|
|
Bolton's Nigel Reo-Coker says players are unsure of tackling rules
Trotters' midfield schemer believes recent controversies show that there now needs to be a revamp of the guidelines on whether or not a challenge can be deemed fair
14 Jan 2012 12:10:00
By Tom Marshall-Bailey
Getty Images
Bolton midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker believes players no longer know how they are supposed to tackle, following a week which has seen a huge debate stirred up over two-footed challenges.
Manchester City's Vincent Kompany was controversially sent off for a two-footed lunge on Nani last weekend, whilst Glen Johnson was perhaps fortunate not to be dismissed in midweek after a similar offence on Joleon Lescott.
Both incidents have raised fresh fears amongst players and officials alike that there may have to be a strict revision of the guidelines behind tackling.
Reo-Coker believes that without such a redefinition, confusion will continue around what a fair tackle really is.
"Everyone can have such a long discussion on what tackle is deemed fair and what tackle is dangerous," he told The Daily Mail.
"I don't really think there are clear enough guidelines to know how you can tackle in the modern game.
"If I feel I can win a tackle, I'll go for it. I can't change. Who knows? Even the powers-that-be don't really know the true rules about tackling themselves."
The 27-year-old believes Kompany's sending off epitomises the fact that people differ in their interpretations on tackling.
"If you speak to people [about Kompany's challenge], 50 per cent will say it's a sending off and 50 per cent will say it's not. I thought it might have been a sending-off but others disagree."
Reo-Coker was the subject of many plaudits during last week's FA Cup tie against Macclesfield.
A poor tackle from defender Carl Tremarco would have left many players writhing in pain, but Reo-Coker chose to stay on his feet and he insists that bad tackles are merely a part of the traditional English game.
He admitted: "The player apologised and their coach thanked me after the game. I knew it wasn't malicious.
"I'm a big fan of the old school when you can tackle players, roll your sleeves up to get dirty and come off with a few scrapes, so it doesn't bother me.
"When you see players going down so easily from any contact, it kills the game. That's not what the English game is about."
Bolton's trip to Manchester United on Saturday afternoon will mark not only Wanderers' first appearance since Stuart Holden sustained knee cartilage damage in March but it could be the second home debut for Paul Scholes.
Reo-Coker recalls several matches against the midfield maestro and is looking forward to taking him on again.
"I've had many encounters with Paul Scholes and I do find it amusing," said the former England Under-21 midfielder.
"He's so talented but tackling just isn't one of his qualities. You have to give it to him though because he still tries."
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
Manchester City's Vincent Kompany was controversially sent off for a two-footed lunge on Nani last weekend, whilst Glen Johnson was perhaps fortunate not to be dismissed in midweek after a similar offence on Joleon Lescott.
Both incidents have raised fresh fears amongst players and officials alike that there may have to be a strict revision of the guidelines behind tackling.
Reo-Coker believes that without such a redefinition, confusion will continue around what a fair tackle really is.
"Everyone can have such a long discussion on what tackle is deemed fair and what tackle is dangerous," he told The Daily Mail.
"I don't really think there are clear enough guidelines to know how you can tackle in the modern game.
"If I feel I can win a tackle, I'll go for it. I can't change. Who knows? Even the powers-that-be don't really know the true rules about tackling themselves."
The 27-year-old believes Kompany's sending off epitomises the fact that people differ in their interpretations on tackling.
"If you speak to people [about Kompany's challenge], 50 per cent will say it's a sending off and 50 per cent will say it's not. I thought it might have been a sending-off but others disagree."
Reo-Coker was the subject of many plaudits during last week's FA Cup tie against Macclesfield.
A poor tackle from defender Carl Tremarco would have left many players writhing in pain, but Reo-Coker chose to stay on his feet and he insists that bad tackles are merely a part of the traditional English game.
He admitted: "The player apologised and their coach thanked me after the game. I knew it wasn't malicious.
"I'm a big fan of the old school when you can tackle players, roll your sleeves up to get dirty and come off with a few scrapes, so it doesn't bother me.
"When you see players going down so easily from any contact, it kills the game. That's not what the English game is about."
Bolton's trip to Manchester United on Saturday afternoon will mark not only Wanderers' first appearance since Stuart Holden sustained knee cartilage damage in March but it could be the second home debut for Paul Scholes.
Reo-Coker recalls several matches against the midfield maestro and is looking forward to taking him on again.
"I've had many encounters with Paul Scholes and I do find it amusing," said the former England Under-21 midfielder.
"He's so talented but tackling just isn't one of his qualities. You have to give it to him though because he still tries."
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Hungary - Republic of Ireland Preview
Veteran Italian coach takes his Irish side to Újpest in Hungary for their last warm-up match before their highly-anticipated Euro 2012 opener against Group C rivals Croatia
