Friday, February 28, 2014
Manchester City fans offered Poznan-friendly glasses
Manchester City fans will be hoping they have plenty of opportunity to perform their Poznan goal celebration during Sunday’s Capital One Cup final against Sunderland at Wembley - and now they have eyewear to help them through those joyful yet testing times.
The problem with their unusual goal celebration - borrowed from Polish side Lech Poznan - is that it requires fans to turn their backs on the action, thus missing events on the pitch.
However, help is at hand for Blues supporters from the League Cup’s sponsor, Capital One, who have developed a limited edition set of Poznan-proof glasses featuring specially in-built ‘rear-view’ mirrors.
The clever design of the glasses mean that City fans can now enjoy a quick Poznan and not miss a single minute’s action on the pitch.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Snodgrass winner costs punters £372,000 each
Robert Snodgrass was a happy man when he banged in Norwich’s winner against Tottenham - but for two unlucky punters it was a very, very different story.
The Coral customers had correctly predicted 14 results on their coupon but needed Spurs - not the ideal team to be relying on, it’s fair to say - to win yesterday to walk away with a share of the firm’s Football Jackpot: £372,481 each to be exact.
So you can imagine their distress when Snodgrass’ 47th-minute strike hit the back of the net at Carrow Road - not to mention when misfiring Spurs striker Roberto Soldado entered the fray as the Canaries held on for a 1-0 win.
All was not completely lost for the pair, however, with Coral paying them £5,999 each as a consolation prize.
‘You have to feel desperately sorry for these two punters who came so close to winning life-changing sums of money today,’ said Coral spokesman Simon Clare.
‘It must have been the most incredible, and ultimately agonising, rollercoaster ride for both of them as the Liverpool and Newcastle wins were incredible nail-biters, and they then watched Spurs spurn loads of chances en route to costing them the monster payout.
‘Both customers will receive just shy of six grand as a consolation for missing out by one on the Football Jackpot, but it will be scant consolation indeed.’
The Coral customers had correctly predicted 14 results on their coupon but needed Spurs - not the ideal team to be relying on, it’s fair to say - to win yesterday to walk away with a share of the firm’s Football Jackpot: £372,481 each to be exact.
So you can imagine their distress when Snodgrass’ 47th-minute strike hit the back of the net at Carrow Road - not to mention when misfiring Spurs striker Roberto Soldado entered the fray as the Canaries held on for a 1-0 win.
All was not completely lost for the pair, however, with Coral paying them £5,999 each as a consolation prize.
‘You have to feel desperately sorry for these two punters who came so close to winning life-changing sums of money today,’ said Coral spokesman Simon Clare.
‘It must have been the most incredible, and ultimately agonising, rollercoaster ride for both of them as the Liverpool and Newcastle wins were incredible nail-biters, and they then watched Spurs spurn loads of chances en route to costing them the monster payout.
‘Both customers will receive just shy of six grand as a consolation for missing out by one on the Football Jackpot, but it will be scant consolation indeed.’
Man Utd fan demands Moyes sacking with tattoo
Suarez reveals the world's first knitted boot
Boot giants adidas have unveiled the new Samba primeknit limited edition studs that 'combines the comfort and responsiveness of playing barefoot with the protection of a traditional design'.
The innovative design the first football boot to have an upper that is knitted from heel-to-toe using the Samba colours of green, pink, blue and orange, providing a bespoke second-skin fit that retains the strength of a conventional boot.
Suarez will be the only player to wear them when they officially launch next month.
And he will grace them in one of the biggest games of the season when Brendan Rodgers' title-chasing side take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on March 16.
The innovative design the first football boot to have an upper that is knitted from heel-to-toe using the Samba colours of green, pink, blue and orange, providing a bespoke second-skin fit that retains the strength of a conventional boot.
Suarez will be the only player to wear them when they officially launch next month.
