║║║║║ Barclays Premier League Season 2012-13 ║║║║║

[General Veers]

Former Hammer Savio Nsereko arrested in Thailand

The Germany Under-20 international was reportedly trying to extort money from his relatives before he got caught by the authorities in Pattaya

Oct 29, 2012 6:20:00 PM

By Chris Kvesa

Talented winger Savio Nsereko has been arrested by police in Thailand for claiming to his family that he was abducted, before then demanding a sum of €3,000.

The 23-year-old had spent €25,000 on his trip before he allegedly thought about taking the unusual measures to refill his holiday bank account, a report by the Bangkok Post states.

Having signed with West Ham from Brescia for a sum of €11 million in 2009, the Uganda-born attacker has since enjoyed spells at Fiorentina, Bologna and 1860 Munich before ending up at German third division side SpVgg Unterhaching.

 

[General Veers]

FA begins investigation into Clattenburg allegations

The Premier League's governing body has announced it's intention to look further into a complaint by Chelsea that the referee used inappropriate language towards players

Oct 29, 2012 2:30:00 PM

The Football Association has announced an investigation into a complaint made by Chelsea that referee Mark Clattenburg used inappropriate language towards two of their players during their 3-2 defeat against Manchester United on Sunday.

Clattenburg - who was given the full backing of Prospect, the referees' union, on Monday morning - is thought to have made comments to Juan Mata and John Obi Mikel.

The comments are described as containing "inappropriate language" which was interpreted by the players in question as being racist.

The FA's statement read: "The FA has begun an investigation relating to allegations made following Sunday's fixture at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Manchester United (Sunday 28 October 2012)."

The game at Stamford Bridge became heated during the second half, as Clattenburg dismissed two Chelsea players - Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres - whilst the match was being tightly contested at 2-2.

 

[General Veers]

Police open investigation into Stamford Bridge steward injury

The Chelsea employee had to be treated by paramedics after going to ground in the immediate aftermath of Chicharito's controversial late goal on Sunday

Oct 29, 2012 5:45:00 PM

By Andy Robson

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Metropolitan Police have opened an investigation into the causes of an injury which saw a steward taken to hospital during Sunday's controversial clash between Chelsea andManchester United at Stamford Bridge.

The steward, who was positioned in the Matthew Harding stand, was treated for 10 minutes by paramedics after going to ground following Chicharito's winning goal 75 minutes into the game.

And police have now revealed that they will be looking into the incident in conjunction with the west London club.

Commissioner Bernard Hogan said: "My understanding is that there is a steward with an injury and it's not yet clear what caused that injury but we will look into it with the club. There should be CCTV.

"Obviously, there was some dispute at the end of the game, given it had been quite a controversial game. What we have to find out is if there was just one person involved or if there were any more. We will review the footage and talk to the clubs."

A spokeswoman for the police also added: "We are aware of an incident during yesterday's match at Stamford Bridge in which a steward was injured. An investigation has been launched into the incident and our inquiries continue."

Despite insisting that the cause of the steward's injury is unclear, a Chelsea spokesman has revealed that reports of objects being thrown from the crowd are being looked into.

"We are looking at reports of objects that may have been thrown or incidents around the steward taking a fall," he said.

"We are investigating all the incidents around that time. My information so far is that he slipped and fell, may have hurt his knee, and was being treated by the side of the pitch. He's been taken to hospital."

 

[General Veers]

Revealed: What happened during the minutes of mayhem that led to referee Clattenburg facing racist abuse claims

By NEIL ASHTONPUBLISHED: 23:05 GMT, 29 October 2012 | UPDATED: 08:28 GMT, 30 October 2012

When John Obi Mikel stormed into the referee’s room on Sunday evening, he believed he had every right to be angry with Mark Clattenburg. Chelsea had made a stand, wearing Kick It Out’s ‘One Game One Community’ T-shirts before one of the most prestigious fixtures in the Barclays Premier League. It was a fresh start, with handshakes all round and an anti-racism badge pinned to John Terry’s jacket on the sidelines as he continued to serve a four-match ban for insulting Anton Ferdinand.

Trouble: John Obi Mikel stormed into Mark Clattenburg's room

Centre of the storm: Referee Mark Clattenburg and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel

What followed is in danger of dragging the game back into the gutter, sparking bitter recrimination and — for the first time in the professional game’s history in England — an allegation of racism against a referee.Mikel responded after team-mates David Luiz and Ramires told him they believed he had been racially abused by the FIFA official moments after he was booked at Stamford Bridge.Now Sportsmail can reveal details of the dialogue that is alleged to have taken place between Mikel and Clattenburg that led to the 76th-minute incident which the Chelsea players claim to have heard.

Mikel did not hear the alleged abuse, but Ramires and Luiz are prepared to make statements saying they did.In the explosive scenes that followed the final whistle, Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo and chief executive Ron Gourlay had to stop Mikel attacking Clattenburg during the confrontation.Heated conversations between Mikel and the referee had begun when Fernando Torres was sent off after being booked for ‘aggressive simulation’.The central midfielder continued to cross swords with Clattenburg during the next few frantic minutes as he demanded an explanation for the decision. Mikel wanted to know why Torres had been booked for a second time when Chelsea’s players were convinced he had been caught by Jonny Evans on his way through on goal in the 68th minute.

When Clattenburg told Mikel to keep quiet and to get on with the game, the Nigeria midfielder continued to protest.It is understood the player used words to the effect of: ‘Why can’t we stand up for ourselves, why can’t we challenge your decisions?’The dismissal of Torres had reduced Chelsea to nine men, coming on top of the 63rd-minute red card for Branislav Ivanovic, and emotions were running high. When Torres was sent off, Di Matteo and Sir Alex Ferguson clashed on the touchline as coaching staff from both clubs spilled into the technical area. Clattenburg appeared to have the game under control again until the moment Javier Hernandez scored United’s winner from an offside position in the 75th minute.

