(Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
Any fan of soccer understands the importance of a yellow card and the necessity of a red card. But the display by Tim Weyland in the SuperClasico was outrageous and unnecessary.
A referee should never be noticed during a game of soccer.
The fact his name was mentioned by Alexi Lalas and John Harkes on ESPN Saturday night more times than any single player, is an embarrassment.
The match between the LA Galaxy and Chivas USA was a derby. A rivalry. A game for the city of Los Angeles. For pride. Of course we expect players to be chippy, a little excited to open the game. That is what the fans and the coaches want.
Two fouls were obvious cards; The Galaxy's Gregg Berhalter deserved a red card for halting a scoring chance and Chivas' Paulo Nagamura's second yellow was deserving.
How were nine cards thrown?
A card every 10 minutes. As many cards as shots on goal. This destroys the flow of the beautiful game.
No doubt, most were fouls. But cards change a game and ruin the excitement of the only derby in Major League Soccer.
Longest time between cards: 23 minutes. Totals: 31 fouls, 9 cards, 0 goals. 19 players on the field at the end of the match.
Let us hope the next SuperClasico allows Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy the chance to put on the show we all expect from their derby.
Tim Weyland can watch from home.
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