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[Lakitu]

I'm not gonna be bitter about it, Milan won it fair and square. They had the quality to finish their chances, and we didn't.

I still don't like Berlusconi though.

 

[Fowler]

Okay, the statement from the UEFA guy ****ing stinks

"Collected responsibility of the fans"... what about collective responsibility of you letting fans throuhg 7 checks without checking tickets, thereby rewarding the people who ruin football and punishing the real fans.

Also - it's always tough talk when it's the English. I mean, our fans do have a bad element, but when any other country is involved it's a different story. See : death of leeds fans in Turkey "Oh, it's just the turkish passion..." ****ing cocksuckers.

The UEFA statement is total bullshit.

I mean -- HOW DO YOU LET PEOPLE IN WITH COUNTERFEIT TICKETS??? And when you do -- HOW IS THIS NOT YOUR FAULT???

Seriously, we said it weeks ago, but if this was Liverpool-Man United this would have been a disaster of epic proportions. Fans were allowed to mix freely. Directions to the ground were very poor -- lots of people lined up at the wrong gates for an hour, only to be told, turned away, and had to re-queue somewhere else.

Greek police employed a bit of crowd control, stopping people at certain points until the next checkpoint area had cleared, then letting people through to the next barrier.

Problem? The police line didn't advance slowly to the next checkpoint -- they just stepped aside. And people, tired of waiting for hours, just mounted an all-out-charge to the next checkpoint. One kid falls on the uneven ground and he'll get trampled, and we'll have a big, big problem.

My friend was actually turned away initially for having a forged ticket... but when the next six people were also turned away they realised that actually the portable backlight they used to check validity was broken. WTF! His ticket was totally legit -- good thing they didn't haul him off immediately.

Inside the ground I also came across the most pathetic concession stand in existence. Selling soft drinks, coffee and water, they ran out of cups two hours before kickoff. And the booth was manned by an old man, an old lady, and a kid with a broken arm. Catering to a good hundred fans gathering around demanding drinks.

And then Gaillard drops this bit (from the BBC):

Gaillard defended Uefa against any responsibility for the problems, adding: "The only responsibility we could have is that we did not choose a stadium with 250,000 seats, but unfortunately they do not exist."

So goddamned smarmy it's un-freaking-real.

 

[Lakitu]

Xabi Alonso staying at Liverpool:

Rafa Benitez has rubbished suggestions he could be ready to offload Xabi Alonso this summer.

Alonso has been a key cog in the Liverpool machine since making the move to Anfield from Real Sociedad in 2004.

However, Benitez is planning a major overhaul of his playing staff this summer and reports have suggested the midfield schemer could be surplus to requirements.

Barcelona are admirers of Alonso and he has made it clear the Camp Nou club are close to his heart, but Benitez is not planning on allowing the Spain international to head away from Merseyside.

"He has two more years of contract and we are thinking about renewing his contract," Benitez, speaking on Sky Sports News, said of Alonso.

Benitez is set to be armed with a sizeable transfer kitty this summer, but he is still focused on handing his key men new deals and Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are expected to agree fresh commitments in the near future.

 

[Steroyd]

thank god

 

[DCharlie]

dc, you're a liverpool fan?!

I just like the way Uefa (and usually Fifa) are full of sh1te when stuff like this happens and they use the easy "it was the British" excuse.

As Fowler points out, how is letting people with forged tickets into the stadium the fault of GENUINE fans? it's a disgrace - the upper echelons of soccer are run by morons.

And no - i'm not a Liverpool fan. FAR from it.

See also : Euro 2008 - where i was told i could not bring in my Kiss Digital camera by an official, despite the camera being the OFFICIAL CAMERA OF THE TOURNAMENT as advertised everywhere. I missed the first 30 minutes of England v Croatia and then when i got into the ground after going back to the hotel in a cab, there were 4 guys within touching distance of me with Digital SLR's + Zoom lenses.... :/

Incompetent twats.

 

[hadareud]

the upper echelons of soccer are run by morons.

very true (apart from the word soccer, of course )

FIFA and UEFA are both corrupted to the bones and run by people that have little to no knowledge of football.

