Football

[Oswyntail]

Especially as it has hopefully (?) finally dawned on football "pundits" and "headline writers" that what you say about the English Premier League has a very loud ring of truth to it

So long as Manchester United are in the premier league it will be the finest, most skilful, best supported league in the world (Even The Times agrees with that)

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

So long as Manchester United are in the premier league it will be the finest, most skillful, best supported league in the world (Even The Times agrees with that)

With the lack of a "smiley" or similar at the end of your posting, I am unsure as to the exact meaning contained in your posting.....but a trace of cynicism does appear to permeate therefrom....

 

[jon0844]

Thats not the sole preserve of the red top media though,Paul. I know a fair few people who read something like The Guardian and similarly think everythign they write in there is true also.

Papers like The Sun are written for a certain demographic, by incredibly smart and well-educated people I might add. You have to be quite intelligent to write for a market you perceive as not being so intelligent and therefore having to be spoken to in a certain way (such as including lots of words in capital letters and in bold).

If you or I happen to decide we like the paper too, for whatever reason, it doesn't change the fact that they have a core readership to appeal to - and do so.

The Daily Mail has its market, so to does The Guardian (with the latter clearly believing that the reader is more superior or intelligent than anyone else).

I don't mean this to sound patronising, but it has to be because that's the way it is!

 

[Oswyntail]

With the lack of a "smiley" or similar at the end of your posting, I am unsure as to the exact meaning contained in your posting.....but a trace of cynicism does appear to permeate therefrom....

I was trying to keep a straight face. But, just for you, here's a

In other news, I see West Yorkshire police have lost their appeal against not being able to charge Leeds United for extra policing outside their ground. If I were to organise an event expected to attract a couple of thousand punters, I would be expected to pay the extra costs. So why not a football club? Especially as the supporters involved are likely to be of the good-natured co-operative kind so gently depicted in the recent BBC documentary on the railways. As a naughty thought, would it now be possible for the police to refuse to allow matches to go ahead because of crowd issues?

 

[Ivo]

Fully agree Oswyntail. In all matters related to money there seems to be one Law for football clubs and another for the rest of us. But this seems to be true in all situations, not just those of benefit to clubs - consider HMRC hounding clubs far more ferociously than they do other businesses, for instance.

Papers like The Sun are written for a certain demographic, by incredibly smart and well-educated people I might add. You have to be quite intelligent to write for a market you perceive as not being so intelligent and therefore having to be spoken to in a certain way (such as including lots of words in capital letters and in bold).

This is true of far more than just football and writing. It often takes a very intelligent person to genuinely come across as being less-than-intelligent; where less intelligent people attempt it, it is almost natural (no offence intended) and as such the perceived result is whatever is deemed natural to that person, which invariably is only part of the story. By contrast, the highly skilled person can often manipulate their behaviour (etc) to be a far more effective match for a less intelligent setting or populace. It can also be a lot of fun - try role-playing an airhead

I know a fair few people who read something like The Guardian and similarly think everythign they write in there is true also.

This sounds like one of my lecturers I maintain to this day that her seminars are more like Labour conferences that seminars.

The Guardian is supposed to be at the top of the pile, but its tosh is far too biased (even by media standards) to be worthwhile. In my opinion - which I accept is somewhat biased - it is no accident that the paper version makes a loss.

---------------------------

Anyway, football news: It looks like Rio will escape punishment.

Source = BBC

Rio Ferdinand avoids Uefa sanctions

Rio Ferdinand will not be punished by Uefa for his conduct at the end of Manchester United's Champions League loss to Real Madrid.

Ferdinand applauded sarcastically in the face of Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir after full-time following the decision to send off Nani.

United lost the tie 3-2 on aggregate.

European football's governing body will take action over Nani's red card and the "non-fulfilment of post-match media obligations" at Old Trafford.

United were leading 1-0 on the night - and 2-1 on aggregate - when referee Cakir dismissed Nani for a high challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa in the 56th minute.

