Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Dodgy lasagne
Spurs assistant boss Chris Hughton admits the club has given the Marriott Hotel in Canary Wharf a wide berth this weekend when they return to play West Ham.
That was where 10 players claimed they were struck down by food poisoning on the eve of their visit to Upton Park on the final day of last season.
Martin Jol’s men had needed a win to secure the fourth Champions League spot ahead of bitter rivals Arsenal.
But they were beaten 2-1 with several players still suffering the after-effects of what they believed was a dodgy lasagne.
The hotel was cleared of any blame over the incident but, as Spurs prepare to visit the struggling Hammers, Hughton confirmed the players would be staying in a different hotel this time.
That was where 10 players claimed they were struck down by food poisoning on the eve of their visit to Upton Park on the final day of last season.
Martin Jol’s men had needed a win to secure the fourth Champions League spot ahead of bitter rivals Arsenal.
But they were beaten 2-1 with several players still suffering the after-effects of what they believed was a dodgy lasagne.
The hotel was cleared of any blame over the incident but, as Spurs prepare to visit the struggling Hammers, Hughton confirmed the players would be staying in a different hotel this time.
£5.2 mill
Michael Owens' World Cup injury will cost Newcastle a staggering £5.2million.
The England striker ruptured his cruciate knee ligament against Sweden last year and has not played for the Magpies since.
Newcastle put in a compensation claim to FIFA for £6.2m but president Sepp Blatter has revealed they will recieve just £1m.
The England striker ruptured his cruciate knee ligament against Sweden last year and has not played for the Magpies since.
Newcastle put in a compensation claim to FIFA for £6.2m but president Sepp Blatter has revealed they will recieve just £1m.
Twins
Manchester Utd have signed identical Brazilian twins as their future full-backs.Fabio and Rafael Silva put pen to paper on pre-contract agreements from Brazilian side Fluminese.
The youth internationals will join up with United on July 9, when they turn 18.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Another chant of the week
"Are you Britney in disguise?"
Charlton fans to bald ex-Charlton player Paul Konchesky during Charlton's 4-0 win over West Ham.
Charlton fans to bald ex-Charlton player Paul Konchesky during Charlton's 4-0 win over West Ham.
Lifesaver
John Terry thanked Arsenal physio Gary Lewin for saving his life after his Carling Cup horror.Terry shook hands with Lewin in an emotional meeting and told him:
“Thank you mate, I owe you one.”
It was Lewin’s swift reactions which helped to avert a tragedy when the Chelsea skipper was accidentally kicked in the face by Abou Diaby in Sunday’s Cardiff final.
Terry was knocked unconscious and was convulsing after swallowing his tongue. But Lewin was already on the spot after treating an Arsenal player seconds earlier and sprang into action to help Terry.
Lewin, who doubles up as England physio, helped revive Terry and made sure he had regained consciousness.
Chant of the week
"The referee's a w*****!"
Exeter fans after a bad first-half performance by the referee.
"The referee's a legend!"
Exeter fans after the ref awarded them two penalties in the second half.
Exeter fans after a bad first-half performance by the referee.
"The referee's a legend!"
Exeter fans after the ref awarded them two penalties in the second half.
3 points
"It doesn't matter what happened in the game - we got the three points."
Wayne Bridge gets confused after winning the Carling Cup final with Chelsea.
Wayne Bridge gets confused after winning the Carling Cup final with Chelsea.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Terry
John Terry lifted the Carling Cup last night after a remarkable recovery from a horror injury and said: “I’m OK.”The Chelsea skipper was knocked unconscious at 4.11pm after being kicked in the face by Arsenal’s Abou Diaby.
But after discharging himself from hospital in Cardiff he was back at the Millennium Stadium at 5.58.
There he joined in the party to celebrate the victory with relieved team-mates who cheered as he as he held the Carling Cup aloft in the dressing room.
Trick of the light
Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard has played down concerns over Ronaldinho's fitness following claims that photos taken during the Champions League defeat by Liverpool in midweek showed him looking overweight.
The Brazilian, previously considered the world's best player, has struggled for form this season but Rijkaard insisted the pictures were a "trick of the light"
The Dutchman said: "When the photo is taken quite close by, with inadequate light or if there is some movement, it can vary the reality a lot and, in this instance, for me there are doubts."
