h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

"[controversial decision x] spoilt the game as a spectacle".

This just makes no sense!

Now, if I was watching Hamlet and the actor playing Hamlet was caught by a late sliding tackle from behind and was unable to continue, it would spoil the play as a spectacle. Similarly if I bought a DVD of Lord of the Rings and it had no sound - it would spoil the film as a spectacle.

Although I can see that an early sending off might 'spoil the game as a spectacle', football is primarily a game first, and a spectacle second.

*Gimli sent off for violent conduct*

"I'll give you violent conduct!"

*the referee no longer has a head... problem solved *

"Similarly if I bought a DVD of Lord of the Rings and it had no sound - it would spoil the film as a spectacle."

Well, no, it wouldn't. The spectacle is what you see, so the absence of sound would make no difference whatsoever.

B

Surely in that case it would improve the experience.

And if it could take away the pictures as well, then we would have a rip roaring success on our hands!

It would be a bit like being at a Birmingham City game.

B

Emile Heskey - A Championship player

Only another three divisions to go before he finds his level, then.

B

I have known referees spoil the game as a spectacle - usually by blowing for every petty infringement and bodily contact, so the game becomes a series of set pieces instead of a contest.

Such matches are usually thickly distributed during the first week of the world cup.
I anticipate with trepidation another 'crackdown' on a certain issue by FIFA coming up soon...

*hopes not this time '