But the Spanish side capitalised on their numerical advantage as they scored twice to win the second leg 2-1, securing their place in the quarter-finals.

Ferdinand, 34, was visibly upset at the full-time whistle as he and his United team-mates surrounded the match officials.

But after receiving the referee's report, a Uefa spokesman said no action would be taken against the defender, although they confirmed other proceedings.

They will assess whether Nani's red card is worthy of punishment beyond an automatic one-match ban, while Ferguson's refusal to speak to the media is a breach of Uefa regulations.

No United player spoke to the media either, which also breaks competition rules.

Hmm. The referee messed up but that is no excuse for behaviour like this. It was the manifestation of a typical English attitude towards anything going wrong - an attitude that needs to be stamped out when these people are supposed to be role models.

Or maybe we should teach children that there are better role models out there :roll:

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Hmm. The referee messed up but that is no excuse for behaviour like this.

The referee was fully correct in the situation I suspect you are referring to. The biggest mistake he made on the night was not allowing Madrid's goal in the first half!

 

[Geezertronic]

Still disagree about the red card especially given the wording of the rules posted by DarloRich in post 8240, and the fact that Rio is going to escape punishment for sarcastically applauding the ref after the game is just as bad as the referee's mistake to send Nani off

 

[Oswyntail]

.Consider HMRC hounding clubs far more ferociously than they do other businesses, for instance....

I am not sure that is the case. Where HMRC go in strongly is on the non-negotiable taxes, such as VAT and NI, and they do this for everyone. On other taxes, such as Corporation tax there is much more scope for creative accounting, so less scope for a "pay up or else" attitude. It would be interesting to know the relative figures for HMRC write-offs regarding football clubs as opposed to other enterprises.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

The referee was fully correct in the situation I suspect you are referring to. The biggest mistake he made on the night was not allowing Madrid's goal in the first half!

Had I not known that this posting was made by you, I would have assumed that it was written by the "ghost writer" who assumes the identity of a certain "West Yorkshire" forum member....

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Had I not known that this posting was made by you, I would have assumed that it was written by the "ghost writer" who assumes the identity of a certain "West Yorkshire" forum member....

It's true though as far as I'm concerned. Regardless of who was playing, even if it was Celtic v Rangers, I would be saying the same thing. Nani should have been dismissed, no question at all (how many times have I said that now?!) however Madrid's disallowed effort should have stood, it was a perfectly legitimate goal. I've certainly no axe to grind here against Man United here, I'm just stating matters as I see them irrespective of the two team competing.

 

[balne-wonderer]

I was trying to keep a straight face. But, just for you, here's a

In other news, I see West Yorkshire police have lost their appeal against not being able to charge Leeds United for extra policing outside their ground. If I were to organise an event expected to attract a couple of thousand punters, I would be expected to pay the extra costs. So why not a football club? Especially as the supporters involved are likely to be of the good-natured co-operative kind so gently depicted in the recent BBC documentary on the railways. As a naughty thought, would it now be possible for the police to refuse to allow matches to go ahead because of crowd issues?

The main issue was not just policing around Elland Road but stretching down towards Cottingley, the Dry Salters pub, the Whistlestop pub and the City Centre.

Our games have been grossly overpoliced for seasons. Yes, there is high risk games but it does rile you when Millwall supporters make stabbing gestures in our ground and the police just stand there and watch then outside the ground they are ordering people around and closing car parks for 'safety', that's one reason not to pay their bill.

But for the majority of games there is a complete police overkill, it's beyond a joke and has been for years.

The one and only good thing Bates has done at this club is cutting off the blood to those leeches.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Had I not known that this posting was made by you, I would have assumed that it was written by the "ghost writer" who assumes the identity of a certain "West Yorkshire" forum member....

Yawn.

 

[Clip]

Well not disappointed with our draw tonight on a plastic pitch in poor conditions but bloody hell that was one boring game of football.

Have to do them on home soil now.

 

[Ivo]

Tottenham to win the Europa League (and finish 2nd in the Prem) anyone...?

