With Rafa Benitez and Liverpool deciding to part company, the big debate now raging on the forums is to who will take over the reins for the coming season. Kenny Dalglish is the man tasked with finding the right man, although many supporters and those within the media believe that the Anfield Legend is the right man to take the role.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of Liverpool blogs which has included…Aquilani’s honesty is refreshing; the five men rumoured to replace Benitez and Liverpool’s situation may get worse before it gets better.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Liverpool stories on the Web this week.
WAG IDOL – The Liverpool Heat
Aquilani’s honesty is extremely refreshing
£5m pot leaves Rafa with a transfer dilemma
The FIVE men rumoured to replace Rafael Benitez
Liverpool’s situation may get worse before it gets better
Gerrard should call time on his Liverpool career
Which club represents the right move for Cole?
The TEN World Cup starlets set to have the Premier League scouts flocking
The Top 5 Worst Pundits in the English game
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Best of Web
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Why Stevie G Needs a Big World Cup – This is Anfield
Thanks Rafa, YNWA – Kopblog
Benitez is bailing out and LIVERPOOL FC is still sinking – Well Red
Dalglish is the only choice to end this sad mess – Times
If Liverpool get this wrong, they are heading for oblivion – Daily Mail
Here are the top 10 biggest World Cup 2010 disappointments so far:
10. Vuvuzelas
It is apart of the culture in African football but they are very annoying to hear throughout 90 minutes. To be fair it has died down a bit since the departure of the host nation but still manage to make an appearance in the remaining games. It’s disappointing only for the fact we don’t hear no football chants and crowd reactions towards certain decisions.
9. The Jabulani Ball
The Jabulani ball has taken some criticism since the tournament began over 2 weeks ago and by the evidence we have seen it deserved it. Many players who have played with the ball in South Africa have struggled to adapt with the new Adidas ball, claiming that it is to round…what do you want guys, a ball shaped like a square or something? It seems a bit of an excuse to me, however, having watched all the games in South Africa so far, it’s clear to see that it is very different from previous tournament balls. Players have misjudged the flight and bounce, as well as failing to really hit it properly (exclude Carlos Tevez of course). For those reasons stated above, it does make for disappointing viewing at times.
8. Fernando Torres – Not performing like he is capable of
The Spanish striker does not look like he is in the grove this summer as he has been in previous tournaments, and so far in this World Cup, Torres has not been able to find the back of the net. The Liverpool hitman does not look the same player prior to the competition beginning, and its visible to see that he is either unfit or has other things on his mind. Many (including me) thought that Torres would be amongst the other elite strikers in the world battling for the illustrious golden boot. Unfortunately this is not the case this year. Generally, Torres has been poor in South Africa, and for those who placed a bet on the 26-year-old to be top goal scorer of the tournament, well it looks like you guys have lost your money.
7. France – So much Talent, yet no cohesion
The French have got to be the biggest joke in world football today. So much talented stars like Franck Ribery, Yoann Gourcuff, Patrice Evra and Thierry Henry yet they failed in what was one of their worst World Cup campaigns for a number of years. Raymond Domenech was useless as ever as the French manager, and trouble within the camp prior to the tournament and during it certainly didn’t help the cause either. A number of problems caused the Les Bleus to underachieve and evidently failed miserably in their attempt to qualify to the next round. It’s disappointing because we expected better performances from some of the players the football world has to offer, but instead everybody was sucked into the mayhem off the pitch. The FFF has a big crisis on their hands.
6. Didier Drogba – Not seen as much as we expected
The Chelsea hitman had a great season for the West London club and was tipped to be amongst the contenders for the golden boot. Unfortunately, during a friendly game against Japan a week before the commencement of the World Cup, the Ivory Coast striker broke his arm. Drogba struggled and many thought he was out of the tournament. However, the 32-year-old recovered in time and managed to appear in all of the Ivory Coast matches. He only scored one goal against Brazil but this was only a consolation. Africa’s star man was not 100% fit and because of this, he was unable to replicate what he did last season in this years World Cup. A big disappointment for the continent of Africa in whole.
