Why wasn't Richards sent off?

[Maximus]

If that wasn't preventing an open goal I'm not sure what is!

Having said that, Tevez's miss might change the rules because even clear goal scoring opportunities are difficult these days

Richards should have went like.

[Smiler]

He wasn't playing for us, that's why

[Bob Stokoes Hat]

Originally Posted by Smiler

He wasn't playing for us, that's why

Cos he wasn't wearing red n white stripes....Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[SHY TALL KNIGHT]

Because the ref was excellent.

[Mercia Blackcat]

Maybe because Bent wasn't actually in possession of the ball.

[SuperKev]

Originally Posted by Mercia Blackcat

Maybe because Bent wasn't actually in possession of the ball.

From El Sepp's fine laws circa 2010/11

denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity to an opponent moving
towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a
penalty kick

[peachbum]

Shouldn't it have been an indirect free kick?

[SuperKev]

Further from El Sepps rules

Direct free kick
A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any
of the following seven offences in a manner considered by the referee to be
careless, reckless or using excessive force:
• kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
• trips or attempts to trip an opponent
• jumps at an opponent
• charges an opponent
• strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
• pushes an opponent
• tackles an opponent
A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any
of the following three offences:
• holds an opponent
• spits at an opponent
• handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own
penalty area)
A direct free kick is taken from the place where the offence occurred
(see Law 13 – Position of free kick).

Penalty kick
A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above ten offences is committed by
a player inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball,
provided it is in play.

[safcforever]

Originally Posted by SuperKev

Further from El Sepps rules

Tackles an opponent

[SuperKev]

Originally Posted by safcforever

Tackles an opponent

careless, reckless or using excessive force