The Brazilian, previously considered the world's best player, has struggled for form this season but Rijkaard insisted the pictures were a "trick of the light"
The Dutchman said: "When the photo is taken quite close by, with inadequate light or if there is some movement, it can vary the reality a lot and, in this instance, for me there are doubts."
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Secret Santa
Clearout
Sir Alex Ferguson is planning a summer clearout - even if his team win the Premiership.
The Manchester United boss will trim his squad, which has expanded to over sixty professionals.
And as he looks to bring in Owen Hargreaves and a couple more new faces, Fergie knows that he needs to get rid of some of his fringe players.
Topping the roster will be England star Kieron Richardson and - internationals John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher.
As well as Hargreaves, Fergie is also keen on Blackburn's David Bentley.
The Manchester United boss will trim his squad, which has expanded to over sixty professionals.
And as he looks to bring in Owen Hargreaves and a couple more new faces, Fergie knows that he needs to get rid of some of his fringe players.
Topping the roster will be England star Kieron Richardson and - internationals John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher.
As well as Hargreaves, Fergie is also keen on Blackburn's David Bentley.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Fat Ronaldinho ?
The first picture was taken in November 2003, the second one after the defeat to Liverpool this week.
Swing
Craig Bellamy's golf swing celebration at Camp Nou on Wednesday earned punters on Merseyside thousands of pounds after William Hill offered the novelty bet at 100-1 the day before. But the wager will raise some serious questions within governing bodies about the relationship between bookmakers and sport.
William Hill's response to its £50,000 loss also raised eyebrows. A spokesman for the company said it was likely the Liverpool striker had heard about the bet before the match, though he played down suggestions of a coup.
A Uefa spokesman said: "We have regulations that prevent people betting in a way that endangers the integrity of the sport, but unless we had evidence that he [Bellamy] actually placed a bet it is very hard to investigate."
William Hill's response to its £50,000 loss also raised eyebrows. A spokesman for the company said it was likely the Liverpool striker had heard about the bet before the match, though he played down suggestions of a coup.
A Uefa spokesman said: "We have regulations that prevent people betting in a way that endangers the integrity of the sport, but unless we had evidence that he [Bellamy] actually placed a bet it is very hard to investigate."
Clericus Cup
Catholic institutes have entered 16 teams in the Clericus Cup, fielding 311 athletes from countries including the United States, Brazil, Papua New Guinea and Rwanda.Sports officials now hope clergymen from 50 nations can bring back faith to soccer as they take to the pitch for the first time in a tournament for priests and seminarians kicking off on Saturday.
The Clericus Cup will run through June and most games will be played at a Vatican soccer pitch in Rome. The matches will last one hour and rules will differ from regular club football. Teams will be allowed one time-out and the referee will brandish a blue card, which will send off errant players for a five-minute suspension.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Huff
Cristiano Ronaldo could be out of Manchester United’s trip to Fulham on Saturday — after kicking some water bottles in a huff.The winger, 22, was angry at being subbed after 67 minutes of United’s 1-0 win over Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
He stormed over to the dugout, refused the offer of a tracksuit top and then kicked a pile of water bottles with his right foot.
Ronaldo was given a precautionary cast to wear on the flight home.
Hughes
Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has urged employers in the Ribble Valley area to release staff early and allow them to reach Ewood Park in time for his side's tea-time Uefa Cup kick-off against Bayer Leverkusen.
The 6.05pm start for this evening's second-leg tie - which Rovers start 3-2 down - has been dictated by the demands of German television but makes getting to the ground tricky for many supporters.
Recognising the difficulties inherent in fans downing tools and walking boldly out midway through the afternoon, Blackburn have slashed ticket prices. While season ticket-holders receive free admission, children will get in for £1 and everyone else for £15.
The 6.05pm start for this evening's second-leg tie - which Rovers start 3-2 down - has been dictated by the demands of German television but makes getting to the ground tricky for many supporters.
Recognising the difficulties inherent in fans downing tools and walking boldly out midway through the afternoon, Blackburn have slashed ticket prices. While season ticket-holders receive free admission, children will get in for £1 and everyone else for £15.
There are some things money can't buy ...
Training trip to Portugal ... £1500
Broken golf club ... £55
Scoring a Champions League goal in the first game afterwards ... Priceless
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Alien horror
Ex-England and Newcastle United footballer Paul Gascoigne is to play the lead role in a new movie.He will star in action-horror feature Final Run and will begin shooting the film alongside Lois Winstone (pictured), daughter of Ray Winstone, in the summer.
