Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates this evening, confirming their place in the quarter finals of the Champions League. The Gunners were aware of the challenge ahead, having seen the quality of their opponents in the first leg, where the German side delivered an impressive performance.
Arsenal understood that progression in the competition requires both consistency and focus, particularly against an opponent equally determined to advance. Leverkusen began the match with a disciplined defensive approach, making it difficult for Arsenal to create clear opportunities. The Gunners were forced to remain patient, eventually breaking the deadlock after the 35th minute through an outstanding goal from Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal Take Control
Eze has been a key figure for Arsenal this season, and his goal once again demonstrated his importance to the team’s ambitions. His contribution provided the breakthrough the home side needed after a tightly contested opening period. Despite taking the lead into the interval, Arsenal were fully aware that the tie remained finely balanced, with Leverkusen likely to push for an equaliser in the second half.
Professional Performance Seals Progress
Arsenal approached the second half with the same level of discipline, recognising that a single goal advantage offered little margin for error. Declan Rice extended their lead, giving the hosts greater control and underlining their intent to secure qualification. Kai Havertz also found the net shortly after being introduced, although his effort was ruled out for offside.
From that point, Arsenal managed the game effectively, limiting Leverkusen’s opportunities and maintaining composure in possession. Their ability to control the tempo ensured that the match concluded without further complications, sealing an important victory. The result reflects a mature and composed performance, highlighting Arsenal’s growing confidence in European competition as they progress to the next stage.
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Very good performance from all. But the stand out by a country mile, Big Dec. Gyokores, Eze, Zubimendi and Hindcapie looked better tonight. Trossard and Eze were very clever in the first half. Team did what they had to do, with no dramas.
GAI, unfortunately Saka is being overplayed and his form is dereiorating from his normal high standards. This appears irrational when Madueke is a more than adequate replacement.
Norgaard is another, who should be utilised to reduce the playing pressure on Zubimendi in his first season in the EPL.
Couldn’t agree more.
A very good exercise to prepare for the League Cup final game
Gyokeres’ hold-up play was very good, Eze’s shot was excellent despite not having plenty of chances to shoot, Rice worked hard as usual and Raya’s focus was great
Sporting would likely be a more difficult opposition, but I’m sure the Gunners can get past them
@Gai The Boys were up for it at the Emirate stadium. And Arsenal fans after Everton victory were at their supportive best.
BSaka yet to pick form. IMO, at this stage Arteta just been sentimental about using him ahead of Madueke.
With Arteta’s technical ability I believe Arsenal will. Overcome Sporting CP even if they proof stubborn.
Saka always plays ahead of Madueke, maybe because Saka tends to play much safer as compared to the former Chelsea winger and that tendency might be what Arteta’s tactics require in the first 45 minutes of the games
I’d prefer Madueke’s high-risk decisions and tricks though. Madueke is also slightly taller, but Saka has been Arsenal’s poster boy for several seasons
GAI
i admit Sake has not hit the heights he has set for us and himself in recent seasons and at time he seems to be making incorrect decision or snatching at shots but being in the team because he is the poster boy. come on, your better then that
i have noticed that he has been doubled up on many occasions but that frees up players around him. his work rate and tracking back is fair greater then Madueke
his corners are only 2nd to Decs
we are fortunate to have 2 really good options on the right which are being used to there full potential
onwards and upwards
Spot on Alan. Saka’s output has gone down but he’s still very effective in other ways, a bit like Gyokeres, even when he doesn’t score goals.
Only Timber,Rice,Zubimendi and Hincapie have made more tackles than Saka in the the Premier League and he’s won the most duels of any Arsenal player. This part of the game is rarely appreciated by fans but for Arteta it’s important. It is why Martinelli was being picked last season ahead of Trossard despite Trossard being better going forward. Trossard had to improve his workrate to get into the team- Noni still needs to improve in this aspect.
Great win to take into the weekends game! Good to get Sporting in the quarters, could’ve been worse
Great win, a spot in the next round. Attention to the cup final against City next. COYG!
