ok, let's try this: what is, in your opinion worse: dui and crashing into another car or giving the finger. and which tournament is, in your opinion, bigger: the copa america or the world cup?

Different times, different player, different measure.

You can't compare the two in my OPINION.


I find the punishment on Effenberg harsh, and I bet so did alot more, didn't follow football at that time so I can't judge it.

I think you're mistaking for me trying to defend the situation Vidal was in, because I'm not. What he did was a disgrace and he should get a punishmen, however this moment may not ruin his entire life. The Copa America is important for Chile and in my opinion (again opinion) it would be fair to let him play in it and judge the situation AFTER the tournament)

Yet the big question looms, as to whether it was handball - in your opinion

different times? sure, but in our times of social media presence, codes of conduct became stricter not looser.
different player? obviously, but both stars of their teams in a big tournament.
different measure? dunno what you mean to be honest...

at least i presented a case to compare it to in order to back up my opinion, you just say you think it would be the same here without any evidence.

and no, i don't think you're trying to say it was ok what he did. and i'm not saying vidal should be "ruined" for this (although i don't see how judging a person according to the law is "ruining" him - even if that meant he missed the copa - this would hardly "ruin" his career). i'm just saying he should be punished properly and not get away easy because he's a big football star. would you still think the same if your girlfriend or mom was sitting in the other car?

Ofcourse not, but I would also be extremely upset if I knew my girlfriend or mom were driving with someone for so many years even tho he didn't have a license..

And I said in my previous post that he should not get away unpunished, I'm saying he should get a fair trail AFTER the cup, that way the whole national team and the country that is Chile don't get punished.

ok so you DO approve of special treatment for him because he's a football star, that's where our OPINIONS differ...

How do you think this happens when a normal person does it? Do you think he gets thrown in jail instantly or gets forced to pay a fine instantly? No, they get a trial and have the right to defend themselves.

Trial and sentencing are actually pretty quick when evidence is overwhelming and beyond reasonable doubt. You usually see prosecutors and detectives take longer often is because they are simply building the best case possible and trying to put together more evidence before taking a shot at convicting someone.

But in Vidals case there isn't much to investigate and all. Hospital has clear evidence of his blood alchohol level. He was arrested on the scene etc.

So it's not about being fair and giving him extra time. It's just that the justice system often needs more time to put a presentable case together in front of a court of law.

Thanks for that input, can't say I'm specialised in the justice department

oh, then it is normal procedure to be set free by a judge the very next day so you can go on about your business as usual... big misunderstanding... guess it's not so bad after all then...

yeah, why should he NOT play after being drunk during a major tournament, dui, crashing, intimidating police officers, making a video claiming it was not his fault and then crying at a press conference, claiming he only had two drinks. by all means, he should play the tournament first so chile doesn't get punished and then maybe... after the tournament... we can see if there are any consequences for him...