Although the appointment of Platini could be seen as a positive sign. At least UEFA is now headed by somebody who knows and hopefully cares about football. I'm still pessimistic though.

edit:

See also : Euro 2008 - where i was told i could not bring in my Kiss Digital camera by an official, despite the camera being the OFFICIAL CAMERA OF THE TOURNAMENT as advertised everywhere. I missed the first 30 minutes of England v Croatia and then when i got into the ground after going back to the hotel in a cab, there were 4 guys within touching distance of me with Digital SLR's + Zoom lenses.... :/

Incompetent twats.

I went to see Holland - Argentina at the world cup last year. People got through the gates with 10 foot wooden sticks. They did however have to take off their Heineken T-Shirts - because they aren't an official sponsor of the World Cup.

I wasn't happy. Mainly because it was only ugly old men that had to take their shirts off, but the whole thing was so incredibly ridiculous, you lose the will to live.

 

[Cornballer]

Farewell Baptista. You seem like a nice guy, but it was never going to work out. I'm sure you'll end up scoring 30 goals for whoever signs you now.

Vela decision coming soon...

Arsenal to make decision on Mexican wonderkid
Last updated at 14:50pm on 24th May 2007

Arsene Wenger will decide at the end of the Spanish season whether he will join Arsenal this summer.

The 18-year-old, who was signed for £2.5million in November 2005 but was not eligible to play in England due to work permit restrictions, is currently on loan at Spanish Second Division side Salamanca.

By next January, the teenager will have spent the two years in Spain necessary to qualify for an EU passport but Arsenal have successfully applied to the Home Office to bring forward Vela's arrival date.

Wenger must now decide whether Vela should spend another year on loan in Spain or move to Emirates permanently in July.

The indications are that the Arsenal manager wants the striker, who has scored eight goals in 26 games for Salamanca this season, to provide competition up front.

Wenger, who has been in Spain this week to speak to representatives of Julio Baptista, Jose Reyes, Cesc Fabregas and Arsenal youngster Fran Merida, has compared Vela to Mexican legend Hugo Sanchez.

"He's top class," said the Arsenal boss. "I like his intelligence and his pace. He scores goals but he can also create them.

"He's a special talent and I believe 100 per cent that he will make it at the highest level."

 

[Fowler]

I dunno about Platini. His links to Blatter scare me. Whatever people said about old Lennart, he worked in football at almost every level, from club to national to continental.

 

[Lakitu]

Don't like Platini. Don't like UEFA either.

 

[hadareud]

the links to Blatter are very worrying, you're right.

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now though. Let's give him a year or so, then we should have a pretty good idea about him

Vela decision coming soon...

this will be interesting

 

[Cornballer]

this will be interesting

I'm guessing he will stay in Spain a bit longer, but who knows... If Aliadiere goes along with Baptista, the stock of reserve strikers is a bit depleted.

 

[hadareud]

that's the thing - if he is staying in Spain for another year I am guessing that we will buy another striker. Aliadiere is on his way out for sure, and only having 4 1/3 strikers in the squad is not possible.

 

[Cornballer]

Walcott can probably play up there, as well. But otherwise, it's just Henry, Van Persie, Adebayor, and Bendtner, right? Am I missing someone obvious? The other possible replacements from the reserve team/on loan left during the season (Lupoli and Stokes.)

 

[hadareud]

Walcott is my 3rd of a striker. I think that's it, and I don't think we can do a whole season with just 4 real strikers.

We weren't able to cope with 5 this year

 

[Lakitu]

Honestly, who cares about Arsenal nowadays?

 

[Cornballer]

Yeah, hopefully Wenger has someone in mind to provide a bit more cover (after learning his lesson last season?). I guess we'll find out this summer.

 

[hadareud]

Honestly, who cares about Arsenal nowadays?

 

[Cornballer]

Honestly, who cares about Arsenal nowadays?

 

[Cornballer]

Youtube is starting to crack down on Premiership vids even more.

 

[psycho_snake]

It was probably because of Berlusconi and not so much luck that helped Milan there.

Well yeah, thats what I meant. Milan are lucky to have someone who has the power to influence things.