Wasn’t a great performance today but a solid enough one to get the win, in the end it was our constant counter press that got us the goals and the win. Leverkusen are a very good side , compact and play quick one – two touch football especially in the midfield where I felt they were better than us. We should have scored more but the final decisions on the final pass was wanting. The introduction of Norgaard to replace Zubimendi was a very good one , all the substitions were good but I feel martinelli should be coached on what to do with the ball before he gets it so his decision making would be better. Saka too needs some time of rest, his form and final balls are becoming less potent. Good save by raya in the closing stages to keep his clean sheet. Great goals by Eze and rice. Sporting cp it is and VG14 gets a date with his former club . COYG.
A bit of a blinkered comment Emperor. If you have been watching the last three or four games carefully, you would have noticed that a number of our goals including Dowman’ s have come from Martinelli’s quick thinking. His flick into open space lead to that opportunity. Today, Martinelli did the defensive job he was sent out to do. With both the two non athletic lumber heads Harvetz and Gyorkes on the field there were few opportunities for Martinelli to link up in the attack given the time available.
I am really glad Eze was on scoreline tonight as thought he would be, congratulations to us the fans and the team 🙌🌲
Next to the ELF CUP… All up GUNNERS 🔥🙌
Jolly good.
Also Citeh are out of the CL… demolished by Madrid. Which could be good or bad for us, who knows. Either way, hopefully they’re utterly shattered!
going off topic
well done to CAF
I said at the time we hadn’t heard the end of this and was told I didn’t understand and Senegal wouldn’t mind the fines
this is the only way you stamp out the cheating
Yes, for cracking the whip to instil discipline.
No matter your opinion you’ve got to go by the rules of the game
wonder if FIFA had a word
Dan
Please, stop that. We Africans know how Morocco were being Favoured not only in Afcon, but also in CHAN. You only have to see how Senegal’s legit goal was cancelled, but Morocco were given a stupid penalty.
CAF have acted with little brains. Senegal are the real Champions
We won’t entertain nonsense from them
that’s the issue
a sense of entitlement
no one made Senegal break the rules
that’s their choice and choices have consequences
you broke the rules – that’s not an opinion , it’s factual
That’s like saying if we don’t like a decision let’s all cheat
they had to do something else every time a reff gives a decision you don’t agree with you can just walk off
imagine Arsenal get a 90 th min pen on Sunday are you happy for City to make us wait?
The bias in favour of Morocco was so clear. It’s just like racism against the blacker Africans.
I don’t blame Senegal for being too emotional and leaving the pitch. The rigging was too obvious.
Senegal still remains the Champions to me and many more unbiased Africans.
you don’t have to blame them but they still did it
if Arsenal concede a goal because they think the opposition hand balled it
I might then understand Arsenal picking up the ball and throwing it into the goal …….that would still be a handball
your saying Senegal disagreed with the penalty so form that point forward don’t have to follow the rules
That’s never happend
They disallowed a clean goal by Senegal, only to give Morocco a penalty later.
It’s very annoying. Yes, Senegal broke the rules by leaving the pitch, but they still came on back.
And if the oppressed don’t stand up to injustice, it will continue to happen all over the world in general.
So when does robbery and oppression get to end? If we continue to keep quiet all in the name of rules, meanwhile the elites bend the rules they made as they like.
I believe instead of taking the cup away from them, why not arrange the match to be played again.
CAF is just being unfair.
Henry once was denied a penalty in an FA Cup Final when Henchoz clearly handled the ball
does that mean he can headbut someone and it shouldn’t be a red card ?
Barcelona equaliser was offside in Paris CL final does that mean we should be allowed to now kick our opponents ?
Lampard had a goal ruled out in a World Cup when the ball has clearly crossed the line
does that mean we should be allowed to punch the ball into the goal
Senegal cheated pure and simple
you can’t cheat then be surprised when your punished
they will win on appeal anyways
Well, rules are rules finally and they should be abided so you don’t face consequences and punishment.
but Senegal broke the rules lol
you can’t break the rules then say well the reff should have followed the rules lol
Yes, that’s what I mean. Senegal broke the rules.