 

[Clip]

Tottenham to win the Europa League (and finish 2nd in the Prem) anyone...?

Not really. They'll be up **** creek if they lose Bale, whilst they do have a good team playing well they are lacking up front somewhat too and rely to heavily on Bale IMO to get the goals they need.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

I think it's going to have to be either or for Spurs, I don't think they can maintain both a Top 2 (perhaps even a Top 4) challenge and win the Europa League together - playing Sunday and Thursday for nearly ever week until the season's end will take its toll on one campaign IMO.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I see that some parts of the sports media are suggesting the reason why Chelsea lost 1-0 to Steua Bucharest in the Europa League was they had one eye on that match and the other eye on the FA Cup match against Manchester United, as they see the FA Cup as their only realistic chance of winning a major trophy this season. Their views...not mine.

Has anyone any views on the penalty that was awarded in this match ? We usually have no problem in getting forum members to come forward with their considered views every time that a penalty is awarded in games where an English Premiership club is involved, be it in home Premiership League matches or in European competitions.

 

[Ivo]

Whoever said that Bale dives? Or that his diving is "welcome"?

Oh, right... even AVB appreciates it

BBC Article:

Gareth Bale: Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas happy with booking

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas said he was happy that Gareth Bale received a yellow card for diving in his side's 3-0 Europa League victory over Inter Milan on Thursday.

Bale scored with a header at White Hart Lane but was booked for simulation for the fourth time this season.

The Welshman will now be suspended for the second leg at the San Siro.

"With this result we would have asked him to get a yellow card to be clean for the last eight," said Villas-Boas.

"We are in a good position but it is not finished, so we will miss Gareth. He has been influential in consecutive games but hopefully we can make it without him.

"He is a tremendous player, so obviously he is going to be missed, but an opportunity might arise for another player."

Bale's 50th Tottenham goal, and an 11th in nine games for club and country, meant he would still have stolen the headlines without his booking.

But the 23-year-old has received plenty of criticism for diving and replays of Thursday's incident suggested he need not have gone down under the challenge from Walter Gargano.

A very bad example to set, from club, manager and player alike. It may clean the slate, yes - but this is such a bad way to do it.

I see that some parts of the sports media are suggesting the reason why Chelsea lost 1-0 to Steua Bucharest in the Europa League was they had one eye on that match and the other eye on the FA Cup match against Manchester United, as they see the FA Cup as their only realistic chance of winning a major trophy this season. Their views...not mine.

Right. Because they really have a better chance of winning the FA Cup than the Europa League.

These halfwits need a reality check.

 

[richw]

Breaking news on bbc sport feed stating Laudrup has signed a new longer contract. no further details at present

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I see that the manager of Manchester United, during the press conference today, denied all reports that Wayne Rooney would be leaving the club over the summer period and it was further added that the two newspapers who had been the most instrumental in spreading these stories had been banned from the press conference and would continue to be banned until they make a formal apology to the football club.

 

[andrew bell]

I see that the manager of Manchester United, during the press conference today, denied all reports that Wayne Rooney would be leaving the club over the summer period and it was further added that the two newspapers who had been the most instrumental in spreading these stories had been banned from the press conference and would continue to be banned until they make a formal apology to the football club.

Rearrange these words to sum up Fergie's behaviour during last few days

Out pram thrown toys

Most clubs would ask the journalists of those 2 newspapers to leave the press conference for that day, but wait around in an area away from press room and then they will discuss the situation and sort it out there, but not Fergie. Its all I am god, I am right, anyone says anything bad about me I will ban you.

It might not actually be like that, but to me that is exactly how it seems. It is actually quite sad that he can not take any criticism without having to ban people from press conferences

 

[Clip]

I see that the manager of Manchester United, during the press conference today, denied all reports that Wayne Rooney would be leaving the club over the summer period and it was further added that the two newspapers who had been the most instrumental in spreading these stories had been banned from the press conference and would continue to be banned until they make a formal apology to the football club.