And he will grace them in one of the biggest games of the season when Brendan Rodgers' title-chasing side take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on March 16.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
World Cup T-shirts pulled by adidas
Sports brand adidas have accepted a request from Brazil's tourism board to stop selling two T-shirts it marketed ahead of this year's World Cup because they encourage sexual tourism.
One shirt shows a bikini-clad woman with open arms on a sunny Rio de Janeiro beach under the word-play "Looking to Score."
The other has an "I love Brazil" heart resembling the upside-down buttocks of a woman wearing a thong bikini bottom.
Adidas said the shirts would not be sold anymore, adding in a statement that they were from a limited edition that was only on sale in the United States.
The shirt designs touched a nerve in Brazil, where people often complain about foreign stereotypes of Brazilian sensuality.
GIF : Joel Campbell Champions League goal
Monday, February 24, 2014
Barcelona pay £11.1m in evaded taxes
Barcelona have paid the Spanish authorities £11.1million following allegations of tax evasion in the transfer of Neymar.
The High Court judge Pablo Ruiz this week insisted that the Catalan club should repay the amount they evaded during the Brazilian striker's transfer to Spain from Santos last summer.
Barcelona again insisted they have done nothing wrong but confirmed the payment had been made to avoid the club's name being tarnished and prevent a difference in interpretation.
The club's board of directors met on Monday morning at the club's offices to discuss their response to the allegations.
A statement released on Barcelona's official website said: 'The board denies the existence of any tax related crime in relation to the fiscal obligations arising from the signing of the player.'
It went on to say that the club would continue to collaborate with the courts and the tax authorities to clarify the facts and that it would present a legal defence if necessary.
The High Court judge Pablo Ruiz this week insisted that the Catalan club should repay the amount they evaded during the Brazilian striker's transfer to Spain from Santos last summer.
Barcelona again insisted they have done nothing wrong but confirmed the payment had been made to avoid the club's name being tarnished and prevent a difference in interpretation.
The club's board of directors met on Monday morning at the club's offices to discuss their response to the allegations.
A statement released on Barcelona's official website said: 'The board denies the existence of any tax related crime in relation to the fiscal obligations arising from the signing of the player.'
It went on to say that the club would continue to collaborate with the courts and the tax authorities to clarify the facts and that it would present a legal defence if necessary.
Tunstall Town end 171-game winless streak
The longest winless streak in English football was quashed over the weekend when Staffordshire side Tunstall Town ended their mammoth six-and-a-half-year hoodoo with a victory over Betley Reserves.
Town, who hail from Stoke-on-Trent, had gone a whopping 171 games without a win beforehand but went on to beat Bentley by three goals to two in Division Two of the Staffs County Senior League on Saturday – thus bringing to an end their winless run which began in September 2007.
This comes after the club successfully ended a run of 143 consecutive defeats back in January of 2013 with a 1-1 draw against Whittington.
Town, who hail from Stoke-on-Trent, had gone a whopping 171 games without a win beforehand but went on to beat Bentley by three goals to two in Division Two of the Staffs County Senior League on Saturday – thus bringing to an end their winless run which began in September 2007.
This comes after the club successfully ended a run of 143 consecutive defeats back in January of 2013 with a 1-1 draw against Whittington.
Two-footed corner challenge
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Fabregas says sorry for beating Man City at Brit awards
Capello calls up the wrong player to Russia squad
The Russia coach has this week been left red-faced after unwittingly including a reserve-team player in his squad after a confusion over names.
The Italian, 67, included Lokomotiv Moscow reserve Andrey Semenov on his 23-man list to play Armenia on March 5, when he intended to select the Terek Grozny defender of the same name.
"I was surprised, to say the least..." revealed the lesser-known Semenov.
"Well, I have one year's experience playing for Russia's youth team!"
The Russian Football Union were forced to publish an embarrassing correction to the squad list and apologised for the mix-up.
Lokomotiv later deleted an article on the club website announcing Semenov's inclusion.
The Italian, 67, included Lokomotiv Moscow reserve Andrey Semenov on his 23-man list to play Armenia on March 5, when he intended to select the Terek Grozny defender of the same name.
