Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has revealed that Wigan equivalent Roberto Martinez has apologised to him over Antolin Alcaraz’s spitting incident.
The Paraguay international was sighted spitting at Molineux captain Richard Stearman in the dying moments of last Sunday’s Premier League clash, and has been handed a three-match ban by the FA.
McCarthy has criticised the South American for the act, but revealed that Martinez has apologised on behalf of the DW Stadium club.
“What happened is unacceptable. I have spoken to Roberto and he apologised on behalf of the club. I don’t think it is indicative of Wigan, of Roberto or Dave Whelan. They are lovely people, a lovely club, and I think he [Alcaraz] has just made a mistake,” McCarthy told The Guardian.
“I don’t know where it came from but he’s made a stupid mistake and got punished with a ban, and we all think that is right.
“Personally, I’d rather have a smack in the mouth than be spat upon. It’s the worst thing you can do to a fellow professional. He will be regretting it now and will have to take the consequences,” he concluded.
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Artificial pitches could be on their way back, more than 20 years since they were banned. Wycombe Wanderers and Accrington Stanley have raised the idea in an attempt to reduce costs and it seems that many others would be happy to follow suit.
They were a major feature of football in the 80’s with QPR and Luton using them as well as Oldham and Preston, but they were banned in 1988 after complaints that they were causing injuries because they were solid and it was affecting the quality of football on show.
Pitches were set on top of concrete which made it very difficult to move about in comparison to traditional grass but thanks to the advancements in technology the current plastic pitches have padding underneath which makes the experience similar to grass, offering a softer experience under foot and in the tackle as well as a smooth surface that is not guaranteed outside of the country’s top grounds. Rubber pellets are also on the pitch to act like mud and increase movement.
Accrington owner John Heys said that it will cost about £500,000 to install but the savings on maintenance will make it worthwhile. He added: “There is an income to be gained from hiring the pitch out and money to be saved in maintenance costs and the fact that you can train on it.
“The community benefit is that you can get people down to the ground seven days a week rather than just 23 times a season for home fixtures.”
Opinion is divided on the issue, with people saying that it is unnatural and will cause injuries and others favouring the idea of having smooth, all-weather pitches and there is no reason why the game should not bring them back.
Admittedly it would take a while to get used to. Players might not be too keen to make the sliding tackle because of the surface but that is part of the settling in process. It would not cut the skin like they did before and after training on the pitch players would become more comfortable with it and be able to play their natural game. The fear that they may get injured turning or by getting their foot stuck in the ground is still the same as it is on grass and is an unfortunate part of football whatever surface is used.
Mick Rathborne, who played on the plastic pitch at Preston and worked as Everton physio after retiring said: “The new third generation pitches are light years away from the old plastic pitches.
“The new pitches with the millions of rubber balls are soft to run on, you can stop and turn very easily so there could be implications with preventing those types of injuries.”
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Introducing artificial surfaces is necessary to football because although clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea have an abundance of cash, many clubs in the lower leagues are struggling for funds and an opportunity to make savings should be welcomed. Wycombe owner Steve Hayes said that to maintain the grass pitch currently installed at Adams Park costs around £75,000 a year and although clubs would have to shell out to make the change, it would see a huge chunk of that money stay in the kitty. Rather than heating the pitch to prevent it being icy or covered in snow, a blanket would be all that is required and instead of cutting the grass it would only require sweeping every so often to get rid of some of the rubber. And take away the cost of replacing the turf once it gets cut up beyond repair and your team is already onto a winner.
And after the problems last winter with games being called off for frozen and snow covered pitches, a plastic surface would put an end to that so no longer would fans be travelling to the match only to hear it has been cancelled.
It would also mean that the team could train and play at the stadium rather than finding a traditional training pitch which again saves money and when the club are not using it other groups could get involved, creating possible opportunities for community groups and sport centres which could in turn lead to more people coming to the ground, meaning more money.
And for the traditionalist, who wants sexy football from one side and tough tackling from the opponent. The new surface would not have patches that cause the ball to bobble or bounce differently so that in itself will encourage passing football rather than the long-ball game that everybody loves to hate. Players will be more comfortable playing the ball along the ground because they know there is less chance for an unlucky break and slide tackles will still be possible on the natural-feeling pitch, so a non-contact game is not on the horizon.
Top-flight clubs in Italy, France, Switzerland and Russia use them without major problems and there is not a noticeably higher rate of major injuries in their leagues. Our players have experienced them in Europe and World Cup qualifying. Do not think of the old plastic pitches because they are as ancient as the Romans, plastic is the affordable and effective way forward.
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Do you want a plastic pitch at your club? Comment below or follow me on Twitter @jrobbins1991.
