PLAY TO THE WHISTLE!

In the aftermath of all the heated debate concerning the build up to Chelsea's second goal during last Sundays Community Shield match against Manchester United the F.A. have felt it necessary to issue a statement on their website to clarify the situation.

For anyone who hasn't seen the incident, Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack blocked United's Patrice Evra off the ball. But as United had retained possession the referee Chris Foy allowed play to continue. Correctly deeming that Evra was not seriously injured, the game was not stopped and Chelsea proceeded to win the ball back, launch a counter-attack and score.

Cue much hysteria from Sky's Andy 'grey area' Gray and Jamie 'could 'ave been a red card' Redknapp, not to mention an on-field rant at the ref from Sir Alex Ferguson after the final whistle (Respect campaign, anyone?).

I appreciate that it is in the media's interest to whip up controversy to persuade people to contact various phone-ins or to send in their 'thoughts' via e-mail, but is it too much to ask that the experts, and i use the term loosely, actually learn the laws of the game prior to each season.

This is not a new topic. Prior to last season it was agreed that to end the constant kicking of the ball off the field of play, so that an injured player could get treatment, it would again be solely up to the ref to determine if an injury was serious enough to halt the game. Put simply, play to the whistle.

As a postscript, for how many years have we heard from various pundits "do you understand the off-side law Richard? 'Cos i don't". Well i am sorry but bloody well learn it, it is your job!