1. Serious foul play (includes any use of excessive force or brutality against an opponent when challenging for the ball. Examples include a dangerous slide tackle from behind, or an “over the top tackle” in which a player raises his foot so the cleats could hit a player, or a two footed tackle that takes down the opponent. FIFA has broadened this definition by saying that “Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force and endangering the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.

For current rules visit http://www.fifa.com, Laws of the Game. The above quote is from Questions and Answers, Additional Instructions for Referees). The rules now include “Decision 4″, which says: “A tackle, which endangers the safety of an opponent, must be sanctioned as serious foul play”.

Pegasus and Saban: I agree with your concerns. If I were the God of all things FIFA, a red card would mean that player was booked and suspended per current rules, and the team was down a player for 20 minutes, not the entire game. Similar to hockey but for a longer time period. Of course, it’ll never happen, so red cards will continue to completely change the fabric of every game in which they are issued. This is also the reason for the famous international “make-up” red cards that happen so often.

Red Cards and PKs toss in a tremendous amount of chance into the game and turn the referee into way too much of a factor in the outcome of the contest compared to most other team sports.

But that’s football for you! : )

It can even be a red card if you miss the player, just on intent alone.

I think cards should be pulled and players ejectd more frequently (until players adapt).

But I hate seeing a game where a team is playing a man down.

2 is the first replay.
http://www.3rddegree.net/wp-co...nt/uploads/2009/06/replay1.jpg

3 is the second replay.
http://www.3rddegree.net/wp-co...nt/uploads/2009/06/replay2.jpg

please show how me that is anything but a leading right footed cleats first tackle. The defender lunges from 3 yards out, leads with the cleats of the right foot with his left leg under his body. You can clearly see his cleats going into the Shea’s feet on the ball.

The first red card was not only deserved- it was textbook foul play. How on God’s green earth anyone could think otherwise is beyond comprehension.

I didn’t particularily like non FCD players- I miss the reserve team quality. Those reserve league games on Sunday mornings were brutal and fun.