Check out the top 5 on page 2, click here
5. Cesc Fabregas – Can’t get into starting XI
One of the best midfielders in the world, yet the 23-year-old Spaniard still can’t get into the starting eleven of the Spanish team. Many fans of the player (along with me) find it hard to believe that the Arsenal captain still cannot feature in the starting line-up in this summer at the World Cup. Fans may say that it’s because Spain acquire too much creativity in the midfield already, so there is no need for Cesc to start, which is maybe a fair statement. However, Fabregas could get in the team if Del Bosque alters a few players around. Instead of playing Sergio Busquets who plays as the anchor midfielder in the team, Xabi Alonso should drop into this role, which would allow Fabregas to play along side Xavi in the centre, leaving Andres Iniesta and David Silva on the flank. Get Cesc in, we want to see him perform more in the World Cup.
4. Italy – Defending champions out after 3 games
The Italian national team were a big disappointment this summer in South Africa. The Defending world champions were tipped to qualify from their group which featured Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand, they didn’t succeed and were an embarrassment to say the very least. The Azzurri were poor in results and performances and only managed to conjure up 2 points and worst still, ended up bottom of the group. They are one of three World Cup teams that as world champions have failed to get through to the round of 16. The only bright note to take back to Italy this summer was Fabio Quagliarella’s audacious chipped goal which deceived the Slovakian goalkeeper, other than that, Italy were poor and many expected better.
3. Referees – Bad Calls
There have been a number of bad refereeing decisions in the World Cup, four instantly come into mind. German striker Miroslav Klose received his marching orders for two ridiculous bookings against Serbia. The challenges deemed to be fouls but they do not justify two yellows and a red card. Another incident was when USA faced Slovenia. USA had a massive goal disallowed in the 85th for absolutely nothing, thankfully for the US fans it didn’t really matter in the end. Mexico were hard done by against Argentina this week when Carlos Tevez netted a goal from a visible offside position, which the officials failed to spot, and of course who could forget what happened to England this past Saturday. England were cruelly disallowed a clear over the line goal against Germany which has called for goal line technology to be introduced. A fair amount of refs have done well, but others have spoilt many promising games this summer…sort it out FIFA.
2. Wayne Rooney – Does it for club but not his country
Wayne Rooney alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players in the world…Do me a favour. The England international was a ghost of the player we saw last season at United, and was clearly one of the worst performers in an England jersey this summer. The 24-year-old bagged 34 goals in all competitions for the Red Devil’s, and was in scintillating form leading up to the World Cup this summer. For some reason he did not perform and failed to even net a goal in South Africa…360 minutes on the pitch and nothing to show for it, garbage.
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1. England – Over hyped and underachievement at its finest
This is definitely the biggest disappointment (if you support the national team of course) the World Cup has seen this year. The Three Lions were so disappointing this summer that they made Greece look brilliant. England had arguably one of the easiest groups in the World Cup yet they couldn’t beat USA and Algeria and barely beat Slovenia. They scraped through the group behind USA who finished top (what a joke) and were faced with the task of Germany in the last 16 this past Saturday. Fans, the media and pundits alike all thought they were going to smash Germany and rip them apart…what happened? England got taught a massive lesson in how to actually play football. Too many overrated and overpaid player’s in the squad and there was simple no excuse for the way they played in South Africa. Fabio Capello and the English players all share the responsibility of coming home earlier than expected. Absolute joke and believe me or not, that’s me being nice.
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Click on image below to see the BRAZILIAN babes at the World Cup
With the signing of £16m Aleksander Kolarov from Lazio, Manchester City took their summer spending to over £75m. The Serbian left-back became the club’s fourth signing after the arrivals of Jerome Boateng, David Silva and Yaya Toure, and it is unlikely the club will stop now, as James Milner edges closer and closer to his requested move. City now have one of the largest squads – 37 registered players and counting – in the league and it is only a matter of time before decent squad players are looking for moves elsewhere.
For other clubs in the Premier League there are potential signings to be made at cut price deals. While most clubs may haggle over the value of their players, what does a few million pound matter to a team that can pay a single player £200k a week? There is simply not the space for all of City’s players to get regular football; what the players can get some solace from, is the fact that Mancini does not yet seem to know his first choice team. However, he has also publicly said that he wants two quality players for each position, which can only mean more arrivals.
Bolton have already picked up Martin Petrov on a free-transfer. For Owen Coyle’s team, being able to call on an experienced player, with decent technical ability, who is already comfortable in the Premiership, is shrewd business. For Petrov, with no offer of an extension to his City contract, sorting his future out early on in the summer and guaranteeing further years at the end of his career shows it is a good move for both parties involved.
