Archive
Football charges FA with bringing game into disrepute
Three lions: all bark, no bite
The entire sport of football has moved against the English FA following the recent conduct of the organisation in regards to a number of high-profile incidents.
The FA deemed it unnecessary to take action against Luis Suarez or Gareth Bale for their comical dives; Robert Huth for trampling on Suarez’s chest; Cheik Tiote for trampling over Tom Clerverley’s shin; Robin Van Persie for trying to assault Yohan Cabaye; and innumerable other indiscretions during the weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
They did however move swiftly to punish Ashley Cole for an abusive tweet, despite them taking most of a year to get round to banning John Terry for being racist.
A spokesperson for English football stated, “Given the video evidence, the decision to charge the FA was a simple one.
“Their inability to do anything with any degree of competence is questionable, their recent efforts comparable to George Osborne’s control of the nation’s economy – and we all know how bad that is.
“Tweet that, you #bunchoftw*ts!”
FA and Chelsea follow UEFA guidelines by punishing everything more harshly than racism
The news that Ashley Cole can expect hefty punishment for abusing the FA on Twitter comes as no surprise to those who are familiar with the actions of the the footballing authorities towards incidents of racism.
Chelsea’s John Terry has still not even started his ban for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand – despite the incident now occurring (incredibly) the best part of a year ago.
On the bench
Right now the FA and Chelsea seem far more concerned with making an example of Ashley Cole for pointing out (probably correctly) that the FA are a #bunchoftw*ts.
Terry is still waiting to serve a four-match ban (if anyone ever gets round to enforcing it). Luis Suarez was banned for eight matches despite technically not being found guilty of racism specifically due to cultural issues; whilst Joey Barton was handed a 12-match ban last season for fouling Manchester City players.
These actions (or lack of) are at least consistent with the stance UEFA took on racism at Euro 2012, where Nicklas Bendtner was fined more individually for publicising an unlicensed brand than nations found guilty of racist chanting amongst supporters.
Despite the FA’s pledge to play a leading role in the “Kick Racism out of Football” campaign, it is becoming abundantly clear that imaging and financial issues take top priority by some distance.
As for Chelsea, in response to Ashley Cole’s recent tweet, they sent out a strong message, “This club has a specific policy for publicity matters and a disciplinary procedure.”
It is a shame that they do not have a similar one for racism.
QPR and Reading less likely to survive than Abu Hamza
QPR and Reading’s Premier League prospects look about as healthy as Abu Hamza’s chances of one day owning an American oil giant following today’s football results.
Mark Hughes’ men took a pummelling again, this time away at West Brom, whilst Reading let a two-goal lead slip at Swansea.
One dispirited QPR supporter admitted, “The way our defence is leaking goals I’m surprised Mr Hamza didn’t take a final shot at avoiding extradition by offering himself on a free transfer as a goalkeeper for us.
“At this rate we would’ve been happy to welcome him.
“Even with that hook instead of one hand.”
Next England fixture could be most awkward yet
Next Friday’s match in England’s 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign could be their most awkward yet as the bad blood continues to boil between players, staff and the FA alike.
Stories have continued to emerge involving manager Roy Hodgson discussing Rio Ferdinand on the tube, John Terry being found guilty of racist abuse by the FA, and Ashley Cole consequently abusing the FA on Twitter for going against his evidence in the original court case.
It is now getting to the stage where few in the squad will be willing to talk to each other in the dressing room or on the pitch.
But that is unlikely to make much difference to the level of performance.
Martinez fined for stating bleeding obvious
The FA have added Roberto Martinez to their long list of managers who have been fined for voicing what everyone is thinking after he suggested Wigan were treated harshly at Old Trafford in September.
Referee Michael Oliver ensured United won 4-0 with a series of dodgy calls.
The FA expained, “Roberto’s comments were outrageous – that he said them.
“He failed to toe the Fergie line and could learn a lot from the likes of Tony Pulis.
“We’ll keep punishing him until he does.”