In the blue corner: Javier Hernandez celebrated his goal in front of the Chelsea fans

As United celebrated near the corner of the West Stand and Matthew Harding Stand, some Chelsea supporters threw coins and a seat on to the field.Clattenburg soon restored order but Mikel was in his ear again and making the same complaints, saying the decision to send off Torres was the reason Chelsea would lose the game.Clattenburg booked him for dissent in the 76th minute and it is at this moment that Ramires and Luiz allege they heard the midfielder being racially abused by a referee who is known for having a dismissive and patronising tone when he talks to players about their behaviour.

Mikel was immediately told about the allegation, but decided to wait until after the game to confront Clattenburg with the claims.Chelsea have also confirmed a separate incident, understood to involve Juan Mata, after claims that Clattenburg called him ‘a Spanish t**t’.Mata is an astute and intelligent professional and, according to sources at the club, he was visibly shocked when he heard Clattenburg’s insult.Chelsea’s position had not changed on Monday night and the incident was the talk of their Cobham training ground in Surrey during the day. Many of the players were in for a light session after the 3-2 defeat against United and they eagerly discussed Clattenburg’s behaviour.

Shocked: Juan Mata is unhappy with Clattenburg's alleged insult

Some of them will face United again in the Capital One Cup at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night as Chelsea prepare for another lengthy spell in the spotlight.Although the players are ready for another FA investigation, it is understood that Manchester United are unable to help with their enquiries. Most of their players have been asked if they heard — or were made aware of — either incident, but they are unable to provide any assistance. Mikel has since told team-mates he intends to pursue the matter and they have agreed to provide statements to the FA if asked.Following the angry scenes in the referee’s room, witnessed by Clattenburg’s assistants Michael McDonough and Simon Long, Chelsea discussed the incident at length. Mikel was taken away from the corridor that leads to the tunnel so the media, separated from the dressing-room areas by the width of a wall, could not hear what was said.

Standing alone: Clattenburg found few friends in Stamford Bridge

During those discussions, Gourlay decided to press ahead with a complaint to match delegate Nick Cusack and arranged for some of the details to be made public at 7.45 that evening.Chelsea’s deliberations were the reason for the delay between the final whistle and Di Matteo’s appearance at his post-match press briefing.Clattenburg, as required by the FA, then filed details of an ‘extraordinary incident’ at Stamford Bridge overnight. On Monday morning he received communication from the FA’s compliance team as they prepared for a swift investigation into the remarkable allegation.Chelsea are also under intense scrutiny after being criticised by the FA’s independent regulatory commission following the commission’s decision to ban Terry for four games and fine him £220,000 for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.

In the spotlight: Mark Clattenburg leaves his home near Newcastle on Monday

Grabbing a lift: Clattenburg jumped into a car with fellow ref Michael Oliver

The commission judged that the Chelsea skipper’s evidence relating to the incident at Loftus Road in October 2011 was ‘improbable, implausible and contrived’.They also reflected on the ‘evolution of Ashley Cole’s evidence’ that led to an infamous tweet directed at the FA for which he was fined £90,000, and concluded that the evidence given by long-serving club secretary Dave Barnard was ‘materially defective’.After Terry was banned by the FA, Di Matteo encouraged the public to give the disgraced captain ‘a second chance’.Clattenburg could be charged under Rule E3, the same as Terry, and there is a determination within the FA for a swift resolution to yet another crisis.Anatomy of an extraordinary incident

Anatomy of an extraordinary incident

What happened?

With the score 2-2 and Chelsea reduced to nine men after Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres were sent off, Javier Hernandez controversially puts United ahead with 15 minutes left. In the chaos that follows, Mark Clattenburg is confronted by Chelsea players and books John Obi Mikel in the 76th minute. Chelsea players allege this is when Clattenburg aimed a racial slur at Mikel and used ‘inappropriate language’ towards a Spanish player, thought to be Juan Mata.

Who heard what?

Brazilian midfielder Ramires looked on as Clattenburg booked Mikel, the referee raising a finger to his lips to tell the Nigerian to keep quiet. Mata was also close by as the Chelsea players protested about United’s goal. It is understood Mikel himself did not hear the alleged comment and was told of it later by team-mates.

Clattenburg was linked by microphone to his two assistants, Michael McDonough and Simon Long, and the fourth official, Mike Jones. All four officials wear earpieces, so any comments should have been heard — unless Clattenburg covered his microphone.

The microphone system was first used by Premier League referees in the 2006-07 season and allows the referee to communicate key information to his assistants. However, the microphone messages are not recorded, so any evidence will have to come from the testimony of Clattenburg’s assistants.

What about video evidence?

So far there has been nothing such as the explosive film that played such a big part in the John Terry case. Sky will undoubtedly be asked to provide footage from the many cameras they use to cover live matches. In the Terry case, footage was posted on the internet within hours of the end of the match.

What next?

Clattenburg and his match officials will have been asked for a statement, usually sent by email to the FA’s governance department, on their recollection of events at Stamford Bridge.

The officials are urged to tell the truth and are reminded that this case could be judged by an independent regulatory commission.

Match officials may seek independent legal advice.

FA urge officials to respond quickly, particularly in light of delays to Luis Suarez and John Terry cases.

Compliance department meets to discuss the nature of Chelsea’s complaint and the evidence of the match officials.

If they charge Clattenburg under Rule E3 he will have 14 days to respond. He may request a personal hearing or accept the allegations. If Clattenburg is charged, the FA will visit the match officials and any other witnesses, including John Obi Mikel, Juan Mata and other Chelsea players, to take full statements.

The FA’s handling of the case could, of course, be delayed by any police proceedings. The John Terry case did, after all, hang over football for 12 months.

Professional referees

English referees first became professional in 2001 when the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOB) was formed. Top Premier League referees are paid an annual salary in excess of £70,000, which includes a retainer and individual match fees of around £1,000.

