da bet7： Under the drone of the vuvuzelas, Brazil’s samba beat was in full flow as the South American side secured their place in the knock-out stages of the World Cup. Unfortunately for Dunga’s men, their 3-1 victory over the Ivory Coast at Soccer City was hampered by the blatant cheating of The Elephants’ Kader Keita, which saw Brazilian ace Kaka sent off.
da stake casino： Keita ran into the Real Madrid player only for him to theatrically throw himself to the floor. The player’s overdramatic reaction saw Kaka receive a second yellow card and will miss Brazil’s highly anticipated final group game against Portugal.
To make matters worse, the second most expensive player in the world was sent to the showers early by French referee Stephane Lannoy despite him not witnessing the off the ball incident. Referees have difficult jobs, we know that, but are there to officiate decisions they see. Not based on the reaction of players. BBC pundit Alan Shearer said: “It’s an absolute disgrace. The ref has just had a guess based on the reaction of the player.”
How can Keita’s disgraceful cheating be tolerated by FIFA? Sepp Blatter and co cannot ignore this and making an example of the Ivory Coast winger could be a step in the right direction to eliminating these appalling actions from the beautiful game, especially on the World Cup stage where the whole world are watching.
Firstly, Kaka’s red card should be rescinded. The rules currently state players are unable to appeal a sending off which consists of two bookable offences. This is where common sense must prevail. Replays prove Kaka did not strike the face of Keita so his ban must be overturned.
Although the Ivory Coast are unable to progress to the knock-out stage of the tournament, FIFA must fine and throw Keita out of the tournament. Only when such severe actions are taken will players think twice about committing this degree of cheating.
BBC’s John Motson made a valid point regarding Brazil’s own Rivaldo in the 2002 World Cup against Turkey. The former Barcelona star was fined £5,180 by FIFA for feigning injury after Hakan Ünsal kicked the ball towards Rivaldo to which the Brazilian threw himself to the ground holding his face despite the ball striking his knee.
FIFA failed to suspend Rivaldo for his actions and he later publically stated: “I’m calm about the punishment. I am not sorry about anything. Obviously the ball didn’t hit me in the face.” Reactions such as these demonstrate FIFA’s need to stamp out cheating and only when severe consequences are imposed will players take notice.
Written By Michael Muncaster
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