Fall-Out from First Leg Match between Lille and ManU

Cali Ed · February 21st, 2007, 10:33 AM

First, the reaction of SAF

Quote:

Furious Ferguson brands Lille 'a disgrace'
Sir Alex Ferguson has branded Lille coach Claude Puel 'a disgrace' after the Frenchman tried to haul his team off the pitch during their 1-0 Champions League loss to Manchester United in Lens tonight.

Puel was furious that Ryan Giggs' 83rd minute match-winner was allowed to stand after the Welshman fired a quick free kick into the top corner when Lille keeper Tony Silva was still lining up his wall.

The home players surrounded Dutch referee Eric Braamhaar to voice their protests and when play stopped, they were called to the touchline by goalkeeping coach Jean Noel Duse.

At that stage, it appeared Lille would try to get the game abandoned but with Ferguson calling for his own team to continue the game, common sense prevailed and both sides played on.

'I have never seen anything like that in football,' said Ferguson. 'I cannot understand it. It was a disgrace.

ESPNsoccernet - UEFA Champions League - Fergie fury over Lille 'disgrace'

Cali Ed · February 21st, 2007, 10:35 AM

And Puel's heated response

Quote:

Lille boss Puel furious with Ferguson's comments
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been accused of trying his 'usual tricks' to put pressure on Lille during last night's controversial Champions League clash.

The French club's manager, Claude Puel, reacted angrily after Ferguson branded their response to Ryan Giggs' winning goal 'a disgrace'.

Giggs' goal, a quickly-taken free-kick in the 83rd minute while home goalkeeper Tony Sylva was lining up a wall, came soon after Lille's Peter Odemwingie had a goal ruled out for a push on United defender Nemanja Vidic.

Lille's players were so incensed the goal was allowed to stand that they kicked the ball out of play from the restart and then headed to the touchline on the orders of their goalkeeping coach Jean Noel Duse.

Ferguson was furious with their behaviour, but Puel is adamant that he was merely engaging in mind-games of his own.

'It is Sir Alex Ferguson's usual trick, and it is his way of putting the pressure on,' said the former Monaco coach.

'Sir Alex Ferguson can think what he wants. I don't understand how this man allows himself to have such thoughts. He could have avoided (saying) them.

ESPNsoccernet - UEFA Champions League - Lille boss Puel furious with Fergie

Cali Ed · February 21st, 2007, 10:37 AM

And Lille's President Michel Seydoux has his say

Quote:

Lille president blames goal on favouritism
Lille president Michel Seydoux has claimed Ryan Giggs' controversial Champions League matchwinner would not have been allowed to stand if Manchester United had conceded it.

The French club were fuming at Dutch referee Eric Braamhaar's decision to allow Giggs' quick free-kick seven minutes from time even though Lille keeper Tony Sylva was still lining up his wall.

Immediately after the restart, the Lille players booted the ball out of play, then made their way to the sideline in what appeared to be an attempt to get the game called off.

ESPNsoccernet - UEFA Champions League - Lille president blames goal on favouritism

Cali Ed · February 21st, 2007, 10:41 AM

Meanwhile, UEFA is going to conduct an investigation into the incident, and the security problems that led French police to tear gas ManU supporters

Quote:

UEFA launch probe into United crush
UEFA have confirmed they will investigate the incidents which marred Manchester United's Champions League win against Lille.

French police were criticised by fans for being heavy-handed at the Stade Felix-Bollaert, and tear gas was used during the match.

The investigation will also look at possible ticketing problems which led to supporters appearing to be in danger of being crushed against a 10-foot high safety barrier.

ESPNsoccernet - UEFA Champions League - UEFA launch probe into crush

This promises to get interestinger and interestinger. Stay tuned for more...

Baggio2B · February 21st, 2007, 01:24 PM

You know, I have to say, it is part of the game. Get over it, Lille! Yes, you had a goal disallowed (I thought a bad call when I saw the highlights), but still that is part of the game. Giggs did what Notre Dame did to Portland in the women's NCAA final a few years ago (may have that backwards).

It really is too bad that the game has so much controversy. The second half looked like it belonged to Lille, so Man U looks like they "stole" one this time.

Not particularly fond of the fans throwing things at the Man U players, either.

Wiggen · February 22nd, 2007, 09:22 AM

So the three questions I have are this:

Was Manchester United ready for the free kick? I'd say the answer to this one is 'yes'.

Was the referee ready for the free kick? I'd say the answer to this one is also 'yes', since he let the goal stand.

Was Lille ready for the free kick? I'd say the answer to this one is 'no'. And that's their problem. They were the team that committed the foul. The world doesn't stop until they align their defense perfectly.

My advice to them would be to read the rules and get on with their lives.

Wiggen · February 23rd, 2007, 12:18 PM

I see that EUFA has dismissed the Lille appeal, stating that the goal was perfectly valid, and are investigating the French for walking off the field after the goal and for crowd disturbances. I'm no big fan of Manchester United, but I hope Lille gets nailed to the wall for this.

February 21st, 2007, 01:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
Baggio2B Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 17	You know, I have to say, it is part of the game. Get over it, Lille! Yes, you had a goal disallowed (I thought a bad call when I saw the highlights), but still that is part of the game. Giggs did what Notre Dame did to Portland in the women's NCAA final a few years ago (may have that backwards). It really is too bad that the game has so much controversy. The second half looked like it belonged to Lille, so Man U looks like they "stole" one this time. Not particularly fond of the fans throwing things at the Man U players, either.

February 22nd, 2007, 09:22 AM	#6 (permalink)
Wiggen Hall of Famer Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5,287	So the three questions I have are this: Was Manchester United ready for the free kick? I'd say the answer to this one is 'yes'. Was the referee ready for the free kick? I'd say the answer to this one is also 'yes', since he let the goal stand. Was Lille ready for the free kick? I'd say the answer to this one is 'no'. And that's their problem. They were the team that committed the foul. The world doesn't stop until they align their defense perfectly. My advice to them would be to read the rules and get on with their lives.

February 23rd, 2007, 12:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
Wiggen Hall of Famer Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5,287	I see that EUFA has dismissed the Lille appeal, stating that the goal was perfectly valid, and are investigating the French for walking off the field after the goal and for crowd disturbances. I'm no big fan of Manchester United, but I hope Lille gets nailed to the wall for this.