I was a lot more gutted on Wednesday night, Duke.
If you’re referring to Kim Milton Nielsen - the man who sent off beckham in 1998 for tickling that Argentinian’s leg, and awarded two penalties for blatant dives in the same match - I agree, it would have been very different, Celtic would probably have finished with about three players left.
Personally I felt Porto were more guilty of time-wasting than diving. In my view this is just as bad, but there was also some robust tackling from Celtic. I was startled by how pro-Celtic the BBC commentary was, far more polarised than when England or English teams play. Porto’s gamesmanship was rightly frowned upon, but Larssen in particular was frequently praised for his ‘cleverness’ in winning free kicks.
Anyway, my condolences for your terrible week. I hope you at least recovered your luggage in the end.
I don’t think it’s a question of being ‘above’, it’s just that the game doesn’t lend itself to the necessary stoppages the way that rugby and cricket do.
My suggestion is that the referees should watch the games afterwards on video and award red and yellow cards for any foul play they missed - especially diving and faking injury. The result of the match would be unaffected but players who cheat would find themselves suspended more often than not, and so the value of their gamesmanship would be greatly reduced.
Well, it looks like I’m not the only sore loser around. I hope in 2008 I’m not still complaining about this match 
Are you kidding me? the BBC give Beckham virtual blowjobs everytime he steps on the piutch, regardless of the fact that he’s a one footed player who can’t jump or head the ball.
The BBC commentary for the night was the first time it have even been slightly in their favour, especially when compared to the alleged “impartiality” of Hansen, Laurensen et. all in the BBC hatchet shop.
As for any time wasted by checking Cameras, I don’t think it would delay the game any longer, and would only be called into use if the referee isn’t sure, and its hard to find a referee who will admit that.
Anyway, It wouldn’t add anymore time that isn’t ben added on at the moment by cheating diving bassa’s like the Porto team.
The video referee in rugby only comes into operation when the onfield referee calls for it.
This usually occurs when there is a break in play anyway, it would be the same in football probably, such as when there was a need to look at wether a fould was in fact a dive, or wether that handball was a penalty, wether a tackle on the edge of the box was inside the box or somesuch.
Video refs in rugby are generally used maybe three or four times a match.
One thing that video refs are not used for are forward passes, this is apparently because camera angles can make a pass look forward when it is not, and this problem might make usong cameras less than useful for deciding on offside rulings.
I think I’ve got over this one now, beating Argentina next time round helped, but it still irritates me that Nielsen has been so successful. What I meant though was that he isn’t very good at spotting dives, so you probably wouldn’t have been any better off with him officiating.
I understand entirely where you’re coming from. Somehow it seems worse to lose narrowly with a hint of injustice than get soundly beaten. When England were knocked out of the 2002 World Cup, I was merely disappointed rather than furious.
I would be very surprised if in 2008, when the subject is raised, you don’t take the opportunity to complain once more. 
Good point, I should really have added ‘apart from him’.
It’s interesting that you mentioned Alan Hansen. Now when Private Eye were reviewing the football coverage, they suggested that he, Martin O’Neill and David O’Leary all hated each other, but didn’t really explain why. Perhaps there is something personal behind any negative comments he makes regarding Celtic.
My reservation with using video evidence is the difficulty in picking a moment to do so. In cricket this is easy. Even in rugby the ball always seems to have gone dead ‘naturally’ whenever they use it. But in football they would in many circumstances have to stop the game. I don’t object to the principle, I just can’t see how it could be used while still allowing the game to flow.
(Although since I typed this I see now that casdave has made some suggestions)