Poll: Action to be taken by CSA if FIFA sanctions Canada/players over ref comments

[Joe MacCarthy]

FIFA looking at Canada's post-match ref attack

CHRIS STEVENSON, QMI Agency

LONDON - FIFA, the governing body of soccer, is investigating controversial comments made by the Canadian women’s soccer team after their semifinal loss to the U.S. Monday night.

At this point, it’s unclear if that could mean suspensions for Thursday’s bronze medal game against France.

The Canadians were critical of the work of Norwegian referee Christian Pedersen, including Canadian captain Christine Sinclair, who questioned her integrity.“We feel like we didn’t lose.

We feel like it was taken from us,” said Sinclair, who scored all of Canada’s goals in the game. “It’s a shame in a game like that, which is so important, that the ref decided the result before the game started.”

Said FIFA in a statement: “Following the Olympic Women’s semifinal match between Canada and the USA played at Old Trafford on the evening of 6 August, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee is currently analysing incidents that occurred after the conclusion of the match.

“Further information will be provided only after the Committee are in possession of all the elements of the case.”

That certainly makes it sound like Sinclair or other players could face disciplinary action including being suspended for Thursday’s bronze medal game against France.

Pedersen made a series of controversial calls that led to USA’s 4-3 win in extra time Monday night.

A source with the Canadian Soccer Association said the organization did not expect there to be any sanctions for Sinclair or any of her teammates for their comments critical of Pedersen.

The controversial sequence started with Canada leading 3-2 with about 10 minutes to go in regulation when Pedersen missed what looked like a hand ball committed by the Americans in the their own penalty area.

Shortly after that, Pedersen made an extremely rare call and penalized Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod for delay of game when she ruled Pedersen took more than six seconds to put the ball in play.

Pederson awarded the U.S. a free kick and it glanced off Canadian midfielder Diana Matheson and then hit Canadian defender Marie-Eve Nault in the arm while she was in the penalty area.

Pederson then awarded the Americans a penalty kick and star Abby Wambach tied the game.

After the game, Sinclair tweeted from her Twitter account (@sincy12): “I would like to thank everyone back home for all the love and support. It means the world to us all. One more game to get on the podium.”

[Keegan]

FIFA wouldn't dare sanction any of the players after that travesty. But even if they do we need to play the match, this is our first chance at a medal and more importantly Canada's first shot at a team medal since 1936. Real canucks don't quit.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Far be it for me to suggest killing the Olympic dream for these girls but if FIFA or the IOC rubbed salt in the wound yet again and suspended either Herdman, Sinclair or Tancredi that would be repeating the handball error and directly affect the outcome of a game. I would have to say boycott. Unfortunately I don't think anyone at the CSA would have the cajones to do that but here through this poll they could at least gauge some public opinion.

While I'm bitching, why are soccer rules so eminently unfair and stupid. Remember Thailand 2004 Canada U19 vs China in the first minute where our goalie Stacy van Boxmeer went to recover a ball and a Chinese player went flying over her. So we were penalized four times

1 Starting goalie red carded out for 99% of this game

2 Down to ten men

3 Penalty kick given

4 Goalie misses next game

Think if this ruling happened in another sport, how ridiculous that would be.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Real canucks don't quit.

Or poop disturb. If they banned Sinclair there is no way we should play this game. That would be a direct handicap. I don't believe in being a sore loser or killing the dream of these girls (and that's easy for me to say) but I ain't willin' to be a victim either. Twice!

I honestly don't know how I would feel about these girls if they played a game without Sinclair. I know Sinc would tell them to but for them to not back her up after all she has meant to the program... Anyway it's all hypothetical and likely to come to nothing.

[Grizzly]

In a perfect world (ie. unlikely to happen) we would play the game but the CSA and Canadian Olympic committee heads would hold a press conference calling out the IOC and FIFA for corruption and match fixing and demanding that British police start a criminal investigation into both organizations including high ranking members like Blatter. Considering the corruption that occurred in the awarding of the World Cup the British might be perfectly willing to do this. One of my greatest soccer dreams would be to see Sepp Blatter spend the rest of his life and die where he belongs, in prison.

[Lord Bob]

What would the impact of a boycott be on the casual supporters who make up 99% of Canadians; fans who were only passionate yesterday because it was the Olympics, who define success in terms of medal count, and who haven't got the history with FIFA corruption that we passionate fans have?

The question is whether a boycott could achieve enough to make up for a) doubtless inevitable FIFA sanctions and a potential public-relations backlash back home.

[Joe MacCarthy]

That's a good response. I'm having visions of Septic Bladder in prison being forced to wear women's short shorts (like he advocated)

Oops, sorry, I posted this thread in the wrong forum, mods feel free to move.

