This Week In Guys Losing Their Lunch On The Soccer Pitch

It has been an unfortunate week for gentlemen suffering gastrointestinal distress on the soccer pitch, as at least two professional stars displayed their athletic acumen—and their lunch—before what we assume was a grossed-out television audience.

Above we have New England Revolution defender Kevin Alston, who tossed his cookies in the first half of last night's bout with Colorado, a 2-1 Revolution victory. If you're bold enough to watch the clip, it's quite the event, but as usual we're more concerned with how broadcasters address what they're showing onscreen. "That's not good television," we're informed by announcer Brad Feldman. (Alston was substituted a few minutes later.)

Sandro is a key midfield presence for Tottenham Hotspur, and the Brazilian has proven to be a major factor in Spurs' attempt to hold onto a spot in the UEFA Champions League. He also had a bit of the weak stomach during Sunday's match against Blackburn Rovers, when in the first half he too lost his lunch. David Pleat suggests Sandro's "got a bit of sickness," while Peter Drury drolly acknowledges that "it's not a pretty picture." Sandro soldiered on to the 86th minute and had an excellent game after expelling that which troubled him.

The manner in which announcers deal with onscreen sickness is no different than any other injury. Broadcasters have an obligation to tell the game story in pictures and sound, and players being sick is part of that. Much like any gruesome injury, though, fans may not want to see it a second time—relying on the commentary to describe the delay of the game or an unexpected substitution. [MLS,Fox Soccer]