The best officials typically referee around 30 Premier League games a season, though this can fluctuate depending on form. Those at the top are then selected by FIFA and UEFA to take charge of big games. Howard Webb refereed both the World Cup and Champions League finals in 2010.

ANDREW MAGEE, JAMIE PRESLAND
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[General Veers]

Finish in the top four? No Arsene, trophies DO matter, says Spurs defender Gallas

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 09:39 GMT, 30 October 2012 | UPDATED: 09:39 GMT, 30 October 2012

Arsene Wenger is wrong to focus on qualifying for the Champions League over winning trophies, according to Tottenham defender William Gallas. Wenger claimed last week that securing a berth in the top four is more important than winning the FA Cup or League Cup. But Gallas believes landing silverware should be all player's No 1 priority, not finishing second, third or fourth.

You're wrong! Gallas has slammed Wenger's attitude towards domestic trophies

Gallas said: 'To finish second or fourth is not the same as finishing top, as champions. It is completely different. You are so happy to lift a trophy - it is the real thing to do. 'For me, a trophy is something you lift at the end of the season and I know it’s a fantastic feeling. 'It doesn't happen many times through your career, so for me to finish second or fourth isn't the same as finishing top, as champions. It’s completely different.

'You feel different because you are the best team - the best player. You are so happy to lift a trophy - it’s the real thing to do. 'It is a long time since Tottenham have lifted a trophy and I don't know which one we are going to lift. 'But for sure we want to lift one - any one will be pretty good so we will wait and see.'Victory over Southampton on Sunday saw Spurs move into fourth position in the Barclays Premier League and the former Arsenal and Chelsea defender believes the club are strong enough to battle on a number of fronts this season.

Gallas said: 'Why not? We have to be strong in the heart. 'The manager is a competitor - he is a warrior - he wants to win everything. Every game, we have meetings and it's the same - he wants to win, win, win. 'We will try to win all competitions, but we know it's very difficult because we play so many games and some players are very tired.

On the defensive: Wenger has had to defend his record over the last seven years

'They play for the national team as well, so it’s not easy. But when you are professional and you play for a big club you have to be ready for this. 'All the players know what they have to do. If they are tired on the pitch, they use their heads. That means they are very clever and have experience, which is very good for them. 'After our draw in Europe and our loss to Chelsea we had to win at Southampton. The manager talked to us before the game and said we have to try to get back to winning ways. 'We want to finish the season well, so it is very important for us to win - to try to win every game. 'We have to play Norwich next, which will be a difficult game. Then we have Wigan, so we just have to be on top form at home.'

Winning feeling: The Gunners lifted the FA Cup in 2005
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[General Veers]

Van Persie shares in Muamba's special day as first picture emerges of fairytale wedding

By MARK DUELL and ADAM SHERGOLD PUBLISHED: 09:49 GMT, 29 October 2012 | UPDATED: 10:36 GMT, 29 October 2012
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Seven months ago he was lying on the White Hart Lane turf after collapsing and suffering a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup tie, with doctors saying he was ‘in effect dead’ for almost 80 minutes.But following on from his miraculous recovery earlier this year, ex-Bolton Wanderers star Fabrice Muamba married his fiancée Shauna last Saturday at the 19th century Peckforton Castle in Cheshire.And the first picture from the ceremony shows the happy couple with Manchester United striker Robin van Persie and his wife Bouchra, who were part of a star-studded guest list from the world of football.

Happy couple: Fabrice Muamba (right) married Shauna Magunda (second right) at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire on Saturday. The couple are here pictured with Robin Van Persie and his wife Bouchra.

Wed: Following on from his miraculous recovery earlier this year, ex-Bolton Wanderers star Fabrice Muamba (right) married his fiancée Shauna (left) on Saturday at the 19th century Peckforton Castle in Cheshire

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry flew in from New York to be Muamba's best man. Other guests included former Bolton teammates Stuart Holden and Martin Petrov, Reading player Jason Roberts and former England striker Andrew Cole. Muamba also invited some of the medical staff who helped save his life, including cardiologist Dr Andrew Deaner and Dr Sam Mohiddin from the London Chest Hospital. Muamba, 24, told Hello! magazine: 'This year has been a difficult one but, to me, marriage is a happy ending.'

Shock: Bolton Wanderers' manager Owen Coyle (second right) stands beside Tottenham players, Benoit Assou-Ekotto (left), William Gallas (second left) and Carlo Cudicini (right) after Muamba's collapse in March

Emotional return: Muamba waves to the crowd prior to a match between Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur in May

Shauna, 27, was a constant presence at Muamba’s bedside following his dramatic collapse during Bolton’s FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham Hotspur in March, which shocked the footballing world.Their wedding was held at the castle where Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, 33, and Sunderland player Wes Brown, 33, both had their marriages. Muamba proposed to Shauna on Valentine’s Day earlier this year, just a month before the cardiac arrest happened. He was forced to retire from professional football in August despite his recovery.

The couple have a three-year-old son named Joshua, who acted as a page boy.Dr Mohiddin said: 'Seven months ago this day was completely inconceivable. I just feel elated for Fabrice and Shauna, and so honoured to be here to celebrate with them.'Van Persie said the day was 'particularly special' because of everything Muamba has been through this year.He said: 'The cardiac arrest had a big impact on everyone in football, and we all lived the moment as Fab recovered in hospital. Everyone is so relieved and happy for him and Shauna.'
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[Donor]

A very comprehensive thread for BPL fans.

 

[Donor]

Walcott: Win can help in Premier League

Theo Walcott hailed Arsenal's spirit after they overcame a four-goal deficit to claim a dramatic 7-5 extra-time victory over Reading in Tuesday's Capital One Cup clash, and hopes the Gunners can carry that form into their Premier League campaign.

Walcott and Marouane Chamakh each netted a brace in a stunning fourth-round encounter at the Madejski Stadium. But such heroics were required as Reading stormed to a 3-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes before Noel Hunt scored a fourth for the home side.

