What We're Reading
Falcao Hurt: Colombia Loses Top Scorer for World Cup
- Marca, Thursday, January 23, 2014 2:18 PM
Striker Radamel Falcao, expected a top player at this summer's World Cup and the key to Colombia's hopes, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will be sidelined for at least six months. Falcao, who scored nine goals for Colombia in World Cup qualifying was stretchered off the field in Monaco's Coupe de France clash with Chasselay after being taken down from behind by Soner Ertek. (video)
Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri was furious with referee Philippe Kalt for not taking firmer action against Chasselay's players. As Falcao was being taken away, Ranieri could be heard screaming at Kalt, "I told you before."
Chasselay president Jocelyn Fontanel said he has received threats from Colombia over the injury. "There were two sentences of Spanish abuse, threats and insults. It demanded a lifetime suspension for Soner Ertek. We will not take these messages seriously."
Falcao joined Monaco last summer from Atletico Madrid on an $80 million transfer after helping Atletico to Spanish Cup, Europa League and UEFA Super Cup titles.
Absolutely disgusting! Let's face it there is a substantial portion of the soccer family that sees incidents like this as just a normal part of a physical game. Until that attitude becomes less prominent (especially among the Brit announcers) there will be no movement to lessen the number of such incidents. While it's easy to blame this referee (and admittedly he deserves a chunk of blame and a free eye test) decisions such as this don't exist in a vacuum. Referees are surrounded by media constantly harping on the evils of "diving" and of the inherent physicalness of the game. They also work in an institutional environment that is historicaly reluctant to punish the thugs. Until the world around them begins to support a clampdown on such play, referees will generally follow theit incentives and "let them play".