Poll: *Uefa Champions League Semi-final*- **Spoilers**

[Loki]

BBC News 24 confirming that UEFA have said United can't appeal and Fletcher will miss the final

As much as it's a tragedy that he misses the final nothing would be worse for him to play or score in the final and all the ABU's claiming favouritism. A terrible decision and the rules should be changed for next season. End of debate.

 

[Owenb]

A fickle bunch, but there is a difference between playing well and getting results. It was only up until a fortnight ago Man Utd were in all FIVE competitions and only a shocking refereeing decision over a penalty for the second year running in the FA cup stopped it being an FA Cup final. Man Utd also broke the European record for clean sheets this year, won the World Club Championship at a canter, won the League Cup final with a majority reserve side, are top of the EPL and in the European Cup final.

Of course, I don't expect us to get the credit we deserve, much like last year where we weren't the best team (still Barcelona even though we beat them) nor had the best player (The trophy was still warm from Ronaldo's grasp before people claimed he wasn't the best ).

The mentality of the English fans really does bother me.

Now you are just making stuff up! Who claimed barca were the best team in europe last season? They finished 3rd in la liga, some 20 points behind the 'mighty' Real, and were in disarray when ye played them.

UTD get plenty of credit- lets not forget they were labelled the untouchables a few months ago before they hit the horrible run of form.

 

[B1gbeard]

Thats the issue though. Arsenal do not need wholesale changes. Players like Diaby and Song will feature more by default than by design. Of course they will get better but so will the players like Torres at Liverpool, Mancien at Chelsea, Rafael at Utd.

At the moment Arsenal are missing players who are Technically complete for their position, experienced campaigners and more importantly leaders when the chips are down. Henry, Bergkamp, Adams, and Vieria have been replaced by Vela, Bendtener, Gallas and Denilson.

In the day we had the advantage of pretty much the pick of the young french talent which is now gone.

Its harder for us to find these complete players. As an example someone like Senna. Arguably we would be a move up from Villareal who are still fighting for CL football next season and he would have an immediate impact on our team. As soon as he became available though we would probably stand little chance of getting him or for that matter afford him.

 

[dannyjo22]

BBC News 24 confirming that UEFA have said United can't appeal and Fletcher will miss the final

Unless the Ref makes a recommendation in his report?

 

[HarryPainful]

Unless the Ref makes a recommendation in his report?

I hope he does, that was a shocking card to give.

 

[Goksly]

Unless the Ref makes a recommendation in his report?

I dont think it matters? Only way a card gets overturned is if the ref says the card was for ferdinand or fabregas (i.e. accidently sent off the wrong player)? He can't just say 'my bad, I made a mistake and it should have been a free kick...' and it be revoked.

 

[Grouch]

I dont think it matters? Only way a card gets overturned is if the ref says the card was for ferdinand or fabregas (i.e. accidently sent off the wrong player)? He can't just say 'my bad, I made a mistake and it should have been a free kick...' and it be revoked.

That's right, according to the BBC report

"Manchester United have the right to protest the decision within 24 hours of the match," said a Uefa spokesman.

"However, the protest is only admissible if the referee made an error and mistakenly identified and cautioned or sent off the wrong player."

"There cannot be an appeal against a factual decision taken by the referee and there is nothing to indicate that the referee made a mistake in identifying Fletcher as the player he penalised last night."

 

[NokkonWud]

Weren't you the player that was adament that it was a penalty in the Man Utd Vs Spurs match because gomes either didn't touch it (complete lie) or "get enough on it"? How does it feel to have another slight touch go completely against you?

I`m hoping for some great football in the final so I have to hope barca beat chelsea today! It will be in the middle of my exams, but should make an epic final!!

I knew someone would make a completely nonsensical comparison between that and this. The point of the Man Utd penalty was that Carrick touched it first and Gomes was lucky to touch it, had Carrick not flicked it onto Gomes' hands, and it was a fraction of a touch. He didn't beat the striker to the ball and also took the player down.

Fabregas didn't touch the ball at all and it was a heavy touch by Fletcher.

Also, the comparisons between a nothing league match and a straight red card (Gomes didn't even get a straight red), and missing a Champions League final in a cup competition are nothing alike. But as I said, I knew someone would be foolish to try and make a comparison.

 

[NokkonWud]

Now you are just making stuff up! Who claimed barca were the best team in europe last season?

Everyone just before we played them. They were untouchable given the form they were in. With not having to concentrate on the league they would be able to rest players and really go in Europe. I suggest you search these very forums if you think I am 'making stuff up'.

UTD get plenty of credit- lets not forget they were labelled the untouchables a few months ago before they hit the horrible run of form.

Oh yes, sorry, we were complimented for grinding out wins. We weren't praised on passing, free flowing football or pitch dominance. My point is, Man Utd are always given the bare minimum of compliments.

 

[Owenb]

Everyone just before we played them. They were untouchable given the form they were in. With not having to concentrate on the league they would be able to rest players and really go in Europe. I suggest you search these very forums if you think I am 'making stuff up'.


Oh yes, sorry, we were complimented for grinding out wins. We weren't praised on passing, free flowing football or pitch dominance. My point is, Man Utd are always given the bare minimum of compliments.

Yawn.

Here was my comment before the semi 12 months ago, search it if you want.

