10 replies to this topic

[Karliiiitos]

UEFA today dismissed an appeal from the international players’ union to overturn the bans on six Chelsea and Bayern Munich stars for the Champions League Final.

Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul Meireles were all booked in their semi-final against Barcelona on Tuesday while Bayern’s Luiz Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber suffered a similar fate against Real Madrid last night.

Each received one-match suspensions as it was their third booking of the competition but FIFPro argued they should be cleared to appear in the final at Bayern’s Allianz Arena on May 19.

The players’ union point out that UEFA will adopt FIFA’s policy for Euro 2012 where existing yellow cards are waived after the quarter-finals.

FIFPro spokesman Simon Barker said: “Anybody committing a serious offence in the semi-final should be awarded a red card and miss the final. But offences that result in a yellow card do not justify the serious punishment of missing the match of your life.

“For example, Alaba slipped over and gets the ball kicked against his hand — it is not right that such a player should miss the Champions League Final because of this. Some people say this will give players the licence to kick all and sundry during the semi-final but that is utter nonsense. Any serious offence will result in a red card.”

However, hopes of a reprieve were swiftly ended by UEFA as a spokesman said: “We will not be changing anything at this stage. It is not possible to make decisions of that calibre that quickly.”

UEFA, whose next meeting is not until June in Ukraine, would not be drawn on whether the rule could be changed in future.

Chelsea captain John Terry is also suspended for the final following his straight red in Barcelona.

Although his team-mates are pushing for him to be given special dispensation to join them on the podium to lift the trophy should they win the final, Standard Sport understands the defender has not made the request himself.

http://www.thisislon...rs-7681864.html

[DH!]

Rules are rules and it's fair. It would be the same in the league if it was five yellow cards, it should be no different in Europe.

You have to feel for the players though.

Edited by DH!, 26 April 2012 - 03:28 PM.

[CFC58]

I think Ramires and Ivanovic are much bigger losses than the ones Bayern have. We won't be the same team without them.

[Karliiiitos]

Between the 3 Bayern have lost, they haven't conceded a goal.

They've all played 10 games, not sure if all together.

[KajoCFC]

UEFA can fuck off they're fuckin useless as always. They earning billions from football but they do shite to improve the game.

[Karliiiitos]

It's good reasoning for not overturning it, its been in place all season.

I think they'll review it come the end of May.

[Paul]

The problem that is being over look is the possibility of putting an opposition player out of the game with a foul on purpose, getting a yellow that puts you over the limit, then still being able to play in the final. For example, Terry gives Messi a kick in the Achilles and puts him out of the game. You can use it to gain an unfair advantage.

Also Chelsea fans shouldn't moan, it put them down to liverpools level by wanting an exception of the rules by crying and stamping their feet. Rules are rules whether you like it or not. It's been the same for every team in every European and domestic compitions since time began.

[LFC4EVA]

The problem that is being over look is the possibility of putting an opposition player out of the game with a foul on purpose, getting a yellow that puts you over the limit, then still being able to play in the final. For example, Terry gives Messi a kick in the Achilles and puts him out of the game. You can use it to gain an unfair advantage.

Also Chelsea fans shouldn't moan, it put them down to liverpools level by wanting an exception of the rules by crying and stamping their feet. Rules are rules whether you like it or not. It's been the same for every team in every European and domestic compitions since time began.

Paul,

Liverpool didn't cry and stamp their feet, they simply suggested that as Champions they should be allowed to defend their trophy, otherwise the competition would be pointless. It was the F.A. that complained about it, and dragged their heels because they didn't want to make the decision to exclude either Liverpool or Everton from the competition.

If you dont know the facts then why commit something to writing in a way that suggests you do know the facts, if nothing else it makes you look rather silly.

[Paul]

Sorry, I was just following your lead.

[KajoCFC]

I wonder how the situation would look like if it was FCB and RM who would play in the final and among players who would miss the final becuase of accumulation of yellows cards was Ronaldo and Messi... UEFA would never miss the opportunity to earn a record sume from this final.

[KajoCFC]

Roberto Di Matteo would be happy to join forces with Bayern Munich and contest the bans that will see six players miss the UEFA Champions League final.

Chelsea boss Di Matteo admits it will be 'very difficult' to convince UEFA to change the rules ahead of the showpiece event at Bayern's Allianz Arena home, but he is prepared to take up the fight if there is any chance of getting the yellow card suspensions overturned.

Players' union FIFPro have already called on European football's governing body to consider relaxing their stance on cautions picked up in earlier rounds, but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

UEFA announced on Thursday that they have no plans to let those set to sit out the Champions League final on 19th May off the hook.

Bayern and Chelsea could add their voice to the mounting calls for a suspension amnesty, though, and Di Matteo claims he would be willing to help front a joint challenge.

He said: "If there's any possibility, we would consider it, of course.

"But I think it would prove very difficult."

Change

Ramires, Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles will all miss the final after being cautioned in the Blues' extraordinary semi-final second leg at Barcelona.

Bayern, meanwhile, lost Holger Badstuber, David Alaba and Luiz Gustavo after their own last four triumph over Real Madrid.

Even if both clubs fail in any bid to overturn the bans, Di Matteo has called for a rule change to be introduced from next season that would see the caution slate wiped clean at the quarter-final stage.

That would bring the Champions League into line with the World Cup and European Championships.

Di Matteo said: "Maybe they'll look at it and maybe change it for the future.

"Right now, it would be difficult. It'll be nice if they did that."