| The USA Gaffer | Christopher Harris runs popular Premiership website EPLtalk.com for Stateside soccer fans. |
I'd heard that Blackburn Rovers supporters are friendly - and I found out for myself how fantastic they were when I journeyed from Miami to Lancashire for a taste of Premiership football. So how did the match compare with a game of association football in America? Other than the weather difference, the atmosphere at Ewood Park is far superior to matches in the States. Although only 18,000 fans attended the match against Spurs - the Rovers fans especially in the Blackburn End Stand where I sat – were extremely boisterous. Of course, the match against Tottenham Hotspur sparked numerous controversies, all of which fuelled fans anger at referee Paul Dowd and assistant referee Michael Murphy.
To be fair, Rovers were robbed of a penalty after Dowd failed to blow his whistle for an obvious handball by Mido in the Spurs penalty area. While Dowd’s view of the incident was blocked, assistant referee Murphy had a clear view of Mido’s flagrant use of his arm. There were plenty of other incidents during the match. Tugay’s long range volley was an absolute screamer. What makes it more incredible is that the shot was taken with one touch. The fans response at the Blackburn End Stand was deafening with a chant of “Tugay, you are our Turkish delight” adding a smile to my face. While at Ewood Park, I had the pleasure of interviewing a couple who are two die-hard Rovers supporters. It was great to hear about their passion for the Lancashire club and take a walk down memory lane by recounting the late Jack Walker's influence on the club. - Mark Hughes says he will appeal to the FA over the decision by referee Phil Dowd to give Tugay a red card in that game.
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