Defying Video Evidence, Arsenal Will Appeal

Despite the flagrantly obvious nature of this trangression and the video that captures it, Arsenal will appeal the UEFA suspension.

From The Guardian UK:

One of Arsenal’s complaints, in their 19-page submission, is that, having also studied the video evidence, they feel that there was some element of contact from Boruc. They believe that this is shown in the footage that Uefa has sent them and, therefore, there is inaccuracy in the governing body’s analysis. They have urged Uefa to scrutinise the flashpoint again.

Moreover, Arsenal contend it is impossible for Uefa or anybody to read any intention to deceive into Eduardo’s tumble. They have pointed out he did not appeal for a foul and they have also stressed Eduardo’s blemish-free disciplinary previous and the fact that, following his horrific leg break at Birmingham City in February 2008, he is generally mindful of the need to pull out of potential collisions.

We shall see. Having only seen soccer in sporadic bursts (read: every 4 years), I’m no expert, but it seems a “diving” tactic like that of da Silva is a fairly common practice. Arsenal’s denials that it was a dive are laughable; whether it warrants two game ban is a more legitimate question.

Whatever your stance, though, isn’t it funny to marvel at the way British people couch even the most basic discussion with the gravest possible terminology?

In the fax outlining the charge and the surrounding circumstances, Eduardo is said to have “succeeded in deceiving the referee, who was influenced by the player’s gross unsporting behaviour”. It added: “There are no exceptional circumstances that would justify a plea for mercy.”

I wonder if he’ll make it to the pitch to play in the next two matches currently in the fixture for Arsenal. Though if their friendlies, I doubt it’ll much matter.