TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR MANAGER Andre Villas-Boas says Gareth Bale is being persecuted after he was booked for diving during a 2-1 win over Sunderland.
Bale was cautioned for simulation despite appearing to have been impeded by Craig Gardner and is now suspended from his team’s next match against Reading on Tuesday.
“It’s a big mistake from the ref,” Villas-Boas told Sky Sports.
“I understand that reputations are created from the outside – from the media – and it’s a bit unfair. If you see the images, Gardner focuses not on the ball but the player. It’s extremely unfair that he misses the Reading game for such a big mistake.
“If I’m not wrong, we had the same situation with Defoe in the first half and … it looks like persecution (against Bale).
“Players have a responsibility and we have to take that into consideration. We want to take it out of the game. I think our game is respectful and there is fair play. But with the speed they go and then there is contact it is a difficult one for the referee. To see Gareth punished again is a little bit unfair.
“We have to let it go. We lose him for the Reading game, we just recover the boys and continue a magnificent run of form and results.”
So so proud of you Séan, it’s been a joy to watch you grow up and become the man are today x
Disappointed insurance hasn’t been sorted out these days. What’s it going to take…
Best of luck with whatever you do. Your story needs to be told to all young players out there who dream of nothing more than football there has to be a back up plan just in case it all goes belly up. Poor form on the club and the insurance too and the response from the FAI well say no more. There should a player welfare officer for LOI players for issues like this..
@Jill Elliott: There is a new excellent player welfare manager with the PFAI to hopefully tackle some of the issues and provide awareness and guidance to players on career pathways. This lad would be brilliant to speak to players in our league to highlight the realities of playing football in Ireland. Longer term the FAI needs to provide player welfare and assistance to all players.
@Jill Elliott: There is an excellent new player welfare manager with the PFAI who will be tackling these issues and provide guidance and expertise to players. This lad would be brilliant to be brought out to talk to players in our league to highlight the good and the stark realities of playing football in Ireland. Long term the FAI needs to have a player welfare and education role for all players here and abroad.
I have to say Sean , as a limerick man I’m surprised that you being a dub has got involved in a schoolboy team , u 13 s In limerick , not that it’s a bad thing . I urge you to keep faith in what you love , the rest will follow.I have great admiration for what your dad Martin did for soccer in limerick , his philosophy lacked a plan B ,and off the field he had problems , and so did pat o Sullivan . Limerick is a proud city and a great sporting city , lovely to have you aboard .2021 will be a new chapter for soccer in this city , watch this space .hail , hail .
You’ll have long term effects of your first ACL whether you get a second one done or not.
Sorry but it is a fickle career so what did he expect, the pressure on these young men is outrageous!
@Carol Cunningham: nice sentiments
@Carol Cunningham: what an omlette you are
The best league in the world
Use your experiences to help others in the football world. It will make a huge difference. Use your ideas about guidance to get the PFAI to start helping others. Get all your coaching badges as I believe you will make a great coach. Best wishes.