mockery of the game DC United player Jose Guillermo Ortiz played the role of a swan in what could have been a best selling play on Broadway.
In light of his recent “disrespectful” play and probably the outpouring of the general public, the MLS has taken the necessary steps to hand Ortiz a one game suspension.
He went down as many watched earning a penalty kick for team-mate Lamar Neagle who managed to score on the ensuing kick giving DC a 1-0 eventual win.
So he misses the game against Orlando and the Whitecaps lose the match, but gee wiz he was handed an undisclosed fine for the second straight week after he was also sanctioned for “diving” against the Chicago Fire.
So now the league fines the player and nothing is or will be done regarding the possible points that the Whitecaps might have earned.
He wasn’t the only player to get handed a suspension, but rather Real Salt Lake’s Kyle Beckerman was among three players that were tagged for a one game suspension by the MLS.
Red Bulls defender Michael Murillo and Revolution’s Benjamin Angoua were the other two and Minnesota United Coach Adrian Heath was also warned for interfering with a ball in play as he was trying to prevent a second ball from entering the pitch when he inadvertently made contact with the game ball that was being put out of play.
Makes a joke of the league, er-rather the players that call themselves pro’s, but let’s face it, in today’s world the players are getting faster, bigger and stronger and there is still only one (1) Ref and the field isn’t any smaller.
Years back the NHL saw the change coming regarding the players and the speed of the game and they made a drastic move to go to the four-man system for the officials.
Like it or not – it worked and while calls still get missed and far too many go to video review, it’s time the “Old Boy’s Club” for Soccer changed to get with the times!!
This isn’t just a loss, it’s a loss of revenue for the clubs should they miss post season play.