For someone who has, in the past, always been so careful with their money in terms of transfers, this season it seems that something has come over Arsene Wenger, and he is indulging in what the rest of us call panic buying.
Firstly there was the mass buying spree right at the death of the summer transfer window after high profile departures, and now comes the January transfer window, where Wenger says he will buy if ‘something comes up.’
For a man normally so careful and frugal with the money he has, just why has Wenger’s approach to spending changed so much?
The first explanation is clearly the fact he needed both cover for the players who had left in the summer and also to show fans that he was willing to buy and take Arsenal forward, and as the January window approaches, it seems that in order to convince their star man to sign a new contract, Arsenal need a big signing to show RVP that they really mean business and can fulfil his ambitions both in terms of taking the club forward and winning trophies.
It cannot be denied that the Londoner’s are in dire need of cover for RVP, if not only to lighten the burden on the player, also as a back-up should he succumb to injury problems yet again. The players they currently have, such as Chamakh are nowhere near the level they need, and Wenger is fully aware of this.
The drive and urgency to succeed may also be playing a hefty part in Wenger’s dip into the transfer market, with the gap between the top couple of teams and Arsenal only growing, and Wenger knows that should the club fail to convince Van Persie to sign a new contract, they will have virtually no hope of competing with the likes of City, and may struggle to fund a replacement in the same league as the Dutch man.
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Arsenal and Wenger are in a difficult position, they clearly need a second striker who can actually score goals, and will lose players when the African Cup of nations starts, yet is panic buying the answer? Only Arteta of the summer signings has made any real impact, and the history of silly money flop transfers in January is one that grows every year.
Arsenal have never really been ones to enter into panic buying and waste money – yet the urgency to both succeed and keep hold of their main man may well see them major players this window. How far this will help them however is another matter entirely, and for a man who in seasons gone by would criticise other managers for doing exactly what he is now, how times have changed for Wenger.
Mauro Zarate could make a return to the Premier League following interest from QPR, says the Daily Star.
Zarate has thus far failed to make an impression at Inter Milan, who have loaned the striker from Lazio for the season.
It’s reported that Zarate would like to get games under his belt away from the San Siro and would welcome a chance to return to England.
Mark Hughes is eager to establish QPR as a Premier League club and could use the combined efforts of Zarate and fellow South American target Henrique to fulfil those ambitions.
Zarate scored four goals during his time at Birmingham in 2008, but the Argentine is yet to score in the league for Inter and limited playing time could add weight to speculation of a move away.
Zarate was linked with a move to Arsenal last summer and is also being tracked by Bolton and Newcastle.
With a number of Premier League suitors watching his situation, Lazio will be keen to drive his price up as much as possible.
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Transfer stories and links seem to never cease, and no sooner than the January transfer window slams shut, talk of summer moves set into motion. Whether it be players looking to escape their surroundings, make the next step up in their career or simply looking to remain employed, rumours surround men from almost every club.
It may be an exciting time for the fans, but for managers and their back-room staff the transfer window presents much worry and stress, with the pressure of finding the right player at the right price to secure pre-season aims and keep the chairman off of their back. Beginning preparation early ensures that the targets are identified with lots of time to thrash out the deal before the end of the window, because as we all know, panic buying can often work out as the worst strategy possible.
Here is a list of ten players who, for various reasons, will most likely be the subject of interest and bids this summer, as clubs across the league look to build for the 2012/13 season.
Click on Moussa Dembele to unveil the top 10
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In light of FFC’s focus on troublesome footballers this week, I have decided to constructed a Top Ten list of footballers misbehaving abroad. Although the sport has increased in professionalism over the last few decades, there are still a number of stories reported that show the players in a worse light off the pitch. Although, we must remember that they are only human, like us and can’t be expected to behave like machines, some of the following is inexcusable.
So whether it’s team mates coming to blows, the paparazzi snapping players boozing it up or just stupid and bizarre actions, they make it onto the list. What didn’t make it was the England WAGS from the 2006 World Cup, they reportedly distracted the players during the tournament and although it wasn’t the players misbehaving themselves, they nearly made it into the top ten. Also, quite a few people recommended Cristiano Ronaldo photographed in speedo’s as a criminal activity, but again it failed to make the ten below…..
Click on Gazza below to see the Top TEN!
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Compiled by Matt Freebody
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Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore has stated that the English top flight intend to continue with pre-match handshakes, despite calls for them to be scrapped.
The handshakes have caused a controversy this season, as Luis Suarez refused to shake Patrice Evra’s hand after being given an eight-match ban for racially abusing the Manchester United defender.
The handshakes were also scrapped for a game between Chelsea and QPR due to the hostilities between John Terry and Anton Ferdinand, again over a racial controversy, but Scudamore expects the routine to remain in place.