Billed as a cross between Black Hawk Down and Alien, the movie is set in the near future and follows the aftermath of an alien invasion of Earth.
Gazza plays a misguided survivor torn between his own future and humanity's.
The movie is being made by SJB Imperial Film and the former Glasgow Rangers, Middlesbrough and Tottenham favourite is also working as one of the film's producers.
£25
Paul Jewell has revealed he was sent a £25 donation to help fund his feud with referee Phil Dowd — by another ref.The Wigan boss, who faces an FA disrepute charge for comments made about Dowd, refused to identify the ref or reveal at which level he officiates.
Jewell said: “The letter was marked private and confidential, so obviously I can’t disclose too much about the guy’s identity.
Nash
Steve Nash, the multimillionaire basketball player, has expressed an interest in buying a stake in Tottenham Hotspur.
Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, is reported to be willing to sell his stake for the right price.
Nash, the most valuable player in the National Basketball Association for the past two seasons, is the son of British parents and a Tottenham fan.
The Phoenix Suns point guard has earned more than $100 million (about £52 million) in basic playing salary during his career and the NBA’s leading passer wants to play a key role in any potential takeover of Tottenham.
Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, is reported to be willing to sell his stake for the right price.
Nash, the most valuable player in the National Basketball Association for the past two seasons, is the son of British parents and a Tottenham fan.
The Phoenix Suns point guard has earned more than $100 million (about £52 million) in basic playing salary during his career and the NBA’s leading passer wants to play a key role in any potential takeover of Tottenham.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Fines
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez prepared for Wednesday night's Champions League clash with Barcelona by fining 15 of his players for their part in the squad's headline-grabbing, boozy end to their trip to Portugal last week.Reports indicate that fines will total a club record £150,000 once all participants are dealt with.
Rip-off
A nationwide fans' group have launched an on-line petition to protest against 'rip-off' ticket prices.
With a growing number of Premiership clubs slashing the price of admission in a bid to attract higher gates, the Football Supporters' Federation have issued a three-point directive they believe all top flight clubs should follow.
Their plans include:
• A League-wide away fans' ticket price of no more than £15.
• A League-mandated freeze on all matchday and season ticket prices
• The use of television facilities fees for broadcast games to lower ticket prices to compensate for fixture moves and inconvenient kick-off times.
The organisation, who claim to represent 140,000 members in England and Wales, believe their plan would win widespread approval.
With a growing number of Premiership clubs slashing the price of admission in a bid to attract higher gates, the Football Supporters' Federation have issued a three-point directive they believe all top flight clubs should follow.
Their plans include:
• A League-wide away fans' ticket price of no more than £15.
• A League-mandated freeze on all matchday and season ticket prices
• The use of television facilities fees for broadcast games to lower ticket prices to compensate for fixture moves and inconvenient kick-off times.
The organisation, who claim to represent 140,000 members in England and Wales, believe their plan would win widespread approval.
Peak ?
"Well I'm 28 now and people say you reach your peak at 28, so hopefully I've got my best years ahead of me."
Kieron Dyer peaking a little too early
Pitch
After announcing losses of £80m, Chelsea will be relieved that Interturf will relay their pitch for nothing - although the company did only lay the Stamford Bridge pitch in December, and it has died already.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Zidane
Chicago Fire general manager John Guppy has confirmed the franchise made an unsuccessful attempt to lure Zinedine Zidane out of retirement.
Zidane, 34, quit the game after last summer's World Cup - a tournament at which the former Juventus and Real Madrid midfielder starred before being sent-off in the final for headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi.
And it would seem he has no intention of changing his mind and following former Madrid team-mate David Beckham, who has agreed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy, to the MLS.
Guppy told the Chicago Tribune:
'We reached out to Zidane. But so has every other MLS club. The feedback we've all gotten is that he's retired.'
Zidane, 34, quit the game after last summer's World Cup - a tournament at which the former Juventus and Real Madrid midfielder starred before being sent-off in the final for headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi.
And it would seem he has no intention of changing his mind and following former Madrid team-mate David Beckham, who has agreed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy, to the MLS.
