The Mailbox can’t fathom why Richarlison is the villain. Also: another explainer over the Glazers – one mailboxer needs it – and some 9-0s are worse than others.
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Richarlison the victim
Even being aware of the tiresome Proper Football Man attitudes that pervade much of football coverage, I was shocked at the reactions to the Brennan Johnson challenge on Richarlison in Forest v Spurs on Sunday.
Richarlison juggled the ball for a few seconds. At a time when his team were trying to hold onto a lead at the end of the game, with no urgency to score. It may not have been the best ball retention tactic, but that’s between Richarlison and his manager. For the people watching, it was entertaining. That’s what people pay to watch football for, isn’t it?
The Johnson challenge on Richarlison was appalling. Granted it wasn’t particularly violent or likely to injure Richarlison (it looked worse on first viewing), but it basically represented one player kicking another deliberately, with no involvement of the ball whatsoever – Richarlison had already played it. If Brennan had done something similar with his hands or his head, he would have been sent off. Yet he did it with his feet – actually making it more dangerous, but giving him the plausible deniability of attempting a tackle.
For me, Johnson should not only have been sent off, he should have been arrested for assault. But I accept the referee assessed it and gave him just a booking. What I can’t understand is the reaction to this, ie the criticism of Richarlison and implication that he deserved it. This has come across from Jamie Carragher, whose reaction was despicable, and Steve Cooper, who should be thoroughly ashamed of his players not criticising another professional who was completely blameless (in this incident – I know he is prone to simulation).
It wasn’t disrespectful of Richarlison to juggle the ball in a game. It was just him using the talents and confidence with which he is blessed. Was it disrespectful of Liverpool to so blatantly demonstrate their superiority over Bournemouth by scoring nine goals against them? There’s no difference. Even if you do consider it disrespectful to juggle the ball toward the end of a game you’ve already won, this does not justify violence.
Gabe
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