Some hope was restored for Arsenal prior to the half-time interval when Walcott pulled a goal back, paving the way for a remarkable second half. Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny reduced the margin to one, before Walcott slotted home his second in the fifth minute of injury time to force another 30 minutes of action.

Chamakh and Pavel Pogrebnyak then exchanged extra-time goals before Walcott and his Moroccan team-mate sealed their respective doubles, and victory, late on. Walcott is now hoping the Gunners can carry that spirit into the Premier League.

"It was an unbelievable game," Walcott told Sky Sports. "We started very sloppily, we just had to wake up. The boss told us that we just had to go at it, that it was not good enough and that it was not Arsenal. We showed everyone what we can do. We never gave up, and we're absolutely knackered at the moment.

"We showed our character. There's a lot of young players in that dressing room, and it's a great experience for them. Hopefully we can take that into the Premier League now.

"We scored seven goals away from home. We looked great going forward, perhaps we weren't great defensively at times. But, like you say, the most important thing was getting the win and staying in the competition and being in the hat for the next round."

Arsene Wenger echoed Walcott's sentiments after the match, describing the comeback as a highlight of his 16 years at the club.

"It may be one of my greatest victories during my time here. We went from disaster to salvaging our pride," Wenger said.

"You cannot play for Arsenal and give up - no matter what the score is. The players understood at half-time they could not go out again with the same performance.

"We just had hope but it didn't look like it was going to come off. But at least we got our disastrous first half out of our system."

 

[Battle Mech]

Di Matteo surprised by lack of Chelsea players on Ballon d’Or shortlist

Former striker Didier Drogba was the sole nominee from the club's successful Champions League squad on the 23-man list, and the Italian is disappointed at the lack of recognition

Oct 30, 2012 7:00:00 PM

By Shane Farrington

Roberto Di Matteo has revealed his surprise at the lack of Chelsea players in Fifa’s 23-man Ballon d’Or player of the year shortlist.

“That is a bit disappointing because as the winners of the Champions League you would have expected it to recognise the performances of our players,” he told the club's official website.

“It is a hard one to explain, I'm not sure if they look a lot at the international games as well.”

Di Matteo was named in the 10-man shortlist for Fifa’s coach of the year after guiding the club to their maiden Champions League title, and the 42-year-old said he is enjoying the “challenging job” at Stamford Bridge.

He added: “It is a privilege to be the manager of Chelsea and to work with these world-class players, trying to achieve success. It is a great, challenging job.”

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is favourite to win the award - if he does so he will become the first player to win the prize four years in a row.

 

[Battle Mech]

Lloris should have spoken to Villas-Boas before joining Tottenham, says Deschamps

Les Bleus' boss insists that the goalkeeper remains his No.1 but thinks he should not have made the move to north London without the guarantee of a first-team place

Oct 31, 2012 10:02:00 AM

By Hayden Gribble

France coach Didier Deschamps has said that Hugo Lloris was wrong to join Tottenham without speaking to Andre Villas-Boas about his role at the Premier League side.

The 25-year-old made his £12 million move to north London on deadline-day in August, but so far this season he has found competition for a place between the sticks with Brad Friedel fierce, making just one league appearance.

But Deschamps has suggested that the former Lyon stopper would not have moved to Spurs if he knew he would not be a first-team regular.

"His situation appears to me to be incomprehensible," Deschamps told reporters.

"We are not talking about a young goalkeeper but a guy who has been the France keeper for several years, who has played dozens of matches in the Champions League.

"The problem is that he jumped on the train when it had already left the station and he did not start the season.

"The English league had started when he signed in August."

However, Deschamps clarified that Lloris, who saved a penalty against European champions Spain last time out for his country, would remain his No.1 keeper whatever the situation.

“The really important thing is that a player speaks directly with his coach and if Hugo had done that, maybe he would not have signed for Tottenham," he added.

"But as for the French team, he is not in danger. He proved against Spain that he is a great keeper."

 

[General Veers]

Dalglish: Suarez T-shirts were Liverpool players' idea
The former Reds boss has insisted he was not behind the plan to wear shirts in support of the Uruguayan striker after he was accused of racially abusing Patrice Evra

Zabaleta return set to ease Manchester City's injury crisis in defence
The 27-year-old full-back has recently been consigned to the sidelines with a problem of his own but could be ushered back into the starting line-up straight away this weekend

Wenger pleads for Arsenal fans to respect Van Persie ahead of Manchester United clash
The 60-year-old boss has called on the club's supporters to behave themselves when the Dutch striker lines up against his former club in their upcoming clash at Old Trafford

Chelsea investigating alleged racist gesture during Manchester United clash
The issue of racism appears to have reared its head once again after a reported incident during the Blues' thrilling Capital One Cup clash at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday

The final straw: Nani nears Manchester United exit after latest Sir Alex Ferguson blast
The Portugal winger was singled out for criticism by his manager after the Capital One Cup defeat to Chelsea with his days left at Old Trafford looking increasingly numbered

Wenger wants Walcott's Arsenal contract situation resolved by Christmas
The Gunners boss says there is urgency in securing a new deal before the England winger is free to talk to other clubs in January with his current contract set to expire in 2013

Berbatov: I want to play until I am 40
The former Manchester United striker has revealed he plans to carry on playing for another nine years, but has not ruled out featuring for another English club in the future

Betis' brilliant Benat: The Manchester City target shunned by Athletic Bilbao
The 25-year-old is wanted by the Premier League champions to spearhead the midfield at Eastlands following the appointment of Txiki Begiristain as technical director

Villas-Boas refuses to criticise Lloris after Capital One Cup exit
The 25-year-old goalkeeper has had to compete for his first-team place since arriving from Lyon, leading to questions being raised about the manager's handling of the situation

Wenger desperate for Arsenal to seal new Walcott deal
The 23-year-old forward has been in superb form in front of goal recently and the French boss is eager to conclude talks over a new contract with the club as a result

