Blackburn - Hand Ball?

Another match, another disappointing result at home. Everton drew 1-1 to Blackburn Rovers after going up 1-0 on a Tim Cahill goal in the first half. It was great to see the Australian finally get one; it had been awhile. But Blackburn equalized in the second half, and, to be honest, the Toffees were lucky to escape with one point.

One of the biggest differences in soccer, and I think a real sticking point for the detractors, is the hesitation to go to instant replay. Both goals in yesterday's match were questionable because of possible hand balls. In my mind, Everton's score was clearly precipitated by a deliberate hand ball by Marouane Fellaini. Blackburn's was a bit more dicey, but certainly could have been called back. I believe that's the beauty of the game; you take the bad breaks with the good. For every goal scored by a missed call, Everton have been on the receiving end of some bad ones as well. The difference I think for soccer fans is that they don't go crazy demanding that the absolutely right call be made all the time. I for one am against any instant replay in soccer (and baseball for that matter). It would truly take away from the simplicity and flow of the game.