MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned football is in danger of becoming as physical as rugby if the current lenient guidelines are kept in place.
Solskjaer was frustrated when referee Craig Pawson’s decision not to award a foul on Bruno Fernandes led to Southampton opening the scoring through Fred’s own goal in Sunday’s 1-1 draw.
Mason Greenwood’s second half equaliser took United’s unbeaten Premier League away run to 27 matches, equalling the English top-flight record.
But Solskjaer was incensed that Jack Stephens’ challenge on Fernandes was not punished when it would almost certainly have been a foul last season.
Fernandes was booked for his protest and the new guidelines for referees to let play flow looks certain to become a talking point with managers.
The incident coming a day after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told people to “watch wrestling” if they liked some of the challenges Burnley put in during the Reds’ win at Anfield.
“If you don’t get a foul, we should make sure we block the shot, put your body on the line and make sure they don’t get a strike on target,” Solskjaer said.
“That being said, it’s a foul. He goes straight through Bruno, his hip and with his armpit and his arm across him.
“I’m not worried but we have to look at it because we can’t go from one extreme of volleyball or basketball from last year and go into rugby now.
“I liked the more lenient way, it’s more men’s football but, still, that is a clear foul.
“That being said, you can see early on with the fans as well, it gets the crowd going when you fly into a few tackles and we did suffer a few tackles.”
€85. Rip off Ireland alive and well.
I have a AB’s 2003 World Cup top that I paid €100 for back then.
Still in great condition and I wear it all then time.
Canterbury make good quality and it will last.
@Dave Sherman: Adidas have been making the All Blacks jersey since 1999
@Dave Sherman: did you get it off the African man on the beach in Spain
@Dave Sherman: I’ve ‘France 98′ underpants. 99p. Only worn on super-special occasions.
Why has it taken this long for them to be on sale to the public?
@Seán O’Sullivan:
Potentially market demand wasn’t there?
@Seán O’Sullivan: I have no idea but I’m sure a man somewhere is to blame for it.
@Government Sachs:
Are you sure it is not Leo’s fault :)
@Seán O’Sullivan: wait till you see the price, your sympathy will likely evaporate
Wonderful news.
My wardrobe is now complete.
Suit men with moobs too!!!! Skin tight jerseys ain’t for everyone!!!!!
Are they going to go the way of Dublin GAA and patronize women by offering it in pink?
@Bar Bar Drinks: Not just Dublin who do that (Donegal, Kildare, Mayo, Cork, Meath etc)
Obviously women don’t believe it to be patronising as plenty on show at matches.
@Bar Bar Drinks: Those pink jerseys are everywhere, and they’re awfully popular for something so “patronising”
@Bar Bar Drinks: Every county has a pink ladies jersey.
@Bar Bar Drinks: actually I think Cardiff still have a pink third kit that they play in for breast cancer awareness
What?? Why now instead of before?
P/S Before anyone asks, I’m not interested…..
Let the bandwagon begin
Hopefully comes in more sizes than ‘too tight’
@john Appleseed: or not
Provinces have done it for a while now surprised it took this long
@Dave O Keeffe: no province have men’s jersey as women’s not the jersey the women wear for the province
@Ollie Watson: apologies, you’re correct
Only €85, you could fly anywhere in Europe and back for that. They will be sold out quick. Better get two and one for everyone in the family.
If Irish people weren’t so over weight the jerseys could be cheaper. We’d also have a cheaper health service.
@6ljJQRRU: What a load of rubbish. You pay the same price for an xs size.