This...world class superstar.Fernandinho is a gem of a player
Thats not an assist its a saved shot
Sorry mate but if Kev or David did that in a city shirt I'd die of embarrassment... seriously. It makes me ashamed to admit I like football!That was my point—we are merely screaming from the other side of bias right now.
I am asserting that from an objective standpoint that was a cyncial action at best (as you described it), and should have have been punished.
Either for Kev or Neymar, it was foul play.
Neymar makes out it was a pass
What I'm saying is too much is let go to apply that, too many steps on heels, elbows in the back etc and unless something is violent or dangerous you can't show a red card. If you apply the law strictly they're red cards but it's impossible for 4 referees to do it consistently in real time. VAR could possibly fix it.But that is not the same thing, is it?
There is a difference between nicking a players ankles will trying to win the ball or defend, and strolling over to a player on the ground, whilst the play is dead, and subtly and intentionally standing on their leg.
The former can lead to a penalty, and the latter should most definitely lead to at least a yellow, as you have suggested.
You could possibly call it deliberate foul play and send him off (and according to the rules you'd be correct) but the way the laws are applied it's very difficult for the ref to determine intent. VAR may eventually see a stricter interpretation but if you apply that law to the letter a shirt pull on halfway is a red.
Great ball from Dinho to start the move , lol at neymar trying to make out it was a passLight a candle. Firmino wins it for Brazil.