'Man marking' and 'Alec McDonalds Snr man marking' are completely different things haha!
the guys goes out to wind you up or just plain hurt you.
Sly elbows, knees in the back, toe stomping ive experienced when playing up top...
unfortunately Joe snapped which wasn't good
And these things excuse a kick to the head?
No, but they're context.
And, it's worth noting that the 'victim' of the kicking specifically said the kicks were to the body when he was quoted in the paper.
That's very important I feel. Kicks to the head is extremely serious and is so out of line because it's so dangerous. Kicks to the body, not acceptable and not a great look but it's a different thing altogether. Personally I would have given him half a season off, but 11 months is defensible.
Don't agree with you Smithy that the provocation is relevant. That's never been a defence in football.