Guppy told the Chicago Tribune:
'We reached out to Zidane. But so has every other MLS club. The feedback we've all gotten is that he's retired.'
mynameisjohnterry
The FA and England's football kit manufacturers are on the look-out for anyone who shares their name with John Terry to launch a new five-a-side football tournament. Anyone with the same moniker as the England captain is asked to email their details to mynameisjohnterry@redconsultancy.com for the chance to play in their own side during the unveiling of the FA Umbro Fives at Wembley Stadium next Tuesday.Mid-season tours
Arch-disciplinarian George Graham took his Arsenal troops on a break to Portugal in the middle of the 1986-87 season. Six Gunners marched into a local nightclub and soon found themselves arguing over girls with a gang of US Marines.
The footballers were thrown out but the soldiers followed them in a car, almost running them off the road. Enraged striker Charlie Nicholas hurled a bottle of vodka, which he happened to have on his person, at the car, smashing the windscreen and causing the Americans to career off the road.
After fleeing back to the team hotel, the players were awoken the next morning by the local constabulary and, according to Perry Groves, the following message was sent to Graham, who was on the 17th tee of a nearby golf course:
"Mr Graham, half your team have been arrested for attempted murder." A panic-stricken Graham pegged it to the police station and, after negotiations, the Marines eventually settled for £2,000.
The footballers were thrown out but the soldiers followed them in a car, almost running them off the road. Enraged striker Charlie Nicholas hurled a bottle of vodka, which he happened to have on his person, at the car, smashing the windscreen and causing the Americans to career off the road.
After fleeing back to the team hotel, the players were awoken the next morning by the local constabulary and, according to Perry Groves, the following message was sent to Graham, who was on the 17th tee of a nearby golf course:
"Mr Graham, half your team have been arrested for attempted murder." A panic-stricken Graham pegged it to the police station and, after negotiations, the Marines eventually settled for £2,000.
Playboy
Patrice Evra has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is known by his Manchester United team-mates as Playboy because he has his own mirror in the dressing room.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Ricard
Former Middlesbrough striker Hamilton Ricard had been playing for Danubio in Uruguay before he was sentenced last month to three years in prison for killing a man in a car accident.Danubio are sponsored by Ricard - a brand of chocolates - and although player names are not printed on shirts in Uruguay, the sponsor's logo is blazoned across both the chest and back of Danubio's strip, meaning that Ricard's name is on both sides of his shirt.
Hardest recorded shots
1) David Hirst - 114mph (for Sheffield Wednesday @ Arsenal on September 16 1996)
2) David Beckham - 97.9mph (for Man Utd v Chelsea on February 22 1997)
3) David Trezeguet - 96mph (for Monaco @ Man Utd on March 19 1998)
4) Richie Humphreys - 95.9mph (for Sheffield Wednesday v Aston Villa on August 17 1996)
5) Matt Le Tissier - 86.8mph (for Southampton v Newcastle on January 18 1997)
6) Alan Shearer - 85.8mph (for Newcastle v Leicester on February 2 1997)
7) Roberto Carlos - 85.2mph (for Brazil v France on June 3 1997)
8) Tugay - 84.2mph (for Blackburn @ Southampton on November 3 2001)
9) Obafemi Martins - 84mph (for Newcastle @ Tottenham on January 14 2007)
10) David Beckham - 80.5mph (for Man Utd @ Derby on September 4 1996)
2) David Beckham - 97.9mph (for Man Utd v Chelsea on February 22 1997)
3) David Trezeguet - 96mph (for Monaco @ Man Utd on March 19 1998)
4) Richie Humphreys - 95.9mph (for Sheffield Wednesday v Aston Villa on August 17 1996)
5) Matt Le Tissier - 86.8mph (for Southampton v Newcastle on January 18 1997)
6) Alan Shearer - 85.8mph (for Newcastle v Leicester on February 2 1997)
7) Roberto Carlos - 85.2mph (for Brazil v France on June 3 1997)
8) Tugay - 84.2mph (for Blackburn @ Southampton on November 3 2001)
9) Obafemi Martins - 84mph (for Newcastle @ Tottenham on January 14 2007)
10) David Beckham - 80.5mph (for Man Utd @ Derby on September 4 1996)
Wenger
Arsëne Wenger has risked incurring the wrath of Thierry Henry by declaring that the Arsenal captain will play no part in next weekend’s Carling Cup final against Chelsea.
