" Siao eh, don't give penalty!"

Being an avid soccer fan, World Cup 2006 is definitely my most watched tv show now.

Any of you who watch the World Cup would have noticed that the referee has a mouth-piece taped on his cheeks. Its purpose is to have a seamless communication with his assistant referees, which include 2 linesmen and 1 more at the sideline.

But I think otherwise.

The party at the end of the line are not the referees. But who? The bookies. Probably the " World Bookies Association". They are the main factor contributing to all the controvesial decisions of late.

A classic example- Australia vs Croatia
When Josep Simunic received his second yellow card.
Bookie to the referee: "Oei Pol, Dun give him red card. Cannot let the Aussies win. Must play to a draw!"

Sumunic was not sent off despite having 2 yellow cards.

The referee went on to disallow a goal by Australia in the dying minutes. During injury time when the score was 2-2, something shocking happened.

Bookie: Eh.. Now you can send Sumunic off liao. We all win money today. Can pang kang liao.
Ref: But how should I do it?
B: Wah liew eh.. Give him another yellow card lah.

That's precisely what happened after that.


-doubleU