 

[psycho_snake]

Okay, the statement from the UEFA guy ****ing stinks

"Collected responsibility of the fans"... what about collective responsibility of you letting fans throuhg 7 checks without checking tickets, thereby rewarding the people who ruin football and punishing the real fans.

Also - it's always tough talk when it's the English. I mean, our fans do have a bad element, but when any other country is involved it's a different story. See : death of leeds fans in Turkey "Oh, it's just the turkish passion..." ****ing cocksuckers.

Its ****ing rediculous that Liverpool fans are getting the blame for the mess in athens. Its completely out of order.

 

[Cornballer]

The US roster for the Gold Cup is up. Some surprises here, but overall looks like a solid group.

ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (3) – Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
DEFENDERS (8) –Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (8) – DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburger SV), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution)
FORWARDS (4) – Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
Head Coach: Bob Bradley

 

[Lakitu]

Benitez also doesn’t expect Craig Bellamy to be at Anfield next season

Paging Mama Smurf.

 

[Wes]

Paging Mama Smurf.

Bellamy is coming to Villa. For £3m.

The reason? I posted before Mama right now.

 

[Cornballer]

Does anyone else find it hard to resist posting Wes' avatar after every post he makes? :lol

 

[hadareud]

true :lol

 

[Outdoor Miner]

Regarding Vela, I think how he performs at this years U-20 WC will go a LONG way to determining whether he goes with Arsenal this year or not. There is some concern about his form having dropped since injury, but the kid was looking great again towards the end of season.

A part of me would love to see him @ Arsenal, what with their reputation for developing players, but another part of me is concerned that he'd be something like the 5th or 6th option off the bench, with barely a chance to play in cup games. I don't know what that would do for his psyche.

For me I say if Wenger is not absolutely crazy about him at this point, then let him play another season in Spain, preferably with a mid-to-bottom 1st division team (Celta's relegated).

The US roster for the Gold Cup is up. Some surprises here, but overall looks like a solid group.

ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (3) – Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
DEFENDERS (8) –Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (8) – DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburger SV), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution)
FORWARDS (4) – Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
Head Coach: Bob Bradley

So that's the lineup that'll face Mexico in the Soldier Field Gold Cup final with me in attendance.

 

[Cornballer]

Regarding Vela, I think how he performs at this years U-20 WC will go a LONG way to determining whether he goes with Arsenal this year or not. There is some concern about his form having dropped since injury, but the kid was looking great again towards the end of season.

A part of me would love to see him @ Arsenal, what with their reputation for developing players, but another part of me is concerned that he'd be something like the 5th or 6th option off the bench, with barely a chance to play in cup games. I don't know what that would do for his psyche.

For me I say if Wenger is not absolutely crazy about him at this point, then let him play another season in Spain, preferably with a mid-to-bottom 1st division team (Celta's relegated).

With his track record, it's tough to see him playing with the reserves. If he's set as the 5th striker, he'd probably get a decent amount of time between resting players, injuries, and starts in the league cup sort of matches. As hadareud and I were discussing, the Arsenal striker pool is a little thin right now, so I'd guess this decision will be based to some extent on whether or not Wenger picks someone else up in the off season.

So that's the lineup that'll face Mexico in the Soldier Field Gold Cup final with me in attendance.

Yup. I'll be at a few games in LA, and I think Daigoro is going to the Foxboro match. I hope the early rounds are decent, but it could be the US just trying to batter down teams that are bunkering 10 men behind the ball.

 

[Cornballer]

Hmmmmm. Not sure what the reputation is for this 'news' outlet...

Arsenal may scupper Bent bonus payment
24 May 2007 | 09:00
DEREK DAVIS

ARSENAL could scupper Ipswich Town's hopes of cashing in on Darren Bent by taking the striker on a season-long loan from Charlton.

While Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, are leading the race to sign the £15million-rated England front man, the Gunners are offering to take Bent for a year and then return him to the Valley if they are promoted.

Although Emanuel Adebayor has agreed a new deal at the Emirates Stadium, Jeremie Aliadiere is expected to switch to Middlesbrough, while Thierry Henry's future is not certain due to his injury problems, so Arsene Wenger is looking at bringing in Bent.

