The rule says that if you kick the ball away you'll get booked. It's a rule that's been on the go for years and years. The players are aware of it. If players are still stupid enough to do it they'll get booked. The rule doesn't say you can't hold on to the ball so by the letter of the law (which it's the ref's job to enforce) Carragher didn't commit a bookable offence. Simple. Hope this has cleared it up for everyone who just can't get their heads round it.
I would, however, be quite happy to see that sort of thing be specifically outlawed too to make it punishable by a booking. You'd see keepers get booked for it all the time.
Annoys me how folk seem to think Liverpool should be embarrassed about this cup win. Liverpool beat the better teams to even reach the final and outplayed Cardiff for the whole game. If it wasn't for their keeper it would have been a one sided affair.
I was pleased to see Super Kev play so well.
Cardiff v Liverpool
Shots
11 - 39
On target
7 - 19
Corners
3 - 19
Possession
47 - 53
If Cardiff played like that in the league they'd get promoted.