Di Matteo backs decision to play Mikel against Manchester United
The Chelsea boss insists the Nigerian is "fully focused" on playing football after the Blues lodged a formal complaint regarding the player and referee Mark Clattenburg

Sturridge eyeing Chelsea starting spot after Capital One Cup goal against Manchester United
The Blues striker revealed his frustration at not starting games after just his second strike of the campaign, and claims it was important to put a smile back on fans' faces

Rodgers: Liverpool were beaten by the better side in Swansea
The 39-year-old has conceded the Reds were second best, as their Capital One Cup defence was ended by a 3-1 defeat to the Swans, while Michael Laudrup was delighted with his team

Sir Alex Ferguson blames Nani for Manchester United’s Capital One Cup defeat to Chelsea
The Scot feels the winger should have tried to keep possession late on, rather than beat his man, and says the Red Devils only have themselves to blame for Stamford Bridge loss

Blackburn Rovers appoint Henning Berg as manager
The 43-year-old former Ewood Park defender will take over the role vacated by Steve Kean and aim to lead the fifth-placed Championship side back into the Premier League

 

[General Veers]

English clubs are interested in Holtby, says Schalke team manager
The Knappen official has revealed details about the interest of several Premier League sides hoping to clinch the signing of the talented playmaker

A move to La Liga could backfire for Bale, warns Wigan boss Martinez
With speculation rife about the Welshman's future, Wigan's manager warns that the winger could struggle in Spain and see his status in world football reduce dramatically

Chelsea are vulnerable without Terry, says Di Matteo
As the club's captain continues to serve his domestic suspension, the manager states they have missed his presence in defence after conceding nine goals in three games

Mata set to meet familiar faces when Chelsea take on Swansea
The 24-year-old attacker has revealed that Pablo Hernandez is one of best friends in the game, and hailed the Spanish influence on Michael Laudrup's Swans side

Ba has 'good chance' of making Liverpool clash, confirms Pardew
The Magpies boss has revealed his side could be boosted by the return of the Senegalese striker as they search for their first win at Anfield in 18 years

Oxlade-Chamberlain suffers new injury but Walcott set for sub role against Manchester United
The 19-year-old had been earmarked to start on the right side of midfield but is set to be replaced by Aaron Ramsey at Old Trafford after breaking down with a groin injury

Arsenal can finish in the top three, insists Pires
The Gunners legend believes the north London club will end up near the summit this season and has backed Arsene Wenger's recent work in the transfer market

Sir Alex expects Vidic return for Manchester United in December
The Serbian defender has been out since September after suffering a recurrence of a long-standing knee injury but is closing in on a comeback over the festive period

Seven or eight teams wanted me last year, says Manchester City boss Mancini
Though the 47-year-old admits he was "very close" to a number of clubs towards the end of last season, he insisted the Etihad Stadium is still the "best place" for him

Di Matteo: I have faith in referees and I hope they don't treat Chelsea differently
Chelsea manager insists he has faith in Premier League officials and believes his club's formal complaint over the actions of Mark Clattenburg won't influence potential decisions

Ajax boss De Boer hints at Alderweireld switch to Tottenham next season
The 42-year-old believes the defender will stay in the Eredivisie for the remainder of the current campaign, but indicated that a reunion with Jan Vertongen is still possible

Pardew: Ben Arfa can be Newcastle's Suarez
Ahead of his side's trip to Anfield on Sunday, the 51-year-old has called for the playmaker to become the Magpies' attacking talisman, much like the Uruguayan for the Reds

'The next Eto'o' - Manchester City eye move for Barcelona wonderkid Jean Marie Dongou
New director of football Txiki Begiristain has identified the 17-year-old striker as a future star and wants him to swap Camp Nou for the Etihad Stadium

'Van Persie is one of the best strikers around & can handle Arsenal pressure' - Hasselbaink
The Dutchman will line up against his former side for the first time this weekend since his move to Manchester United during the summer transfer window

Traitor Van Persie not worth the fuss, lost Arsenal legend status is punishment enough
The Dutchman comes face-to-face with his former employers on Saturday for the first time since his acrimonious move, but one Gunners fan argues booing would be futile

Villas-Boas hoping Dembele can avoid surgery on injured hip
The Spurs midfielder has been sidelined with the problem for four games but his manager is hopeful he can return to action in the coming weeks

Mancini not bothered by Manchester City critics
The Premier League champions are unbeaten on the domestic front yet have struggled in Europe but their manager has dismissed scrutiny of his tactics

Van Persie's arrival from Arsenal has given Manchester United a lift, says Giggs
The Welshman says the striker's quality from set-pieces is a huge plus for the Red Devils but is expecting a tough encounter against the Gunners on Saturday

Sir Alex Ferguson: I do not believe Clattenburg would make racist comments
Chelsea have made an official complaint about the referee's behaviour to the Football Association, but the Manchester United manager says the allegations are "unthinkable"

Pogba: Conte can become like Ferguson
The young midfielder has voiced his admiration for the Bianconeri coach, and is determined to secure regular first team action at Juve

Fulham ready to reward Martin Jol with offer of contract extension
The Dutchman's current deal expires at the end of the season and the Cottagers want to avoid a repeat of the situation when ex-boss Mark Hughes walked out without notice

Wenger condemns Chelsea over Mark Clattenburg scandal
The Gunners boss is disappointed with the Stamford Bridge club after they went public, accusing the referee of directing inappropriate language "with little proof"

Van Persie & Cazorla see off Walcott & Chicharito - the ultimate Manchester United & Arsenal combined XI
As the heavyweights prepare to clash in the Premier League this weekend, Goal.com debates which players would make it into an overall team from those available in both squads

Warnock standing by Chelsea criticism over Clattenburg affair, says Leeds assistant
Following an attack the way the Blues have handled their off-field issues of late, Mick Jones has dismissed talk that his boss will look to make peace with Roberto Di Matteo