Martin Petrov’s mind was made up by the lack of contract, but how long before other City squad players get itchy feet? A move to Villa for Stephen Ireland has already been mentioned as part of the Milner deal. Yaya Toure’s arrival means that he is vying for the defensive midfield roles along with Gareth Barry, Nigel De Jong and Patrick Vieira – Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta have also played there, but have since been pushed into the back four – and at some point the high turnover of players will hit those individuals.
As well as Ireland; Craig Bellamy, Roque Santa Cruz, Micah Richards, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Nedum Onuoha, will all be considering careers elsewhere. All are capable of playing regularly at a high standard. For clubs who find it difficult to attract high-profile players from overseas, or find domestic players too expensive, City provide the second-hand store that could prove fruitful. After his successful spell at Birmingham, how long will Joe Hart play second-fiddle to Shay Given?
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The only comparable situation is that of Chelsea, and Abramovich’s first few years in England. After eventually being squeezed out at Stamford Bridge, Newcastle picked up Damien Duff for £5m, and Portsmouth benefited by securing the services of Glen Johnson and Lassana Diarra – the latter via an anonymous six-month stint at Arsenal – for relatively little money before selling them on at huge profits after playing well. Scott Parker out-performs everybody else at West Ham, Joe Cole has gone to Liverpool and even Arjen Robben was deemed surplus to Jose Mourinho’s requirements.
Players will get the time and games at other clubs that they might not be afforded at City. Feeling frozen out, they may also feel they have a point to prove to the Eastlands hierarchy, and eager to show their worth elsewhere. In a British transfer market that has ticked over, rather than ignited so far this summer, City’s shop floor could provide other clubs with exactly what they need.
Andres Iniesta's late extra-time goal proved decisive as Spain became world champions for the first time after securing a 1-0 victory in an ill-tempered encounter against the Netherlands.
Spain deserved to add the World Cup to the Euro 2008 title they picked up two years ago as they created the better chances in an at times tetchy final.
No fewer than 13 players were booked, eight of them Dutch, while Johnny Heitinga was sent off in extra time.
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque opted to start with Pedro rather than Fernando Torres in attack in an unchanged starting line-up from the semi-final victory against Germany.
The Dutch, who had won every game in South Africa before the final and also had a 100 per cent record in qualifying for the tournament, made two changes to the side that started the semi-final win against Uruguay as Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong returned from suspension to replace Khalid Boulahrouz and Demy De Zeeuw.
The clearest chance of a dire first half fell to Spain in the sixth minute when Maarten Stekelenburg was forced to make a smart stop to keep Sergio Ramos' fine header out.
The Dutch worked hard to stop Spain getting in to their close passing stride and it worked for the rest of the first period as the favourites failed to create any more clear openings.
Five yellow cards in 13 minutes midway through the first half stopped the flow of the game while Nigel de Jong was fortunate not to see red after catching Xabi Alonso in the chest with his studs.
Holland's main tactic appeared to be to get the ball to Arjen Robben and then see what the Bayern Munich winger could do and it almost paid off in first-half stoppage time when his low drive forced Iker Casillas to make a fine stop at his near post.
The match improved in the second half and, after chances were missed at both ends, the Netherland should have taken the lead just after the hour mark when Wesley Sneijder's pass cut the Spanish defence to shreds.
Robben ran on to the ball and waited for Casillas to commit himself before shooting goalwards. Unfortunately for Robben, the ball hit the goalkeeper on the foot as he went the wrong way and was diverted away for a corner.
In the 69th minute David Villa seemed certain to score when Heitinga missed a cross. The Barcelona man forced the ball goalwards but van der Wiel somehow managed to clear it off the line.
Spain created an even clearer opening nine minutes later when Xavi's corner found Ramos who was completely unmarked ten yards out but he somehow headed the ball over the bar.
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In the 83rd minute Robben outpaced Carles Puyol and ran clear but once again Casillas denied the Bayern star.
In extra time substitute Cesc Fabregas saw his shot saved by Stekelenburg's legs while the unmarked Joris Mathijsen wasted a good chance for the Dutch.
In the 109th minute Heitinga was sent off for hauling Iniesta back after Xavi had played the ball forward but it was Iniesta who had the final say.
Fabregas set up the inspirational Barcelona side who thumped the ball home with only four minutes left to deservedly hand the trophy to Spain for the first time.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
When a 34 year old Sol Campbell signed a five-year deal with then League Two side Notts County twelve months ago, nobody would have been ridiculed for claiming the former England centre half had had his day.
