Well well, so Joe Cole got an unfair treatment from the refree. Oh, and he’s not “that kind of player” (oh no he isn't!). He wouldn't do such a thing (he wouldn't hurt a fly). It was just an enthusiastic challenge(they always are). It was not intentional at all (they never are). And Joe Cole is a saint, just like Shawcross and Taylor( I leave the judgement to you).
Maybe I'm being a bit harsh on Joe Cole. Maybe I'm getting carried away. But I have my reasons. And by God I shall certainly pour them out right here, right now.
For the record it was a two footed lunge, it was late and it took out the player. Koscielny had to be stretchered off and I feared the worst at the time. The injury Gods were merciful that time otherwise we’d have yet another collection of broken legs because of overzealous tackles. And we wonder why this happens only to Arsenal players, like Ramsey and Eduardo(who has sadly never really recovered and left the country now).
Let's go back to Birmingham, St. Andrews, 23 February, 2008. Arsenal are neck-in-neck with Manchester United and are with a real chance of regaining the Premier League title. Eduardo has started hitting form and he's becoming a real goal poacher for Arsenal. Then, this happened:
If you want to see exactly how it happened, the video is here:
Btw, I would like to mention that NO television broadcaster has EVER shown a replay of this particular incident due to its disturbing and graphic nature.
To summarize this incident, the following things have happened since:
- Arsenal went on to draw 2-2 after conceding a penalty in injury time. Many of the Gunners were shell shocked and the then captain William Gallas kicked an advertising hoarding in disgust.
- Arsenal lost their way and never regained composure in the season, eventually finishing 3rd.
- Martin Taylor got a 3 match ban and it is still unknown if he even apologized to Eduardo afterward.
- Eduardo had surgery and it was feared if he could even lead a normal life again. He could not walk for months and was out for more than a year. After coming back, he never rediscovered his form again and ultimately left the Gunners in July this year.
And if you think that was all, you're wrong.
Let's go back again earlier this year, to be precise, 27 February. Arsenal are at Stoke, and once again, they're in with a shout in a three way title race. Stoke have got an early goal and Arsenal, after finding the equalizer are going for the win. Then this happened to 19 year old Aaron Ramsey:
And if you want to see the video for this also, it is here:
Notice how the leg 'pops' off after the tackle by Ryan Shawcross when viewed in the magnifier. Notice the reaction of the Arsenal players. Vermaelen is shattered, and captain Cesc Fabregas is almost reduced to tears. After Ramsey was carried off and play resumed, the players couldn't focus for around 10 minutes, just passing the ball anywhere in the field.
Fortunately, Arsenal had the mental resolve this time and they turned it around for an emphatic 3-1 win. Ramsey had immediate surgery and he has not played since. He is expected to be back by October or November this year, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to fulfill his potential ever.
A red card is the least that can be done for such over-the-top challenges. It could easily have been 5 months in the sidelines for Koscielny. What a forgettable debut it would have been then. And what would the offender get? Just a 3 match ban. Ramsey got injured for 8-9 months(he missed and he's still gonna miss around 50 games) and what punishment did Shawcross get? A 3 match ban. Eduardo was our for over a year(he missed more than 60 games) and how many matches did Taylor have to sit out? 3 bloody matches.
It is time the FA stood up against such kind of savagery. The FA should introduce a rule whereby if a player gets injured due to a red card tackle, the offender misses the exact number of matches as the injured player does.
A red card is the least Joe Cole deserves. And we should stop defending such tackles that could easily have caused serious damage.
On the other hand, Koscielny got sent off very unfortunately. I have no complaints about the first yellow card. He went for the ball and accidentally hit the onrushing Dirk Kuyt in the you-know-where. The second yellow was a bit harsh, as it was ball to hand rather than the opposite. Still, I'm mightily relieved he survived the tackle by Joe Cole and was ok to play the second half.
I know this has been a rather long blog, but I needed to clarify my stance. And these kind of incidents only make me support Arsenal all the more.
Have a great day!!!
LONG LIVE ARSENAL!!!
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