I hope gunnerblog arrived at the assertion that it was good thing that Gallas was not at the Stoke game independent of my previous statement on the matter.

“Ryan Shawcross’ tackle on Aaron Ramsey was no accident”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1254472/GRAHAM-POLL-Ryan-Shawcross-tackle-Aaron-Ramsey-accident.html

Just wanted to add – it could have been 4 players. I recall Vieira having his shin pad broken from an appalling tackle from a Sheffield Utd(?) thug too.

I realize he didn’t suffer a broken leg on that occasion, if only because the pad bore the force. But the point is the recklessness of these challenges as players have total disregard for their fellow professionals as they launch themselves through the air, completely out of control, in the general direction of the ball, hoping just to at least nick it so as to somehow justify the clattered player they’ve left prostrate on the ground.

I’m not saying that describes the Shawcross challenge. But the mentality to attempt these low percentage tackles is there. And it reeks of an ambivalence to the potential consequences.

I would like to say to the media that they correct Ramsey headlines which have some version of “he broke his leg…’ he did not break his leag. His leg was broken. Get that part right and maybe you can restore some credibility (right

1960 actually refers to the Squaw Valley Olympics where the USA beat Canada at ‘their’ game, hockey. Hopefully we can repeat today. Speaking of ice hockey, there is example of a well regulated sport where violence is part and parcel of the game. A hit from behind, a hit to the head are severely dealt with. 5 min major penalty (the penalized team plays a man down no matter how many goals are scored), the offender is kicked out of the game and the league usually suspends the player for 5-6 games without pay. If you are a repeat offender, then you’re suspended for months and that is also without pay as well. Hit players in their wallets and maybe they will get a clue.

A player (Cormier) elbowed a player in the head at center ice in a major-junior game and he has been suspended for the rest of the season. He was the top draft pick of the NJ Devils and they traded his ass away before he even put on their jersey.