"I was surprised, to say the least..." revealed the lesser-known Semenov.
"Well, I have one year's experience playing for Russia's youth team!"
The Russian Football Union were forced to publish an embarrassing correction to the squad list and apologised for the mix-up.
Lokomotiv later deleted an article on the club website announcing Semenov's inclusion.
Bayern passes vs Arsenal
Bayern Munich attempted 863 passes during the 90 minutes, 95% of which were successful.
This success percent is a new Champions League record since accurate data recording began in the 2003-04 season.
The most passes attempted against Arsenal in the Premier League this season was the 624 by Swansea in September, while Fulham are the most accurate team against the Gunners in the league this season, completing 87.3% of their 479 passes in August.
This success percent is a new Champions League record since accurate data recording began in the 2003-04 season.
The most passes attempted against Arsenal in the Premier League this season was the 624 by Swansea in September, while Fulham are the most accurate team against the Gunners in the league this season, completing 87.3% of their 479 passes in August.
Italian striker celebrates goal with head-butt (then gets sent off)
GIF : Kroos goal vs Arsenal
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Man Utd complain about Man City’s tunnel cam
Manchester United have written to the Premier League to raise concerns about Manchester City’s ‘tunnel cam’.
City have cameras running in the Etihad tunnel as one of the key components of their excellent social media coverage.
But their rivals are unhappy with the tunnel footage from the 4-1 derby match.
United feel the video is intrusive.
At 10mins 30secs the video shows Ryan Giggs racing after fourth official Michael Oliver.
It was later reported that the United player-coach told Oliver to "get a grip of him, man up and do your job".
That alleged outburst has been edited out of the coverage posted online by City, but United want clarification on whether footage captured by City’s cameras could be used in disciplinary procedures.
There is no suggestion that Giggs will face any action, but United have reservations about the tunnel area being fair game for media coverage.
City have cameras running in the Etihad tunnel as one of the key components of their excellent social media coverage.
But their rivals are unhappy with the tunnel footage from the 4-1 derby match.
United feel the video is intrusive.
At 10mins 30secs the video shows Ryan Giggs racing after fourth official Michael Oliver.
It was later reported that the United player-coach told Oliver to "get a grip of him, man up and do your job".
That alleged outburst has been edited out of the coverage posted online by City, but United want clarification on whether footage captured by City’s cameras could be used in disciplinary procedures.
There is no suggestion that Giggs will face any action, but United have reservations about the tunnel area being fair game for media coverage.
Proof that Barcelona’s penalty against Man City was correct
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Ronaldo has a goal in every minute of a game
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will face-off in the Spanish Cup final after Barcelona and Real Madrid won their semi-finals this week.
And after scoring in the seventh minute of Real's win against rivals Atletico Madrid, Portugal international Ronaldo earned the bragging rights to a new record which Messi can't yet lay claim to, he has now scored in every minute of a 90 minute game.
The former Manchester United star is more prolific in some minutes than others, having scored 22 goals in the 90th minute and 12 goals in the 45th.
However, he has only netted once in the 1st, 7th, 15th, 17th, 31st, 40th, 43rd, 53rd, and 78th minutes.
To equal Ronaldo's achievements Messi must net in the 1st, 2nd, 10th, 14th, 15th, 46th and 69th minutes of a game.
And after scoring in the seventh minute of Real's win against rivals Atletico Madrid, Portugal international Ronaldo earned the bragging rights to a new record which Messi can't yet lay claim to, he has now scored in every minute of a 90 minute game.
The former Manchester United star is more prolific in some minutes than others, having scored 22 goals in the 90th minute and 12 goals in the 45th.
However, he has only netted once in the 1st, 7th, 15th, 17th, 31st, 40th, 43rd, 53rd, and 78th minutes.
To equal Ronaldo's achievements Messi must net in the 1st, 2nd, 10th, 14th, 15th, 46th and 69th minutes of a game.