Henry will return to the side for today’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Blackburn Rovers, but he will not be involved when Arsenal seek to win their first trophy in two years at the Millennium Stadium.
Henry will return to the side for today’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Blackburn Rovers, but he will not be involved when Arsenal seek to win their first trophy in two years at the Millennium Stadium.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Tickets
Chelsea have told supporters to forget cheaper tickets — because the club’s millionaire players are demanding massive pay rises.
Chief executive Peter Kenyon revealed everyone is queueing up to get their hands on the revenue from the new £625million TV deal.
Kenyon claimed: “A reduction in prices is a difficult topic because other sectors of the business want their share of the TV cash and the players also want a slice.”
Chief executive Peter Kenyon revealed everyone is queueing up to get their hands on the revenue from the new £625million TV deal.
Kenyon claimed: “A reduction in prices is a difficult topic because other sectors of the business want their share of the TV cash and the players also want a slice.”
Changes at Anfield
Up-chuck
Ipswich defender Alex Bruce, son of Birmingham manager Steve, has apologised for his half-time ritual - throwing up as he emerges for the second-half.
"I am genuinely sorry. It's all about going into a red-hot dressing-room for 15 minutes and then coming straight back out to the freezing cold again."
"I am genuinely sorry. It's all about going into a red-hot dressing-room for 15 minutes and then coming straight back out to the freezing cold again."
God bless 'er again
The Queen was introduced to Arsenal's players on Thursday by Thierry Henry - and the monarch informed him: "You have a very international side".
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Best man
Antoine Sibierski was stunned when Newcastle were drawn against Belgians Zulte Waregem in the UEFA Cup, where childhood pal Frederic Dindeleux plays.
They grew up together in Lille and centre-half Dindeleux was the ex-Manchester City star’s best man at his wedding to Isabelle.
They grew up together in Lille and centre-half Dindeleux was the ex-Manchester City star’s best man at his wedding to Isabelle.
Empty seats
Arsenal have confirmed the suspicions of many visitors to the Emirates Stadium this season, admitting that the club routinely declares misleading attendance figures for home games. Regular visitors to the new stadium, including season ticket holders and reporters, have noted that, while attendance figures give the impression that it is at or close to its 60,500 capacity, the reality is that at times numerous seats have been empty. Sunday's game against Wigan Athletic was a case in point, with the official figure of 60,049 at odds with the large number of empty seats.
The club confirmed yesterday that the figure announced was for tickets sold rather than actual attendance and that on average as many as 3% of ticket holders - more than 1,800 people - did not take up their seats.
Video nasty
Steve McClaren has sent every player involved in the defeat against Spain a DVD of their performance.
The DVDs are prepared and distributed, with match stats for the individual in question, by the coach Steve Round. "We always give them feedback: positive, negative, whatever we feel," said McClaren.
The DVDs are prepared and distributed, with match stats for the individual in question, by the coach Steve Round. "We always give them feedback: positive, negative, whatever we feel," said McClaren.
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson was co-pilot on Rangers' charter flight to Wednesday's Uefa Cup tie against Hapoel Tel Aviv.
God bless 'er
The Queen hosted a reception with the Arsenal team, four months after a bad back forced her to cancel plans to open their new stadium.Prince Philip stood in for her at the official opening of the Emirates stadium in October.
Now she is meeting players including captain Thierry Henry and manager Arsene Wenger at Buckingham Palace.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Scotland
Scotland have equalled their highest ever position in the Fifa world rankings after climbing six places to 20th. The Scots sit top of their Euro 2008 qualifying group and face testing fixtures against Georgia and Italy who have replaced Brazil as Fifa's number one side, next month.
England are unchanged in sixth place in the latest list, with the Republic of Ireland climbing three to 46th. The Republic have gone ahead of Northern Ireland, who fell two places to 49th, while Wales dropped one place to 75th.
England are unchanged in sixth place in the latest list, with the Republic of Ireland climbing three to 46th. The Republic have gone ahead of Northern Ireland, who fell two places to 49th, while Wales dropped one place to 75th.
Platini
Rather than advocate the introduction of video technology to assist with decision-making on the pitch, new UEFA president Michel Platini has suggested increasing the number of officials from three to five, with the two additional men in black being stationed in the penalty areas.
