4117 réponses à ce sujet

[OBakaSama]

Sounds quite nice over there, modjo. Football being a business and everything I think if you have the money then you can see whichever match suits you.

I haven't seen many FA cup matches this year on free TV which is why I suspect that. Could be wrong as I don't watch much TV now.

Caught the highlights of that match. Stoke won the game before Tottenham lost Kaboul, so it looked like a game that Stoke were always going to win; which was a bit unprecedented before the match. Mind you, the Iron Gerbil is right to be rather angry at the referee for that performance; even if the handballs weren't obvious in real time the disallowed goal was an atrocious decision. Now wondering if he'll get punished for making comments about the referee's performance. Tony Pulis declined to comment on the decisions (having been fined earlier in the season for previous comments). Think I was starting to fall asleep again when watching the highlights, so I didn't notice Defoe's role that much. Tottenham were better after the Iron Gerbil made his substitutions though.

Ah...Pirlo. OK. Sarcasm just doesn't translate without a smiley or something. Silly internet. I think we should speak-type like Elcor.

Sarcastically: that will catch on.

Hopefully: it would defuse certain situations and misunderstandings between people on the internet.

West Ham had an Italian player called Paolo di Canio, and there was newspaper talk here that he was playing so well he will be in the Italian squad. When it was brought up to the Italian manager at the time he thought it was a joke. Back then, I think the thought was that good players stayed in Italy; only the rubbish ones left to ply their trade in foreign countries. Don't know whether that stance has changed though.

Always saw Serie A as demonstrating the art of defending myself, and it was a cracking league for that. The game's emphasis is different. Like in England it's about power and pace more.

[OBakaSama]

Interesting news concerning Blackburn. Did hear about a possible financial situation in the Sunday papers where it was claimed that Barclays are requesting Venky's place £10m into their account. Upshot seems to be that the club is in financial trouble.

Today the club claims that aren't any worries concerning their finances, but no outright denial that Barclays have actually made that request. It doesn't look good I'll put it that way.

[Kimosabe]

modjospinster wrote...

Kimo, I'm curious. You said you can watch Match of the Day over there. Do they have a branch for Dutch tv or do you just get the signal over the air with an antenna? It would be cool if you can get channels from, say England,
Germany, and Belgium.

We get the signals here
We have, on non-digital tv:
- 3 German channels (ARD, WDR, ZDF)
- 2 English channels (BBC 1 and 2)
- 2 Belgian channels
- 1 French channel
- 1 Italian channel
- 1 Spanish channel

And digital tv adds BBC 3 and 4, the German RTLTV and ARTE and AlJazeera

The judge has spoken in the Ajax soap:
The appointment of Van Gaal and co was legal but the supervisary board (Cruyff, Ten Have etc) has to confirm it but since the members council said that the everyone on the board has to quit (which they haven't done) they can't do that so the desicion lies with the general meeting of stockholders later this month. They will probably say the same and practally force the board to resign and by that reverse the appointment of Van Gaal.

Funny fact: after the match with Real Ajax got another offside goal cancelled in their match against RKC
I was in the stadion and we couldn't stop laughing:P
Too bad they still won the match 1-0 because they were really bad, so the referee kicked in and helped Ajax by giving RKC a red card and a penalty (which they missed btw), I am sure that I saw a wink between the referee and Frank de Boer:happy:

Its a shame that the team that played at RKC is the best that The Netherlands has to offer...

[OBakaSama]

That Ajax situation really does sound all messed up, kimo. So basically the appointment of van Gaal is void to all extents? Because his appointment can't be confirmed by a supervisory board which is supposed to be dissolved? That sounds all rather....lovely. (Should do the Elcor prompt really.)

That sounds like a conspiracy there, kimo. Hm....

Also...all that TV you get; sounds nice. (More stuff to not watch.)

[Druss99]

Is the FA Cup not on ESPN and either BBC or ITV? It used to be, maybe its not anymore.

Something tells me that Ajax thing won't get sorted at the stockholders meeting either, I expect lawsuits and a trip to see CAS.