[Joe MacCarthy]

The question is whether a boycott could achieve enough to make up for a) doubtless inevitable FIFA sanctions and a potential public-relations backlash back home.

I don't think there could ever be a backlash (in Canada) standing up for yourself. I don't like stuff like boycotts but sometimes you have to make a stand or you'll keep getting walked on. You make a good point about further FIFA screwings (err sanctions)

Speaking of standing up for Canada ask Brian Williams who came out better in the Punchup in Piestany controversy, Williams or Don Cherry. Even Williams concedes defeat on that one.

[alberta white]

I wanted to thing of something Profound to follow that Grizz.

All I can think of is...Ahmen to that!

Aparently the Idea of "Freedom of Speech" does not extend to fair comment about an Officials in football.

Managers in the EPL get sanctioned all the time for speaking out , Ian Holloway been a prime example. Thing is, thier is no 'hard' rule that says the ref cannot come forward and explain their decisions post match. Actually on occasion in the EPL and championship they have been seen to do so but usually only when clearing up technical decisions, which they know confuse the newshounds.

somehow I think our Norwegian friend may be staying tight lipped.

[alberta white]

That's a good response. I'm having visions of Septic Bladder in prison being forced to wear women's short shorts (like he advocated)

Oops, sorry, I posted this thread in the wrong forum, mods feel free to move.

I've yet to find the..."Things I like to do to Blatter"... thread. where is it?

[Joe MacCarthy]

Just so the question is more clear, if FIFA/IOC suspended Sinclair/Herdman/Tancredi would you want to play this game? I'm not talking about boycotting because of what happened in the USA game (that's ancient history). I'm talking about the bronze medal game playing with suspensions (or IMO being victimized yet again)

[Lord Bob]

Speaking of standing up for Canada ask Brian Williams who came out better in the Punchup in Piestany controversy, Williams or Don Cherry. Even Williams concedes defeat on that one.

Well, the big difference is that in Piestany the referee was a Norwegian selected for fitting political requirements rather than his competence OH GOD.

[Keegan]

Just so the question is more clear, if FIFA/IOC suspended Sinclair/Herdman/Tancredi would you want to play this game? I'm not talking about boycotting because of what happened in the USA game (that's ancient history). I'm talking about the bronze medal game playing with suspensions (or IMO being victimized yet again)

You've gotta imo. This chance may not present itself for another 12 years, when the match is over win/lose then tell FIFA to **** off.

[Addona]

Normally, I wouldn't condone a boycott, but if they suspend players/Herdman and we play, I would feel like it's us capitulating and saying "we were wrong to do what we did". In fact, they should be the ones apologizing for that disgrace. If they were smart, they would give some leeway to our players because they know full well that it was a bull**** call/game. If they suspend anyone, it's like they're doubling-down on their bull**** and, at that point, I really would want us to boycott, give them the middle finger, and say "I'll see you in hell (from heaven)".

[Free kick]

What would the impact of a boycott be on the casual supporters who make up 99% of Canadians; fans who were only passionate yesterday because it was the Olympics, who define success in terms of medal count, and who haven't got the history with FIFA corruption that we passionate fans have?

The question is whether a boycott could achieve enough to make up for a) doubtless inevitable FIFA sanctions and a potential public-relations backlash back home.

Thank you. This is exactly how i feel. Look, we are in a country where the sport is growing very fast and we are unique in the world in that sence. To me, its fine for us here on a soccer forum as soccer nerds like we are, to rail against corruption in FIFA and unjust refereeing. In mature soccer cultures, every constituency has a tale about how they were screwed. Its part of the history. lore and culture of the game but, in those cultures, it hasn't hurt the popularity of game. But in Canada, where we have tons of other pro sports that hog the airwaves and newsprint, it could be different.

For the first time ever in this country , we have people like Brian Williams talking soccer. Even in the USA, they are not even at level. So if we sit here claiming conspiracy theories amongst FIFA, CIA, Mafia, IOC, KGB, USSF...etc etc , then how many people will be turned off from the sport that might not if we treat these incidents otherwise. think of all the soccer haters out there who like to use Diving and play acting as fodder and propaganda to ignore and turn people off from the sport.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Normally, I wouldn't condone a boycott, but if they suspend players/Herdman and we play, I would feel like it's us capitulating and saying "we were wrong to do what we did". In fact, they should be the ones apologizing for that disgrace. If they were smart, they would give some leeway to our players because they know full well that it was a bull**** call/game. If they suspend anyone, it's like they're doubling-down on their bull**** and, at that point, I really would want us to boycott, give them the middle finger, and say "I'll see you in hell (from heaven)".

Praise Allah!

[Joe MacCarthy]

when the match is over win/lose then tell FIFA to **** off.

Another good point but unfortunately we would have been already victimized by the suspension(s)

[Keegan]

Another good point but unfortunately we would have been already victimized by the suspension(s)

Ya but the worst that could happen is losing... if we boycott we lose no matter what.