The refs are above the law because most times they get away with their wrong decisions.
a reff making a mistake is different to deliberately cheating
SJ, I wanted Morocco to win due to having 2 great mates that are of Moroccan descent, but during the Final I couldn’t believe the bias being shown to them by the ref. The disallowed goal scored by Senegal confimed the bias by the ref.
Thank you. They made it so clear that they wanted Morocco to win the competition.
They should have been fair or made it less obvious.
but if Senegal don’t walk off the pitch they would have been fine
Senegal cheated and not there are consequences
Stop using the word cheated. Senegal overreacted or broke the rules, that’s not cheating.
Morocco were being cheated for and Senegal reacted to being cheated against, by walking out of the pitch.
The walking off the pitch was were they went wrong. They should have just sat on the ground and made their protest on the pitch while sitting down.
Cheating is the act of using dishonest, unfair, or deceitful methods to gain an advantage, violate established rules
so yes if you broke the rules you cheated
One could say the the ref cheated by disallowing a perfectly good Senegal goal just before giving Morocco a penalty.
Dan here has defined “cheating” in the broadest possible sense in order to make Senegal look bad. In most usage the term refers to deceit or dishonesty which is not the case for Senegal. What they did was inappropriate but to call it “cheating” highlights the lack of balance or any attempt of fairness in the discussion.
One can also see the careful sidestepping of prior events (e.g. dubious refereeing decisions) which could be considered as mitigating factors for the actions of the Senegalese.
no David I gave you the definition
you saying you disagree doesn’t change that lol
but it’s opinions , only you know if that was Arsenal if you be happy for the other team to walk off the pitch and make you wait
SJ,
Even the ball boys were trying to prevent the goalie from getting the ball.
I didn’t watch the AFCON, but from what I was hearing even before the final, the referees were heavily favouring Morocco. Shame on CAF. This is not the first time such atrocities have been obvious at AFCON. Ghana vs Burkina Faso in 2013 AFCON semi final is the worst game of football I’ve seen all my life because of the obvious cheating in favour of Ghana.
I didn’t want Morocco to win it and was kinda happy they didn’t but that did not excuse Senegal’s behaviour at all.
A team cannot be given licence to break the rules because they don’t like a referee’s decision. That would spark a very dangerous precedent around the world as teams would start walking off the pitch when they feel a decision didn’t go in their favour, especially in the closing stages of a game.
Moreover, the ref got that particular decision right. It was a penalty
I think Dan, the title should have gone to the third placed team. Morocco didn’t cover themselves on glory with all what they did either. Both don’t deserve to win anything imo
but what did they do that is proven
for example people THINK Morocco bribed the official
where as we KNOW Senegal walked off the pitch
We had tons of opportunities in the first half, our decision making could be better. Saka is a bit lost, the penetration and selection of shots have been both so so. Our wingers on both sides need work.
Leverkusen feels like a tougher test for us than Sporting, well organized and tough. I am so glad we cruised through this opponent. Sporting will not be easy, but I am confident we will win.
Great win. The manner of it reinforces to me that Champions League games are more open, thus we often play better looking football, and Gyokeres and Eze look better.
Think it’s becoming increasingly clear that Premier League defenses getting better/tighter, which is resulting in a less watchable Premier League in general.
What a thrilling evening
Fairly even for 30 minutes or so but improved as the momentum gathered. I’ve had less than good feelings about Eze in general, but my goodness, that goal was a bullet. His contribution to the match was also a big improvement on others I’ve seen.
Having thought that White wouldn’t be a starter , I was delighted to seen him play. He offers a lot in terms of overlapping and being available in forward positions and I hope he gets more chances.
Gyokeres is thoroughly unselfish and such a hard worker. I really rated his performance tonight. Hincapie and Rice interchanged well on the pitch. Couldn’t quite see what happened to Eze but it was clear he was in trouble. Hopefully not too serious for the weekend.