Liverpool must stop relying on Gerrard & Suarez, says Brad Jones
The 30-year-old is pleased that the full squad are able to contribute to the cause, but is eager for the fringe players to be able to see out a win without needing star players

Giggs proud of Manchester United's youngsters despite Chelsea defeat
The Red Devils' youthful defence conceded five goals in the Capital One Cup elimination, but the veteran midfielder believes the experience will help, not hinder, the prospects

Lucas three weeks away from Liverpool return, reveals Rodgers
The Brazilian has been out since August after tearing a thigh muscle during his side's clash with Manchester City but is nearing a comeback to first-team action

Chelsea can't let off the field matters affect title push, says Cahill
The England international has insisted Roberto Di Matteo's side must concentrate on football, despite the ongoing racism controversies surrounding the west London club

Allardyce: Mancini is not under pressure at Manchester City
The Hammers boss has backed the under-fire Italian ahead of his side's clash with the Premier League champions, but believes Andy Carroll could cause the visitors problems

 

[General Veers]

West Ham Olympic Stadium hopes rocked by NFL

Representatives of the American Football league have been in talks with London mayor Boris Johnson about a permanent tenancy, meaning the Hammers face further opposition

Nov 1, 2012 2:40:00 PM
By Jordan Halford

West Ham's hopes of moving to the vacant Olympic Stadium have been dealt another blow, after representatives from the NFL expressed an interest in taking up a tenancy.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson opened talks with American Football bosses when St Louis Rams and New England Patriots visited the capital for their annual fixture at Wembley Stadium last weekend.

A spokesman said: "Given the ever-growing popularity of gridiron this side of the Atlantic the mayor and his team have held a number of meetings with senior executives in the last few days to explore further opportunities for NFL in London.

“The talks were exploratory and we are at an early stage but the signs are encouraging.”

The news marks the latest setback for the Hammers' hopes of acquiring the stadium, after the Treasury refused to hand over £337million in Olympic contingency underspend to help install retractable seating.

Other interested parties include League One club Leyton Orient, a football college and a consortium hoping to stage a Formula One grand prix in the Olympic Park.

However, the NFL's proposition remains one of the frontrunners, as the stadium would only be required 10 times a year as opposed to over 20 for domestic football.

"Sunday’s game at Wembley, in front of more than 80,000 fans, further cements London’s reputation as the natural home of American football outside of the US," the spokesman added.

"Only last week the Mayor, in conjunction with the NFL, announced an expansion from one to two regular-season matches in London from 2013. That means in total an additional £44 million in revenue for the capital from next year."

 

[General Veers]

EXCLUSIVE: Nani set for Old Trafford exit after Fergie blasts 'amateurish' winger

By IAN LADYMAN PUBLISHED: 16:43 GMT, 2 November 2012 | UPDATED: 16:51 GMT, 2 November 2012


Manchester United winger Nani looks set to leave Old Trafford next summer after manager Sir Alex Ferguson took him to task for throwing away his team's Carling Cup tie at Chelsea on Wednesday night.Nani's future at United has been in some doubt since talks over a new contract collapsed during the summer.And now the Portuguese winger has told friends that he feels there is little chance of a reconciliation after Ferguson blamed him for conceding possession in the run up to Chelsea’s equaliser in the last minute of normal time on Wednesday.

On the way out: Nani in training at Carrington on Friday morning with the Manchester United squad

Ferguson was publicly critical of Nani for his error after the game, saying he should have run the ball to the corner flag. United – 3-2 up at the time – went on to lose 5-4 in extra-time. Now a source close to Nani revealed: 'There was an argument between Ferguson and Nani after the game.'Ferguson told him that losing the ball like that was an amateurish thing to do and that a really great player would never have done that.

Final warning: United manager Sir Alex Ferguson takes training on Friday morning

'Nani was already told that if he ever did it again then he would be on his way.'It is understood that Nani has felt for some time that his place in Ferguson’s plans is under threat and has told friends that he expects to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season. The official line from United is that the door is still open for the 25-year-old in terms of a new contract but not at the £130,000-a-week level he has been hoping for.

Bust-up at the Bridge: Fergie blamed Nani for the defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday night
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[General Veers]

Manchester United are favoured by referees, insists Di Matteo

After Sir Alex Ferguson dismissed Chelsea's claims of abuse by Mark Clattenburg following Sunday's clash, the Italian questions the Red Devils boss' influence over officials

Nov 3, 2012 7:45:00 AM
By Chris Teale

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo's war of words with Sir Alex Ferguson has intensified after the Blues manager claimed that the Scot enjoys an enormous influence over referees' decisions.

The Italian was responding to his counterpart's rebuke of the Stamford Bridge outfit's claims that referee Mark Clattenburg abused midfielder John Obi Mikel during the two sides' clash on Sunday.

United won the game 3-2 thanks to a goal from Chicharito, who appeared to be in an offside position, with Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres also being sent off for the hosts, the latter a controversial dismissal.

"I think there is a lot of evidence that United get all the big decisions," Di Matteo told reporters.

"There are some feelings in general but I don't think they [referees] do that with a purpose, it's just part of their decision-making and it seems to go in one direction."

Chelsea have reported Clattenburg to the Football Association after carrying out an internal investigation of their own and Di Matteo is adamant that they were correct to do so.

"We believe we did what was right. I cannot say more than that because of the investigation," he insisted. "We didn't take the decision lightly. It's a very serious issue.

"He [Sir Alex] likes to talk about other clubs, we tend not to. I'll leave it up to him. It doesn't really affect me too much, to be honest.

"I have to say that it happened in the past as well. I think there is a lot of respect between your colleagues, the managers, in general, and everybody has a different approach. Some people talk about other clubs and clubs' issues and some don't.

"We'll take the knowledge of his comments but it doesn't mean that we share it."