After playing just one game for County – an away defeat at Morecambe the defender left by mutual consent.
The move was a statement of intent from Notts County’s consortium which they hoped would attract other players of a similar calibre to the club for promotion but Campbell grew dismayed about the lack of investment which was promised at Meadow Lane from secretive owners Munto Finance. Unconvinced by the clubs long-term aims, after just 29 days with them he left due to a lack of faith leaving himself and everyone else wondering where next for the man with two Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his career.
This however was before Arsene Wenger offered him a chance to rehabilitate his career at Arsenal.
Campbell appeared 14 times for Arsenal scoring his first goal in his second stint at the club with a headed goal against Porto in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 and it was here that he put himself back on the market due to injuries to Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas towards the end of the season.
Despite being offered a new deal by Arsenal, his move to Newcastle was finally completed after numerous top-flight clubs were vying for a signature which would bring experience, quality, and leadership to any defence. For Campbell the huge transition from “washed up League Two footballer” to a player that has every chance of disdaining those who criticised him.
It comes as a welcome relief to Chris Hughton who will be without Steven Taylor for the start of the season due to a shoulder injury and the increased likelihood of first-team football may also have been pivotal in Campbell’s decision.
His importance to Newcastle is immeasurable considering his substantial pedigree, not only in terms of leadership but also with regards to having an experienced head around the dressing room in order to help guide other additions such as James Perch through his Premier League berth.
Newcastle begin at Manchester United on the 16th August and in the absence of Taylor, Campbell’s Premier League know how will be vital at Old Trafford.
Campbell said: “At this stage of my career I couldn’t have wished for a better move. To join a club such as Newcastle United, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support, is absolutely tremendous for me.
“I’d like to thank Chris Hughton for putting his faith in me and aim to repay him and the supporters by giving everything I possibly can to help re-establish this great club in the top tier of English football.” (Sun)
The move follows what is undoubtedly the most turbulent seasons of Campbell’s career and this may well prove to be the right Magpies move for him working under Chris Hughton who knows all about the defender from their time together at Tottenham.
Whatever path Campbell’s career may follow, he is evidently relishing another crack at the Premier League and has come a long way since his departure from Notts County. His importance to Newcastle is immeasurable considering his substantial pedigree, not only in terms of leadership but also with regards to having an experienced head around the dressing room in order to help guide other additions such as James Perch through his Premier League berth.
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Newcastle begin at Manchester United on the 16th August and in the absence of Taylor, Campbell’s Premier League know how will be vital at Old Trafford.
Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
As a footballing nation, Brazil is renowned for producing some of the greatest attacking players to ever play the game. While this is still the case today, there is a new breed of Brazilian footballer that is emerging from South America that eschews the samba football that has come to be associated with Brazil in favour of a more rugged, combative approach to the beautiful game.
Attacking players from Brazil have often found it hard to settle in England with Robinho the latest in a long line who have failed to make an impact in the Premier League. However, the more defensive players have found it a lot easier to find their feet, taking to the physical nature of the Premier League with ease.
Players such as Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva and Arsenal’s Denilson have built on the success of Gilberto Silva and made something of a name for themselves in the Premier League. Gilberto Silva was a lynchpin in Arsenal’s team for 6 years, playing the defensive midfield role with great authority. He was adept in limiting the opportunities for opponents to attack by pressuring the ball with great intensity. As part of an attacking team at club and international level, Gilberto’s role is arguably the most important as he provides a security buffer in front of the back four while also acting as cover for the full-backs who are used extensively in launching potential attacks.
The proliferation of more defensively minded Brazilian players in the Premier League is testament to the tradition of the deep-lying midfield player in Brazilian football culture who provide the base for some of the more exciting players in the team to do their damage.
For years, the Brazilian national team has relied on a base of two deep-lying midfielders who complement the two more attacking midfielders ahead of them. For example, recently sacked Brazil manager Dunga was part of a Brazil team which played this system to great effect. Dunga played in a team alongside a deep-lying centre midfield partner (Cesar Sampaio) with Leonardo, Denilson or Rivaldo playing ahead of them. Interestingly, the recent popularity of the Brazilian defensive midfielder has coincided with the appointment of Dunga to the national team post.