"Two more officials would definitely help to clear up misunderstands," said a Uefa spokesperson. "Platini does not want to break up the flow of the game with video technology but he is keen to see a new system."
"Two more officials would definitely help to clear up misunderstands," said a Uefa spokesperson. "Platini does not want to break up the flow of the game with video technology but he is keen to see a new system."
The death of football
Bayern Munich boss Uli Hoeness has launched a scathing attack on David Beckham's wife Victoria.Hoeness is still fuming over Beckham's decision to move to LA Galaxy in the summer — a switch he believes was manufactured by Victoria.
And the ex-Germany international has described Posh as "the death of football".
Hoeness said: "I like David Beckham very much — but not his wife.
"Such people are the death of the football and Beckham is a product of these people.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Friendlies
Key figures at the Football Association have reacted with disbelief to Terry Venables' suggestion that England friendlies be scrapped, as the governing body prepares to open the £757m Wembley Stadium later this year with the national team crucial to its success.
Highlighting how injuries had "depleted" the England squad in the build-up to the friendly against Spain at Old Trafford, Venables suggested holding a four-day training camp for the players as an occasional replacement for the traditional friendly match.
Highlighting how injuries had "depleted" the England squad in the build-up to the friendly against Spain at Old Trafford, Venables suggested holding a four-day training camp for the players as an occasional replacement for the traditional friendly match.
Highbury
Former Arsenal winger Robert Pires says he feels so attached to the club that he has bought a luxury apartment on the site of the Gunners' old stadium Highbury.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Tryouts
David Beckham's drawing power was on display in Los Angeles at the weekend - and the former England captain was not even there. Some 800 young hopefuls turned up on Saturday as Beckham's new team, the LA Galaxy, held trials to find new players.They had the chance to prove their worth in a series of seven-a-side games watched closely by Galaxy coaches. The players came from all over the world, with more than 20 countries represented. Some were there to make the squad. Some were there only to say they once tried out for Beckham's new team.
Disaster
England face financial disaster if they fail to qualify for Euro 2008. The FA made profits of more than £33million in 2004 on the back of reaching the quarter-finals of the last European Championships in Portugal.
Missing out on next year’s finals in Austria and Switzerland could leave them looking at a £50m black hole.
Missing out on next year’s finals in Austria and Switzerland could leave them looking at a £50m black hole.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Blanket
"It is like having a blanket that is too small for the bed. You pull your feet up to keep your chest warm and your feet stick out.
"I cannot buy a bigger blanket because the supermarket is closed. But I am content because the blanket is cashmere. It is no ordinary blanket."
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insists he is happy with his injury-hit squad.
"I cannot buy a bigger blanket because the supermarket is closed. But I am content because the blanket is cashmere. It is no ordinary blanket."
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insists he is happy with his injury-hit squad.
Volzy
Fulham defender Moritz Volz has raised £475 for charity by auctioning off the boots he used to score the 15,000th Premiership goal.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Spy
Leeds manager Dennis Wise revealed a mystery player 'will never play for this club again' after his starting line-up had been leaked to Crystal Palace ahead of the kick-off at Elland Road.
Wise's relegation strugglers kept a toe-hold in the Coca-Cola Championship with a 2-1 win, but a much-improved Leeds display was overshadowed by the manager's furious post-match outburst.
'It was a fantastic result for us, but unfortunately I'm very disappointed,' Wise said.
'One player gave my team to the opposition at my football club and I found that out.
'It disappoints me immensely and I told the players before, and he won't be playing for this football club again.'
'It's as simple as that because I can't have that.
Wise's relegation strugglers kept a toe-hold in the Coca-Cola Championship with a 2-1 win, but a much-improved Leeds display was overshadowed by the manager's furious post-match outburst.
'It was a fantastic result for us, but unfortunately I'm very disappointed,' Wise said.
'One player gave my team to the opposition at my football club and I found that out.
'It disappoints me immensely and I told the players before, and he won't be playing for this football club again.'
'It's as simple as that because I can't have that.
Amputee Cup
Africa's first amputee football cup has started in Sierra Leone, with the hosts beating Ghana 3-0 in the opening match. Each of the five teams has six one-legged outfield players and a one-armed goalkeeper in the tournament, which is being sponsored by Fifa.
Many of the players taking part lost limbs during long-running civil wars in their countries.