The EADT understands the move would suit life-long Arsenal fan Bent, and the Addicks, as it would mean them keeping hold of their captain if they bounce straight back up, or it could lead to a permanent move if Charlton fail to return to the Premiership straight away.

But a loan move would leave the Blues without their 20% of any fee over £2.6m promised as part of the deal that took Bent to the Valley from Portman Road two year's ago.

Even though Addicks boss Alan Pardew slapped a £15m value on Bent in January, Liverpool remain favourites to sign the England striker for about £12m and have been waiting to play their Champions' League final first before shipping out players and making their move.

The Reds were close to capturing Bent in January before he was injured with a knee problem that is still bothering him.

Spurs are also keen, but need to sell Jermain Defoe, probably to Portsmouth, while West Ham will be without Carlos Tevez and are thought to also be keen on Eidur Gudjonsen

Bent is in no rush to decide his future and said: “The games I have played in the last couple of months have been a real battle. I'm going on holiday to rest the bones and make sure that everything is okay. I haven't really listened to what's going on. I'm just keeping my head down, working on strengthening my knee and getting fit for next season - wherever that may be.”

The Addicks this week signed Luke Varney for £2m, after he revealed he had rejected a move to Norwich City, and Colchester United's Chris Iwelumo on a free transfer, paving the way for Bent to go.

Ipswich Town are still hoping to get £200,000 from Charlton if Bent makes his competitive debut for England while still their player, if he moves on a permanent deal Town will not receive that money.

 

[Lakitu]

£200,000 could be important for the Francis Jeffers transfer.

 

[Lakitu]

According to BBC, Liverpool have a high-profile signing "in the bag". Just revealed just now, more on it but no idea who it is yet.

 

[Lakitu]

Liverpool have tonight confirmed the capture of up and coming defender Titus Bramble on a free transfer.

Titus Bramble was recently released by new Newcastle manager due to unimpressive performances as of late and lapses of concentration.

However, Rafa Benitez has confirmed the purchase of Bramble in an exclusive scoop to BBC.

"I think he can be a fantastic player, no. He has got some stick but so did Mascherano at West Ham, no. I think we can turn him around and show that he can be one of the fantastic defenders of the Premier League, no?"

Rafa Benitez further strengthened his reasons by purchasing Bramble. "He can be magnificent, no. He is a big strong player with a lot of ability. I think if we make more purchases we can close the gap between Liverpool and the top two. It is fantastic to see we are able to attract players like this, no?"


This signing comes ahead of news that Rafa would receive plenty of backing from the two new American head honchos, George Gillette and Tom Hicks.

Tom Hicks had to say this about Bramble before flying out to Dallas, "I have no comment at this time but we will continue to back Rafa with his purchases and what he feels is right for the club."

We will have more on this breaking news tomorrow, we managed to get a comment from Mr. Bramble himself however.

"Yeah. I think it's a great opportunity for me. Yeah, I was having some sticks from Newcastle fans and stuff, but I thought I played well and I'm ready to continue that with Liverpool. A great and historic club. This is a new lease of life for me, I feel reborn and ready to win things, like a league cup would be good."

"I am set to sign tomorrow, I have also Ipswich really interested to sign me but who wants to go there?." He laughed.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6686946.stm

 

[hadareud]

:lol :lol

 

[Cornballer]

:lol

 

[hadareud]

:lol

 

[Cornballer]

Bale's medical was completed. Looks like he's going to Spurs afterall...

 

[hadareud]

Good for Spurs, I wouldn't have thought he would go there. They definitely must have improved their reputation, 3 years ago a player like this wouldn't have joined them.

edit: nm

 

[Cornballer]

Oh, and for MLS fans: NYRB is hosting Chicago tonight for the Thursday night broadcast. Match starts at 7pm ET and is in HD if you get it. Good times... Is Rolfe still hurt?

 

[Fowler]

According to BBC, Liverpool have a high-profile signing "in the bag". Just revealed just now, more on it but no idea who it is yet.

