A question: At this important stage of the Premiership season with one of the richest Russian Billionaires owning Chelsea; the side in in second place who were 6 points behind Manchester United; Manchester losing in very odd circumstances which means the gap is now only three points; was this the result of match rigging?
Why?
A series of 'out of character errors' by usually stalwart Manchester United players and blatantly obvious 'bad' refereeing decisions let Portsmouth win this game.
The Events in Question
Obvious Penalty
Early in the first half with the score 0 v 0; first Ronaldo was chopped down in the Portsmouth half; no penalty. Seconds later, Rooney was chopped down in the Portsmouth half. It was a definite penalty. The Referee didnt even bat an eye lid. No penalty.
Dubious Legitimate Portsmouth GoalThe ball was crossed in a seemingly none threatening position outside Manchester United's box and badly cleared by Richardson. A weak shot by Benjani was poorly punched out by the usually infallible Van Der Sar. The United goalkeeper would usually catch the ball or punch it well clear. But no he punches it out right into the path of the advancing Portsmouth player Taylor who slots into the net, beating a 'reluctant' Ferdinand to the ball. Ferdinand is one of the best defenders in the game and 9 times out of 10 he would make the clearance. Not today. Portsmouth 1 v 0 Manchester United.
Offside Decision That Was Clearly Not The Right Decision
Early in the 2nd half Wayne Rooney is put clear through on goal by an exquisite pass by Ronaldo. He was clearly ONSIDE. However the linesman on the right hand touch line flagged Rooney for offside. Rooney put the ball in the back of the net but it didn't count. Even the TV commentator could see it was NOT offside.
Another Penalty Claim Turned Down
Rooney was through on goal to be brought down by the challenge of Portsmouth defender Primus. No contact was made with Rooney with Primus getting to the ball first. However Rooney had his shirt pulled and he was held back briefly. Rooney complained profusely, but no penalty.
Portsmouth's 2nd Goal - another 'mix up'
With only several minutes to go, and with no pressure on him Ferdinand plays the ball back to Van Der Sar, missing Van Der Sar completely and tapping the ball into the net from the edge of the box. Again for Ferdinand & Van Der Sar to err once is unusual; but TWICE in the same game AND it being both players again involved in the cock up?
Very odd events; out of character. But match rigging? Perhaps. With all the money involved in the Premiership, and in the light of the match rigging discovered in Italy, it is not impossible. However for it to have taken place there would have to be four people in the game 'bought out' and that is the referee, the linesman and the Man Utd players Ferdinand & Van Der Sar. Unlikely? It is questioning the integrity of two of the best players in Manchester United.
It is hinting at a link in a chain from the Chelsea owner to the shadowy persons who would make contact with these four participants in the game. To what end? To ensure Chelsea close the gap on Manchester United and retain the title to win it for a third successive year.
It is very strange that both Van Der Sar & Ferdinand make unforced errors to let Portsmouth score the first goal. Yes, that can be pressure of the occasion and tiredness after their exertions mid week at Roma. But a SECOND goal conceded by the same players and a second unforced error? Very, very strange.
The first penalty claim which was turned down and the offside decision which wasn't - were blatant BAD referee decisions. Clearly wrong decisions. With the penalty and the Rooney goal it would have been 2 v 3 (if the penalty had been scored) and Man Utd would still be 6 points clear needing only 4 more wins with 6 games remaining (one of which is against Chelsea) and a far superior goal difference. As it stands now if Chelsea win all their remaining games & Man Utd slip up at Chelsea & at another venue, the title is Chelsea's.