Liverpool 40-point swing
Everton fan of 30 years makes it to see them play live for first time... only for the match to be postponed
Ric Wee, who had travelled from Malaysia having supported the Toffees for the last 30 years, was excited to see the club play at Goodison Park for the first time in his life.
However, having posted a picture of himself inside the stadium ahead of kick-off, the match was postponed on police advice because of damage to buildings close to the ground.
The excited supporter had posted on Twitter an hour before the game was scheduled to begin: 'Finally, 30 years since supporting Everton, will b watching EFC 'live' for 1st time.'
However, having later heard the news of the postponement, Mr Wee appeared in defiant mood that the weather wouldn't stop him from finally watching his beloved Blues one day.
Tweeting a picture of his matchday programme and ticket, he said: 'Sadly Everton v Palace match called off due to bad weather. Dream to watch EFC play will continue to be on hold.'
Luckily, Everton were able to track down the disappointed Blues fan before he left the stadium and treated him by taking him through to the first-team dressing room.
However, having posted a picture of himself inside the stadium ahead of kick-off, the match was postponed on police advice because of damage to buildings close to the ground.
The excited supporter had posted on Twitter an hour before the game was scheduled to begin: 'Finally, 30 years since supporting Everton, will b watching EFC 'live' for 1st time.'
However, having later heard the news of the postponement, Mr Wee appeared in defiant mood that the weather wouldn't stop him from finally watching his beloved Blues one day.
Tweeting a picture of his matchday programme and ticket, he said: 'Sadly Everton v Palace match called off due to bad weather. Dream to watch EFC play will continue to be on hold.'
Luckily, Everton were able to track down the disappointed Blues fan before he left the stadium and treated him by taking him through to the first-team dressing room.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Spanish supporter throws dog at referee
Ozil told to bulk up
Mesut Ozil has been put on a weight-training programme as he struggles to fully adapt to the toughness of the Barclays Premier League.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger launched a staunch defence of his club-record £42million signing on Tuesday following criticism of recent displays - Ozil has not scored in his last nine matches and assisted just one goal.
And while the Germany midfielder’s ability remains clear, Wenger admits Ozil has found it hard to come to terms with the physical approach here.
‘He thinks it’s more physical here (in England) for sure and he is working on his body strength to deal with it,’ said Wenger.
‘He works on strengthening his body in the gym. Mesut feels the pressure, of course. He knows a lot is expected when you are a big transfer.
'But he should not worry about that - just play, enjoy it and give his best - that’s the best way to deal with it. But on the other hand, you must say he doesn’t come from a small club.
‘He comes from Real Madrid where the pressure is always huge - so he’s used to it. He needs understanding because he always wants to do well. He cares. He’s not a guy who doesn’t care.
‘His style can sometimes look like that he doesn’t care but he’s really the opposite character.’
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger launched a staunch defence of his club-record £42million signing on Tuesday following criticism of recent displays - Ozil has not scored in his last nine matches and assisted just one goal.
And while the Germany midfielder’s ability remains clear, Wenger admits Ozil has found it hard to come to terms with the physical approach here.
‘He thinks it’s more physical here (in England) for sure and he is working on his body strength to deal with it,’ said Wenger.
‘He works on strengthening his body in the gym. Mesut feels the pressure, of course. He knows a lot is expected when you are a big transfer.
'But he should not worry about that - just play, enjoy it and give his best - that’s the best way to deal with it. But on the other hand, you must say he doesn’t come from a small club.
‘He comes from Real Madrid where the pressure is always huge - so he’s used to it. He needs understanding because he always wants to do well. He cares. He’s not a guy who doesn’t care.
‘His style can sometimes look like that he doesn’t care but he’s really the opposite character.’
Liverpool fan mocks Man Utd’s ‘penis’ tactics
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
BBC subtitles struggle to get to grips with Januzaj
Podolski sends ‘Get well soon’ message to Michael Schumacher via his boots
Monday, February 10, 2014
Manchester United fans revealed as the perfect girlfriends
The secret to finding the perfect girlfriend has been revealed - and it seems we should all be flocking to Manchester to find Mrs Right.