In the end it was a winning evening and topped off very nicely by Rice
This was a great win and some great performances. Rice, Eze, Gyokeres, Zubi all standouts. Saka also had a solid game, not sure why I’ve seen people critiquing him this match when he created chances, got some shots at goal and was part of some of our best attacking movements. Feels like the team is really gaining momentum. Let’s hope this weekend we can be at our absolute best. Also, solid performance from White I thought after being out for so long
I thought White was great after such a long time out. His ability to get beyond Saka, creates alot of space for the players through the middle
This was a pretty good performance all round except for occasional sloppiness.
Top performances by Eze, Rice and Saka. Amongst the defenders Hincapie was probably the standout.
There are tougher challenges ahead but Arsenal move on.
Hincapie has been a wonderful surprise for me. I have to admit that I didn’t think it was necessary for us to pick him up last summer, but wow was I wrong. I agree that tougher challenges are ahead and what may be the most challenging may have just gotten much more difficult after MC went out of the UCL yesterday. That is, of course, they will now not have a mid-week game before we go to the Etihad whereas we will have the second leg of our UCL semi.
Good to see you back on JA BB 👍
Seconded
Bruised Banana,
Like Herr Drier and SueP, I to am glad to see you back. You’re posts have been missed, well by me certainly.
I look forward to seeing more.
BB, I completely agree.
I also thought there wasn’t much point when we had Calafiori and MLS. I didn’t foresee MLS’ “decline”, if I could put it that way.
Hincapie also came off the back of a winning campaign with Leverkusen, so I wouldn’t be surprised if this was another reason for his signing, the winning mentality.
We have the squad depth to still compete with City even with them having to play lesser games than us.
Let’s just not get further injuries and we will be good to go.
Thanks everyone. I’m so excited about the season. Unfortunately, I will only be making a comment here and there from time to time because the one person who chased me away to begin with is still associated with the site and made it clear they would not leave my comments alone as I did his.
Kia, I agree that the winning mentality can be a strong force and I’m glad Arteta and his staff saw a great player in Hincapie.
Don’t let whoever chased you away bully you.
You have every right to share your opinion as long as they are not against human civil morals and ultra violent.
We will always be one big JA Arsenal family.
SJ, seconded 👍👏👏
Oops, I inadvertently stated 2nd leg of semis rather than quarters. Can’t help getting ahead of myself this season, lol!
SJ and HD, I hear what you’re saying and I certainly could continue commenting but I’ve always preferred to avoid someone like the writer/commenter whom I refer to (impossible in this case), as opposed to confronting them and arguing (which in this singular case would always be futile). Rather than win a debate with a closed minded person, I have always preferred to give my opinions, learn from others’ perspectives, and provide personal insights when possible. Thanks again for the kind words.
Bruised Banana,
I find it very sad that you feel you have to leave the forum because of a fellow poster.
Tell me to mind my own business if you like, but if said poster comments on one of you’re post’s, then just ignore it. You don’t have to respond back do you.
It seems a great shame that you’ll allow this to stop you writing you’re very well put post’s on this forum.
Please reconsider you’re stance, I think I’m right in saying I speak for a few other poster’s on here. 👍
Thank you for your interest Derek. I realize I do not have to leave the forum, it is simply that I don’t want to deal with this person’s self righteous antagonism. They are the most significant “contributor” to the JA website articles (typically quite good) and comments sections, so it is what it is. I do miss our prior comical banter and open minded discussion of more serious Arsenal matters.
Bruised Banana,
Thank you for you’re response. And although it disappoints me, I respect you’re decision.
But I still live in hope. 😂😉👍
We had 12 shots on target; they had 2. Leverkusen’s keeper alone prevented our score from going into double figures.
Jax 💯 agree
Great effort from the boys especially Eze, hope he gets a good run of form as we need him in this business end.
We keep going and now focus on the next game. I wonder if Arteta will trust the players who put us here or will he go with his tried and tested. Who does he start in goal? Will he start Norgaard?
