Italy v Australia: Was it a penalty?

[Man of Harveys]

Well? Forget the importance of the outcome etc etc - was it a penalty? Did he FOUL him? Would it have been a free-kick if it had been outside the area?

That's enough Garth Crooksying - get voting!

 

[Silent Bob]

Yes. Neill slid for the ball, missed, and impeded Grosso.

 

[Trigger]

Yes, yes it was.

 

[Man of Harveys]

I say NO - he didn't kick him, he just went flying anyway. Close but no pen.

 

[Trufflehound]

Unfair poll. Where's the fence option?

 

[Sid James]

Where is the don't know option ?

Grosso could have easily avoided him, but he shouldn't have been there.

 

[Ice Man]

There was contact, but it was minimal, and Grosso was certainly looking for it.

So NO!

 

[Man of Harveys]

Unfair poll. Where's the fence option?

Did the ref have a fence option? Did he? Everyone's a critic these days! *sobs, bangs fists on desk*

 

[Grendel]

I don't think it was, but if you fail to stay on your feet in the 18 yard box then you'll run the risk of giving a penalty away.

 

[JJ McClure]

Yes, because I hate Lucas Neill

 

[Trufflehound]

Did the ref have a fence option?

He could have sat on Neill while he was on the ground. That would have made a very comfortable fence...

 

[Man of Harveys]

Where is the don't know option ?

If the ref doesn't have a "mhh, let me get back to you on that one" third way, nor should we, esp. since we have replays etc. No fence!

 

[tedebear]

I don't think it was, but if you fail to stay on your feet in the 18 yard box then you'll run the risk of giving a penalty away.

I don't think it was either - but you've pointed out correctly the crux of the issue...

 

[Curious Orange]

Lucas Neill should have kept on his feet and seen the fella out, so yes, penalty for stupidity!

 

[Trufflehound]

Lucas Neill should have kept on his feet and seen the fella out, so yes, penalty for stupidity!

Were also my thoughts.

 

[Withdean Wanderer]

No - Neil slid, missed, but didn't touch the Italian until he ran over him, leaving his boot to get caught - cheat

 

[Man of Harveys]

He could have sat on Neill while he was on the ground. That would have made a very comfortable fence...

The ref, the Italian all shouting "BUNDLE!" and jumping on hm would have been THIS much more entertaining than Ukraine v Switzerland.

Mind you, my imminent visit to the lavatory will no doubt be more entertaining than Ukraine v Switzerland.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

No. Neill made his intentions clear that he wasn't intentionally impeding him. Just a poor bit of defending and the Italian Stallion made no effort to avoid collision when he had plenty of time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_dGmcrrHeg&search=totti penalty

NEVER!!

 

[Franks Wild Years]

The Italian played the ball to the right, past Neil, he could have cut in and followed the ball but instead deliberatly chose to fall over Neil. Plus as he was going down you could see the smile forming on his face so by the time he hit the ground he had a huge grin on his face and was looking around for the ref.
Deliberate, pre meditated cheating.

 

[Man of Harveys]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_dGmcrrHeg&search=totti penalty

If anyone watches that and STILL thinks it's a penalty, then they have Beckhamspew where their BRAINS should be.