Friday, February 09, 2007
The Feverish Excitement Soccer Ball
Jon Kabira is one of Japan's premier soccer commentators.A bonk on this 3x4 soccer ball's head triggers a recording of his voice saying "Goaaaaaaaal!" and "Ohhh that's a foul!" and "Now that's world class!" in Japanglish.
Scolari
Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Portugal manager, has slammed David Beckham's move to America and feels the game is being wrecked by big commercial deals.
Beckham is reported to be earning £128 million during his five-year stay with the LA Galaxy.
Scolari said: "Football isn't about marketing, it's lost its way."
He added: "It seems to me that Beckham's going to be part of a big 'American show'. Soccer doesn't fit into my idea of football – it's all a show. For this reason I am sure Beckham will have an impact on this concept of the sport."
Beckham is reported to be earning £128 million during his five-year stay with the LA Galaxy.
Scolari said: "Football isn't about marketing, it's lost its way."
He added: "It seems to me that Beckham's going to be part of a big 'American show'. Soccer doesn't fit into my idea of football – it's all a show. For this reason I am sure Beckham will have an impact on this concept of the sport."
Red devils ?
While Javier Mascherano is kicking his heels waiting for clearance to join Liverpool, perhaps he should swot up on his new club ...
He said: “I have disconnected myself from West Ham and signed a contract with Liverpool.
“I can consider myself a Red Devil. It’s now just up to the Premier League to authorise me to play, something I believe should happen because it was they who made the appeal to FIFA to allow me to move clubs. I hope the situation is resolved as soon as possible.”
He said: “I have disconnected myself from West Ham and signed a contract with Liverpool.
“I can consider myself a Red Devil. It’s now just up to the Premier League to authorise me to play, something I believe should happen because it was they who made the appeal to FIFA to allow me to move clubs. I hope the situation is resolved as soon as possible.”
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Captain Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo captained Portugal in the 2-0 win over Brazil to honour a dying wish, according to coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.Big Phil revealed after the game that the Manchester United winger's promotion was the suggestion of Carlos Silva, the vice president of the Portuguese football federation, who died last Sunday.
Carlos Silva was a well known figure in Portuguese football, his 17-year playing career being followed by spells of management with clubs including Nacional, Farense and Belenenses.
Ronaldo cancelled his 22nd birthday celebrations on Monday as a mark of respect for the popular official and there was a minute's silence before the game at the Emirates Stadium.
Hiddink
Dutch prosecutors have asked for a 10-month prison sentence for Russia coach Guus Hiddink, who is accused of tax fraud, a prosecution spokesman said yesterday. Hiddink has denied any wrongdoing in the case, which dates from 2002-03.
Prosecutors alleged Hiddink evaded paying £900,000 in Dutch taxes during that period by claiming a tax home in Belgium when he was actually living in Eindhoven.
Prosecutors alleged Hiddink evaded paying £900,000 in Dutch taxes during that period by claiming a tax home in Belgium when he was actually living in Eindhoven.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Fifa
John McBeth, the Scottish FA president, will become the next British vice-president of Fifa after yesterday's election for the post ended in defeat for the two favourites. A power struggle between the FA chairman, Geoff Thompson, and the Irish FA president, Jim Boyce, ended in stalemate between the pair and allowed McBeth to nip in instead.
It means that the Scottish lawyer David Will, who has held the position for 17 years, will be succeeded by another Scot. The English, meanwhile, are privately furious that they have been thwarted again and that it is more than 50 years since they held the privileged position.
It means that the Scottish lawyer David Will, who has held the position for 17 years, will be succeeded by another Scot. The English, meanwhile, are privately furious that they have been thwarted again and that it is more than 50 years since they held the privileged position.
Barton
Joey Barton received a frosty reception on his first day at England training. The Manchester City midfielder criticised England players who wrote books after the World Cup failure. And there was no conversation or eye-contact with Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, the two midfield ‘authors’ Barton said could not play together and whose commitment to training he questioned as well.
UAE
A pregnant woman refused to enter a hospital maternity ward when she found out it had no TV as she wanted to watch the UAE v Oman Gulf Cup final.
"I shall be back once my national team has won the coveted championship," she said.
True to her word, she returned at the final whistle and named her child Matar after Ismail Matar who had scored the winning goal for UAE.
"I shall be back once my national team has won the coveted championship," she said.
