Thirty minutes into the Croatia Mexico game I've had turn the volume to zero. I'm past 50, I like a glass of wine and I'm not hitting the gym as often as I used to. My heart won't cope with any more of this stuff. Do commentators think before they speak?
Sample 1. Modric is clattered from behind by an opponent. It's an aerial duel and the Mexican just closes his eyes and catches the Croat on the back of the head with his forehead. Whilst this is an everyday occurrence on the streets of Glasgow, it should not be encouraged on the football field. It's a headbutt, plain and simple. Co-commentator Danny Murphy explained that there was no malice, the challenge was mistimed, so no action should be taken. Had the same thing happened on the ground, resulting in a player being tripped, a foul would be given. Can someone explain the discrepancy? Or is this further evidence that footballers value their feet over their brains?
Sample 2. Mexican player Herrera strikes the crossbar with a superb shot. The commentator explains that the stats will not show this as being "on target," a practice that he just does not understand. Allow me to explain in simple terms. The wooden structure that supports the net is NOT the target - it is the net that they need to aim for. The records will reflect that a shot that hits the crossbar is of no more value to a team than one that hits the corner flag.
Until commentators grasp this simple principle and until their colleagues can distinguish between a fair challenge and assault, the world cup will continue to be watched in silence.
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