World Cup 2026

[Im_Spartacus]

I saw that the Paraguay player got sent off for covering his mouth when talking to someone. Gayest rule ever

I get the intention behind it - players are fast enough to eff and jeff towards the referee, so it massively begs the question what it is they are saying they don't want lip readers to pick up.

But if we're going to start booking or sending players off because of what they might be doing, that's a slippery slope when we can't even get it right on what they are observably doing.

[PeterParker]

I saw that the Paraguay player got sent off for covering his mouth when talking to someone. Gayest rule ever

I get the intention behind it - players are fast enough to eff and jeff towards the referee, so it massively begs the question what it is they are saying they don't want lip readers to pick up.

But if we're going to start booking or sending players off because of what they might be doing, that's a slippery slope when we can't even get it right on what they are observably doing.

I think, even with the consequences, players should be allowed to swear and do their thing. If it stays on the pitch, then they should be allowed to do this.

I have this image stuck in my mind, it is the World Cup final in 1990, Argentina just came in after beating Italy, the host, and while the anthems, the Italians in the crowd were booing the Argentine one. Maradona was fumming, all cameras were on him and he was letting all out.

That is, for me, one of the images of Italy 90. Today that wouldn't be allowed.

And I understand where is it coming from and I mostly agree with the reasoning, I just think these rules will make it even harder to solve the real problems like racism and similar.

[Im_Spartacus]

I saw that the Paraguay player got sent off for covering his mouth when talking to someone. Gayest rule ever

I get the intention behind it - players are fast enough to eff and jeff towards the referee, so it massively begs the question what it is they are saying they don't want lip readers to pick up.

But if we're going to start booking or sending players off because of what they might be doing, that's a slippery slope when we can't even get it right on what they are observably doing.

I think, even with the consequences, players should be allowed to swear and do their thing. If it stays on the pitch, then they should be allowed to do this.

I have this image stuck in my mind, it is the World Cup final in 1990, Argentina just came in after beating Italy, the host, and while the anthems, the Italians in the crowd were booing the Argentine one. Maradona was fumming, all cameras were on him and he was letting all out.

That is, for me, one of the images of Italy 90. Today that wouldn't be allowed.

And I understand where is it coming from and I mostly agree with the reasoning, I just think these rules will make it even harder to solve the real problems like racism and similar.

I agree, it won't solve anything - but regardless what the player in the case which caused this rule did/didn't say, the allegation (and what he was subsequently found guilty of) didn't reflect well on anyone in the end and was damaging for everyone including football generally given how high profile it was.

I don't think anyone has an issue with them swearing generally in the heat of the moment even Fifa/Uefa, though in the Maradona situation you mention these days he'd have got a big fine after the game because there was no doubt he did it - and Maradona would have happily paid the fine as a 'cost of doing business'. Actively seeking to hide your words is not being caught in a moment, it's knowing you don't want to be caught - and likely in the vinny jr case it backfired spectacularly.

I think the 'did he/didn't he' for weeks was the biggest problem with the vinny jr incident, it's one thing that I think Fifa to be fair I'm impressed were so decisive about it - as even the suspicion and speculation was far more damaging to the wider game than what was actually said.

[nottsblue]

Messi becomes the all time goal scorer in World Cup Finals with 17 after his goal today

[CTID Hants]

France v Iraq, Half time morphed from the time memorium 15 minutes to an all time fifa low of TWO HOURS....

Words fail....

[CBEM]

Patrick Vierra making Senegal very strong favourites, they may win but they certainly are not favourites by any stretch of the imagination.

I hope Norway fuck them all ends up.

[nottsblue]

Another brace from the Viking

[Mase]

Imagine Mbappe being your captain absolute odious little runt being the leader, what an example.

[zuricity]

Another brace from the Viking

I wonder in how few games Haarland will overtake Messi in the wm? Four in two games, so far

Messi is on 18.

[sheblue]

I cant help but feel that Mr Haaland was taking it a bit 'easy' last season as for him (he has won it all with us now) this season was all about the WC.
Maybe I am being a bit too skeptical.

[nottsblue]

I cant help but feel that Mr Haaland was taking it a bit 'easy' last season as for him (he has won it all with us now) this season was all about the WC.
Maybe I am being a bit too skeptical.

I don’t think you are far off the mark there

It had already been noted in match threads that this could well be the case

[Im_Spartacus]

I cant help but feel that Mr Haaland was taking it a bit 'easy' last season as for him (he has won it all with us now) this season was all about the WC.
Maybe I am being a bit too skeptical.

I don’t think you are far off the mark there

It had already been noted in match threads that this could well be the case

Strange one isn't it, as earlier in the season he was putting a real shift in - some of the games early doors he looked like he had it all. Whether it's him or Pep I dunno - I find it strange Pep wouldn't have wanted him putting it about and defending from the front - what is for sure is that I don't think we've seen Haaland anywhere near what he could be.

[bigblue]

Stones claiming that he was fit pretty much all season is laughable

[Nick]

Wank.

Did kus really get murdered btw or not? I saw bits

[PeterParker]

Wank.

Did kus really get murdered btw or not? I saw bits

He was, but Bernie was absolute class https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=141 ... 9081334325

No idea if Dias & Nunes did the same, as the cameras caught only Bernardo.

[Mase]

Just watched the highlights - Bellingham acting like a cunt and Morgan Rogers with his arm around him while they're walking off hahahaha if the Ghana boys want to smash your head in, little 'Morgz' is doing nothing to stop it

[sheblue]

Anthony Gordon has been very poor, Barcelona must be delighted.
Why did tuchel persist in long corners when Ghana had massive lads in the box.

[bigblue]

A day later and still have no idea how a pen wasn't given to Ghana after Konas challenge. Lunged in no where near the ball and took out the striker's knees with his whole body. Probably one of the clearest penalties I've seen for a long time

[CBEM]