Who's to Blame

  As we get ready for a new season to get underway now is a time that we should reflect on the past. To find a solution for previous mistakes from seasons before. Last year one ugly incident sticks out in my mind more than any other.
  April 23, 2011 Brian Mullan tackled Steve Zakuani in the third minute of a Sounders v Rapids game. Zakuani suffered a horrible broken leg in this incident and Mullan was shown a straight red. The incident was followed with repercussion's for both players. Mullan was fined $5,000.00 on top of the $250.00 fine for the red card. He was also banned for 9 matches on top of the match he was sent off. Zakuani Had to have his leg surgically repaired and nearly a year later he is still nowhere near in game form.

  Fast Forward to February 5, 2012 in a Serie A match between Napoli and AC Milan. After a game stoppage by the official there was a scrum with players on the pitch. No different than a thousand ones we have seen before. Zlatan Ibrahimovic reached out and lightly slapped Salvatore Aronica. The Milan striker was sent off with a straight red, not unlike Mullan. The incident was followed with a repercussion for the offending player. Ibrahimovic was banned for 3 Serie A matches afterwards.

  After watching both of these incidents I have came to one conclusion. Sure the tackle by Mullan was despicable by all rights. That being said, I lay the blame on the officiating in the MLS. Serie A, La Liga, and EPL have not shyed away from severe punishments for infringements in order to curb future incidents. Any one who has ever played the game knows that there will always be players that will play at the limit until the referee draws him/her back. The officiating has been terrible for so long that we have players willing to play recklessly knowing the punishment will be mild.
  It is up to the MLS, if our league is to become one of the premier leagues in the world. The leash needs to be pulled a little tighter to reduce the chances of incidents like this happening again.
  On April 1, 2012 the Chicago Fire will be visiting the pitch where this terrible assault took place. We as Fire, and more importantly fair-play, supporters should try and make this road trip to show our displeasure. In the fact that this player is allowed back on the pitch. But more importantly that the incompetent boobs known as our officiating crews let this happen.
  I wish nothing but the best for Steve Zakuani and hope his recovery is speedy. I do not think this will be the case though. After an injury like this recovery is lengthy and typically there are long term effects. But here is to hoping Zakuani can become the player he should have been.

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