 

[General Veers]

All 20 Premier League clubs will wear the poppy with pride on Remembrance Day

By MARK ALFORD PUBLISHED: 23:47 GMT, 2 November 2012 | UPDATED: 23:47 GMT, 2 November 2012

All 20 Barclays Premier League clubs will display a uniform poppy design on their shirts for the first time to mark Remembrance Day. Every top-flight club will further show their support for the Poppy Appeal by donating all ‘Remembrance’ shirts to the British Legion for auction. This year’s Poppy Appeal activities are even more poignant, with Armistice Day — November 11 — falling on Remembrance Sunday and all Premier League clubs have permission from the Royal British Legion to use the official Poppy on their shirts.

Wearing the poppy with pride: West Brom display their Remembrance shirts

British Legion targets £42m record

The Poppy Appeal was launched in 1921 to raise funds to support the Royal British Legion’s charitable work and pay respect to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. This year, the Legion aims to raise £42million, £2m more than 2011’s record-breaking total, when 46 million poppies were distributed. The first Premier League club to play in poppy-adorned shirts were Leicester City in 2003, and manager Micky Adams wanted it to become the permanent strip after his team won back-to-back games that November.

Sportsmail has also learned that England’s rugby team will wear poppies on their kit when they play Fiji at Twickenham next Saturday — but Scotland will not do so the following day. The Scots have opted to take the field at Murrayfield on Remembrance Sunday with poppies on their tracksuits and not play the All Blacks in poppy-adorned shirts. Fiji will also wear poppies on their playing kit for their clash with England.Wales, who welcome Argentina to the Millennium Stadium at the same time as England host Fiji, will wear poppies sewn into their shirts. The All Blacks will be wearing poppies on their warm-up tracksuits for the anthems at the Scotland match. And Australia will wear them against France.

Show of support: West Brom's Liam Ridgewell (left) and Gareth McAuley pose with south Staffordshire community fundraiser Alison Bates

Football’s adoption of the poppy has been mired in controversy in recent years. England were prevented from wearing them on their kit against Spain at Wembley 12 months ago by world governing body FIFA.Eventually, after a Sportsmail campaign and statements from Prince William and Prime Minister David Cameron, a compromise was reached where the players wore specially manufactured black armbands emblazoned with the poppy. They also wore poppies printed on their anthem jackets and observed a period of silence before kick-off.

Respect: Wembley falls silent before kick-off last November

In 2009, Liverpool and Manchester United were the only top-flight clubs not to wear a poppy on their shirts, but in 2010 — the last time domestic fixtures fell on Remembrance weekend — every team sported the poppy. Last year every Premier League club wore a poppy on the weekend of November 5-6, but there was no uniform design of the poppy. Some were printed on shirts, some embroidered and some fixed by heat transfer. This year, after working with the Royal British Legion, who run the Poppy Appeal, each strip will carry the same poppy design.

Poppy day: Gabby Agbonlahor in Aston Villa's shirt in 2011

Most clubs will iron on printed poppies but a small number plan to carry an embroidered poppy. A spokesman for the Royal British Legion said: ‘The Royal British Legion is extremely grateful for the support that the Premier League and the 20 clubs are giving the Poppy Appeal. We look forward to seeing players, managers and staff wearing their poppies with pride over the coming weekends.’
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[General Veers]

Arsenal to test Palace's resolve with £9m move for wonderkid Zaha in January

By SAMI MOKBEL PUBLISHED: 22:45 GMT, 2 November 2012 | UPDATED: 22:45 GMT, 2 November 2012

Arsenal will launch a £9million move to land Crystal Palace whizkid Wilfried Zaha in January. The club have watched the 19-year-old, who grew up as an Arsenal supporter, on several occasions this season. And Arsenal’s interest in Zaha took a step forward last weekend when chief scout Steve Rowley watched the teenager put in a scintillating display
against Leicester.

The real deal: Wilfried Zaha (left) is attracting interest from a raft of clubs

The winger is settled in London and is no hurry to leave Selhurst Park, but it is understood the youngster would find it difficult to turned down a switch to a top Premier League club. Arsenal are likely to start their bidding with a deal worth £9m, an offer which will comprise of a number of performance-related add-ons.

But Palace, who were continuing with their attempts to name Blackpool manager Ian Holloway as their next manager, will not let their teenage sensation leave Selhurst Park without a fight.

Financially, the club are under no pressure to sell Zaha in January, while chairman Steve Parish has publicly insisted it would take a £20million offer for Palace to part with their Ivory-Coast born forward.

The south London club remained determined to keep hold of Zaha, particularly if they remain in the hunt for promotion at the turn of the year, and will inform their incoming manager their are no plans to sell the forward in January.

But that will not stop Arsenal testing Palace’s resolve. It is highly unlikely Palace will accept an £9million offer - but the the Gunners are determined to land the youngster. An improved bid between £12m-£15m could leave Parish with a serious question to answer.
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[General Veers]

Reading game is not my last at QPR as owner Fernandes believes in me, says Hughes

By SAM CUNNINGHAM PUBLISHED: 21:15 GMT, 2 November 2012 | UPDATED: 21:18 GMT, 2 November 2012

Mark Hughes denied that QPR’s game against Reading is his last chance to get a win at the club. QPR have not won a Premier League match this season and are bottom of the table with just three points. Reading go to Loftus Road with only one more point, two places above them and also with no league wins.

Backing: Mark Hughes insists his QPR future is secure

Hughes is confident his relationship with the club’s owner, Tony Fernandes, will prolong his stay. The pair speak several times a week — sometimes on a daily basis.

And Hughes said: ‘How many times can Tony talk about being fully behind what we are trying to do? One game isn’t going to change that. I have real quality lines of communication and dialogue on a daily basis (with Tony). He understands what we’re trying to do: he sees it first-hand.

‘He was there at the game at Arsenal and he was really enthused about what we produced. That reassures him we’re doing the right thing.