Good. Its about time the press were told to shut up at times.
You can call him ferguson or fergie you know rather than elongating a post. We know who you mean just by the surname

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

It might not actually be like that, but to me that is exactly how it seems. It is actually quite sad that he can not take any criticism without having to ban people from press conferences

It was not for criticism, as you put it, but for publishing rumours without any basis to them, that I understand these two newspapers were banned from the press conference.

However, if you have more detailed news to add to what you said in your last posting, which would disprove the reason given by the club, I am sure that you will now make a posting with this new information.

 

[andrew bell]

It was not for criticism, as you put it, but for publishing rumours without any basis to them, that I understand these two newspapers were banned from the press conference.

However, if you have more detailed news to add to what you said in your last posting, which would disprove the reason given by the club, I am sure that you will now make a posting with this new information.

I don't read newspapers and I didn't realise it was for publishing false rumours, I was just generalising his attitude towards the press.

 

[Ivo]

Good. Its about time the press were told to shut up at times.

Well put. If this had been true for the last 20 years probably 20% of controversies in this country in that time would never have surfaced.

 

[richw]

I don't read newspapers and I didn't realise it was for publishing false rumours, I was just generalising his attitude towards the press.

Two newspapers published Wayne Rooney was leaving in the summer, Fergie flipped his load over it. I feel he has overreacted majorly here. There are always transfer rumours in the papers, no other manager feels the need to react in such a childish manner.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Whoever said that Bale dives? Or that his diving is "welcome"?.....Oh, right... even AVB appreciates it

A very bad example to set, from club, manager and player alike. It may clean the slate, yes - but this is such a bad way to do it.

With all forms of cheating, one often hopes that matters will come back with retribution. Gareth Bale is banned for the return leg and AVB has had his strange wish granted.

Would it not be good if as a result of his absence in the return leg, the opposition took heart from this and ended up beating Tottenham Hotspur on aggregate, which would be retribution indeed for both Bale and AVB.

 

[richw]

With all forms of cheating, one often hopes that matters will come back with retribution. Gareth Bale is banned for the return leg and AVB has had his strange wish granted.

Would it not be good if as a result of his absence in the return leg, the opposition took heart from this and ended up beating Tottenham Hotspur on aggregate, which would be retribution indeed for both Bale and AVB.

AVB did not condone diving. AVB said he was glad Bale got a yellow card, as it is an ideal game to serve a 1 match suspension. AVB was happy with him getting a yellow card for any offence ands stated he would of instrcuted him to get a yellow if he hadnt got it himself. Missing a game where they have a 3 0 aggregate lead is less problematic than him missing a game in a later stage where they need his presense.

 

[Oswyntail]

AVB did not condone diving. .... AVB ... stated he would of instrcuted him to get a yellow if he hadnt got it himself. ....

And how would he have done this? Instructed him to make a finely judged bad tackle, enough for a card but not enough for a red? Surely too dangerous. Asked him to argue with the referee? Or asked him to dive? Any way, he is condoning behaviour against the rules and should really be punished!

 

[andrew bell]

Two newspapers published Wayne Rooney was leaving in the summer, Fergie flipped his load over it. I feel he has overreacted majorly here. There are always transfer rumours in the papers, no other manager feels the need to react in such a childish manner.

Thanks richw, I had heard the rumours he might be leaving but I didn't realise that was the reason he banned them, I thought it was over some other reason (like the truth behind Nani's red card)
All Fergie had to say was there is no truth in those rumours and I will not answer any questions about that subject, that way he has said what he needs to and then closed the door on it.
There was a rumour that my clubs (wycombe) striker Matt McClure was going to leave in January, Gareth Ainsworth correctly said he is not going anywhere unless the time and price is right, then asked the press not to ask about that speculation again

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Does anyone feel that "rumour-mongering" by the sports media is used at times as a deliberate and cynical ploy to cause certain players uncertainty which can affect their form when playing for their clubs ?