Kenya001
Kepa and Norgaard should start
no way
Final could be decided on details
play Kepa and could cost us
100% Dan
It’s been a long time since we’ve come anywhere close to lifting this cup, so this isn’t the moment for sentiment or giving players minutes for the sake of it.
For me, we go full strength and play to win. If we get ourselves into a comfortable position, then by all means make the changes and bring others on.
Whatever happens on Sunday, you can be sure MA won’t be heading to Wembley just to make up the numbers — he’ll be going there to win.
After this, we’ve got the international break anyway, so it’s all focus on this game.
Onwards and upwards.
I fear he will play Kepa
I have that feeling too but he better not try it.
It’s a very difficult decision to make. If Kepa has been in goal throughout the campaign then it would be a slap in the face for him to be put on the bench.
what would you rather
he gets slapped in the face and we win or his ego is hurt and we lose
Wenger did it once
I wasn’t making a judgement call on Kepa at all, just making a point that he has been the first choice gk in this competition. Of course I want Arsenal to win, and it takes the whole team to do that. My limited memory of the Wenger era was that he tended to play a weakened team across the board but your knowledge is greater than mine. I can’t even recall the gk in question 😬.
in this instance it was the FA Cup
Richard Wright essentially said he left because when he joined he was happy to wait for Seaman to retire on the promise he would be the cup keeper
So when fit he players the earlier rounds but is dropped for the Final
I just think he can’t do what Raya can do
SueP,
It was Richard Wright, Wenger played him in every round up until the final. He then brought back Seaman for the final.
I don’t know if it was coincidence or not, but Richard Wright wasn’t an Arsenal player the next season. In fact if my memory serves me correctly, he was only at Arsenal for one season. And I seem to remember his agent being quoted as saying that Wright felt it was time to move on.
Which only adds fuel to the fire regarding wright being dropped for the final.
I think my facts are right. If not, Herr Drier normally gets me out of jail. 😂👍
yeah mate
essentially why he left
said he saw it as a lack of trust
@SueP
Exactly. I’m more than sure Kepa is fully aware of the magnitude of this match. And what a win means for the team overall. Not to mention the boost of confidence it would give him by being chosen.
Very good solid win. Unto the quarter final.
Now attention turns to the Caraboa Cup final on Sunday. The chance to win the first trophy of the season and it’s going to be a very difficult match.
Hopefully, the lads put in a very strong performance and win against Man City.
Good solid win apart from the first 20 mins or so completely dominated,nice strike by Eze onto the next
Lovely win. Now Arsenal can realise that we play entertaining football in the Champions League because teams don’t pack those stupid buses
Also, Zubimendi haters should know that he is a forward thinking player especially when he is playing against teams which are willing to play open football. He played the same against England in the 2024 Euro final
Next: Man City
I’m pretty surprised no one said anything about the positions Trossard was picking up in midfield. It definitely gave us more options and control through the center and a bit more control of the middle than we had at Leverkusen. Brilliant bit of tactics by the gaffer IMO.
Great observation. He’s done that a lot when Odegaard isn’t playing. Odegaard is a touch heavy player and without those extra touches we lose a bit of control in midfield, because Eze is not that kind of player. Trossard and Calafiori( like he did against Everton) invert into midfield and provide Rice & Zubimendi that extra option in midfield to pass to, as does Havertz dropping into midfield. It’s not a surprise that we’ve had better control and looked more fluid in the last two games with the return of Havertz,Calafiori and Trossard.
@Onyango
I noticed he was very good at helping to recycle the ball from deep in midfield, as well as pitch in defensively.
Exactly right
I was quite surprised to see him roving around the pitch so much. Was he given this role last night? It worked anyway regardless
Trust the process, and we did. Some of us meant it was the only process to trust. Now we have a team competing in every tournament able to win their games in many ways. Get out, get behind the team and make history in 2026. This is just the beginning 🔴⚪️🫶
Good result and performance overall.
Eze looks like he’s gaining in confidence having been given an extended run in the side. Hopefully he will continue in this vein.