The importance of the defensive midfield position has its roots in Italian football with the catenaccio system which employed a sweeper or libero who acted as a last-line of defence in front of the goalkeeper. As the game has evolved, the libero has moved from behind the back line to in front of it with the defensive midfielder acting as the new libero in front of the back four.
Dunga moved from Brazil to Italy in 1987 when the catenaccio system was hugely in vogue and was instantly at home. He spent 6 years in Italy where he developed a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
The success that Dunga enjoyed as a defensive midfielder has been transmitted into the national side which he coached in this summer’s World Cup. Dunga went back to the two deep-lying midfield formation which he was used to in his playing days when picking his team for the World Cup, employing Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva in his former role.
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With Dunga’s preference for deep-lying centre midfielders, the Premier League really comes into its own. The physicality and pace of our league is perfectly suited for such a player to thrive in. Lucas has proven that he has the ability to do so with a number of good performances for Liverpool while Denilson has quietly amassed 80 league appearances for Arsenal.
The Premier league is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for young Brazilians to come and ply their trade with Tottenham signing 21 year old midfielder Sandro from Brazilian club Internacional. With Brazil sacking Dunga in the aftermath of their quarter-final defeat to Holland, there may be a question whether the new Brazilian coach Mano Menezes will distance himself from the defensive play that characterised Dunga’s tenure as coach. But with the talent available to him in the Premier League and abroad, the tradition of the Brazilian defensive midfielder is sure to live on.
Everton boss David Moyes has revealed that Nigeria international Yakubu was keen to leave the club in the summer.
West Ham United made a bid of £6million for the former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough forward but Moyes rejected it immediately.
"He'd have liked to leave but we never received an offer high enough," former Preston North End boss Moyes told The Sun.
"Because of that, he's never really got himself in the right frame of mind. But now his focus is much better and so is his training. He did well when he came on last week.
"We thought he was worth more than the £6million we were offered – then the next one came in at £5million!
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"Yak has a great scoring record in the Premier League and I hope he'll prove that with more goals. He's back in contention to play, though I'm not sure yet about playing 90 minutes."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti was not too disappointed by his side's goalless draw at Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
The Blues could have moved seven points clear at the top of the table with a victory at Villa Park, but had to settle for a share of the spoils, with the woodwork denying Nicolas Anelka right at the death.
Afterwards, Ancelotti said:"We didn't start so well and gave Villa a couple of good chances, but in the second half we played very well.
"We did everything to try and score. The way we played in the second half we deserved to win, but Villa did well in the first half, so a draw is fair.
"I am not disappointed about failing to go seven points clear. We knew this would be a difficult game.
"Last year we lost here. This is a good result at this stage of the season and to be five points clear is good.
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"I'm not going to complain about the injured players, because the ones who came in did well."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
It was rather apt that the last week of Tom Hicks’ and George Gillett’s disastrous reign at Liverpool would end with the club in the relegation places following their worst start to a league season for 57 years.
The famous club was sold on Wednesday to New England Sports Ventures for £300m, much to the delight of Reds fans across the globe who had seen the despised pair run their club run into the ground with debts totalling £350m. Of course, the club are not home and dry yet. Hicks and Gillett are still battling the board’s decision to sell to the company which also owns the Boston Red Sox, a deal which would see the American duo lose around £140m between them.
The decision whether or not to approve the takeover will be made in the High Court next week, with the ruling expected to be upheld and also ratified by the Premier League on Friday.
Hicks and Gillett have been heavily criticised by independent chairman Martin Broughton for failing to do the honourable thing by cutting their losses and leaving the club. Instead they shamefully attempted a desperate coup of the club’s board to block the sale from going through. The co-owners effectively lost control over the sale process when they brought in Broughton to give the new owner search credibility in April, while also signing papers to say they would not attempt to block any takeover approved by Broughton, MD Christian Purslow and CD Ian Ayre.
After three-and-a-half years of broken promises, Hicks and Gillett reneged on their final assurance to the club’s fans that they would walk away if the right buyer was found. That buyer appears to be Sox owner John W.Henry and his sports investment firm NESV, who have pledged to clear the club’s debt and have also made a commitment to stadium development. This may see the club’s current ground being redeveloped or the proposed move to Stanley Park finally happen.