[Joe MacCarthy]

think of all the soccer haters out there who like to use Diving and play acting as fodder and propaganda to ignore and turn people off from the sport.

Not to get off topic but those are some of the reasons why people hate soccer in the first place. I had someone who I guess you would define as a soccer hater (but actually a sports lover who doesn't care for soccer) saying how surprised they were about the toughness of the Canada game and how much they enjoyed it. It's like you're saying diving and play acting don't exist. They do and it turns people off. Way off topic now.

That game (despite the outcome) created a ton of goodwill for Canadian soccer, but it is only one game.

I'm still finding hard to believe that people would be willing to ignore throwing Sinclair under the bus and play a bronze medal game if she was suspended.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Ya but the worst that could happen is losing... if we boycott we lose no matter what.

After the emotional upheaval we've already seen I would be shocked if we won, full team or not.

[Marc]

I think they'll get fined, or be subject to later disciplinary review. I also don't blame the CSA for not putting on a barnstormer of a press conference. I mean, they're under the thumb of the COC, which is under the thumb of the IOC. Going rogue isn't an option. Particularly if we want to host the WWC. They have a long-game to think about.

Losing to at best unprofessional and at worst biased refereeing is part and parcel of the game, however unseemly. You live and you die by what happens on the field during the run of play. Without the ability to review or question calls mid-game, these types of things you just have to accept.

Suspending players or coaches in advance of a medal game for off-field comments? At best influencing and at worst determining the outcome of a medal match with on-field suspensions for off-field politics?

That takes the game off the pitch and into the media and the boardroom. That's not how the game is played, win or lose. That is precendent-setting. Who knows where that leads us. That is absolutely not something we or anyone else should just accept. Heck, if I were France I'd boycott too.

It won't happen, but if Sinclair, Tancredi and/or Herdman were suspended I do think a boycott would be in order.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Couldn't have stated it better and you have distinguished between the two points: the USA game (which is over and done) and the possibility of being re-victimized in the France game.

And I guess another point is the idea of allowing Sinclair to be thrown under the bus. I don't know if I could respect the girls or the CSA if they continued.

[elmateo]

Pretty sure if they suspended Canadian players and the team decided to boycott the game, that the ordinary Canadian would not only become more aware about the sport and situation but would support the Canadian women more. It has nothing to do with being a soccer nerd, people who never watched a game of soccer watched the match, cheered and lost their hearts with the rest of us - they understand that a very bad decision was made by the ref and that if players were condemned for pointing that out, I expect Canadians to be more supportive if the team and/or CSA took action. Canadians are a defensive bunch - if we can get mixed up into a 'defensive' fight, we show up together. Part of it is the mythology that Canadians accept the 'rules' without complaining, so if someone complains its gotta be pretty egregious. Next international match they women played, especially against the US, would receive a lot more press as well as the 'return' of the Canadian women. Of course there would be a suspension of the Canadian team on a series of international dates "in consequence" but the next FIFA official matches the Canadian women have to play is the World Cup that they are hosting... worth reminding FIFA the **** storm they are stepping into.

Think of figure skating 2002, more people cared after someone got a little fighting spirit, not less.

If it was me, I wouldn't step on to the Olympic field knowing that I was being bull****ted two games in a row. But its not my Olympics, its the players as a team, I think they need to make the decision if they have to and we need to support it.

In reality, I expect if FIFA wants to take disciplinary measures, they will wait till after or delay the impact of their decision till after the Olympics - suspensions for some pointless friendly matches. CSA would only need to stir a little bit of **** for FIFA to realize that its not worth it to push the issue to far.

[alberta white]

Not to get off topic but those are some of the reasons why people hate soccer in the first place. I had someone who I guess you would define as a soccer hater (but actually a sports lover who doesn't care for soccer) saying how surprised they were about the toughness of the Canada game and how much they enjoyed it. It's like you're saying diving and play acting don't exist. They do and it turns people off. Way off topic now.

That game (despite the outcome) created a ton of goodwill for Canadian soccer, but it is only one game.

I'm still finding hard to believe that people would be willing to ignore throwing Sinclair under the bus and play a bronze medal game if she was suspended.

It would not be the WNT trowing Sincy under the bus it would be FIFA/ IOC. that would be Them slighting Canada. What better reason would you need for the Nation to get behind the team?

Time for Canada Olympic Comittee to come out to bat for the girls don't you think?

[Joe MacCarthy]

Think of figure skating 2002, more people cared after someone got a little fighting spirit, not less.

Great point and post. To this day I still remember the stunned silence and acceptance of the screwjob until Paul Martini had the balls to confront the elephant in the room like Don Cherry did with Piestany. Don't anyone kid yourself Canadians love a fighter before a pacifier.