Tommy Smith Gets His Final Red Card

[Smokin Joe]

Liverpool legend Tommy Smith has died age 74. An integral part of the team in the sixties and seventies he was a violent thug on the pitch, but he was not alone in that as all clubs had their hatchet men back then (And we loved them if they played for our team). He was one of the best at it, but would never survive in today's game with it's stricter refereeing.

Well loved by Liverpool fans, no doubt the club will mark his parting with a prominent tribute.

 

[Dave 123]

He was a rough old lad!

 

[Crackle]

Heading that 2nd goal in the European cup final has to be a standout moment. Sad news.

 

[Dave7]

@Smokin Joe I agree with much of your sentiment but really disagree with your "thug" comment. Over 600 appearences
and just one sending off......AND that was was for verbal abuse of the ref.
He was a real hard man (football wise). I spent many Saturdays on the Kop watching him and chanting "take no prisoners Tomny".
Ahh that great European night when he scored that brilliant header.
There wont be many more like him

 

[nagden]

Very sad news. He was a hard player but I did like watching him and his like. As long as it wasn't against West Ham.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Over 600 appearences
and just one sending off......AND that was was for verbal abuse of the ref.

Dave, in those days you almost had to pull a knife on someone to get sent off. Watch the 1970 Chelsea - Leeds Cup Final replay to see what I mean. Sendings off made headline news because they were so rare.

Smith was just one of many who were violent men out to hurt opposition players, but as I said every team had at least one and they were often the most popular team members with the fans. Because it was acceptable then doesn't make it right, as many an ex pro crippled with joint issues will testify. Even Smith himself could barely walk after he retired.

 

[Dave7]

Dave, in those days you almost had to pull a knife on someone to get sent off. Watch the 1970 Chelsea - Leeds Cup Final replay to see what I mean. Sendings off made headline news because they were so rare.

Smith was just one of many who were violent men out to hurt opposition players, but as I said every team had at least one and they were often the most popular team members with the fans. Because it was acceptable then doesn't make it right, as many an ex pro crippled with joint issues will testify. Even Smith himself could barely walk after he retired.

I agree with some of what you say.....I was there on the kop in the 60s/70s/80s.and watched the Smiths, Hunters etc
What I dont like is you calling him a thug. I think that's out of order.
But, seriously, lets not fall out over what is our opinions

 

[Smokin Joe]

What I dont like is you calling him a thug. I think that's out of order.

Perhaps a bit strong in the context of the time he played when clubs encouraged their hardmen to put it about and football was accepted as being "A man's game".

 

[PaulB]

Liverpool legend Tommy Smith has died age 74. An integral part of the team in the sixties and seventies he was a violent thug on the pitch, but he was not alone in that as all clubs had their hatchet men back then (And we loved them if they played for our team). He was one of the best at it, but would never survive in today's game with it's stricter refereeing.

Well loved by Liverpool fans, no doubt the club will mark his parting with a prominent tribute.

Very badly written and well out of order there. From the misguided title to the last line, it was a regrettable attempt at marking the passing of a notable figure in the game.

 

[Pale Rider]

Very badly written and well out of order there. From the misguided title to the last line, it was a regrettable attempt at marking the passing of a notable figure in the game.

Trying to be clever or using euphemisms for death never works.

The BBC, who have published a few headlines in their time, has gone with:

'Liverpool great dies, aged 74'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47913937

 

[gavgav]

Not sure “violent thug” is needed. I’d rather focus on his 630 ish appearances for Liverpool, 4 league titles, FA Cups, UEFA Cups, etc. A true Anfield great.

 

[steveindenmark]

He was hard. As were Bremner, Hunter and many others of that era. More importantly, they were all characters. Something football lacks these days.

RIP Tommy.

 

[Dave7]

Not sure “violent thug” is needed. I’d rather focus on his 630 ish appearances for Liverpool, 4 league titles, FA Cups, UEFA Cups, etc. A true Anfield great.

Mustnt forget "that" header.
And Barry Davies' impassioned commentary as it went in for 2-1...'oh YES!!...the old man's done it!!! What a way to end a career!!!' I can hear it like yesterday - a truly magic moment.