FIFA 2010 World Cup: Luis Suarez’s handball and the FIFA controversy about handball
The match between Uruguay and Ghana has proved itself to be one of the most controversial matches in the history. There have been many ‘Hands’ in the history of football but never at this stage of the World Cup and in such a way.
Ghana were awarded a free kick and after the kick the ball stayed jammed in the “D” for a while after which a header that was crossing over Luis Suarez was sent back by firm tow hands. Only that those were not the hands of the keeper. They were the hands of the star striker of Uruguay who had so far given a spectacular performance in the World Cup. The player was just standing ahead of the line when he bounced the ball back.
Though he stopped the goal he was sent off for the foul and Ghana were awarded a penalty which Asamoah Gyan took. Unfortunately he missed the penalty hitting the top bar in the process which led the ball outside.
This eventually brings out the issue, is it even fair to award a penalty on a certain goal; Luis Suarez who stopped the Ghanaian goal which would have made them the first African team to move onto the semi finals. FIFA has been lenient with Suarez as they only gave him a one game ban though.
Most are arguing that he deserved a much more robust ban than the one match ban that he got, and here are the questions and outcomes of what could be the most unique and controversial game towards the end of this World Cup.
The rules?
First of all this is not the first time something like this has happened in the World Cup this year, and not only to Ghana. In the second group game which was played against Australia, Harry Kewell blocked a shot by John Mensah and he was only sent off the field.
The circumstances of this game were the same and the match result was a ban just like Luis Suarez. However, Suarez saved his team with nasty play in the tournament.
Does Ghana Feel Aggrieved?
Ghana definitely feels aggrieved; they actually hit the crossbar under pressure and converted that in the shootout. All things aside Ghana does have a sound case, as Suarez was diving and trying to coin the referee so many times.
It is argued that Suarez should have been sent off the field a long time before he blocked the goal.
So what about Luis Suarez?
Suarez is now seen as a cheat by almost everyone, but what is actually sad is that in his own country of Uruguay, he is seen as a hero.
It is argued that a lot of footballers in the same situation would have done the same thing. Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Paul Schole, John Terry and others like them know that winning is everything in the game and are ready to do whatever necessary to win the game.
With Gyan's miss and Suarez hand, Suarez actually has a chance to finish first, second, or third in the first World Cup that he is playing.
So what is expected from FIFA?
Experts have commented that the rules of the game should not be changed simply because of a hand ball by a player. However, in truth the hand ball by Suarez has brought out a much deeper issue that what if other players commit to the same foul in future.
Over all, it was a great game by Uruguay and Ghana, with a lot learned, and sadly Africa's heartbroken as they did not precede, also this match may go down the as one of the most controversial games ever.
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