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HOT AIR 28-1-08
Jeff Winter
CLICK HERE TO JOIN IN JEFF'S LIVE Q & A SESSION...
Despite the fantastic performance of Havant & Waterlooville this weekend, the major talking point was probably the balloon assisted goal that helped Sheffield United knock Manchester City out of the FA Cup.
I am sure that the red half of Manchester and many other fans will be having a laugh at City's expense but what if it happened to you?
The FA Cup always brings out the balloons, the inflatable haddocks etc etc. It's almost part of the fun and magic of the cup.
This is not the first time that balloons have been flying around the pitch at kick off and usually they are quickly stamped upon and the game proceeds.
On this occasion, however, it was not just a couple there were loads. And they were not near the corner flag but actually in the goal mouth.
It was farcical and an accident waiting to happen. Sven said that he had mentioned it to the officials, I am not sure which one, and then was told that the keeper could stamp them out.
If this is correct then it borders on arrogance and stupidity.
The game should have been stopped and within about thirty seconds a few size ten studs would have got rid of the problem.
This did not happen but what happened next intrigues me.
The Laws of the Game, unless they have been changed, state what should happen when "outside interference" takes place. They obviously don't specifically mention balloons but the term is there to cover a multitude of things.
The more usual would be if a dog (it used to happen a lot) or the "Highbury Squirrel" or more likely a fan comes on to the field and actually plays the ball.
The game has to be stopped and restarted with a drop ball where the interference took place.
Not wishing to give anyone an idea but if a fan ran on to the pitch and stopped the ball going over the goal line as a goal was about to be scored, again this is "outside interference" and a goal would not be awarded. The game would start with a drop ball.
That is what should have happened on Sunday. The minute the ball hit the balloon and its direction was altered, the game should have been stopped and a drop ball awarded.
Having said that with a little bit of common sense it should never have got to that! I bet Man City fans don't take balloons to games anymore though!!
Tonight, like every Monday night, I will be doing a live Q&A session on FansOnline.
I am sure that some of you will have opinions on this and other footballing matters. All unanswered questions will be answered during the next seven days on my my official website.
Enjoy your football.
YOU CAN READ MANY MORE OF JEFF'S ARTICLES ON HIS OFFICIAL SITE
RETURN TO JEFF WINTER'S SOCCER SPOTLIGHT INDEX HERE
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