As for Rice, he seems to have more energy than a Duracell Batterie😂. Where does he get it from.
And a bonus for me is that now Boda are out, we don’t have to play on their plastic pitch. Although that said, respect to Sporting for turning around a 3 goal deficit. This might give Spurs some ideas😂.
Anyway, well done boys, now go and get you’re first trophy this coming Sunday. 🤞🏆👍
The name is Bodø 🙂
Didrik Plehn,
Thank you for the correction. I can be a bit of a bozo. 😂👍
What do you expect when a man from South Africa,the most corrupt country in Africa is in charge of CAF.He has completely sold his soul to Morocco and is now dancing to the tune of their music and FIFA is not much better,though better organised.I just hope that CAS will do the right thing and let justice prevail.
did he make Senegal cheat did he ?
they will win an appeal for the very reason you claim , corruption
government will get involved
A great win over a club that had held Bayern Munich to a draw at the weekend.
I was never relaxed or confident when we beat Everton, but our dominance was evident from the kick off last night.
I’m not going to name any individual, as this was a complete team performance, including the substitutions.
We have the squad that can play against any kind of set up and tactics and the fact that we’ve only been beaten three times this season in all competitions backs my view up.
A note on the officials in this game – completely forgot there was a referee and VAR and how I wish our officials could have the same kind of mentality.
OT Good to see you back Bruised Banana, missed your insight!!
Were you there Ken1945?
I had the best of last minute surprises go to the game with a good friend as her son couldn’t make it.
What surprised me was the number of empty seats in what I think is club level(or near it) higher up behind the tunnel. I was amazed on such a big night
Agree about the refereeing and the general level of enthusiasm shown by the fans.
yeah we asked for the atmosphere to improve
Sue and to be fair Gooner stepped up
Yes I was there SueP and there wasn’t one empty seat around.
Those empty seat owners were probably eating their prawn sandwiches.
That’s probably the truth of it Ken. Didn’t I read somewhere or other that the concourse monitors are to be turned off during play to encourage supporters to get into their seats and actually watch the game in the real world?
Jax
Those seats were not occupied at all. I’d say 50-60 in a block – well almost in a block. Perhaps Ken1945 is right. Too busy in the lounge drinking and eating to watch the game at all. It makes me mad to think it’s people on a jolly taking up a seat with no intention of using it
Sue, I have to say that apart from some pre-match drink at Wembley on just one occasion, I’ve never eaten or drank at a football match😇.
If I try to comment on the lower leagues of England, I make too many laughable mistakes like Dan did with making Concacaf as the governing body of Africa and also predicting South Africa to win Afcon. So Afcon shouldn’t worry JA as Arsenal don’t have a single player selected for Afcon. Otherwise we need to talk as well about football anomalies seen in Scotland and Brazil recently. Labelling African football in general as a laughing stock is also unfair and bigoted assessment.
did say there would be more to come
they were never going to be able to cheat like that
They should be okay with CAS though as government is involved
well done CAF for doing their bit ….all they can do
It’s a problem now because the Ref allowed the game to continue. Senegal should have been disqualified on that day. Dan, don’t you think it’s now a refereeing error just like other games. Can an association overrule a refereeing error?
CAF have created a conundrum that the self-righteousness of people like Dan won’t solve. By taking this decision CAF have introduced a precedent that, if upheld, will create all sorts of problems for African football in future. There could also be wider ramifications for football in general.
no dude it ensures that in the World Cup Senegal can’t walk off the pitch every time a free kick is awarded
That’s the priority
the final and who wins it is tainted either way
it’s not about protecting the sport
imagine a team walking off every time they disagree with a penalty I
I disagree.
This kind of decision isn’t just about Senegal. Once you allow decisions by referees to be overturned by a footballing body like CAF you are creating a precedent. Of course, you have to protect the sport. The last thing any sport needs is to have results overturned by some committee or other body.
