PennsylvaniaDosser

I agree with the above sentiment concerning a professional foul red card, assuming no intent to injure. But the last thought got me thinking. There seems to be a sort of philosophical question at play: Does being sent off negate everything the player did prior to being sent off? The question could be phrased mathematically: (Player's Performance + Game Situation) > (Being Sent Off + Game Situation)? If Yes, applause is warranted. If No, then no applause should be given. Three examples. In each one, the player is sent off in the 70th minute for a second yellow card. Prior to the sending off, (1) Player A has scored two goals. Team is leading 2-0 at the time of sending off. (2) Player B has been at fault for poor man-marking, leading to a goal conceded, as well as conceding a free kick from which the opposition scored. Team is trailing 0-2 at the time of sending off. (3) Player C has assisted on a goal and been at fault for conceding a goal. Game is tied 1-1 at time of sending off. Player A should be applauded, even though being sent off leads to a more difficult final 20 minutes for the team. Player B will be mercilessly booed off the pitch due to his performance being a complete disaster compounded by the sending off. Player C's situation is where debate will come in concerning the formula, since the formula calls for subjective judgment: for some it may be enough to applaud; for others it may not be. The formula works even in the case of a professional foul red card; that player's performance could be greater than the being sent off. If it ends up saving a goal in a close or tied game, then it leads to points for the team. That should be applauded.

Managers are always saying that it takes playing a "perfect game" to win or even draw against either of the Old Firm teams, especially in Glasgow. Who thought that the imperfection would be missing a penalty kick? Undone by that twice in recent years: home against Rangers; away at Celtic.

Just find an instrumental copy of Handel's "Zadok the Priest" and play the first part. Will practically sound the same as the Champions League theme over the tannoy system. Can always pass it off as "simply enjoying Baroque music on a May weekend at Fir Park".

As of March 3, 2012: Home Record: 24 pts = 7 W, 3D, 4L (20 GF, 16 GA) Away Record: 27 pts = 8 W, 3D, 4L (20 GF, 17 GA) Nearly identical, positive records for both home and away is top-of-the table stuff. A little fortunate to have so many wins with a minimal goal differential. But definitely earned 3rd spot in the table so far.

Love the manager's little dig at Aberdeen's lack of offensive efforts at Fir Park at the end. Call 'em as you see 'em, Stuart McCall!

GOAL......Lasley! Who had this combo of scorers?

GOAL......Murphy!

3 points from an injured team against a overly-familiar foe. I'll take that every midweek!

2-1. Goal off a set piece/corner. Guess it's back to normal service.

1--0!!!! Jamie Murphy opens the scoring!

Huge 3 points. Great to hear the high pressure from the midfield and forwards. Manager apparently had the players amped up. For the attendees: Was the defending as dominant as it sounded on the radio?

McHugh on for Jones. Welcome back!

Ugh. Missed sitter by Jones according to the radiomen. Still sounds like fairly dominant play for our side.

HUMPHREY to put Motherwell up 1-0 after a good dominant opening!

Nothing like not getting a shot on goal off a 3-on-1 breakout. Craptacular performance all around after the first 15 minutes.

Ugh. Corner cleared off the line by Killie.

"Killie with the edge in penalties." In more ways than one.....

More poor defense on a corner leads to a PK.

1-1 Poor defense from a corner and the resultant play. Too typical.

Oof. Sutton off the post from a header attempt out of a nothing play. Nearly a second.

What a Goal for Sutton! Great transition play from Hateley wide to Humphrey to Sutton! 1-0!

3-0. MacDonald scores. Guess it's good to get a blowout loss out of the way. Can't afford any more in the chase for Top Six.

2-0 ICT. Foran with the goal. Probably the clincher for 3 pts.

Now Saunders on for Hateley.

Humphrey on for Forbes. Change in formation is needed.