Spurs played well when Stoke got tired. Stoke could have had a couple more goals too. 'Arry flat out criticized the ref so if he doesn't get punished then theres something wrong in the FA...wait...

I heard the Blackburn thing. They said they were giving Kean £10m to spend in January so won't that just go to paying the debt? Also heard that they were going to fire Kean until they beat Swansea then they changed their minds. Fire him days after giving him a new contract? Nothing in that club makes any sense. Apparently players will have to take paycuts and whatnot, disaster is a foot if this keeps going.

I haven't seen any highlights this weekend I don't think, just know a few of the scores. Should have put money on the Norwich score, I had it spot on on my Super Six predictions, which is free to play if anyone is interested.

[Seeker Sparrow]

With barely contained humor: Redknapp is the Iron Gerbil? (It sounds hilarious without even knowing what it means).

In the past when ESPN over here (UK) showed the Monday Night Football games, it was kinda decent because somehow we got ESPN for free whilst we were with Virgin, but for this season Sky have took the MNF games for their channels and ESPN sometimes get the late Saturday games along with some extra coverage from other European leagues; La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga etc. throughout the week.

For the Cup competitions here, I believe ITV get coverage of the FA Cup and are usually likely to show the bigger games of the tournament especially when it gets to the finals. League (Carling) Cup's final last year was shown on BBC IIRC, don't think they've had any coverage of this years games so far couldn't really comment on that.

Saw the highlights from the Stoke-Spurs game, can't quite believe how Adebayor was called offside when he and another 2 players were shown to be on...baffles the mind. But really Stoke probably deserved the win as Tottenham looked sloppy for the most parts in the 1st half and when they did get into gear, it was either too late or luck simply wasn't on their side.

Another thing about Stoke which confuses me a little, so far this season they've done well against the big teams at home; wins against Spurs and Liverpool and draws against United and Chelsea and deserved their points but they look terrible against teams on the lower end of the spectrum and sometimes whenever I hear a manager with said teams say that Stoke are really hard team to play I just think they have a really noisy home crowd and 3-4 half-decent players but other than that they're beatable.

As far as Blackburn go, if there is a financial crisis then it seems pretty sudden to me. Maybe the suits at Barclays didn't get their proper Christmas hamper from Venky's and it's up to Bob to carve up another solution...*ahem*

Modifié par Seeker Sparrow, 12 décembre 2011 - 05:43 .

[OBakaSama]

Matter of fact: Redknapp is indeed the Iron Gerbil; we have Druss to thank for that.

Sky gets most of the games, and even after there were rules brought in to limit any one company from obtaining all the football. The company before ESPN, Setanta was it? didn't fair so well at the time.

Ah...ITV's football coverage. With the exception of the Champions League I am almost oblivious to its existence. Really wasn't sure whether they had the FA cup, all I knew was that the BBC no longer had it.

I can understand the referee not seeing the onside/offside thing, which is why they have assistant referees. Why they didn't see something so blatant is ridiculous. The Iron Gerbil should be in trouble for his comments, though it's understandable he's somewhat irked by the referee's performance. When Pulis was asked about the decisions he declined to comment after his fine. Sometimes the media needs that sort of story.

Depends on which matches you have in mind, Seeker. It's been noted that Stoke tend to play poorly after a Europa League game; so tiredness could be a factor (though I remember Pulis dismissing that excuse earlier in the season). It might have been those games you have in mind. Stoke has a good home record I think.

Blackburn...well....it just looks dodgy. I am expecting the FA's fit and proper persons test to be...er...brought up again with reference to how Venky's purchased the club. Bob has his work cut out for him. He'll have to produce quite a few hampers by the looks of things along with some platters to grease the wheels of this season's campaign. Otherwise, it looks like he's as stuffed as the turkeys this time of year.....

The Ajax situation will probably get uglier before it gets anywhere near better....

[Druss99]

Setanta paid ridiculous prices for the rights to show matches and got burned badly by it. I remember phoning to cancel my subscription and the coversation ended like this...

Him: Can I ask why your cancelling?
Me: Theres no football anymore.
Him: Can I interest you in rugby?
Me: What....no....huh?
Him: I know...I'm sorry...we have to ask...
Me: Has it worked yet?
Him: Not once. Well thats it cancelled for you anyway. Have a good day.
Me: Cheers. Have a good one. *Hangs up phone* Rugby? Jesus...

ITV's coverage is generally awful, although now that they have Keano its taken on an air of hilarity because Chiles and Southgate are clearly terrified of him. I just wish Sky would put him and Souness in a studio with the Copper Rat.

I never seem to pay any attention to Stoke, but did find yesterdays mediawatch on f365 to be comical with the Iron Gerbil's hypocrisy and the contrast with last seasons fixture. It was rather wonderful http://www.football3...at-From-Victory

If Venky's are forced out then surely Bob's goose is well and truly cooked unless his agent has a hand in the next sale. I predict Blackburn to be in League 1 within 5 years.

Darren Fletcher has taken an extended break from football because of his viral problems. He really hasn't looked right this season, he hasn't had the same energy since he came back from the virus the first time. He needs time off to help with his recovery so could be out for the season. If that doesn't move Sir Alex hand in January then I don't know what will. I heard of interest in Sandro of Spurs, he has looked pretty good when I've seen him.

[OBakaSama]

Setanta just didn't go about it correctly. Also...when a customer calls to cancel a subscription aren't they supposed to do a bit more to keep the customer? I hear stories about people wanting cancellations and come away with a better package or something. Mind you, if they don't have anything to offer, like Setanta, then perhaps it's a tactic that wouldn't work.

Hm...maybe I should try and catch a bit of their coverage. Personally I'm not sure about Chiles as a presenter myself; much preferred Matt Smith presenting meself. The Copper Rat still spouts the usual nonsense I take it, Druss? (Don't think it would change, but still....)

Ah...contrasting fortunes irked the Iron Gerbil. Still wonder if anything will happen disciplinary-wise; probably unlikely though. On that note, it's also rather nice that Liverpool has an extension to their appeals given by the FA.

I've got the mental picture that not only would Bob's goose be cooked, but it will be used as the stuffing for the turkey.

With Fletcher's enforced absence it does seem to force Ferguson to make a move in the January window. But Fletcher usually seemed to play a more holding role, didn't he? Seeing that previously some thought Man Utd needed a creative midfielder then it seems to mean a longer shopping list (?).

Hm...Man City lost to Chelsea, huh? Didn't really expect that result going into the match.

[Druss99]

If you phone to cancel your Sky subscription then sometimes they will offer you a better deal to keep you, I know a guy who works in one of their call centres he said they have £400 of discount they can give each day to keep customers, so it just depends on who you get and what kind of money they have left for discounts. My cousin got his for half price for 6 months, I got £20 off for 6 months once and £10 off once if I agreed not to cut down my channels, last time I got offered nothing and got the channels cut down.

I have no opinion on Chiles because I rarely notice him until Keane glares at him. To be honest I'm not sure what the Copper Rat says anymore, my mind now goes into shutdown mode when he speaks alot of the time.

The Iron Gerbil has escaped an FA charge, he has been warned. Consistancy? No? We aren't getting that? One manager will be charged but another won't? How long can that go on? Also shouldn't he be done for outright lying, there must be a rule against that, he flat out said he never criticizes refs on TV seconds after doing so. I noted Liverpool being given extra time to prepare a case, surely they have had enough time by now and I don't recall anyone else ever being given that luxury, business as usual then.

Isn't a goose bigger than a turkey?

Fletcher plays more box to box closing down allover the pitch and occassionally getting into the box. We really don't have a holding midfielder other than Carrick and he is more of a deep lying playmaker. We needed to buy one or two anyway but I suppose this makes it more urgent, unless he is going to start playing the 18 year olds.

Aye twas a strange game.

Modifié par Druss99, 13 décembre 2011 - 06:04 .

[OBakaSama]

Ah...so that's how those things work. Hm.....

Probably just as well you've managed to tune out the Copper Rat then. Now you'll need the power to ignore his existence and you're done.

Only a warning? Hm...the FA sure do have their favourites it would seem. Or is it a case that all football managers are equal but some are more equal than others?

Could always get a smaller goose. I recall that I read that there was this three-bird roast where the smallest goes into the medium sized one which in turn goes into the turkey. One a them fancy things some people have at Christmas. Goodness knows how you're supposed to get the right temperature to roast the thing though....

Hm...that jogs my memory. Fletcher has been described as a midfield engine, hasn't he? But, given the personnel available in the squad at the moment I'm sure fans would hope that Ferguson does something to address the squad issue as it were. Wonder if Sneijder will be on the list again, or will priorities shift to address Fletcher's absence.

Well...it makes them less dominant. Will be interesting to see how Man City respond in the next game. Are they champion material? Hm....

[Druss99]

So I've been told anyway. He could have been talking completel bollocks.

It's a bit hard when he is everywhere, odd considering he never really won anything as a player and his major claim to fame is that he wore a white suit to an FA Cup final that his team lost and he once took a shot so crap that Rene Higuita took the ****** to an extent that it will never be forgotten. Infact no one even knows if it was a shot.

How many warnings did AVB get? or Pulis?

That sounds really dry too and a nightmare to cut. I wish KFC did christmas dinners. The Colonel knows his chickens.

Aye. Not sure about his condition if its life threatening or not but I don't think it is. I think getting cover in would also mean theres less chance of rushing him back and causing more health issues. Not sure who is on the radar but I still wouldn't be surprised to see no one come in.

Be interesting to see if Yaya Toure gets banned, he had a bit of afters with Mata and a nasty tackle. If it had been Rooney...

[Merci357]

modjospinster wrote...

P.S. don't you guys miss the vuvuzelas?! lol you know during the confederations cup I couldn't stand them, but a year later, it seemed like the only way to watch a proper football match was with their constant and incessent droning and roaring

To be honest, I prefer fans chanting songs. As far as I know vuvuzelas have been banned in a lot of european leaugues, at least I haven't heard them in quite a while. (Not that they were popular at any time, but around the world cup lots of people had one)

[OBakaSama]

Check out kimo's post, modjo. They've provided a neat summary of the drama.

The Iron Gerbil, the football manager formerly known as 'Arry, is up to his usual stuff of not complaining or criticizing about referees and the like. Also is suggesting we have two referees, one in each half of the pitch. I know unemployment is high but still......

I am under the impression that Rossi spent time at Man Utd. The selection for the Italian national side does seem geared towards those playing in Italy. I think there may have been argument that their best players don't leave the country and only those who aren't good enough do back in the day. Personally I would just put it down as the national team manager and their assistants being lazy and can't be bothered to travel to foreign climes. Either that or the Italian FA is stingy with their money....

The Masini goal is nice. In the build up though...is it just me or did the ball seem to move funny in that? Also....for some reason when I first saw 'Masini' I read 'Massani', and wondering what team Zaeed was playing for....

That was extreme. Only three birds in the version I read; no idea about its name though, so maybe....?

Personally disliked the vuvuzelas. The thing is a lot of the atmosphere, for me, at a match is generated by the fans singing (hopefully for their teams); and as the match swings the other way then the other fans sing. With vuvuzelas...how are you supposed to discriminate between this indiscriminate blaring sound that all the fans are using? I couldn't, so I felt it ruined the atmosphere. Personal taste of course, and each to their own. And as Merci stated, I also believe a lot European leagues moved to have them banned.

[Druss99]

The two refs argument made no sense, you'd have even less consistancy than we already get. It was basically just him trying to highlight once again "We was robbed guv' not my fault, innit." Now he is hinting that Spurs want Tevez, two people who deserve each other.

Rossi came through the United youth system but was too small and weak for the PL so was sold, United have a buy back option on him. He wasn't taken to the world cup because Italy have good options up front. Cannavaro played for Italy when he was at Real Madrid as did Grosso while playing for Lyon was it? It wasn't just Italy that had that policy back in the day, France didn't pick Cantona or Ginola when they moved to England.

Suarez defence in his racism case is laughable, he is claiming he called Evra a ****** because its acceptable in Uruguay. But if he is saying that then surely he could only be using it offensively, plus it makes him a liar with his claim that he only used a word other United players called Evra. If he wasn't Liverpools second best player then they would have already condemned him by now.

[OBakaSama]

I think I've heard the two referees argument before...but that was in pro-wrestling. For some reason I have the voice of Jesse Ventura arguing against it.....*cough* Oooo....Tevez under the tutelage of the Iron Gerbil: a match made in...?

I think Cannavaro went to Real after winning the World Cup. I recall it was then that a lot of Italian players suddenly went abroad as if it suddenly became acceptable. The timeline on Wikipedia concerning Cannavaro seems to suggest that; he was at Real from the 06/07 season. He certainly played for Italy after the move, much like Grosso did after winning the World Cup; though I can't help but think they were exceptions because they had been part of the World Cup winning squad. It wouldn't surprise me that the Italian FA don't give their management team funds for traveling to see their own players in other countries.

That's his defence? What happened to it being what the other Man Utd called him? Even then it doesn't make it acceptable. In a way I can't see things going well for Suarez; but on the other hand there hasn't been much reported evidence backing Evra's version that I've seen. Legally as it were it seems possible that Suarez will be fine. Generally though it would seem that Suarez will gain the reputation of being possibly racist, which can't be good for him.

First mention of FIFA's Club World Cup competition...and I only noticed because David Villa broke his leg while playing.

[DragonRageGT]

Poor Santos F.C.

How come those guys can run that much? They mark pressure and do not lose the ball at all? What is the doping of the Barça? Did Shakira promise to undress in the locker room for them, if they win? uahuahauh

[Druss99]

You just answered your own question Rage, they have the ball so its alot less tiring.

Wasn't Zola in the Italian squad while at Chelsea? Not sure about Ravenelli and Vialli. Bloody hell the 90's were a strange time. Reminds me of when Gullit signed for Chelsea and we met a Chelsea fan in the street who exclaimed "Did you hear? Chelsea signed Green Hoop!!" for some reason he was convinced he was called Green Hoop much to our amusement.

Maybe they were all calling him ****** too? The decision has been delayed until tomorrow it will be very interesting to see what happens although I suspect Suarez will get off with it, any punishment he gets Terry will likely have to get the same.

Apparently the World Club Cup was on ESPN, I didn't see it advertised at all even during their normal football coverage. Saw a good goal by Neymar though, I wonder if he will live up to his potential or go down the Robinho slightly disapoint route.

Is that Tim Cahill holding the potted plant in the FIFA ad?

Kung Fu in Hong Kong and the best own goal ever?

[OBakaSama]

Looks like Zola only played for Italy in his first season at Chelsea. It seems that he retired from international football after not being selected for the '98 squad. We can speculate whether he didn't get in because he had hit his 30s or because he no longer plied his trade in Italy.

The problem with Suarez's own account of his usage is that it is what Evra's teammates call him is...flimsy. It doesn't make it OK for someone else Evra that. The usage of that term is context and familiarity. It's probably OK for Evra's circle of people to call him that, and I don't think Suarez falls into that category. (Will have to bring up the Jackie Chan example in Rush Hour 2 again as an illustration.) Evidence is also apparently a bit flimsy and boils down to Suarez and Evra. The Terry incident though seems to be different, at least from what has gone on in the media so far, due to the additional evidence that is supposed to be available. In Terry's case it is likely that there can be a clear argument for or against him (depending on the evidence); Suarez's is more a 'we don't know' situation. That's enough seriousness for now.

Apparently Barcelona won it as well. Wonder if they think it was worth it.... As for Neymar...will reserve judgement until I see him in action properly. Seems really decent though the old question of whether he can play here is up in the air.

Haven't seen the FIFA ad. I have had the misfortune to see the Braun ad with Mourinho though.....

That commentary was rubbish in that clip (yeah, I can understand it). I've heard better on ITV methinks. Would also suggest checking out the kung fu football films and stuff Hong Kong did actually release a while back.

Rather chuffed with Grant Holt's goal against Everton; it was pretty nifty. Felt like a game we could have won considering, so a touch disappointed that we 'only' got a draw. Almost feels like we're being set up for a fall in thinking that getting a point at Goodison Park is a disappointment; losing perspective......

[Druss99]

You and your fancy wikipedia.

Suarez has been found guilty and banned for 8 games and fined £40,000. Seems odd to me that saying something offensive is a worse offense than attempting to break someones leg, I know which one I'd rather be subjected to. Subject to appeal too so will probably be dropped to about 5 games I'd imagine and it doesn't start until after the appeal if there is one, he has 2 weeks to appeal so Liverpool will have to decide wether to appeal.

That Braun ad is an abomination, he seems to think he is cool as the Fonz too. Clown.

Japanese, Chinese, Norwichian, whats next OBaka?

I watched MotD and don't recall seeing Norwich at all. Maybe I'm Canary blind or something...1-1 away to Wolves as it stands.

Blackburn 0-2 down at home to Bolton and they deserve to be getting beat. The fans are fascinating to watch. They are also giving away a free mince pie with every meat pie bought Sky Sports decided to point out. Kean initiative? I sort of feel sorry for Kean but its kind of his own fault, he took a job he wasn't qualified for taking over a poor team that Big Sam was struggling to keep up. He is getting some amount of abuse in this game. There chants of theres only one Keano but I dunno if its people feeling sorry for him or if its ironic chanting.

Now AC Milan keep going on and on and on about loaning Tevez when City keep saying he isn't available for loan. What is it with teams refusal to accept no?

[OBakaSama]

Wikipedia is good for certain things, just not for anything too serious....

I was rather surprised about the Suarez verdict as I was pretty much expecting it to be a stalemate situation which would end up 'merely' tarnishing Suarez's reputation. I can see why Liverpool would want to appeal since it currently appears that the judgement is based on Evra's testimony alone. Perhaps Suarez's admission in the press didn't help, but the evidence is a bit flimsy; certainly wouldn't think it would stand as such. Given the proximity to Christmas I wouldn't be too surprised if there would be an extension to that appeal date.

Now...given what's happened to Suarez, on such slim evidence, the Terry case should be more clear-cut with camera evidence and other witnesses to the incident. What will be the verdict on that I wonder....

I think I need to get some Optrex to clean my eyes out....

In terms of languages? Generally I'm a Jack-of-all-trades and master-of-none with regards to the languages I use. Actually...maybe learning the Norfolk accent might be a start, though I always get it confused with being a pirate.....

I think the Everton-Norwich match was last on MOTD. Still a nifty goal by Holt I reckon. And it looks like we drew with Wolves. Hm...would have hoped to have won that before the match.

Well...Blackburn protesters decided to grant Bob and the club a reprieve by not protesting for the then next two home games as they were very winnable. They have now lost one of them. Things really don't look good for them. Turkeys and stuffing. Maybe they took 'mincemeat' a little too literally with the pies..... Venky's have a lot to answer for as well in making the appointment. When they fired Allardyce and placed Kean in charge it makes sense for someone within the club to step up for the time being while a proper manager is found; yet they decided to stick with his butchery skills. Maybe those supporters are hinting at wanting the one and only Roy Keane to take over to give the players a kick up the backside to kickstart their season.

Yeah, AC are harping on a fair bit about wanting to do a deal while Man City are adamant about Tevez's position. Maybe it's one of these transfer ploys. Thing is...those sort of things only really work if the player is still playing for the club; Tevez...well....he's not even in the country any more, is he? It's not as if Man City have anything to lose as such, except for a lot of money but they don't seem to be in a hurry to cut their losses. I mean...what can AC hope Tevez do to push through a move? Refuse to play? Wait.....nope, he's already done that which is why he's in his current position.

See the thing about Doni getting arrested for the match fixing thing? Sounds like quite the operation since even a couple of Serie A matches from last year are being investigated as well.

Modifié par OBakaSama, 20 décembre 2011 - 10:17 .

[Druss99]

I just read Liverpools reaction and to be honest I struggle to take it serious because its Liverpool, it just comes across like their usual self pity mentality. Some of their counter claims don't make much sense either like no one else heard the conversation in a packed penalty area between Suarez and Evra, if I'm getting set to defend a corner I'm not going to go around listening to peoples conversations, its a stupid argument. As for the actual evidence only being Evra's word thats a bit strange but I don't think they have released the report yet so maybe theres more evidence. It seems that it was even reported to the ref on the day which I wasn't aware of, its an odd one indeed. I'd like to see a transcript of the actual alledged conversation.

I think Terry will get off lighter if he gets charged at all which im still sceptical about. Probably using the defence Suarez did it 10 times and he did it once.

Any Spanish to translate Tevez alledged mocking of Man City getting knocked out of Christmas?

Why won't Bob stop smiling?! Its freakish, he looks like Skeletor when he smiles and he does it at the strangest of times. The not protesting didn't last long, it went on inside and outside the stadium after the game, there were chants and banners. Though with Venky's incharge removing him might not do too much good as they could just hire another puppet, I think theres a bigger fight to be fought.

Aye AC seem to be just trying to annoy City at this point. There was already complaints from City about them constantly talking about the deal through the media. Apparently they are offering a loan for free now and promising to buy him in the summer but at the same time are saying they only want him because of Cassano's situation and they need cover. If I was City I wouldn't accept a loan to buy deal with him either, you dunno what he will get up to while on loan dropping his value further.

The Italian game seems to go from one disaster to another this last decade or so. Was Giuseppe Signori involved too or was that something else or my imagination?

Just saw the Wolves - Norwich highlights, that was an epic finish to the match. End to end.

[OBakaSama]

Curse those late equalizers! *Shakes fist in the air*

On Suarez: I think we will have to see what gets released to the public domain, because it just seems odd at the moment. Far too much up in the air to give a reasoned argument either way, though I can see why Liverpool would want to contest the charge on current understanding. The BBC site has a nice article on the case as well, drawing upon Uruguay's position with race; brings an interesting dynamic to the situation.

On Terry: last I read it seems there will be a court case. It looks serious enough to warrant one so...personally I don't think Terry will come out of this one unscathed. This isn't the FA investigating; it's a formal police matter. Doesn't look good for Terry if the CPS believe there's sufficient evidence for a hearing.

I think 'Ola' is the only word in Spanish I can claim to know.....that will do me I think. Haven't seen what Tevez has said yet.

On Bob: well...there's always the fallback excuse that the supporters who protested, and agreed to not protest, are of one faction; and those who did protest did not agree to that as it wasn't them who agreed to not protest. Not exactly the rosiest of situations but...there you go. That smile....hm....has he been....consuming something...questionable?

Tevez: to me it seems that it really is up to Man City what they want to do. AC can't force a move through no matter what. Tevez can't do anything now as he's not even in the team (had it been someone like Modric then maybe as Modric was playing); he is essentially wasting away as a player. Do Man City care that Tevez wastes away at this point? The only real factor I can see influencing Man City is how they will need to balance the books to comply with the financial fair play rules; and that's it. All would seem secondary.

On Serie A: didn't see him mentioned. Only Doni's name came up, and there were another 17 (?) involved supposedly.

Villa's goal: nope. Couldn't see the deflection meself. Poor eyes at work. Still need the Optrex to get that Mourinho Braun advert out of them.....

Barcelona's 'form': I would imagine that most teams up their game against certain opposition or the type of game it is. Interesting that come the tailend of the season every game for the teams close to relegation are billed as 'cup finals' and 'six pointers'. (At this rate I'm thinking that Bob is closer to being a turkey rather than actually preparing them....)

*Continues shaking fist in the air at the thought of late equalizers*