True to her word, she returned at the final whistle and named her child Matar after Ismail Matar who had scored the winning goal for UAE.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Kitchen
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe's girlfriend Charlotte Meares has treated herself to a new £200,000 kitchen complete with six ovens and two dishwashers - despite the fact she usually only makes pot noodles.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Mourinho
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has hinted that he could remain at Stamford Bridge after this season and rejected reports linking him with a possible move to Real Madrid.Reports in Spain suggested the former FC Porto coach was a summer target for Real, while Mourinho had been widely expected to leave the Premiership champions of the last two seasons at the end of this campaign.
There had been reports of a bust-up between Mourinho and Blues owner Roman Abramovich, but the Portuguese coach has seemed happier in his role recently.
He said: "This season is much more enjoyable. It's encouraged me to stay."
Buy-out
Several of the Premiership's leading players will be in a position to walk away from their clubs this summer by exploiting a clause in Fifa-adopted European Union law.
Article 17 of the regulations for the status and transfer of players allows the likes of Frank Lampard and John Terry to buy out their contracts at Chelsea and then negotiate a move elsewhere.
The former Heart of Midlothian defender Andy Webster made history by terminating his contract at the end of last season. Fifa ratified Webster's move to Wigan on September 4, seemingly creating a legal precedent for the conduct of international football transfers. The ruling utilised suggests that Hearts would only be entitled to an amount equal to Webster's salary for the remainder of his contract as compensation.
Article 17 of the regulations for the status and transfer of players allows the likes of Frank Lampard and John Terry to buy out their contracts at Chelsea and then negotiate a move elsewhere.
The former Heart of Midlothian defender Andy Webster made history by terminating his contract at the end of last season. Fifa ratified Webster's move to Wigan on September 4, seemingly creating a legal precedent for the conduct of international football transfers. The ruling utilised suggests that Hearts would only be entitled to an amount equal to Webster's salary for the remainder of his contract as compensation.
Italy
So frustrated was Sergio Campana, president of the Italian players' association, with the current violence that he said the game should stop for a year while it was cleaned up."If in England they've managed to beat every type of violence, I see no reason why we can't do the same," Mr Campana said.
"In England you see teams that have been relegated applauded by their fans, here our players are hit because they lose one game. I think football should stop for a year in order to reflect on the evils that exist."
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Owen
Michael Owen with a ball at his feet last week ... a sight that hasn't been seen for quite a few months
Poll
Jimmy
As a teenager, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink ended up in a Dutch juvenile detention centre after he and some friends stole tickets to a rap concert. Apprehending the desperadoes hardly required much sleuthing, since JFH and his chums went to the gig and took their places in the numbered seats, where waiting police pounced.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Nelson
Blackburn captain Ryan Nelson's nine-month injury problem became a pain in the backside - he had a buttock sliced open and holes drilled in the bone so surgeons could reattach his hamstring.Terraces
Conservative leader David Cameron has said terraces could return to football grounds under a Tory government, although he insisted that safety would still be the "first priority".
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Tattoo
An Argentinian football fan is fuming after having a tattoo of a penis - when he had asked for his team's badge.
The teenager wanted to have Boca Junior's crest designed on his back, but the unlucky punter should have asked the tattooist who he supported.
It turned out to be Boca Juniors' arch rivals River Plate - and the artist wanted victory off the pitch.
After discovering the cock-up, the youngster fumed: "I could not see what he was tattooing because he didn't have a mirror. I only saw it when I got home and showed it to my parents."
The teenager wanted to have Boca Junior's crest designed on his back, but the unlucky punter should have asked the tattooist who he supported.
It turned out to be Boca Juniors' arch rivals River Plate - and the artist wanted victory off the pitch.
After discovering the cock-up, the youngster fumed: "I could not see what he was tattooing because he didn't have a mirror. I only saw it when I got home and showed it to my parents."
Helsingborg
Henrik Larsson has beeen urged to stay on at Manchester United beyond his three-month loan deal - by fans of parent club Helsingborg.On the homepage of Swedish club Helsingborg's official website, there is a survey asking whether or not they want Henke to come home. 725 people had voted with 684 (a whopping 94 per cent) saying 'No'.
Fan Marcus Hartwell said: "This data could be used to start a 'Keep Henrik in Manchester” campaign. His goal that was disallowed last week was magical and he should stay - we all want him to stay."