Henry and his company‘s reputation and experience, after restoring the fortunes of the Red Sox, was one of the reasons NESV were able to beat off competition from an unknown Asian bidder to secure control of the Reds. Red Sox fans had been waiting since 1918 for a World Series triumph when Henry took control of the club in 2002, yet within two years the club had ended their painful 86-year wait for the elusive title. Liverpool’s wait for a League title will reach 21 years this season but the tycoon’s takeover will offer hope to a club who had been under the threat of a nine point deduction and administration.
Broughton believes he has sold the club to a group that will restore the 18 time league champions winning mentality, as they have already proven with the Red Sox, he revealed:
“If you look at Boston Red Sox, they have taken a team which was a major traditional team, previously successful team, not at its peak, and resuscitated it to be a winner,” Broughton said.
“They understand that winning on the field helps them win off the field, it makes their investment more attractive. They have a track record to deliver, to prove it.”
Broughton is also positive that the group of investors will not follow Hicks and Gillett in piling the club with debt, pointing out that their business model could not be further from the way the two previous incumbents ran things. Taking away the debt and club’s high interest payments means the profits made can now be invested in the club and not eaten up in bank charges. NESV do not have the finances of Man City or Chelsea’s owners but believe with their resources they can revive the club’s flagging fortunes.
Of course, Liverpool fans have heard all this before when Hicks and Gillett arrived in a whirlwind of optimism in 2007 and will approach the new takeover with caution. However NESV are confident they can win over the club’s fans, revealing:
“Our objective is to stabilise the club and ultimately return Liverpool FC to its rightful place in English and European football, successfully competing for and winning trophies.”
Can NESV restore Liverpool’s fortunes and see them return to their former glories?
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So good old Harry Redknapp whose honest but frank assessment of the quality of refereeing over the controversial Nani goal which sewed up the points for Manchester United against Spurs last weekend, could have easily put the Tottenham boss into ‘deepish water’ with the FA, who could have imposed sanctions on him. However, they have clearly decided that discretion is the better part of valour in this instance, deciding to let the matter rest.
Redknapp ‘pulled no punches’ when describing Referee, Mark Clattenburg’s decision making as scandalous, when Nani clearly handled the ball before putting it into the net. The ball had been rolled out towards him by Spurs keeper, Heurelho Gomes in order for Gomez to take a free kick that he thought Clattenburg had given. Redknapp, amongst other comments, described the incident as “farcical” which ended any hopes his side defying the odds and taking anything away from Old Trafford.
The incident had overshadowed Spurs build up to what turned out to be a fantastic Champions League win over Inter Milan but Redknapp had threatened a media blackout if the FA decided to punish him for his comments, which also included a further remark that match officials usually colluded with one another after matches to ensure that they are ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’ after controversial decisions had been made.
It is not the first time that Clattenburg has been costly to Spurs. In 2005 he disallowed a Spurs goal, scored by Pedro Mendez which had clearly crossed the line, it was a goal that would have won the match for Spurs but they had to be content with a 0-0 draw. Incredibly that game too was against Manchester United at Old Trafford, which if anything should have meant Clattenburg not being appointed for the same fixture again – or is that common sense speaking?
Manchester United and England captain, Rio Ferdinand has made the comment that referee’s should be encouraged to give their versions of decisions made by them in matches, particularly when controversial incidents occur. He is not alone either in his point of view, after all referee’s are treated extremely professionally these days, they are paid very well, receive first class hospitality and are as important to football as any other component part.
There has been others who have called for referee’s to have had at least some professional football experience in a playing sense. Too many referee’s at all levels of football have never played the game themselves, preferring to officiate without ever realising the technicalities and skills involved.
Clattenburg, who apparently played football only for his school team for instance, took up refereeing in 1990 as part of a Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, becoming an assistant referee in 1990 in the Northern League at the age of 18. Most 18 year olds of course, with an interest in football would be playing the sport, but others having absolutely no playing experience at all, prefer to officiate, with many adopting a ‘holier than thou’ attitude as well as a dogmatic approach to each game.
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Clattenburg is not alone in poor decision making; it is a long running fault that is inherent in football everywhere in the world. However, with so much at stake in top level football, then surely it is time for the FA to begin to encourage those footballers, who have perhaps retired from the lower level echelons of the game to take up the whistle. They don’t have to be Premier League players, nor even league players, but those who have played a good standard of football who can demonstrate that playing knowledge can easily be combined with the rules of the game to make for a far better referee.
It would surely be better than qualifying from a Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme – wouldn’t it?