2017-18 Champions League

[Gunfighter 09]

I can see the argument over the penalty, I can't understand anyone defending Gigi's actions after the penalty call or questioning Oliver's decision to go red in that spot. That is an ejection in every American sport, going nose to nose with the ref, putting your hands on him and (likely) telling him to fuck off gets you thrown out and suspended.

 

[Bosoxen]

I can see the argument over the penalty, I can't understand anyone defending Gigi's actions after the penalty call or questioning Oliver's decision to go red in that spot. That is an ejection in every American sport, going nose to nose with the ref, putting your hands on him and (likely) telling him to fuck off gets you thrown out and suspended.

I don't have a problem with Buffon getting the boot. Putting your hands on an official is generally accepted to be off-limits. It was salt in the wound, to be sure, but that's the least of my objections. Buffon had every right to be pissed because that was, at best, a questionable call but he took it too far and allowing him to do what he did sets a bad precedent.

 

[InstaFace]

Relative to traditional north american sports, football players get away with murder in terms of abusing the refs. In the NFL, they threw a 15-yard flag when a player tossed the ball to an official at the end of a play, the official didn't see it coming, it hit him in the face, and he assumed he had been deliberately pegged by a pissed-off player. In the NBA, you can get teed up for muttering something under your breath. Get rung up on a third strike and toss your bat a little too dismissively? You're outta he-ah. So yeah, I think we all ought to be able to agree that Oliver was well within his rights to give Buffon the boot, 93rd minute or no.

I can also understand Buffon's reaction, though, as the last chance he'll have to be in such a position. I'm not saying he shoulda gone apeshit... but I understand.

The call itself, I think reasonable fans can disagree over that. It's not an outrage to call it, it wouldn't have been an outrage to let it go. What I don't understand is people who are 100% sure about that one either way.

 

[Royal Reader]

The call itself, I think reasonable fans can disagree over that. It's not an outrage to call it, it wouldn't have been an outrage to let it go. What I don't understand is people who are 100% sure about that one either way.

Which seems to be a majority of people in my news feed. Something like half think it's a no-brainer to give it, a third a no-brainer not to, and the rest thought it could go either way. Soccer, eh.

 

[Bosoxen]

The call itself, I think reasonable fans can disagree over that. It's not an outrage to call it, it wouldn't have been an outrage to let it go. What I don't understand is people who are 100% sure about that one either way.

You're not a sports neophite. You know the drill. That's how it goes. Add in the fact that the beneficiary was one of the most polarizing sports franchises in the world - featuring one of sports' most polarizing figures - and you've got a perfect storm for absolutist hot takes.

 

[allstonite]

I do think it was a penalty but it could have reasonably gone the either way and I personally just wish it didn't get called because I was looking forward to 30 more minutes.

Also, I do not like Ronaldo at all but that was an incredible header for the pass. I just wish it could have been put away clean or no "controversial" call because that was an overall fun game

 

[CPT Neuron]

Didn't like the call, but the studs to the gut are probably the "meat" of the call - really don't like that the game was decided like that, particularly after the preceding 92+ minutes, but that is the way it breaks. Given that it was Real Madrid and Ronaldo.....it's even more annoying. It takes some of the shine off the game, but wow, still a great performance by Juve.

 

[InstaFace]

You're not a sports neophite. You know the drill. That's how it goes. Add in the fact that the beneficiary was one of the most polarizing sports franchises in the world - featuring one of sports' most polarizing figures - and you've got a perfect storm for absolutist hot takes.

By "don't understand", I guess I meant "don't see how certainty about this can be the view of a measured, dispassionate, sophisticated viewer". And your reply appears to be "the latter doesn't exist", which in the main is true enough - I guess I'm just spoiled by being around here.

 

[Bosoxen]

By "don't understand", I guess I meant "don't see how certainty about this can be the view of a measured, dispassionate, sophisticated viewer". And your reply appears to be "the latter doesn't exist", which in the main is true enough - I guess I'm just spoiled by being around here.

Believe me, I know what you mean. In this world, nuance is king. In the outside world, not so much.

 

[MiracleOfO2704]

Draw just went down (first leg home team first):

Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid
Liverpool FC vs. AS Roma

The winner of Bayern/Real will be “home” in the final.

 

[67YAZ]

Two fantastic match ups that will send an "underdog" into the final against a titan.

The Liverpool-Roma tilt is huge for the stature of American ownership. We might not have oil wealth, but we run some really smart teams.

That pairing is also the "Salah Derby." And overall, the tactics and personnel look likely to produce lively, entertaining matches. I'm hoping DeRossi and Henderson find a reason to tangle in the midfield.

 

[Gunfighter 09]

So Real has:

- Advanced from a group with Spurs & Dortmund
- Beat PSG
- Beat Juventus
- Has to beat Bayern

to get to the final. Not getting the lucky draw this year.

 

[koufax32]

So Real has:

- Advanced from a group with Spurs & Dortmund
- Beat PSG
- Beat Juventus
- Has to beat Bayern

to get to the final. Not getting the lucky draw this year.

And yet are as hate-able as ever.

 

[Schnerres]

Didn´t know where to put it:
Thomas Tuchel joins PSG on a two year contract.

 

[SocrManiac]

I wanted to issue an apology to those in this thread and forum.

