Graham Poll: International Man Of Mystery
The mystery obviously being “what in the hell was Graham Poll doing yesterday during the Croatia v Australia game?”
The game was action packed from start to finish so let’s take some of the main incidents one at a time (even though it’ll take a while so inept was his performance):
Mark Viduka wrestled to the ground in the box by Simunic (more on him later!) - NO PENALTY - one of the most obvious penalties I’ve seen in years but Poll didn’t give it. His linesmen must have had the night off as well which is equally reprehensible.
Stjepan Tomas handles in Croatia’s box and poll gives a penalty - RIGHT DECISION - the only surprise was that Poll seen it at all. Craig Moore scored to level the game at 1-1 after Srna’s great free kick had put Croatia a goal up.
Dario Simic sent off for two bookable offences - RIGHT DECISION - no arguments for either booking.
Brett Emerton sent off for two bookable offences - RIGHT DECISION - two needless bookings have ruled the Blackburn man out of the second round for absolutely no reason at all. His own fault though.
Stjepan Tomas again handles in the Croatia box - NO PENALTY - Graham Poll really needs to take a trip to Specsavers. Another blatant handball, jumping high and pushing the ball out of play like a basketball player. How he didn’t see it I’ll never know.
Niko Kovac drills a shot from outside the box and Mark Schwarzer’s late replacement Zelkjo Kalac makes a shocking blunder and throws the ball into his own net. One of those heart stopping moments in football as the whole of Australia saw their World Cup dreams in tatters.
Harry Kewell scores an equaliser to send Australia into the second round but he was in an offside position when the ball was played to him - GOAL GIVEN - again Poll and his linesmen make a poor decision which has ultimately eliminated Croatia from the World Cup.
The best one is still to come though. Remember our friend Josip Simunic who I mentioned above rugby tackling Mark Viduka and getting away with it in the first half? Graham Poll managed to book him twice during the 90 minutes and didn’t send him off. Well, he did send him off but only after giving him a third yellow card after the 90 minutes were up and Simunic gave him some verbal abuse.
Aren’t referees supposed to wirte down the numbers of the players they’ve booked? Why have two linesmen and a fourth official PLUS being wired up for on pitch microphones if none of the officials are watching what’s happening? Mark Viduka has said he asked Graham Poll how many yellow cards Simunic had after he displayed the second one and Poll said one. Viduka knew the real answer but left the ref to his decision. If Simunic had popped up with the winner at the other end I doubt very much Mr. Viduka would have been quite so willing to accept the ref’s word.
For a World Cup referee from a developed footballing nation (England for those who aren’t familiar with Mr. Poll) to have made such a monumental error is unforgiveable. To have made three or four in a match ofthis magnitude for both nations should mean that Poll never referees at the top level again and after such a hopeless display I can’t say I’m sorry.
The best bit is that the ITV commentator said at the start of the highlights of this game that Poll was in such good form at the tournament that he had a real chance of refereeing the World Cup Final. Talk about giving someone the Kiss of Death!
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Past World Cups
6 opinions for Graham Poll: International Man Of Mystery
Bald Man
Jun 23, 2006 at 1:35 pm
The story of the Cup so far has been the poor quality of the officiating. And I’m not just saying that as a disgruntled US fan. I didn’t see yesterday’s match, but I’ve heard that the Ghana PK was dubious at best.
Alan
Jun 23, 2006 at 1:42 pm
The Ghana penalty looked extremely soft to say the least and you’re quite right, the quality of refereeing has been abysmal this time round.
The main problem with this is that we can’t even blame FIFA for making the rules more obtuse and confusing the refs, they’ve just been missing blatant indiscretions (like Graham Poll last night) and giving wrong decisions (Ghana’s penalty).
It’s a growing problem.
Bald Man
Jun 23, 2006 at 1:57 pm
A good friend of mine has a theory that world politics plays a significant role. He thinks this is a stage where the world gets its opportunity to stick boot in the US. Add that to the bias of good teams getting the call (”He had to be fouled! Brazilians don’t just fall down on their own.”) and an off-year for officials…. Ye gods!
Alan
Jun 23, 2006 at 1:59 pm
Bit of paranoia from your friend there thinking that the US are the victims of a conspiracy. The problem is that every country gets these decisions against them regularly in international football and every club at domestic level.
The problem isn’t corruption (per se) or anti-American bias, it’s just rubbish referees.
Bald Man
Jun 23, 2006 at 2:20 pm
I wouldn’t call it a conspiracy, just the natural extension of bias.
Alan
Jun 23, 2006 at 2:26 pm
A Bald Man splitting hairs, now I’ve heard it all! ;-)
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: