Disqus - Latest Comments for Simon

Re: Recognizing Premier League’s Best of the Rest

Simon — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:26:36 -0000

Excellent post gaffer, very interesting here to see where the rest fall. You might want to add however that really only 3 clubs have ever lifted the Prem consistently as Liverpool have never done it :)
I think in the future it will be more possible for the other teams to have a go with the way financial backing is changing. Man City have put in high investment and a world class manager and in 2 years could have a hell of a squad. Portsmouth and VIlla with good investment and a 2-4 year time frame could also have a decent go, more Villa than Pompey as Pompey will never be competitive in years with an African Cup.

Re: Jose Mourinho as Liverpool Manager: First 90 Days

Simon — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:13:33 -0000

This will be a disaster. Liverpool fans dont want him adn wont be excited by him. Maurinho would love it only to rub it in Rafa's face but this will all sour very quickly. All Liverpool fans I know dont want him and whereas he is a good manager he should go where people genuinely want rather than to a place where he is already disliked. It will only go badly quickly.

Re: Arrivederci, Rolando Bianchi

Simon — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:42:32 -0000

Not a chance on the Italian reffing. I saw that Juventus Napoli game where 2 of the worst penalties ever were awarded - it was so bad the ref got a months ban. Italy awards a lot of soft pens - Ibrahimovic had a shocking one awarded in Inters game this past weekend in the last 5 minutes when Inter were losing.

Re: Newcastle, Bolton and Fulham are Depressing to Watch

Simon — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:11:22 -0000

I didnt think Newcastle gave it a real go last night though they did on Saturday - last night they were much more negative and they got the same result. Newcastle simply didnt create chances and seemed to lack pace because Arsenal had Senderos at the back and he is there for the taking.. granted Arsenal have Sagna and Gallas who are quick but still. Newcastle will be fine when they get some time and money and players in - look for a big Summer spree. I like Newcastle and Keegan, good luck to them both as an exciting Newcastle is better for the Premiership. I however want Bolton down - they are DREADFUL to watch.

Re: England-2, Switzerland-1…Recap

Simon — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 09:41:33 -0000

Sorry guys I totally disagree, we had lots of attacking chances last night - Rooney had several shots, Jenas was denied again by a great save and overall we dominated the game. We only conceded because Capello made 2 unecessary substitutions and the team lost its shape and got caught out - if that had been a real game Capello would not have subbed Cole and Jenas who had performed well. Overall I was delighted, football is a 90 minute game and so what that we didnt score for 38 minutes - we won it and we won it well. The last 20 minutes were garbage as subs galore came on from both sides.

Re: England-2, Switzerland-1…Recap

Simon — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:57:53 -0000

Actually i can tell you that and i just did.
England changed their shape - Rooney went out left instead of being up front, Crouch became the target man - things changed , the focus of the attack changed. England were very disorganised there as they adjusted to the new attack and were caught out at the back . I believe that had the subs not happened, England would have remained on top. Of course the subs did lead to the second goal with Crouch's flick on leading to the goal.

Michael I have seen a few of your posts here and they tend to border on gross exaggeration. How you got this gig of posting as an authority I dont know and you are clearly entitled to an opinion but just remember thats all it is and as a football expert you are well short. Bring back the Gaffer.

Re: Premier League and the 39th Step: Pure Greed or Pure Genius? | EPL Talk

Simon — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:22:58 -0000

BBC Sportsweek (available for free at Itunes) interviewed Scudamore this week and he conceded that their always a possiblity of more international based games though he didnt see how the calendar could permit in its present form so that its unlikely.
I am overseas but British and i dont think this proposal is a good idea - sure I may get to see Arsenal play in NY or DC which would be nice but from a sports aspect its not fair if Arsenal draw Spurs while United draw Derby - it wouldnt be a symmetrical season.
PLus what if where I lived got Wigan v Middlebrough - no way in hell I'd pay to see that as I you'd really need to be a fan of those clubs to go see them. People wont want to see all 20 clubs, just a few of them.

Re: Jérémie Aliadière’s Ban is Ridiculous

Simon — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:56:46 -0000

Astonishing, i agree as well. Hell has frozen over.

Re: Spurs 4-4 Chelsea: Why Setanta Needs Cable TV

Simon — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:55:56 -0000

As regards Setanta - it is available on Broadband at 600K per sec for 15 dollars a month and its better than nothing - I had ITVN (who are scamming folk by double billing so watch your bills and stop them).
I use Broadband now as my cable net doesnt offer them and its good enough, i still get my fix of Jose, listening to Padraig Harrington tell me about White Oaks Golf course and the Beatles singing to that Scottish footie advert.
I am switching to Verizon Fios next month and allegedly Setanta will be available on that come October, maybe Gaffer you know something more concrete??? I am pinning my hopes on various chat board posts.
One thing I wish that Setanta would do is let you pay for it and then if you have it on Direct TV, or Fios or whatever that you can also view it online too - its not fair to pay for both.

Re: United States to Play England at Wembley in May, 2008

Simon — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:03:48 -0000

I was at the Chicago game in 2005 when Englands C team beat the yanks 2-1. Kieran Richardson brace says it all.
Hilarious.
Its only going to be treated with any care by England if Capello makes the players care.

At the end of the day its a friendly though so eb prepared for ridiculous numbers of subs - FIFA need to ban that if they want their ranking to count in seeding issues. 3 subs and thats all else these game descend into nonsense by the 70th minute.

Re: United States to Play England at Wembley in May, 2008

Simon — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:29:36 -0000

I think you are taking it too seriously Kartik though i agree with your comments for the mostpart - I just think its a friendly at the end of the Prem season so will be treated accordingly. America isnt a bad opponent but its a daft time of year to play them and will be usurped by Beckham playing against America which will ensure it becomes a bit of a circus and probably Beckham's swansong. The result will be meaningless as its somewhat of a pointless game - most England friendlies are.

Re: Not-So-Bold Prediction: Arsenal Will Finish Trophyless

Simon — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:49:21 -0000

Oh Christ, Michael has his axe to grind - pointless article. I dont particularly disagree with it but its written out of malice rather than anything resembling journalistic integrity. Remember this is the idiot a few weeks who during the Villa game sang about his predicting ability and rubbed it in as Arsenal were on the verge of losing to Villa - only for Arsenal to score ten seconds after he presed submit and show him up.

Its not so much your content Michael which is at fault but the manner in which you write it that makes you unpopular. Your writing style is so deliberately antagonistic that I feel dirty when I find myself agreeing with you on some points.

Re: Not-So-Bold Prediction: Arsenal Will Finish Trophyless

Simon — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:55:45 -0000

Funnily enough Michael, i normally do skip your articles for that reason. Thankyou for helping make that point.

Re: Soccer Friendlies on U.S. TV (March 26, 2008)

Simon — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:18:57 -0000

25 for England - hilarious. A friendly with a gazillion players used - I can watch Chelsea v Arsenal for free on FSC at the weekend and yet they want me to pay for this - daft. No chance.

Re: Man United Leads the Premier League in Average Attendance

Simon — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:22:31 -0000

Good article Gaffer, I do enjoy your stats when you do them. Arguably Pompey have the 'best' fans in the Premiership yet are second lowest - I wonder what they could fill with a new stadium.

I am amazed people can afford this week in week out, I love football but its so pricey - be interesting to see if these attendances can maintain with the onset of recession in England and an aging football population. The average fan age is much higher than in the 70's prompting fears that the younger folk arent taking to football as much (at those prices I can see why).

Re: Why doesn’t Steven Gerrard just leave Liverpool?

Simon — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:49:57 -0000

The quality of pundits who write things here just gets worse by the week. Gaffer stop giving posting rights to 19 year old kids because it shows.
This article is hilarious, i am a gooner and this muppet is saying how awful Liverpool were in the Merseyside Derby where they restricted Everton to just one chance. Everton were woeful, Liverpool but for some finishing would have won this 3 or 4-0. It wasnt good to watch because Everton were dreadful and never made a game of it.

Liverpool have some great players and but for the United result are on a fine run. Torres/Masch the nutter/Reina (barring that United game)/Carra are all great players.

Gerrards trophies are great, he hasnt won the Premiership no and you know he wants to but he has won so much else and the Premiership could well be in his future if Liverpool keep gong like they are and not rotating too often.
The only thing this article says thats remotely true is Kuyt isnt good enough, I would agree with that but to say finishing higher than Everton guarantees nothing.... tell Everton that when they are in the UEFA Cup next year.

Seriously this is utter drivel.

Re: Middlesbrough v Manchester United: Live and Online

Simon — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:15:54 -0000

Is this legal? I didnt try as I only just spotted this article but would this work overseas for us folk living in America? Wouldnt the same problem we face trying to listen to BBC Five Live apply here?

Re: Manager of the Year–Semifinalists

Simon — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:52:27 -0000

Wow a prestigious honour indeed - 19 year old pundits provide the best insight.

No Grant - joke. Incredible win loss record since coming in and replacing a demiGod. Disliked by the media for being boring and they blame him for tactical errors. His are just highlighted more than others.

No Ferguson - joke. Has spend gazillions but doesnt matter, he spent them well and they are
brilliant, I cant believe Chelsea will catch them and it will be a travesty for football if they do as Fergies United right now are great to watch and I am a gooner.

And Roy Keane who spent Christ knows how many millions (9 million on Craig Gordon alone) to keep a side barely above the relegation zone.
Hilarious. Yes he makes your top 3. Sorry that kind of money needs to buy you safety before April.

Someone above mentions Redknapp, not my personal favourite but hard not to put him in a top 5 as he has reached a Cup Final and built a good team though I dislike the way they capitulate when he feels his team doesnt have a prayer. Other than that he's be a shoe in for the semis above.

No argument with Moyes - though the Everton fan boards arent so enamoured with him (source, Guardian Podcast).

O Neill - bleh - decent start, small squad. Faded away.

Keane - seriously?? Is it April Fools again.

If Fergie or Grant win the double they win your prestigious honour , delay your decision till then as you are only short changing yourself.

I await more of your amazing insight - Roy Keane best 3 managers in the Premiership.. ahead of Grant/Redknapp and Fergie. Magic stuff.

Re: Questions to Consider After Man United’s 1-0 Roma Win

Simon — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:54:01 -0000

Kartik good retort as always - i agree Germany top to bottom is pretty good and cetainly has more parity than England. I would say 2 English teams were a penalty shootout away from the last 8 however and results like those tend to prove nothing.
Gaffer you citing Bolton drew Bayern and beating Atletico is like me saying Portugal's league is better than England as Sporting put away Bolton.

England have a top 6 , including Spurs and Everton but after that I dont have faith in the other 14. Portsmouth and Villa on their day are alright and above the next 12 but thats all.

One would think that they who have the most cash will produce the best teams and Englands top 4 is pretty rich but the rest of the teams arent that rich and the quality of them hasnt particularly improved outside of Portsmouth in recent seasons, and I will guess Spurs for next season.

Germany has a lower standard at its top tier but probably a higher standard in the middle for what thats worth.

One thing I would say about Englands rich 4 is that they not only have skilful players but play a higher paced game than continental Europe and its the speed that tells as no-one can argue that Real and Inter and Roma dont have classy top drawer players. That blood and thunder Premiership style wins out when mixed with a lot talented players.

Re: Liam Brady Gets Upset at RTE’s Joke Against Wenger

Simon — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:12:04 -0000

Dunphy is an alcoholic, a hatchet man and author of Roy Keanes biography at the time of the 2002 World Cup - he is a vicious vitriloic spewing wan*er of the highest order. Thrown out of more jobs than GLenn Roeder. Just a bitter drunk who slaughters everything before him except his beloved United. Apparently he and Keane fell out though, probably about the time Keano went off with Quinny at Sunderland.
HOrrible man -onlyhis sheer spite brings in ratings but he doesnt get that he is the joke, we are all in on it but he is a joke.

Re: Questions to Consider After Man United’s 1-0 Roma Win

Simon — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:17:18 -0000

Serie A is garbage! (As he offends the Italian contingent) - let me qualify that with in the 90's I would have had it down as the finest league but its been surpassed - they are tactically strong - read defensive and good at clock management- read time wasting. However in terms of actual football they are not so good. They were lucky to win the 2006 World Cup, Australia really should have put them away... THey wont the CL last year with a team that shouldnt even have been allowed in and only played well in patches. This year the Italian teams have been really put in their place beaten 5 times by English opposition with no wins in reply. I cant see it changing till the Italians adapt the way they play as they do have the players.

Re: Chelsea v Man United Decider to be Aired on Setanta Sports in U.S.A

Simon — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:04:02 -0000

Thank God this wont mean anythin courtesy of Emile Heskey

Re: Wake Up Brits: It’s Time for a Daily Sports Newspaper | EPL Talk

Simon — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:43:52 -0000

Not a bad idea but one thing I like about England is variety - if it all comes from say one source - we'll call it "The Daily Footie" then you have a monopoly - who will it be geared to? Sun readers or those who like a bit more meat in their analysis.
By having so much footy in national newspapers and a variety of different journos spread about those papers - ie) Kevin McCarra at the Guardian, Henry Winter at the Telegraph, Oliver Holt at the Mirror etc.. you get a good variety and can tailor your newspaper to your taste.
A lot of Brits like their sport but some of us like to have some politics/entertainment and the like in the papers too.
I dont want a mimic of the Spanish papers some of which owned by the clubs themselves who then write all the transfer lies they want for 6 months (Henry to Barcelona) ran for 2 years!

Re: EPL Talk Podcast Returns: More Interviews On The Way

Simon — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:48:39 -0000

Spoony!! Too funny.
If you can have a go for :

MArtin Tyler (if you havent had him already), John Motson, Andy Gray, the person at ITVN who stole money from me, Bobby McMahon, Michelle Lissel on life at Toronto, MAx Bretos (he has improved a lot but still prone to idocy and surely would say something daft in an interview), the Irish lad Keith Costigan on FSC and Brad Friedel.

Re: EPL Talk Podcast Returns: More Interviews On The Way

Simon — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:56:15 -0000

Awesome Gaffer, you just found me a way to pass my work day with those 3 you mentioned there! Thanks.

Re: The Rise and Fall of ITVN

Simon — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:04:57 -0000

Yes ITVN became crooks, i know a couple of folk in addition to me that got double charged. Good luck getting a hold of them...
CROOKS!
Unfortunately it makes no sense in the modern age to have a box by which to get an internet stream into the telly. It seems like an unecessary extra step. It did okay for 15 months and provided a decent stopgap as the Gaffer called it - its really up to Setanta to get themselves on Cable now and solve this football watching issue once and for all... The problem with Dish and DirecTV is they dont bundle in decent internet so cable/Fios is still more attractive.

Re: Spurs to Unveil New 08/09 Shirts on May 6

Simon — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:06:34 -0000

Its only Spurs - give them a plastic bag to wear. They wont have Berbatov to model it but I am sure Paul Robinson needs something to do - maybe he can model it.

Re: Manchester City Wins FA Youth Cup

Simon — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:16:11 -0000

Not sure who thinks all things are good right now - i think most fans want some changes. A lot of the changes we need made start with the European Union trade laws and it seems no-one in football is able to change those and its annoying because England will get worse and worse on the international scene until we can fix that.

A lot of clubs in England are restricted to developing talent that is within 150 miles of the club - thats not great though as if Man U discover an English player in Southampton they cant take him is my understanding. Newcastle have coastline so they can only go 150 miles inland and less options for them...

The lad who said diving above is spot on - it drives me crazy. As an Arsenal fan I have to put
up with that bas*ard Eboue every week pulling his tricks... I want to see these people punished and I think the FA can take a stance on this but so far havent.

As for a 39th game, the authorities themselves proposed that ridiculous nonsense and it looks like they have been thwarted by serious fan outrage. Thank God.

Definitely a lot wrong with football but I genuinely think we need to get the national quotas in place to maintain credibility in International Football. I know a lot of foreign fans disagree with this but a league needs some national identity too, I miss the likes of Ray Parlour, Lee Dixon, Adams, Seaman who played alongside Bergkamp, Kanu and the rest... I dont want to see all English or all foreign but a good blend.

Re: Spurs to Unveil New 08/09 Shirts on May 6

Simon — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:17:03 -0000

Touche! Gooner it is... Good luck in your quest to defend the Carling Cup next year :)

Re: The Rise and Fall of ITVN

Simon — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:18:09 -0000

Good point , I think Broadband is okay and I used it too but its not a replacement for television quality on a TV. I think it ought to be cheaper as well.

Re: Interview with Tom Hicks: Sky Sports Video

Simon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:45:07 -0000

More and more of the clubs are going to experience these chairmen..
Abramovich - couldnt be smaller than Maurinho.

Shinawatra (should never have been allowed a club) is going to bullet Sven and his comments yesterday were hilarious about needing a new midfield...

Liverpool, enough said.

Pompey and Villa's chairmen are quiet but we'll see what happens when the clubs slide a bit..

Re: Setanta Sports Now Available on GEK TV: New IPTV Network

Simon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:47:20 -0000

I agree, plus its expensive - 20 a month doesnt beat 15 from the horses mouth for the broadband option...

Re: Chelsea’s Win at Everton Keeps Slim Premier League Title Chances Alive

Simon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:48:57 -0000

If United beat Blackburn the league ends there and then, thats united's only other tough fixture. West Ham at home will be easy.

Re: Manchester City Wins FA Youth Cup

Simon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:00:08 -0000

Bit harsh that last argument.
Prices for tickets are high for a family of 4 - I take your point about supply and demand of course as clubs charge these high prices because they can get enough people to pay it - in that sense your argument is robust. However economics rarely takes into account common decency and morality.
Football as morphed from Englands national pasttime into a financial pit which big business and chairmen gobble up.

I do think that the rich fan can go to football but shouldnt the clubs care a bit more about the poorer fan. I support Arsenal and to be on the priority ticket list you have to pay and that doesnt get you a ticket, thats paying for the privilege of getting advance tickets at full price - they also charge a pound for the merchandise catalogue!! In the past this was free but now you get to pay for the privilege of seeing Van persie and Hleb in daft sweaters which you can buy..

I cant attend games as I have moved to the States but when i am home I am often shocked at the costs involved for those who attend regularly.

The football audience has aged a lot, the median age is much higher than in the 70's and I would suggest this is because younger folk simply cant afford to go.
If this trend continues who will fill the stadia in 20 years? Football will eat itself.

As for there's too much money in football - well its hardly measurable but I will say there is a lot of negativity that has come from this financial boom. Player power has gone through the roof, ticket prices as well. THe increase in foreign labour to the Premiership is having a negative effect on the National team (though this can be argued against), the devaluing of the domestic cups as clubs concentrate on staying in the Premiership and Europe where there is more money to be made....

THats what one means by there is too much money in football.

I love the game but I loved it more in 2000 than I do in 2008.

Re: Spurs to Unveil New 08/09 Shirts on May 6

Simon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:01:38 -0000

I'd take 6 premiersihip points from you every season if it means you get to beat our B team on the way to the Careless Cup final every year.
I was there to see Bendther stick it past you all at the Emirates after you choked on the penalty. Same old Spurs...

Re: The Rise and Fall of ITVN

Simon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:03:27 -0000

Knowing Setanta, they collect nearly 100% profit and give none back... They are tight.

If they offered Comcast and the like more I am sure this wouldnt be an issue. I for one cant see why I get 4325426536 music channels instead of one premium channel.

Re: Avram Grant At His Finest

Simon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:33:05 -0000

He gave a similar interview to BBC Radio 5 that I listened to today. In fairness the interviewer above is a fool and trying to wind him up with stupid questions. I think Grant is sick to death of it all and I feel sorry for him - he has had to put up with a lot this year , the team he inherited has gotten some pretty good results but he is much maligned. The media hate him as he isnt Jose but his record is very good this year. One final, one bad FA CUP exit, nearly champions but not quite and possible CL winners. yet he gets such a slagging off from everyone.
Maurinho was loved at Chelsea but most of us non Chelsea fans remember how dour their football was to watch, the wingless wonders.
I cant see Grant surviving and it will probably be a relief for him at the end. He has been very harshly treated and suffered some horrible ethnic abuse too.

Re: Interview with Tom Hicks: Sky Sports Video

Simon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:38:50 -0000

BBC yesterday echoes these sentiment about Liverpool falling behind but I am not sure thats true - they are doing very well in the very lucrative Asian markets like Singapore.

Liverpool in some sense sell themselves, they are a brand.

United will probably always be bigger just because they are United - Munich sort of made them even more globally popular.

Chelsea have improved and are branding everything but then you watch them play and think if only they could play some attractive football week in week out. This week was certainly a week out.

Hicks sentiments were made out of spite and only spite this week, he is trying to oust Gillette and he hasnt the money to do it and is struggling to secure the money to go it alone, he needs approx 320 million dollars and one bank already said no (JP Morgan). Credit crunch will worsen and he will eventually have to sell or stick the club with tons of debt. Liverpool's Euro exploits and hanging on to 4th with some fine results have made all this seem more petty than it really is - its potentially devastating.

Re: Should the Premiership Have Playoffs?

Simon — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:28:55 -0000

Michael
Still disagree with you on the teams, Sunderland and Boro were still in the mire at the end of April - and Portsmouth had they won this weekend would have been 2 points off of 5th with one to play - thats very much something to play for. Man City also were in for 5th until they collapsed against Fulham in a great game.

As for Boro - yes in the past they are typically well clear but they werent this year. West Ham and Spurs certainly have been the best examples of teams doing nothing all year but no way I can allow teams outside the top 8 into a playoff system. 12 out of 20 is just too many.

I think your idea has merit though, I think Kevin Keegan echoed your sentiments last night without offering a solution. I love numbers and stats and certainly think the format can be worked with as its not perfect but I know the FA wont ever do anything unless the big teams ask for it - this is bad unfortunately.

I don like the MLS play off system - being a DC United fan I got to see DC choke last year after being dominant through the league - if there was any system of playoffs I could somewhat endorse it would be baseball as so few qualify but thats getting away from trying to keep everyone involved at the end.

Maybe reducing the size from 20 to 18 would help and may having relegation playoffs and more UEFA qualification playoffs would help - I dont know. A champion should be a champion though, you win the league and you shouldnt have to face the prospect of one bad ref decision or a penalty shoot out loss to take that all away from you.

Re: Fulham FC: American Grit

Simon — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:13:22 -0000

Going to play Mr Grumpy here and not praise the American Grit....
Bullard was head and shoulders above the rest once he came back - and he is not American.

Keller could have cost you dear - his appallign clearance yesterday led to a decent Pompey chance that he had to then save...

I am very happy Fulham stayed up but they are more than just a bunch of Americans... and to whoever said McBride staying fit will help them rise up the rankings next season - remember mcBride is past it and about to be 37. Fulham need to think ahead, maybe Johnson with a decent run can help fill that gap. I think McBride has been a revelation but the future is unrelenting and time catches up with everyone.

FUlham need to keep hold of Bullard - I hear Boro are sniffing for him...Hodgson did a terrific job as well by the way - I was sorry to see reading go down but Fulham did more to stay up than they did - i would have preferred Bolton went down in place of Reading.

Re: Fulham Would Be Mad Not To Visit America This Summer

Simon — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:56:52 -0000

not sure just hoa many folk here would really rush out and see them - they aren't the BIG FOUR and I was at DC UNited to see a paltry 8000 people watch BBurn V DC United about 3 or 4 years back.. not a great turnout and that lineup included Friedel. That said the league has grown a little and Fulham has a few more Americans...
WOuld be interesting to see just how many hearts and minds would turn out.

Re: How ESPN Would Change The Face of Premier League Coverage On U.S. TV

Simon — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:50:12 -0000

Wouldnt MLS complain bitterly though? Not sure its good for the American league....

Also I cant stand ESPN coverage - i like a few of the commentators, Mike Hill and TOmmy Smyth will do (Hill carrys it though) but I cant be dealing with Eric Wynaldo and Juie Fowdy and that hateful Italian fella who detests Wynalso, Georgio Canales or something...

Those folks all depress me and must be kept far away from the coverage - their half time coverage of the CL is dire too - 4 talking heads spouting a line each in turn between commercial breaks....

Also - the high def issue is a problem as the originating feed isnt in high def I gather from Sky..

Re: Cesc Fabregas Video Remix: SuperFab

Simon — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:23:24 -0000

Apparently i have poor taste - did not like that song - take 3 footy fans and a mike and have that chant over and over.. you get this.

Re: Where To Find The England vs USA Friendly On TV

Simon — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:54:31 -0000

The English players wont care about this unless Capello makes them - this isnt the Euros as was said above and thats the problem - this is really meaningless to all involved.

Re: Don’t Miss A Minute Of Euro 2008 With Slingbox

Simon — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:41:56 -0000

Very nice Gaffer - top drawer this and if England were in it I'd do it, that said I will get one for next season so i can stream FSC to my workbox!

Re: ESPN Deserves Praise For Excellent Champions League Coverage

Simon — Thu, 22 May 2008 10:39:23 -0000

Just heard the same thing from a mate who watched the replay - thats unforgivable - I take back my nice comment above. I dont want them doing anything with th Premier League unless they leave the current stack of commentators in place and just broadcast that.

Re: How England Or The United States Can Win The 2018 World Cup Bid

Simon — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:33:25 -0000

Oh dear Gaffer - stay off the booze.
Its one thing for Scotland and Wales to do a joint bid and Austria/Switzerland. They are small and need the help.
Neither England or the US will need help and flight prices between the 2 by 2018 will be astronomical. If for any reason you have to play in England, then the US and then England again that will be a terrible price to incur should your team get so far.

England hasnt had it since 66 - end of argument. AMerica may be used to hosting the Olympics every 12 years but in Soccer they are minnows compared to the established football nations and dont deserve a World Cup anytime soon. I live here and I would love them to get it but if I am being unbiased it shouldnt be anytime soon.

Re: How England Or The United States Can Win The 2018 World Cup Bid

Simon — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:39:43 -0000

Quite right KatKid and by minnows I was saying based on success internationally and domestically. No argument here on Stadium size though I have to suffer the pain that is RFK stadium - it has plenty of seats but its not a good stadium. .. Though if they were to host a World Cup I am sure it would get a quick upgrade.

That said FIFA shouldnt be awarding the World Cup on stadium capacity or quality.

Re: Ronaldo picks Real Madrid over Manchester United | EPL Talk

Simon — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:33:19 -0000

He is a pri*k. He just signed a contract recently and now thinks he can walk. I dont care if he has won everything, he should have thought of that before he put pen to paper to get higher wages.
I hate United but I do hope they take a stand against this typical modern footballer and teach Ronaldo a lesson. His statement was so pathetic and contrived - grow a pair Ronaldo, dont go running to a Brazilian website and say I would like to may go, if its okay with United and if Real pay them fairly... What nonsense.
Fergie V Ronaldo will be a great one for the media.

Re: Viewership Numbers For ESPN Euro ‘08 Broadcasts So Far Are Not Bad | EPL Talk

Simon — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:06:43 -0000

Hi Kartik
You are half right, the ratings would be higher and I bet ESPN bid expecting England to be there.
Would the football have been better? No chance. England in general have been dreadful to watch for a long time - they are showing signs of improvement under Capello but only signs. It would be McLarens England anyway, not Capello's.

Dont get me wrong I am English and want to see them do well but by were awful in WC 2006 despite reaching the 1/4's and we were dreadful to watch in qualifying barring a couple of back of back to back 3-0's.

Russia may have been pasted 4-1 but they were very good to watch at times and played nice on the floor passing. Croatia underwhelmed but I am sure they will improve.

Re: Viewership Numbers For ESPN Euro ‘08 Broadcasts So Far Are Not Bad | EPL Talk

Simon — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:08:00 -0000

Can I just say how I LOVE MY ESPN360.com - its incredible quality for an internet broadcast, the plays are up same day and I can fast forward with ease. Plus while at work it makes me actually enjoy work - I get it as I have Verizon Fios and its just made life so much easier.

Re: 5 Reasons Why The European Football Championship Is Better Than The World Cup

Simon — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:23:22 -0000

Kartik you are on crack mate - the Euros not having England and Americans finding it less meaningful as a result has nothing to do with the quality of the football or enjoyment of the tournament. For those of us who can look past American interest levels its been terrific. I am English and obviously would love us there but am not so biased or US-centric to view the tournament negatively as a result.
As for the US which I realise you moan about a lot, they werent too far off qualifying from the group of death in 2006 - could well have beaten Italy.

As for the Copa, it was a great Copa last year no question - was it better than the Euros of this - possibly but the quality of team was weaker. Brazil didnt even send all their A team, America sent a C team.

As for there being plenty of dry cynical football ?? Spain ITaly obviously, France Romania as well but honestly after its a lot better. This has been for me the best Euros ever and ranks up there with Mexico 86 for me in terms of enjoyment. Spain v Russia should be terrific, I cant see Turkey posing any problems to Germany alas.

Re: England Football Fans Shut Out On Both Sides Of The Atlantic

Simon — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:30:56 -0000

Setanta are a pain and should have given up highlights much faster. I know why they did it but its wrong. Over here, I 'may have' P2Pd the game.. It was garbage, had any fan paid 25 dollars for it they wouldnt have got any value for it. Croatia has more to it but on a Wednesday afternoon its a pain to see as most of us at work.

Re: Is Justin.tv The Killer App For Soccer Fans?

Simon — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:28:55 -0000

I have used justin.tv and its hit and miss - i didnt use it for England, i was streaming Shanghai Sports coverage through Sopcast. Justin has low quality compared to some streams and is akin to reading in a car, you eventually get sick from it. I use Justin to stream Soccer Saturday but my impression is games have been poor and you have to pop it out else you get the chatbox and as the game is slightly delayed people tell you the score before you see the goal. Based on your experience of them yesterday Gaffer I will try them again this weekend and see if its any better - I believe they stream at about 250K which isnt great though.

Re: Mike Ashley Got the Message

Simon — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:26:05 -0000

I dont know, Newcastle has been a shambles of a club long before Ashley and used to pay some shocking fees for players, Luque at nearly 10 million, Owen at 16 when liverpool were only bidding 8-12 mill. Ashley bought the club with his own cash, its not like anyone actually came in and bought them. Up until this I thought he was a fool but the statement I think is something football fans should rad and understand. Not everyone ca nthrow 30 million at a player and to do so on top of the the wage demands would ruin a club. He doesnt say he wanted to turn them into Arsenal overnight but that was the model he was aiming for - Wenger has been there for years doing it and fans want instant success. Newcastle havent won anything in years other than the sack race, a lot so I dont see why their fans think they are entitled to anything that quickly. Ashley is selling so the fans got what they want but he may have left them better off than they were. By the way ask City fans about Keegan's great signings he made for them. I like Keegan but they were shocking and if its true he wanted Henry and other over the hill high price talents then where was the money coming from. Remember its Ashley's money, not yours. Its easy to spend other people's money.
The more billionaires that come to the league the harder it will get to turn daft money into success. Pressure and expectations will go up but there will still be 20 teams fighting for one title and 19 people who didnt win it.
This is the first time I have looked at Ashley with any sympathy and lets be honest it probably wasnt safe for his family to go to a game. Lovely.

Re: Arsenal v Hull City: Live and Online

Simon — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:25:52 -0000

Not a good day at the office, Arsenal should have won but Hull played really well and Arsenal were too hesitant and complacent. Cant say i am pleased but I can say Hull gave it a go with a good defensive rock behind them and I cant begrudge them 3 points. Hard work ahead ofr Arsenal who have dropped some easy points this year...

Re: What Would You Do If You Were In Charge At Tottenham?

Simon — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:11:46 -0000

If I was Spurs manager I would get through this year without getting relegated, buy a load of foreign talent without really knowing what to do with it and then wait for blogs like this to pronounce Spurs as TOP FOUR material.. again.

Seriously they need a decent center mid, Diarra would have been ideal and of course they need more depth up top, another decent striker but its the midfield which is the least balanced right now - all their games are being lost there. Bentley is woeful but will thrive when someone can fight for the ball and then get it to him - Modric isnt that man. Modric would also thrive from said mystery man however.

Re: ESPN2 Shows EPL Teams Too Often In Champions League

Simon — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:30:36 -0000

I dont know Gaffer - your article mentions throwing the English sides onto Classic and didnt make mention fo the fact you could see Barca and Real there... just being fair and balanced.
England produced 3 semi finalists and had Arsenal avoided Liverpool it may have been a clean sweep. In that sense they deserve to be televised as its likely they will go further.

THat said I wouldnt have picked United v Aalborg to show, on ESPN2 or classic - but then ESPN knows how many Man United fans there are so catered to them rather than the informed fan of the sport . At the end of the day they have to sell commericals too. inter v Bremen wont have as big an audience despite the superior match. I'd rather have seen Arsenal V Porto than United and the real match was at an unusual time so maybe had that been at 2.45 EST it would hve got the nod. ESPN used to show the Spanish sides far more but there has been a definite shift to English sides - though English sides are doing very well in it lately. 5 finalists in 4 years.

Re: Replay Does not Belong in Football

Simon — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:34:26 -0000

Well said Weston, i too would like technology to determine if a ball crossed a line. I would shy away from replays but I would love to see retroactive punishments for cheats. Football though is the ultimate bureaucracy , things move very slowly here, except for expanding the Euros and UEFA Cup, that got done very quickly ... I wonder if money was the motivator (Shocker).

Goalline technology... no excuse not to use it. Ask Aidy Boothroyd.

Re: Joe Kinnear’s Newcastle United Press Conference: Audio

Simon — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:50:24 -0000

Wow - not the best way to endear himself to the press, they will be baying for him now. A strange appointment just go even stranger...

Re: Poll: Did Vidic Foul Blackburn Goalkeeper Jason Brown?

Simon — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:56:13 -0000

Foul , intentional or not (it wasnt) he catches the keeper with an elbow in the face
as he goes for the ball - Vidic never gets the ball so it has to be impeding.

Re: Hull City: Punching above their weight or a blessing in disguise?

Simon — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:09:40 -0000

Absolutely, story of the season for sure and I am an Arsenal fan. Good luck to them - they kept Spurs bottom and all those Spurs fans who enjoyed our defeat last week have been put in their place. Hull dont play well particularly but Geovanni can create magic , he doesnt really do tap in goals! They defend doggedly and break quickly, King is very quick. I hope Hull do more than just stay up - their position is well deserved right now.

Re: How To Get Setanta Sports On Comcast Cable

Simon — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:47:17 -0000

Also - Cox in Fairfax Va now has starting carrying Setanta and that's set to expand across the Cox platform in the coming months.

Verizon has a free 2 weeks of Setanta in mid October starting on Oct 10 or 11 for those to test it out on...

Re: England vs Kazakhstan To Be Televised Live On Fox Soccer Channel

Simon — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:22:40 -0000

Awesome i would have PPVd this as I have guests coming but this will save me some cash! Thanks!

Re: How To Get Setanta Sports On Comcast Cable

Simon — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:28:11 -0000

Raatzie
1) No chance
2) No chance.

If yo uhave a subscription, you can only watch it on computer wherever you are assuming your internet connection is decent enough - i asked Setanta about
giving users broadband who already subscribe - they said no. Pity cos I think if they offered me broadband for 5 dollars on top of my 15 for the channel i would take it but I wont pay 15 for something i already have.

Re: England vs Kazakhstan To Be Televised Live On Fox Soccer Channel

Simon — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:10:15 -0000

Nah, watch them both! I am going to the US game, first game at RFKdump for 4 years for the National team. I have no idea how DC qualifies for a game as the stadium is dreadful by comparison to others in the country - but I am not complaining, shoudl be a good night out!

Re: England vs Kazakhstan Live and Online

Simon — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:09:19 -0000

Christ, why are the studio muppets doing the commentary - the production of FSC are shambolic as ever.

Re: To err is human, to boo is madness!!

Simon — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:24:52 -0000

I think booing is wrong and certainly doesnt help anyway but I suspect had it been anyone other than Cole (with the exception of Lampard) then there wouldnt have been booing. That said England fans need to look at themselves as if we continue to turn on the team midway between games we will start costing the side points. Fans must remember its a 90 minute game, not a 45 minute one. They pay so they can boo, great, what about those that pay not to boo and have to suffer the louts next to them that do?

Re: How Should Fox Soccer Channel Commentate International Matches?

Simon — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:39:35 -0000

Fair comment Robbie - it was a loathesome effort - the comentantors chating over the opening minute was dire; my hope is it was genuine technical issues rather than a concerted effort becuase you'd think Webster and Barton would have learned some names, heck they often didnt call who was in possession for England because its not always obvious unless you do it for a living. Shambolic production values, never again I hope.

Re: To err is human, to boo is madness!!

Simon — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:41:23 -0000

I dont know Tony, i am not saying he should be but the English fans get on his case a lot and I suspec would have booed him had he made an Ashley type error whereas had say Upson or Gerrard made it I doubt the fans would have reacted quite so vociferously. I dont boo any of them, cant see any point in it unless they are all half assing it and playing like they dont want to be there. I dont think anyone really does that for England.

Re: To err is human, to boo is madness!!

Simon — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:44:31 -0000

Hmm sorry if this gets repeated - computer issues.
I dont think Lampard is entitled to be booed but the English seem to hate him outside of Chelsea and he has had his fair share of booing - had he pulled an Ashley this weekend I am sure he would have been booed - whereas Gerrard and Upson wouldnt have drew such a reaction. Its certainly not my sentiment that Lampard should have been booed, I dont see how booing any of them helps us get a team to the world cup.

Re: Which Premier League Teams Will Get Relegated?

Simon — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:03:04 -0000

Hmm, I agree with Stoke , Delaps arm cant save them.
I wish you are right on Tottenham (who I think you predicted as top 4 a few weeks ago).. but they are good to down and once January appears and they throw the wallet at Lassana Diarra I am sure they will get themselves together).
Fulham... fair guess really, they are underperforming considering I thought they bought so well but I am worried for them.

My three: Stoke / Bolton / West Brom.

Re: Rafa, Stevie G, Carra, Mikey Owen and Crouchosaurus Impersonations

Simon — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:04:12 -0000

Have to admit this was pretty funny! A lot of these are dead on

Re: Big Four Return To Top of Premier League

Simon — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:38:09 -0000

I think Spurs can break in... to the Championship top 4.

Re: Housecleaning Begins at Tottenham. Ramos Out, Redknapp in.

Simon — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:00:17 -0000

Poyet? Newcastle?
Ramos - does it matter.
Redknapp took Saints down - no guarantee he will get them playing. But I admit the change was good - Fat Sam/Adams/Phil Brown/Curbishley will all be touted for Pompey. Fat Sam I am sure has already called them.

Re: Poll: Which Premier League Club Will Sign Landon Donovan?

Simon — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:41:46 -0000

I'd be curious to see how he does - he is a good player in the MLS, head and shoulders above most of them but in a big team where he is not the big fish i think he'd struggle. The obvious answer is Fulham because AJ is not working out. Can he go to a better club??? Maybe. Everton ? I really want to see this happen just to end this argument once and for all - he was cra* in Germany at Leverkusen.

Re: ESPN Moves a Step Closer To Premier League TV Rights

Simon — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:29:26 -0000

Interesting, i am fortunate to have ESPN 360 via Verizon and they do a good job on there. My question will be whats the coverage like? Who will provide it, will it be Tommy driving me crazy or will they simply air the international feeds you see on FSC and Setanta?

Also unless I missed it, when is this due to begin? Today, next season ?

Re: Rain And Night Games: A Perfect Premier League Combination

Simon — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:31:58 -0000

Dont forget day games in the rain, i watched most of Pompey v Wigan and that was a cracker, even Heskeys late winner looked rain affected! Water everywhere, end to end and everyone looked soaked.

Re: 10 Reasons Why This Premier League Season Is The Best Yet

Simon — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:34:26 -0000

I'd add Newcastle to the mix - Kinnear, Keegan, Ashley have made the Newcastle race entertaining already along with Spurs. It really has been an amazing start to the season but ultimately I expect Chelsea to win the Premiership early :(

Re: Premier League And FA Threaten To Sue Justin.tv

Simon — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:40:39 -0000

Spot on Gaffer and it isnt obvious whats a legal stream and what isnt as numerous companies for a small fee guarantee streaming footy but they are all illegal.
I have allegedly reportedly supposedly used Sopcast and other apps for games and sometimes their feed is clearer than Setanta's own online feed.
ESPN 360 is the best legal online feed I have used to date.
I often wonder why the Prem bothers shutting down these sites, its free exposure for them and ultimately their advertisers - surely their legal action will try cut off their nose to spite their face. This is what the EPL can learn from American Sports, internet rights.
I hope Justin.Tv comes back as Jason.Tv and it surely will.

Re: Arsenal desperate for the transfer window

Simon — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:26:39 -0000

Knowing Wenger he may not sign even then - he is very stubborn and I think now blinded by his own vision. I hope I am wrong but Arsenal are the team they should have been last year but who last year overacheived.

This year we have been found out and need a proper defence, a midfield general (as said above) and possibly a striker who will fight for everything, Adebayor does not and wanted to leave anyway.

Re: Chelsea Suffer Arsenal Disease In 1-2 Killer Blow

Simon — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:06:39 -0000

Another Arsenal fan and i will admit it wasnt a goal either, even if it nicks Cole , Van persie was offside for the pass before it hit Cole so i cant see how it would be onside unless Cole was backpassing. Scolari has made it clear what he felt :) Nice to Arsenal get some luck for a change and take the few chances we got. Chelsea look strange this year, they can thrash teams but then in close games they seem to struggle much more so than I remember in recent years. Early days but I am beginning to think United will now catch them.

Re: Cristiano Ronaldo: What Were You Thinking?

Simon — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:08:11 -0000

Ronaldo is an idiot, on a yellow and you always play to the whistle... after his mocking earlier it was never in doubt. Hughes called it a soft red but a red nonethless.

Re: Poll: Should Paul Ince Stay Or Should He Go?

Simon — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:25:08 -0000

Good Lord, football fans are getting dumber by the day or the media is and one generally fuels the other... No offence Gaffer I am not referencing you directly.

A few weeks ago the Bolton fans were chanting vile things at Gary Megson (Toby from The Office US Version) because Bolton on the BRING OF DISASTER - you know, in the bottom 3 in September. A few good results against equally mediocre (or equally well matched depending on your view) teams and they are charging towards Europe...

Arsenal CLUB in CRISIS... through in Champions League with game to spare and well within reach of top 4 where they currently reside.

CHELSEA - top of league and only need a result at home to relegated Romanian team to progress - yet another club in crisis this week.

LIVERPOOL - hours later go top of the league , through in Europe with game to spare... they are also another CRISIS RIDDEN CLUB as they went top on the back of 2 home goalless draws. I repeat - TOP.

This instant success is becoming a joke - all these crisis clubs. Only one can win, only 3 can go down and West Brom are most people's certainly to be one.
As for the other 2, who knows? ITs Blackburn today - its Wigan tomorrow, its Fulham in December, its newcastle in March....

When so few points separate 6th from 19th I'd say 3/4 of the league is relegation threatened right now. Sacking a man who is new , who lost Bentley, who will likely lose Santa Cruz and has been given virtually no financial backing and who is a few points off the top half seems crazy. The media sells us all this nonsense and fans buy it. I would be worried if it was March and Blackburn were adrift but this isnt the case and clearly an overreaction in a league lacking any common sense.

And so to Blackburn

Re: Poll: Should Paul Ince Stay Or Should He Go?

Simon — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:17:57 -0000

The only thing I think he has done wrong is when he was linked with the Newcastle job at the time of Keegan's departure, he was far too slow to distance himself and I thought you sneaky sod - I suspect he'd have taken had the climate there been safer...

Beyond that - Pederson is declining year on year, bringing in Fowler was a gamble but at least it was a cheap one, other than that I cant see what he has been able to do in terms of reshaping the team, he has barely had a quarter of the transfer window and lost his best asset immediately.

Re: Calamity James Strikes Again

Simon — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:47:02 -0000

I hadnt seen this yesterday, sheer class and this is why no matter how well James does week in , week out - that he cannot play for England - he has far too many of these in him....Great video.

Re: Poll: Who’s The Worst Player In The Premier League?

Simon — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:15:30 -0000

no question, its Bramble by a mile. If you want an Arsenal fella, i'd have Bendther over Eboue.

Re: RCN Offers Freeview Of Setanta Sports

Simon — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:38:26 -0000

Terrific news Gaffer, i passed this on yesterday to my friend in Chicago who was delighted - early Christmas for him as he got to tape Liverpool.

Re: Big Sam Named New Blackburn Rovers Manager

Simon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:17:57 -0000

If anything i thin BB v Stoke just became less watchable. Its a dire fixture to start with. Rory Delaps arms have fallen off. I am now deprived the drama of Ince in a must in game. Instead I get Big Sam in a game where he deconstructs all football and it will just be brutal.
The Hammers game saves the day while the masses will be waiting for Sunday.

Re: Five Facts to Explain Fulham’s Premier League Resurgence

Simon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:29:52 -0000

Surely its been Fulham turfing out all the second rate Americans that has had the biggest effect.

Just kidding - the defense and the unlikely points against the big boys seem to make sense to me - Bullard will go if anyone comes in - I am surprised Newcastle havent had a bid yet and rumour of Arsenal sniffing about.
Hangeland has come from nowhere, he's 27 - where was he before? Arsenal were sniffing round him too I believe but that talk has died down a bit. Johnson has begun to find some form too up front.

They have a good and likable manager - one of the more likable teams in the league inspite of their bizarre chairman.

Re: Just What the Hell is Wrong with Arsenal?

Simon — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:56:30 -0000

Not a good week for you Richard, you have the City fans after you for your comedic piece and now the Arsenal fans after you for another piece.

The article slates Samir Nasri - in his first season he scored a brace to beat United so I assume thats the alternative universe he has a use in.

As for drawing with Cardiff away in the Cup - look around - Burnley/Derby/Nottingham Forest/Barnsley and Southend have all very recently provided a great deal of surprise results. Arsenal will be going back to the Emirates and will probably win that and the next game and suddenly find themselves in the 6th Round.

When Arsenal won the Cup in their double year (1998) they got by Port Vale on penalties in the 3rd round. i only hope (and I am sure there was) some hack there
was slaughtering Arsenal and some fella called Wenger only to eat a lot of humble pie in May.

I am not suggesting Arsenal are currently the greatest team in the world but drawing at Cardiff didnt phase me at all. Samir Nasri is a French international with some telling goals this year. I await your next comedic effort - go do one about Liverpool, i dare you.

Re: Was Paul Robinson Deserving of Red Card?

Simon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:22:01 -0000

Bad bad bad call in my opinion -yellow? Maybe and even that may have been harsh. The other hilarious ref moment of the night was at Portsmouth where the ref made up a reason to send off Belhadj who he should have sent off in the first half.

Re: Disgraceful FIFA Need Rules Shake-up after Boswinga Let-off

Simon — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:46:34 -0000

Pah, i am no Chelsea fan but I sympathise with what Bosingwa did.
I hate intentional time wasting and Guardian Football weekly touched on this too. I reckon the ref just turned a blind eye to what was initially an act of poor sportsmanship. I think Arsenal must have started this as Kanu and then Henry were brilliant at holding that ball up near the flag and running off the clock. Its frustrating to watch when you need the ball back and Bosingwa did something that was a definite foul , and at least a yellow on any other part of the pitch but I think the ref (and other refs) tend to turn a blind
eye to the foul here.
Christ, its not like he kicked him hard, it was a shove with the boot - not the decapitation some people are making it out to be. It was a foul on a fella who was asking for it.