After Chelsea’s fine rear guard action and hit and run on Barcelona on Tuesday night, and Bayern’s resolute display to take Madrid to penalties and come out victorious, the Champions League will come to a fitting climax in Munich. Or will it…….?
Both sides will have three first choice players out suspended for picking up second yellow cards in the semi-final second legs. For Chelsea, this is on top of John Terry’s foolish red card, which means the blues will have four players out.
As the old adage goes, one players misfortune opens a door for another, and no doubt the players who come in will be more than up to the task.
But should they have to be, should UEFA follow FIFA’s lead and wipe the slate clean after the group stages, or even after the semi finals?
In what is the biggest single club match in the world, the argument is that two bookings should not add up to a ban for the final. And in these changing times, where you get a booking for the slightest touch on a player it is hard to argue against it.
The game has changed, but the rules have not. Sadly, for JT his straight red should stand. It was a soft red, and may well have only warranted a yellow, but why put yourself in the position in the first place?
Players who play an energetic, combatitive game such as Ramires will always run a fine line, and know that picking up yellow cards in the modern game is a regular feature of their game.
Di Matteo had told the players prior to the match that they had to play their natural game, and if meant taking a booking, then so be it.
It is not the first time this scenario has occurred though. Paul Scholes and Roy Keane famously missed Manchester United’s 1999 triumph, as did Barcelona’s Dani Alves in 2009 against United.
The rules need looking at, of that there is no doubt, and I think a compromise can be met. No player should be able to go into a semi-final knowing that if they are victorious by kicking lumps out of the opposition they will be guaranteed a place in the final.
There has to be a modicum of balance between seeing the best players play in the showpiece event, and using any degree of “sportsmanship” to ensure that it happens.
The rules are there for all to see, and huge disappointment along with glory and success is part of sport. Football epitomises this with the rewards for success or failure in such a huge game.
So for the players that do miss the final, and it maybe their last or only chance to play in such a game there can be very few consolidatory words. Some of the bookings were frivilous, and referees also need to be aware that a card could see a player miss the biggest game of their lives.
It is a fine balance that the authorities have to find. Nothing will change soon so it is down to players and staff to ensure they are fully aware of who is walking the disciplinary tightrope.
And for the players who do get the chance to play because of these suspensions, it is up to them to ensure the suspended aren’t missed, and an opportunity can be taken which may not have presented itself under different circumstances.
image: © Ben Sutherland
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