Capello: No more nice guys Saturday 4 December, 2004
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fabio Capello has started a debate on whether the ball should be put out of play when an opponent is down injured, claiming it’s a right that is often abused.
“As of the game with Lazio,” said the experienced Coach, “Juve’s players will not put the ball out of play for an injury. It’s just getting ridiculous now and people are fainting to stop counter-attacks.”
In Italy there is an unwritten rule that play should be stopped every time an opponent is on the ground in need of treatment, but players and tacticians alike are increasingly frustrated with how strictly that rule is applied.
“We also spoke to the directors about this,” continued Capello, “and the decision was not sparked by a single incident, but rather by a general trend. I say this now to warn our future opponents.”
The statements have immediately caused controversy and started a debate around Serie A, with several clubs sharing his sentiments.
“I think it all depends on the situation,” said Roma Coach Gigi Del Neri. “I am convinced that when you’re on the field you know when an injury is serious. They should only stop play when there is a clash of heads, not for a tackle. We’ve all been conned a few too many times.”
Palermo boss Francesco Guidolin also came to Capello’s aid on this contentious issue. “We’ve had enough of this fake fair play. It is up to the referee to halt play when the situation requires it. Of course, everything would be simpler if players just agreed not to trick each other and signed a code of conduct.”
Bologna's Carlo Mazzone added, "Well done Capello! I've always said the same thing off the record, as staying down has now become a tactic."