The referee could have called the game off but didn’t. If players walk off in the way you suggest other measures can be taken against the team concerned. If they don’t return to the pitch in time the referee can call off the game. There are rules in place for these kind of scenarios and referees are allowed to act accordingly. However, their decision is normally accepted as final which on the whole maintains the integrity of the game.
it was unprecedented though
most reffs have never seen that level of cheating
but yes technically the reff should have acted there and then but I’m not sure that is a good defence .
if someone wins a 100 m gold medal and it’s found out he took drugs , he gives medal back
An association can step in if need be .
How many here have called on Man City to have points and titles taken away if caught cheating ?
if your happy for City players to be punished for something off the pitch why not the choice Senegal players made on the pitch ?
The city players haven’t cheated Dan – suggest you review the charges made against city115!!
The same goes for Chelsea of course.
It would be pointless fining either of the above, as money is no object to them and that’s why points deduction is the correct call and why chelsea got away so lightly with cheating is indictive of the FA – go after the “smaller” clubs but use kid gloves for the “big ones” to protect the cash cow.
I would take back every trophy Chelsea Football Club won by cheating and the same goes for city115, if they are also found guilty.
Nothing to do with the players, it’s the club(s) owners who are rotten at the core.
that’s what I was trying to say
they would get punished for something they didn’t do unlike Senegal who are getting punished for their choice to cheat
Senegal didn’t cheat,they walked out in protest amidst bad officiating from the refree.CAF and the REFREES are the real CHEATS here for receiving BRIBE from Morocco inorder to hand them the AFCON title on a platter,but as their plans failed during the match,they decided to come up with their current disgraceful decision…VERY SHAMEFUL
they literally broke the raws, that the literal definition of cheating lol
can you provide any evidence of this bribe
so can I ask Matthew how many times you would let a team walk off the pitch and for how long ?
lets say , Man City think on Sunday that’s not a free kick
how long can they walk off the pitch for ?
laws lol
As i once said,debating with you will be a complete waste of time as you don’t always ever agree with an opinion that is not yours.All i know is that Senegal didn’t cheat by walking off the pitch,they were just protesting the injustice that was going on in the match and asking for an evidence of bribery is making me think that maybe you are a refree or from a family of a refree that make you always defend them and cover up their incompetence at all cost.
well of course I’m going to agree with my own opinion . If I don’t it wouldn’t be my own opinion lol
and sorry dude , breaking the rules is cheating
No I’m asking for evidence because if you can’t provide it your saying that any team can just walk off at any point and say …..oh we are making a stand lol
So let’s say BL didn’t think Arsenal should have had a penalty last week , how long do you think it’s okay for them to stay off the pitch ?
It was cheating in the respect that the Senegal coach sought to manipulate the outcome of the match by the gross act of taking his team off, and I’m very doubtful of any bribes having taken place.
The bigger issue for the African game now is that the given result of football matches can be subsequently reversed.
Also worth noting (in my not-so-humble opinion) is that rules are accidentally broken during play, and can’t really be seen as cheating.
Can I just say, cheating or not cheating, Senegal broke the rules of the competition and were dealt with correctly. As stated in the rules. You CAN NOT WALK OF A FOOTBALL PITCH, if you feel upset. Senegal regardless of what anyone thinks should NOT have walked off the pitch.
Thank God you don’t work for CAS
You can not walk of a football pitch because you are not happy, If you do, you forfeit a game. I am not on anyone’s side, I can not give a fig. But rules are rules.
I believe you have claimed to have refereeing experience. Therefore you should understand that rules need to be considered in context.
This is a highly unusual situation and reversing the result of a match that was completed on the day adds additional complexity.
In making a final decision in a situation like this you need to consider the wording, the intent of the rules and the wider ramifications. It’s not sufficient to just state “rules are rules”.
Also, if it was all as straightforward forwards as some of you are claiming why would it take 2 months for this decision to be made?
This is very unusual scenario and a highly questionable decision made by CAF.