"Not many big cup winners. Barca have World cup, European cup, and champions league winner in the squad. At this stage that counts, no matter how poorly the team is playing atm- and they are *rubbish* atm!! Man U are still hot favourites in my eyes but there is always a doubt in sport. "

Look through the thread, most people believed UTD would win. I know your are on a high today after last nights result, but try and keep some perspective.

 

[jakeke]

It wasn't a great challenge though from Fletcher, it was always dangerous and as somebody said, with Arsenal needing 5 goals in 15 minutes, why not just let him score, it was always going to end badly imo.

Man Utd were better in both legs and deserved to go through, not going to try and make excuses but all the people who think Arsenal need 'wholesale changes' are over reacting a bit. Yeah, Man Utd were clearly better, but I have no doubt that Clichy and Gallas would have made that a different game. The midfield have been very frightened of leaving the defence alone recently, therefore meaning they have to play way deeper therefore hindering any attacking play at all. Also, Adebayor should hopefully be sold in the summer and in my dreams Eduardo will become the new main striker, although someone will probably be brought in.

I am personally happy and proud that the team reached the Semi's, and it might not have been such a stroll for Man Utd had Gibbs not slipped, Arsenal started quite well, but that really did end the game. Good goal from Ronaldo too, struck it well, but Almunia should have done better (can't really complain about him recently, he was the only reason the tie was still alive!)

 

[NokkonWud]

I'm not on a high any more than any other day. The result was nothing less than I expected and I said as much before the game as afterwards.

 

[Shamikebab]

Can't be rescinded

 

[FrankJH]

It wasn't a great challenge though from Fletcher, it was always dangerous and as somebody said, with Arsenal needing 5 goals in 15 minutes, why not just let him score, it was always going to end badly imo.

It wasnt a dangerous tackle at all - far worse ones (like Ade's on Anderson a few minutes later) get away comparatively scott free

 

[G|mp]

It wasnt a dangerous tackle at all - far worse ones (like Ade's on Anderson a few minutes later) get away comparatively scott free

I think he means dangerous in the sense that it was risky.

 

[jakeke]

Obviously ^^

 

[*Chris]

Am I the only one that thinks that Arsenal's wall needs to learn to jump?

Gutted for Fletch and feel sorry for Gibbs though.

 

[Yas786]

I agree, I don't see what some Arsenal fans are seeing. Arsenal are only 3 signings away from being a fearful side. What is weird is that they have Eduardo on the bench who is much better than Adebayor.

What we are seeing is that Wenger isnt making the signings that we need as a team to compete and win trophies..its as simple as that. I love Wenger, i think hes a brilliant manager but his signings or lack of them and his steadfast approach on nurturing youth just isnt working and thats what the biggest problem is.
Its not like Arsenal havent got the money, they do but have become very jewish in the way they spend that money they have locked away. Sure hes signed Arshavin but a little too late??..fact is we should have signed him before Jan so he could have at least given us an attacking option in the CL but no we signed him after Jan so we couldnt use him in the CL.

Biggest mistake Wenger made was getting rid of Viera and a few other senior players over the past few yrs...that was the turning point. Fine maybe Viera was on his way out ie wasnt playing to his highest standard but getting rid of him along with Pires and Henry meant we havent really had a senior player to guide these youngsters. Sure Gallas is probably the most senior of players now in the squad but hes been injured and my god have we missed him and Clichy...not only that Gallas has shown that hes not a very good captain ie his massive Le Sulk at B'ham last season when we completely and utterly blew our chances of winning the Prem title. Injuries earlier in the season ruined our title hopes and thankfully we have sewn up the 4th place because a few mths ago there was a good chance we wouldnt even qualify for the CL next yr.

Now im not saying Wenger needs to go but how many more seasons do us Arsenal fans have to go through without a trophy in our cabinet??...its getting ridiculous and i wouldnt be surprised if Wenger is pushed out next yr if yet again we fail to win anything...Wenger needs to sign some big players in the off season ie some decent defensive players for a start...get rid of Bendtner, Adebayor and a few others who arent playing up to their potential. WE definitely need some experienced players so can guide the youngsters and i think thats what we are really missing....Fabregas as much as i love him, isnt cut out to be a captain...hes far too young but then taking it away from him means who are we going to give it to??

Now i just hope Barca give Chelski a right good beating tonight then go on to give Man Utd a battering in the final...but honestly i have a feeling its going to be another Chelski and Man Utd final...something that i really hope doesnt happen as we all know what happened last yr..penalties

 

[Viper²]

Barca to win 4-1 tonight - 66/1.

 

[y2viks]

I knew someone would make a completely nonsensical comparison between that and this. The point of the Man Utd penalty was that Carrick touched it first and Gomes was lucky to touch it, had Carrick not flicked it onto Gomes' hands, and it was a fraction of a touch. He didn't beat the striker to the ball and also took the player down.

Fabregas didn't touch the ball at all and it was a heavy touch by Fletcher.

Also, the comparisons between a nothing league match and a straight red card (Gomes didn't even get a straight red), and missing a Champions League final in a cup competition are nothing alike. But as I said, I knew someone would be foolish to try and make a comparison.

I'm not sure why the two aren't comparable.

Even if it was a fraction of a touch (I think it was more then a fraction myself) the fact that he did touch it means it didn't constitute a penalty because he got the ball first. He did take out Carrick too, but I think as a keeper that's inevitable when you go to ground.

While the competitions are nothing alike in terms of their stature, shouldn't rules be standard through all levels of the game? At 0-2 down at home, I didn't think it was a "nothing" league match, it's kept us firmly in control of retaining the Premiership