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Timewasting

 

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Not just timewasting, but rotational timewasting.

Having been  warned by the FA about rotational fouling as developed by Blackburn, Bolton moved on to rotational timewasting.   

It was put on full display in January 2007 at the Wengerdrome in an FA Cup match where Bolton players wasted time at every opportunity even during the first half.

Even the goalkeeper joined in as 60,000 fans witnessed the bizarre spectacle of Jaaskelainen moving the ball at goalkicks from the left to the right or from the right to the left.   Ultimately he was spotted holding the ball for 16 seconds - probably the longest ever seen in the Premiership.  The referee of course did nothing.

Every other player joined in, wasting time for example at free kicks and throw ins, moving on only when the ref moved forward and looked like he might issue a word of warning.  Then another player would take up the approach, and so it spread like an evil virus across the team.

Others will undoubtedly follow. 

 

Last modified: May 27, 2007

 

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