The other issue is the where were the referees, were they all older white men with their tongues out, enamored and unable to call the game objectively (this game had so many penalties that did not get called), I mean what are they getting paid to do. Who has paid these guys off? Do we have to change the game where only women referees can call women games. After watching the video someone was paid off, that is my conclusion.

And Lizzy, watch you back and please stay out of soccer (you real should be banned, the game does not need people like you in it), so many will be gunning for you now. Who knows maybe you were just drumming up business for your “Occupational Therapy practice”, yah good luck with that, I doubt your bed side manner is any different from your sportsmanship.

“Soccer is a gentlemen’s sport played by hooligans, rugby is a hooligan’s sport played by gentlemen.”

I strongly disagree that soccer is a violent sport. It can be quite physical, and if it gets too physical or players engage in the kind of conduct highlighted in your post, they get punished accordingly. Zidane’s headbutt was a huge outrage in Europe, and will probably taint his legacy forever. The kind of behavior displayed by Lambert is not tolerated in soccer one bit. Violent fans are a minority and their behavior is condemned by all clubs, officials, players and the real fans.

I think the conception that soccer is violent is the result of unfamiliarity with the sport, mixed with comparing it to American football. If you look at the gear football players wear, and the obvious roughness on the field, you would conclude that soccer must be for whimps, as they are not taking any hits like that at all. I remember thinking that the concept of a foul in American football must be joke when I was a kid. Then when you look at soccer more closely, you realize that it can actually be very physical: Players sliding towards each other with their feet first wearing long cleats for example. (A lot of people that play for recreation refrain from doing this by the way) This considerable contrast to the previous conception of soccer being mild, might then lead to an exaggerated perception of soccer’s “violence”.

Rest in Peace, Robert Enke.

Having said this, no one can possibly defend this chick’s actions as ‘part of the game’. You push and shove for position and occasionally tackle while going for the ball, but her actions reek of jackassery of the most unsportsmanlike flavor.

But elbow “get out of my space” and the response = double punch “I’m taking you down” it crossed a line in my opinion. It is like someone saying “excuse me” in the supermarket and the other person getting in their faces screaming “no YOU get the F out of my way”

not at all okay

and an elbow leading to a couple of punches IN THE FACE (later in the clip)

and the hair take down

no, no, no, no, no

too ugly

Your comment above is exactly what I was going to say. And yes, the catfighting headline is infuriating.

Great debate!