Indeed, according to a new dating survey, the perfect girlfriend is a Manchester United fan, who has a healthy obsession with the club.
The results were discovered by dating company LOVOO as part of their research into helping the couples get together, and stay together.
Further details include she must be about 5’5" in height, can be found sipping wine at the pre-game bar and spotted leaving the stadium driving a Mini Cooper car.
Indeed, according to a new dating survey, the perfect girlfriend is a Manchester United fan, who has a healthy obsession with the club.
The results were discovered by dating company LOVOO as part of their research into helping the couples get together, and stay together.
Further details include she must be about 5’5" in height, can be found sipping wine at the pre-game bar and spotted leaving the stadium driving a Mini Cooper car.
Why does Mick Hucknall look older than Sir Alex?
Wenger falls over at Liverpool Lime St Station
Man Utd’s 81 useless crosses vs Fulham
Chelsea youngster mocks Mesut Ozil’s performance at Liverpool
Southampton manager’s chest and knee control
England 2014 World Cup home shirt leaked
Tevez celebrates Juve's 10 millionth facebook follower with 100-yard volley
Iran women's national team found to include four men
Iranian women footballers will be required to undergo mandatory gender-testing after it was revealed that four players in the national women’s team were in fact men.
Medical examiners will conduct random checks at training sessions and any players who fail the examination and cannot prove that they are completely female will be barred from the competition.
Iran’s football governing body announced the random checks after it was revealed that several leading players, including four in the national women’s team, were men who had not completed sex change operations or who were suffering from sexual development disorders.
While those who cannot prove they are female will be barred from competing in the women’s competition, they will be re-admitted once they have completed the sex change process.
Medical examiners will conduct random checks at training sessions and any players who fail the examination and cannot prove that they are completely female will be barred from the competition.
Iran’s football governing body announced the random checks after it was revealed that several leading players, including four in the national women’s team, were men who had not completed sex change operations or who were suffering from sexual development disorders.
While those who cannot prove they are female will be barred from competing in the women’s competition, they will be re-admitted once they have completed the sex change process.
Egyptian keeper wears Liverpool strip
If the shirt on Mahdi Soliman, keeper for Ghazl Mahalla in the Egyptian Premier League, looks suspiciously familiar that's for good reason - aside from the massive McDonald's ad on the chest it's identical to the one worn by Liverpool's Simon Mignolet.
The Egyptian keeper was wearing the shirt in his side's 1-0 loss to Al Ahly in which he conceded a penalty.
Reports say the shirt match-up came after the Mahalla club kit man left the keeper's shirt behind on their trip to the league giants, so he picked up the Reds strip from a local store.
Ibrahimovic ‘Knee Volley’
Friday, February 07, 2014
Builders install first ‘fat seats’ for obese supporters at World Cup
The construction company working on stadiums ahead of the World Cup in Brazil has installed the first of a number of ‘fat seats’ - aimed at overweight fans.
The specialised seats will cater for supporters who are over 25 stone in weight, and would be unable to fit comfortably in a standard row.
Officials in charge of the World Cup, which kicks off later this year, have even agreed to subside ticket prices in the extra-wide chairs - but only if fans have a doctor’s note proving their weight.
The seats will be installed in both brand new and existing stadiums, with the move coming after Brazil passed a law demanding that stadiums have specialist seats for all disabilities, including obesity.
Ribery ruled out after buttock surgery
Runaway leaders Bayern Munich will be without winger Franck Ribery for the Bavarian derby with Nuremberg.
Ribery had surgery on Thursday to repair a burst blood vessel in his buttock so will be unable to help his side extend their unbeaten run in the league to 45 games.
A club statement read: "Surgery became necessary at short notice because bruising associated with the damage was affecting a nerve.
"Ribery will remain in hospital until Sunday and will undergo a post-operative examination the following day.
