Premiership to axe 'injury break'

[Lazie]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=629 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=3><DIV class=mxb><DIV class=sh></DIV></DIV></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=416><DIV class=mvb><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=416 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=bottom><DIV class=mvb><SPAN class=byl>By Phil Harlow </SPAN></DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=203 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><DIV> <DIV class=cap>The custom sparked a furious row between Wenger and Jol in April</DIV></DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The Premier League has asked players, managers and referees to end the custom of the ball being kicked out of play when a player goes down injured.

Decisions on whether a break in play is necessary for treatment to be received will now be taken by the referee.

"There was a general feeling that this player-led convention had gone too far," Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson told BBC Sport.

But the Football League told BBC Sport it had no plans to make changes.

The custom has gradually established itself in football over the years, but has never been formalised in the rules.

But the feeling that this "gentlemen's agreement" was being taken advantage of has become widespread, with frequent breaks in play at the 2006 World Cup cited as the most high-profile abuse.

Managers and players complained of situations where the ball was kicked out for non-existent injuries in order to stop a team's attacking momentum.

And the arbitrary nature of the convention has led to several flashpoints in recent years.

Last season, Arsenal's crucial Premiership match against Tottenham was marred by scenes of managers Arsene Wenger and Martin Jol squaring up on the sidelines.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=203 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><DIV> <DIV class=cap>Sheffield United's players walked off the pitch after the controversial goal</DIV></DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Wenger was furious when Spurs did not put the ball out of play after Emmanuel Eboue and Gilberto Silva were injured in the build-up to Robbie Keane's goal.

Another example of the misunderstanding the convention can produce is Marc Overmars' goal for Arsenal against Sheffield United in their 1999 FA Cup fifth-round tie.

In that instance, the ball had been kicked out by United to allow their player Lee Morris to receive treatment.

But instead of returning the ball to the Blades on resumption of play, Arsenal striker Kanu released Overmars to score.

The incident led to the match being replayed, with the Football Association agreeing to the Gunners' offer to play the match again.

<DIV class=ch1>WHY DID THE PREMIER LEAGUE WANT THIS CHANGE?</DIV>
Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson:


"There were certain incidents - like the Martin Jol and Arsene Wenger flare-up last season - that made us think it was time to place the decision back in the hands of the referee.

"Sometimes the demand for the ball to go immediately out - from both players and fans - was almost acting as an extra defender.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=208 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=5></TD><TD class=sibStdQuote><DIV><DIV class=mva><DIV id=q1></DIV>[B]It's important fo

[Mosiah]

RE: Premiership to axe 'injury break'

<DIV>Long overdue, and the NPL and other leagues around the world should follow. Too much controversy and the sport was being turned into some sissy pasttime. Now what will Portmore United do when their opponents have a fast break!? :w00t:</DIV><DIV></DIV><DIV>Tennis needs to follow suit and cut out those injury timeouts where trainers are brought out to administer relief or whatever. If yuh injured and can't resume in 2 minutes, then you forfeit. That's how the brave oldtimers did it!</DIV>

[Courtney]

RE: Premiership to axe 'injury break'

Dont agree .

What happen to the whole FIFA PREMISE of fair play ??

And all of this because Tottenham and Arsenal clash ??

[Lazie]

RE: Premiership to axe 'injury break'

Well I too get ****ed when some idiots fake an injury just to stop an attack. I have no problem with it.

[Mosiah]

RE: Premiership to axe 'injury break'

<DIV>Why is FIFA's Fair Play in any jeopardy? People can still play fair, and of course, if someone's spleen is hanging out, I am sure they will resort to kicking out the ball to stop play again.</DIV><DIV></DIV><DIV>The "rule" was ridiculously used by many teams, especially our NPL teams. The side throwing in the ball would put it out of play way down by the corner flag for the other team to retrieve. So, the side that kicked out the ball would therefore be punished by having to get the ball out of its area while being pressured by the side that was so kind to return the ball to them! </DIV><DIV></DIV><DIV>How fair is that?!? </DIV>

[Balla]

RE: Premiership to axe 'injury break'

Courtney (8/17/2006)Dont agree .

What happen to the whole FIFA PREMISE of fair play ??

And all of this because Tottenham and Arsenal clash ??

are you serious

what fair play, and no its not because of arsenal and spurs, how can they just change the game like that, I agree with this ...if you player get injured kick get the the ball and then kick it out so that your player can be removed to the sideline

FIFA didnt institute this break and if they think it will help their cause let them make it mandatory

[Mosiah]

RE: Premiership to axe 'injury break'

<DIV>The thing is, no one can stop a side from kicking out the ball if a teammate is injured. But the other side should not feel obliged to do so if an opponent is down. Of course, the ref can order the throw be taken right away and not allow medics to come to the player's attention. Many times, all the injured player needs to do is give it a good rub, wheel and come again.</DIV><DIV></DIV><DIV>And, if a team stops the game by kicking out the ball, the other side should not feel that it is obliged to throw them back the ball. Too bad!</DIV>