David , first I don’t claim, I was a referee, at sunday league level but that doesn’t matter a jot, thank you very much. And there is NO context, or ramifications. The rules were broken by Senegal and their manager instigated it. And yes rules are rules, period. And I have said, I do not give a fig wether Morocco or Senegal win the cup, one bit but Senegal walked off the pitch on the instructions of their manager, who knew what he was doing and what rule he was breaking.
You don’t want the rule relating to leaving the pitch without the referees permissiion applied, Matthew?
The rule that says you forfeit the game if your team leaves the pitch without the refs’ say so?
Making a ‘protest’ is fine if it’s done on the pitch or after the game has officially ended.
You know it, I know it, Dan knows it, the Senegal coach surely knows it, the whole of the educated football world knows it. Senegal has no defense and was given a deserved punishment.
Jax, why some people can not deal with facts and the truth and then make it personal is beyond sad. But they do. If the African football federation is bent, thats their problem but I am only stating that THAT rule was broken and the punishment in BLACK AND WHITE is loss of game and 3-0 win to the opposition. AND THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED. Personally I do not care which team won, it doesn’t matter to me. I am only stating fact.
because mate it reflects society
some can’t cope with not hearing what they don’t like
that’s why you get this whole ‘ well I think CAF is bent ‘ and when you ask for evidence it’s a ‘ well I think , so It must be right ‘
which is so arrogant as in this desire to change people’s minds
facts don’t care about feelings .
Like you said , factually Senegal broke a rule which is cheating .
There had to be action else you would games where teams walked off every 20 mins if they agree with offical.
Exactly
I wonder what UEFA would’ve done if Real Madrid would’ve walked off the pitch when there was that accusation of racial abuse aimed at Vinicius by the Benfica player ?
It depends on what the rule states. And that is probably why they didn’t. If you allow team to walk off the pitch because they are nit happy, it would be carnage.
yeah there are protocols in place for players to leave the pitch due to racism
what wouldn’t work is if they wanted to take a stand against racism ……the moment they concede a penalty , not before or after lol
Tell me what the protocols are for a team walking off the pitch due to one of their players being racially abused ?
You inform the referee and he can decide what to do.
Yes Reggie, it’s ultimately the refs decision, right or wrong.
Although the ref should never have brought the teams back on and restarted the game, as the result might then be considered valid🤔 But CAF are taking the line that Senagal forfeited the game by going off.
Whoops!!!
Senegal
One of the issues here is that the referee restarted the game. That cannot be ignored whatever anyone says.
Even if it is considered that the referee erred in restarting the game, the game was indeed restarted and played to a conclusion.
For the result to have been upheld and then overturned 2 months later as has now happened helps no-one.
not true and this is where lawyers will find loopholes but the rules say
The association may intervene if there is evidence of cheating on the part of the referee, or a clear, proven misapplication of the rules of the game that had a direct impact on the outcome.
So Senegal cheated which I would say had a direct impact on the outcome because the reff should of awarded the game to Morocco
So you can rule out cheating by the ref, but as there was a misapplication of the rules by him(restarting the game) that impacted the outcome, then there was just cause (as the legals say) to intervene.
Not much chance for Senegal in their appeal then. It was their own fault for such a stupid act in the first place, and impacted by the ref bringing them back on.
Reggie, that’s not what I asked. I asked what the protocols are for a team walking off the pitch due to one of their players being racially abused ? I never mentioned anything about the ref.
For arguments sake, say they just walked off the pitch.
Reggie and Jax,
You’re right. Vinicius informed the Ref and the Ref took them off.
Derek, the ref never took the players off. The only player that left the pitch was Vinicius when he went and sat on the bench for 10 minutes.
Herr Drier,
Apologies, he stopped the game.
Derek, Is the the friendly at the Emirates?
Jax,
I’m confused, I don’t understand you’re question. What friendly game at the Emirate?. 🤷♂️
Derek, I took it that you were referring to the friendly between Brazil (2) & Senegal (0) last November, because you mentioned Vinicius.
Jax,
Thanks for the response to clear that up. But no I was talking about the Madrid V Benfica game. 👍