"That in turn will allow medics to assess the length of the player's lay-off."
Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said: "I hope he can train with us again as soon as possible."
Ribery had surgery on Thursday to repair a burst blood vessel in his buttock so will be unable to help his side extend their unbeaten run in the league to 45 games.
A club statement read: "Surgery became necessary at short notice because bruising associated with the damage was affecting a nerve.
"Ribery will remain in hospital until Sunday and will undergo a post-operative examination the following day.
"That in turn will allow medics to assess the length of the player's lay-off."
Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said: "I hope he can train with us again as soon as possible."
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Pogba shows off his freestyle skills blindfolded
Januzaj shows off Man United birthday cake
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
GIF : Oxlade Chamberlain goal
Youth team skills
Barry Fry "walking football"
Manchester City fans troll David Moyes
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
GIF : Wesley Sneijder ‘Ass Pass’
Met police team 999 start
Moyes’ start at Man Utd
Beckham plays ‘Egg Russian Roulette’ on Jimmy Fallon Show
Bologna suspend four executives
Bologna’s owners have today announced that four of the Italian club’s executives have been suspended over the transfer farrago that saw new signing Ibson being left stranded at Rome Airport for several hours.
Having signed from Corinthians after having his contract terminated by mutual consent on Monday, Ibson flew to Italy to join up with Bologna later that day - however, the Serie A side forgot to dispatch their delegation to go and fetch the Brazilian from the airport, leaving him with no idea how to contact the club or where to go in the meantime after touching down in the capital.
Bologna chairman, Albano Guaraldi, has since announced that technical partner Adriano Polenta, general secretary Luca Befani, communication manager Carlo Caliceti and marketing team member Andrea Battacchi have all been suspended, pending an internal investigation into the mess.
Having signed from Corinthians after having his contract terminated by mutual consent on Monday, Ibson flew to Italy to join up with Bologna later that day - however, the Serie A side forgot to dispatch their delegation to go and fetch the Brazilian from the airport, leaving him with no idea how to contact the club or where to go in the meantime after touching down in the capital.
Bologna chairman, Albano Guaraldi, has since announced that technical partner Adriano Polenta, general secretary Luca Befani, communication manager Carlo Caliceti and marketing team member Andrea Battacchi have all been suspended, pending an internal investigation into the mess.
Orozco scores then headbutts post
Balotelli shows off his new haircut
Lifelong Orient fan leaves club £150,000
Leyton Orient have revealed that supporter John Burman left the club £150,000 in his will.
A lifelong supporter of the League One club, Burman passed away aged 55 last May after a long battle with cancer.
The former railways signal operator followed the O's home and away but his last gesture of support will allow the cash-strapped club to continue to push for promotion to the Championship.
Burman, who was known to his friends as 'Chingford John', was a season ticket holder in the Tommy Johnston Stand and a member of the Leyton Orient Supporters Club.
Orient will dedicate their league clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Peterborough on Saturday to John's memory.
After receiving the money, chairman Barry Hearn said: 'This is a wonderful gesture from John who was by all accounts a remarkable man.
'He was a true Orient supporter and we will be celebrating his life on Saturday, whilst the significant money he has left will ensure that his legacy lives on and the club he so passionately supported can live on and continue to grow.'
A lifelong supporter of the League One club, Burman passed away aged 55 last May after a long battle with cancer.
The former railways signal operator followed the O's home and away but his last gesture of support will allow the cash-strapped club to continue to push for promotion to the Championship.
Burman, who was known to his friends as 'Chingford John', was a season ticket holder in the Tommy Johnston Stand and a member of the Leyton Orient Supporters Club.
Orient will dedicate their league clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Peterborough on Saturday to John's memory.
After receiving the money, chairman Barry Hearn said: 'This is a wonderful gesture from John who was by all accounts a remarkable man.
'He was a true Orient supporter and we will be celebrating his life on Saturday, whilst the significant money he has left will ensure that his legacy lives on and the club he so passionately supported can live on and continue to grow.'
