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Kompany predicts more red cards on the way

Comment: 0 January 12th, 2012

FOOTBALL is changing for the worse and that is because of one red card that resulted in a suspension.

In Vincent Kompany’s point of view, that’s how the English game is headed as he warned of more similar offence coming.

The Manchester City captain predicted an “unprecedented wave” of red cards in the offing as he started his four-match ban after he was sent off against Manchester United.

His suspension began with the club’s League Cup semifinal leg at home to Liverpool who snatched a 1-0 victory behind a Steven Gerrard penalty shot on Wednesday.

Kompany’s two-footed challenge on Nani in their meeting last Sunday prompted referee Chris Foy to show him the red card and then banish him.

Foy’s ruling came under fire from some quarters, saying it was unduly harsh, but others, including United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, believed the referee decided correctly.

City were eventually ousted 2-3 from the FA Cup, their defence of the title they won last season lasting only one fixture.

Showing his frustrations on his Facebook page, Kompany his red card was a sign that English football is getting worse.

More of it will be on the way because according to him “ifs” and “buts” are sanctioned on match days.

He said he made an appeal because he completely disagreed with the interpretation of the officials on that particular day.

For the wrong reasons, he added, players and managers are now starting to expect more dismissals from referees.

The Belgian defender, a vital figure in City’s rise to the top of the Premier League standings, also said that it is to his understanding that English football prides itself on the hardness, fairness and tradition of its game.

He said referees are key factors to the popularity of the league so he does not agree with people who say that referees in England are not doing well. “They are the best in the world,” he stressed.

Kompany is hoping that common sense could prevail again in the future.  “I for one hope not to see consistency in sending offs and suspensions when the intent of a player is to win the ball.”

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