Whatwhatwhatwhat

 

[Outdoor Miner]

Oh, and for MLS fans: NYRB is hosting Chicago tonight for the Thursday night broadcast. Match starts at 7pm ET and is in HD if you get it. Good times... Is Rolfe still hurt?

Yep. Didn't even travel w/ team to NYRB. He was at a local bar yesterday watching the CL final.

About tonight's game, I actually have a weird feeling the Fire will pull one out. We always seem to win when Sarachan's hot seat reaches boiling point.

Chicago 1, NYRB 0

 

[Mama Smurf]

It's too hot today, so I turned incredibly lazy and couldn't even bother replying to the thread. Bit cooler now.

Bellamy's never been happier than at Blackburn, come home!

Bentley's starting for England B tomorrow, so now I'll definitely be watching.

 

[Lakitu]

It's too hot today, so I turned incredibly lazy and couldn't even bother replying to the thread. Bit cooler now.

Bellamy's never been happier than at Blackburn, come home!

Bentley's starting for England B tomorrow, so now I'll definitely be watching.

Wes got first dibs on Bellamy. Sorry. It's your own fault really.

 

[Cornballer]

About tonight's game, I actually have a weird feeling the Fire will pull one out. We always seem to win when Sarachan's hot seat reaches boiling point.

Chicago 1, NYRB 0

Hmmm, I think NYRB will pull it out, but who knows... I'll try and catch the 2nd half when I get home from work/swimming.

It's too hot today, so I turned incredibly lazy and couldn't even bother replying to the thread. Bit cooler now.

Sounds like you need a summer break from the Premiership, too.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Wes got first dibs on Bellamy. Sorry. It's your own fault really.

It's the sun's fault! Damn burning fire god, haven't I sacrificed enough virgins yet?

 

[Ghost]

According to BBC, Liverpool have a high-profile signing "in the bag". Just revealed just now, more on it but no idea who it is yet.

If it's Tevez i the level of racial abuse all scousers will recieve from me will get me put on some shell-suit wearing gangsters hit list.


Oh I've started already.

 

[Cornballer]

Rut Roh

Copa stadiums may not be ready in time - CSF

CARACAS, May 23 (Reuters) - Venezuela's Copa America stadiums may not all be ready in time, the South American Football Confederation (CSF) said on Wednesday after a week-long inspection.

Eugenio Figueredo, the confederation's vice-president, said his team would be back in June for another visit to see if all the work had been finished.

Venezuela has ambitious plans to host this year's 12-team event at nine different venues around the country, including five brand new stadiums.

"We will return on June 1 to see if the timetable has been kept to and then we will make the final decision on where the games will be played," Figueredo told reporters.

The Copa is due to start on June 26 and Figueredo said work at some venues was being left to the last minute.

"It could be June 10 or 12 before everything is finished," he said. "The deadline has been pushed back for a variety of problems."

Figueredo, however, paid tribute to the host nation's attempt to take the tournament to so many regions.

"The challenge which Venezuela has taken on, in wanting to take the Copa America to nine venues, is more than heroic," he said.

"The whole country is working intensely to hold the most modern version of this event that has ever been seen."

Jorge Rodriguez, president of the local organising committee, promised all the stadiums would be ready.

"We swear that there will be nine venues, the work is advancing and overcoming all the obstacles. I want to ratify the Copa America in each one of the cities," he said.

"In addition, we are sure we will have full houses at every game, given the overwhelming demand for tickets.

The fixture list and venues for the event were announced following the draw in February and any changes in venues at this stage would cause huge logistical problems.
(Writing by Brian Homewood in Rio de Janeiro)

 

[Wes]

It's the sun's fault! Damn burning fire god, haven't I sacrificed enough virgins yet?

Bellamy would've preferred you leaving the virgins to him.

 

[Cornballer]

They're releasing a video of this?

 

[Lakitu]

They're releasing a video of this?

Why not? Chelsea is all about the League Cup. It's their life. They spent £400 Million for it. They have to recoup those costs somehow.

 

[Cornballer]

Why not? Chelsea is all about the League Cup. It's their life. They spent £400 Million for it. They have to recoup those costs somehow.

One video at a time! :lol