‘We know there are periods where we will get max points against teams because we did it last year with a team that wasn’t as good as we have now.

‘Reading have obviously had a period where they have shipped more goals than they would have liked but I’m sure they have been working on that. We’ve got to make sure if they do have any anxiety in terms of their defence that we draw them out and capitalise on that.’

Hughes insisted the pressure at QPR is nothing compared to that which he endured while in the Manchester City spotlight.
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[General Veers]

Gunners lose fear factor: Fergie's just not scared of Arsenal now, especially as he has Van Persie

By IAN LADYMAN PUBLISHED: 23:16 GMT, 2 November 2012 | UPDATED: 01:07 GMT, 3 November 2012

The clue was in the choice of words. ‘I think it will be a hard-ish game tomorrow,’ said Sir Alex Ferguson as he looked ahead to Saturday's lunchtime match with Arsenal.Hard-ish? Once upon a time the league season’s two meetings between Manchester United and Arsenal were seen as definitive, pivotal matches. They used to go some way to determining the destiny of the league championship.At times they lit up the landscape. At others they were horrible and ugly. Now — with Arsenal suffering from Arsene Wenger’s mistakes and the rise of clubs such as Manchester City — Ferguson anticipates their arrival like he would a six-foot putt on one of his favourite Che-shire golf courses.Hard-ish. It’s enough to make Arsenal diehards wince.

Changing relationship: Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson at loggerheads in 2004 (above) and sharing a joke earlier this year (below)

Ferguson meant no disrespect. That much is clear. In fact he did his best on Friday to talk this fixture up.‘Every game against Arsenal is always a big one,’ he said. ‘Since I’ve come down here [to England], it’s always the most important ‘derby’ game in the sense that both teams have always been challenging for the league.‘It won’t be different tomorrow.’ The truth is, however, that it is different now.Arsenal still represent tough opposition, a team who, on their day, could beat United. What they are not, though, are title contenders.They are the type of team who draw at home to Sunderland (currently 14th in the Barclays Premier League), lose at Norwich (16th) and beat 10-man QPR (20th) at home by a single goal scored in the 84th minute.

Looking good: Robin van Persie celebrates after his goal for United at Chelsea last weekend

They are seven points off the lead at the top end of the Premier League, a point ahead of Fulham and two behind Tottenham. They are not title contenders. To make matters worse, United now have in their team Arsenal’s best player of recent years and indeed last season’s captain Robin van Persie, a player signed in the summer after Ferguson telephoned Wenger not so much to haggle but to commiserate.Wenger and his disciples —and there are many — must wonder how it has come to this.

Ferguson used to spit out Arsenal’s name through gritted teeth. He used to talk about ‘Wenger’.Now the United manager, knowing Arsenal look no nearer to breaking their seven-and-a-half-year run without a trophy, pays lip-service to ‘Arsene’ and his team, an entertaining and intriguing curio that he knows will not be bothering him much come May.‘I think they have improved defensively this year, they’re a stronger physical team,’ he said. They’re stronger physically if you look at the make-up of their team now.These players they’ve brought in are much more physical than they have had in the past.

’We can only presume Ferguson was referring to the recent past. Arsenal, after all, use to head north with trojans like Vieira, Petit, Winterburn and Keown in their team.The fact that United have won 10 of the last 14 fixtures against Arsenal (losing just two) tells the story of how the relationship between the clubs has become a little lop-sided. The last time Arsenal won both league games was in 2006-07 while United did so as recently as last year. United beat Arsenal 8-2 in this corresponding fixture last season and Van Persie — scorer of nine goals already this term — was still playing for the other side.Asked about his former captain on Friday, Wenger did little to quell the feeling that it could be another productive day for the Dutchman.

What a coup: Ferguson with Van Persie after United's dramatic summer capture of the Dutchman

‘My players know him as well because they have played against him in training,’ he said. ‘But in the game it’s a question of timing. How quickly will they read it as well as he reads it? He’s certainly the most efficient striker (in the Premier League).‘In Manchester United you have good players around him. His runs are fantastic, his technique is absolutely amazing, so I’m not surprised (at his success).‘United are a lot in offensive positioning, so with his intelligent runs, of course he will take advantage of that.’

Embarrassing: Arsene Wenger suffered at Old Trafford last season as United claimed an unlikely win

Ferguson said on Friday he scouted Van Persie as a teenager at Feyenoord, on a day he was actually sent off, but it was Wenger’s stealth in the market that saw Van Persie lured to Highbury rather than any doubts about temperament.Certainly the current United team look made for a player blessed with so much precision, imagination and instinct. Despite issues in defence, Ferguson’s team look capable of digging themselves out of the deepest of holes right now.Last year’s drubbing at Old Trafford left Wenger ‘embarrassed’ and ‘humiliated’ though he insisted yesterday it didn’t take him long to recover.On Saturday, he will hope his team stay in the game long enough to have a chance. If they do it could be close. Well, close-ish.
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[General Veers]

Clause for concern: Newcastle want rid of Ba's contract buy-out in new deal

By COLIN YOUNG PUBLISHED: 23:08 GMT, 2 November 2012 | UPDATED: 23:09 GMT, 2 November 2012
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Newcastle United want to secure a new contract for striker Demba Ba and the first priority is to get rid of his £7.5million release clause. The Senegal international has been linked with numerous Barclays Premier League rivals, including tomorrow’s opponents Liverpool, since the details of his current deal were revealed a year ago.

Contract issue: Demba Ba has a release fee clause in his current deal

No club came forward in the summer with a firm offer for the 27-year-old, who has scored 30 goals in 55 English league games for West Ham United and Newcastle, but that could change with the January transfer window looming.Newcastle manager Alan Pardew signed the striker after he scored seven goals in five months at Upton Park and West Ham were relegated.Pardew moved quickly despite concerns over a failed medical which led to the collapse of a move to Stoke City before West Ham signed Ba from Hoffenheim for £6m.
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