I had something of a meltdown earlier in the year over something fairly stupid. It was a bad time in my life shortly after the death of my daughter, and I wasn't taking pleasure in things as I should. My lack of control is pretty embarrassing, and I'm genuinely sorry for causing a scene.

This is a fun community and I'd like to participate if the group is amenable.

 

[teddykgb]

I wanted to issue an apology to those in this thread and forum.

I had something of a meltdown earlier in the year over something fairly stupid. It was a bad time in my life shortly after the death of my daughter, and I wasn't taking pleasure in things as I should. My lack of control is pretty embarrassing, and I'm genuinely sorry for causing a scene.

This is a fun community and I'd like to participate if the group is amenable.

I don’t know if I just missed it but sincere condolences for you and your family. I don’t remember whatever you had a meltdown over but you could literally punch me in the face and I’d forgive it over an issue such as that. Nothing embarrassing at all. Enjoy your posts even if you have a searing hatred for Argentina’s best CB. Hope things are better

 

[67YAZ]

I wanted to issue an apology to those in this thread and forum.

I had something of a meltdown earlier in the year over something fairly stupid. It was a bad time in my life shortly after the death of my daughter, and I wasn't taking pleasure in things as I should. My lack of control is pretty embarrassing, and I'm genuinely sorry for causing a scene.

This is a fun community and I'd like to participate if the group is amenable.

My deepest condolences. Your response is completely understandable. I hope that you and your family are coping well.

As for what you said...appropriateness of the word c*nt has just been litigated in public, and you’ve got Sally Field on your side (kind of). Water under the bridge.

 

[Vinho Tinto]

Condolences to you and your family.

 

[InstaFace]

I wanted to issue an apology to those in this thread and forum.

I had something of a meltdown earlier in the year over something fairly stupid. It was a bad time in my life shortly after the death of my daughter, and I wasn't taking pleasure in things as I should. My lack of control is pretty embarrassing, and I'm genuinely sorry for causing a scene.

This is a fun community and I'd like to participate if the group is amenable.

Welcome back SM. There aren't many words we can't forgive after an apology around here, as evidenced by the fact that there are yankees fans who are moderators

My deep condolences for your family. I hope we can be an escape for you, or a shoulder to lean on, depending on what you need.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

Condolences SM, I can’t imagine what you and your family are going through.

Echoing others I don’t think any apology (at least to this lot) is necessary

 

[fletcherpost]

I wanted to issue an apology to those in this thread and forum.

I had something of a meltdown earlier in the year over something fairly stupid. It was a bad time in my life shortly after the death of my daughter, and I wasn't taking pleasure in things as I should. My lack of control is pretty embarrassing, and I'm genuinely sorry for causing a scene.

This is a fun community and I'd like to participate if the group is amenable.

Mate, I can't imagine what that must be like...I can't imagine anything more harrowing, and I hope your okay (on the mend) as we say in Scotland.

There's always people here to lean on if you need them.

 

[bosox4283]

I wanted to issue an apology to those in this thread and forum.

I had something of a meltdown earlier in the year over something fairly stupid. It was a bad time in my life shortly after the death of my daughter, and I wasn't taking pleasure in things as I should. My lack of control is pretty embarrassing, and I'm genuinely sorry for causing a scene.

This is a fun community and I'd like to participate if the group is amenable.

My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I hope you're finding strength and peace.

I know how cathartic an apology can feel and how an apology to alleviate a burden, so I'm quick to apologize at times for my own relief. All that said, no apology was needed and I'm glad to have you back here.

 

[pedro1918]

Welcome back, SM. I am terribly sorry for your loss.

 

[SocrManiac]

So... A few things.

I’d like to say “that wasn’t me.” If atheletes have proven anything, we aren’t who we say we are, we are who our actions make us. At that point in time, I knew I shouldn’t be arguing the side I did. It just felt so good to be angry at something - anything - else. I took the opportunity to direct my pain outward, and that wasn’t proper or fair.

While i was processing those early stages, the SoSH community was doing amazing things to support me and my family. I’m forever in debt to the folks here who never met me outside of the shared connection we have on this board. It was an awe-instilling experience, and the love and strength provided by strangers was in some ways more powerful than what was sent by friends and family. There’s no obligation to help somebody you don’t know, yet people did.

I wavered on whether or not to mention the circumstance as I didn’t want it to diminish my message of heartfelt regret. However, it’s an important part of my story and who I am, and will be with me forever. If anything, it’s reinforced to me the value, importance, and power in how we treat others. You never know what a person is dealing with, positive or negative.

We’re several months on and there is light and laughter dissipating the cloud bit by bit. There’s no knowing what our new normal will be, but we have found the strength to live our lives.

I truly appreciate the words you folks have passed along here and privately. I want to stress that my intended message was one of regret and remorse. I look forward to joining you guys again. This game is one of the biggest pleasures I take in life. Weekends were a beacon to distraction 90 minutes at a time and a big part of our healing path.

On to the World Cup!

 

[Dummy Hoy]

Mate, I can't imagine what that must be like...I can't imagine anything more harrowing, and I hope your okay (on the mend) as we say in Scotland.

There's always people here to lean on if you need them.

As always Fletch says it perfectly. My heart goes out to you.