@frimmel:
Pepe backfisted him. That wasn’t just “one of those things that happen sometimes” like what happened to Dempsey. I call good on Mueller for taking the “dive.”
The headbutt was totally worthy of ejection especially on back of the punch.
That’s as much of a hit to the face as Mueller as Pepe in an armbar. To me it was incidental but perhaps bad taste to have arms up like that. I don’t know a precedence, but if that warrants a card then that’s weaksauce. Spot Germany the ball if you feel it was a foul.
This is a hit, IMO:

@alexgreat:
Maybe you are really not an expert? Apparently, many Americans still need to emphasize how tough they are, even if only by proxy? So whats the proper English expression for Pepes deed? Light touch with the forehead? Not ok in soccer, like it or not.
Yes, I’m the problem here. No, what I see is a sport that wants to be taken seriously in the US but is completely flush with bullshit, and that’s the status quo. It’s pathetic when a poor tackle is recognized by the player and the victim and they play on is the exception, not the rule. I’m not asking to be the NFL or rugby, I’m saying the sport needs to clean up and police itself and not let these antics play out. To me, it’s less sportsmanlike than getting heated during a match.
And for your info:
Headbutt

Touching heads

I’m not saying that’s what he was trying to do, but he certainly wasn’t trying to injure or strike with a blow from his head. In a loud stadium, maybe he was apologizing. Maybe he was checking if he was ok. Hell if I know, and neither do you. But it’s ridiculous if it’s an instant red card as soon as foreheads come together. Why is that even verboten? They were nearly in embrace seconds earlier. I just saw a Russian player knock down a Korean player, and he then tried to help him stretch his leg out. Why not red card that? Logically, the rules don’t make sense. Don’t even bother going into “he has a history”. I don’t care, and it’s not at all relevant to the play.
Pull a Zidane, red card no question.