Who's 'Respecting' Who?

Remember before the new season started, there was a video circulating, promoting the new 'Respect' campaign put up by the English FA. It was to stamp out abuse against the men in black and how the multi-millionaires should listen and be nice to some part timers.

Indeed, I do not condone players surrounding referees hurling abuses or waving imaginary yellow cards. I hate the fact that every time a player commits a foul, his 'comrades' would suddenly stand up and be counted, literally.

But the latest FA decision puts everything into doubt, especially this 'Respect' campaign. John Terry, the great England captain was sent off. He appealed and yea, it was rescinded. I mean, maybe after viewing the replay for the 100th time gave them the idea that it wasn't a red.

But what is absolutely ridiculous is the fact that Mark Halsey, the referee who dared to sent off the great and mighty England thug captain was 'relegated' and won't be officiating in any of the Premiership game this weekend.

So what was that for?

I saw the replay and God, was John Terry an England football captain or is he plying his trade in a wrong sports? It looked every bit like a rugby tackle as he bundled Man City's Jo down. Mind you, Terry is pretty big size if you aren't aware.

Yes, he wasn't the last man. But that was a cynical foul and I thought that by itself is enough to be given a straight red?

So for daring to make the right decision, Mark Halsey was made to pay for sending Terry off. What a sad state of affair. I urge not only the players but the higher authorities as well, to respect the men in black for their decision and not punish them for doing something right just because they're protecting their crown jewel.

Nobody's above the law? Well your status could always buy you a way out apparently.

Hell Yeah!

The above picture speaks a thousand words, really. Can't remember the last time we beat the scums but well, all hoodoos will be broken sooner or later and in this case, 4 long years after Rafa Benitez took charge.

Wasn't able to watch the game so my dear friend from AnfieldReds.blogspot.com updated me with the live score.

3 minutes in and it's as if the inevitable happens, albeit a little too early. Tevez got ManYoo ahead at Anfield. We who are football fans knows that having a turning point of the game so early in the game could be a boon or even bane for the leading side.

Of course on the hindside, the latter happened as Liverpool completely dominated from then on and we can safely say United bottled it big time. But take nothing away from Liverpool as their hunger and desperation showed throughout and of course, action speaks louder than words. We saw how Mascherano and co. hounded any players in white that has the possession of the ball.

Although all eyes were on Dimitar Berbatov who made his debut for United at Anfield, it was another debutant who caught the fans' eye. It was Albert Riera, who didn't impress anyone including Stuart Pearce during his previous stint at Man City.

But the traditional left winger produced a performance worthy of praise as he weaved past Wes Brown without much trouble and even showed a piece of brilliant skill through a well-timed backheel. His movement and cooperation with Fabio Aurelio was commendable. Seemed like he was around for years.

It was a fantastic results and Rafa will surely want to build on this. But we know how inconsistent Liverpool have been for the past God-knows-how-long so we'll have to see if Liverpool's title credentials are realistic or just another faux pas.