“It’s not a handshake that says everybody loves everybody else,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s a handshake that says ‘whatever’s gone on before now and whatever will go on after this game is over, for the next 90 minutes, let’s just play a game of football’.
“It’s nothing more symbolic than that, which is why in our view, they should continue – period,” he confessed.
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The Easter schedule may not be as hectic as the Christmas period but rest assured, due to its proximity to the end of the season, it retains plenty of importance. What’s more there are valuable points on offer in Fantasy Football. Which players though should you be looking to include?
The Captaincy Debate
One player in fine form is Newcastle’s Papiss Demba Cissé. The Senegalese forward, signed from Freiburg in January, has been on a terrific goal scoring run for the Magpies. In his first seven performances in the Premier League, he’s netted seven times, including a double against Liverpool last Sunday. Over the next five days, Cissé faces Swansea and Bolton and he’s likely to extend his good start to life with the Toon.
Cissé isn’t the only January signing from the Bundesliga who has flourished since arriving in the Premier League. Gylfi Sigurdsson’s loan move to Swansea is proving to be very successful. The Icelandic international has scored six times and laid on three for teammates during his time with the Swans. He was even named the Barclays Player of the Month for March further showcasing his credentials. Newcastle will by no means be an easy encounter nor will QPR with the way they’re scrapping for survival. However, it’s hard not to fancy Sigurdsson making some sort of impact in both games such is the form he’s in.
Form is something which Liverpool have struggled for of late. The Reds have lost six of their last seven games in the Premier league. Steven Gerrard will be looking to arrest this slump over Easter. The Liverpool Captain masterminded their only victory of late. He scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 success over Merseyside rivals Everton. Kenny Dalglish could do with similar heroics from his skipper against Aston Villa and Blackburn. He is the most likely player to lift the side from their recent run and facing two sides who are struggling might bring the best out of Gerrard, just when Liverpool need it.
However, do not discount the Ecuadorian genius that is Antonio Valencia. The winger has helped to give Manchester United an extra push since returning from injury in March. In three games against Wolves, Fulham and Blackburn, Valencia has scored two along with grabbing three assists. Considering that he’ll be playing QPR and his former club Wigan over the Easter period, Valencia looks a good pick for the Easter schedule.
The Captain: Antonio Valencia – The winger has been in fine form of late and Easter might well prove a prolific time for the Ecuadorian.
The Vice Captain: Papiss Demba Cissé – Cissé is a good player to have in reserve. Ensure at the very least you have the Senegalese in your team.
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Eden Hazard’s protracted transfer to the Premier League may be to Chelsea’s gain but his behaviour on twitter has highlighted the ever changing nature of modern day footballers.
The Belgian is this summer’s blockbuster signing and has attracted the attention of Europe’s top sides but his constant indecisiveness has led to fans questioning his integrity. Should professional footballers really be allowed to arrogantly flirt with every club under the sun?
The latest is Hazard has apparently signed for Chelsea, something the club are yet to officially confirm, but he’s previously claimed his future lies in Manchester be it City or United and he even suggested Tottenham Hotspur back in February. No doubt his agent works hard behind the scenes to facilitate any potential deals but Hazard has decimated any form of confidentiality by using social media to publicise details. It’s led to continued speculation over his eventual destination and is fuelled by his ambiguity.
The increasing popularity of social media has given footballers an outlet to express their thoughts and opinions directly to their followers. It can be a useful tool in narrowing the gap between celebrity and Joe Public but has led to players over stepping the bounds.
Hazard has used his account to court various teams. He claims he’s joining one then circumstances change and he wants to join another. Like a kid in a candy store he’s clearly thrilled by having to choose between so many exciting options but until Lille agree a fee and a team actually offers him terms, is it right that he can openly tease fans with possible outcomes while unable to confirm anything?
Twitter seems to be Hazard’s preferred method of self promotion and the latest trend to consume the internet has led to people debating its value in today’s society. Arsene Wenger was unmoved.
“It can be very good and very bad. If it can be a positive image of the club [that’s OK], it also can be bad,”
The Arsenal manager has a point. No one minds hearing what their favourite player had for breakfast but controversial topics often rear their ugly head. West Ham’s Danny Gabbidon was charged by the FA for a Tweet aimed at Hammers fans after they lost to Bolton. He wrote:
“U know what, f**k the lot of you, u will never get another tweet from me again, you just don’t get it do you. Bye bye”.
It’s something the governing bodies will have to deal with as social media becomes more widespread. Fans love to hear what their beloved stars are doing but as more and more clubs are finding out, there must be guidelines in place to limit the amount of sensitive information being discussed. As a recently invented saying goes, ‘twitter doesn’t kill people; people kill people’. If users are sensible they can create a positive forum for their followers but if they use their account unwisely they can easily cause offence and risk the wrath of their superiors and also the public.
Most fans will agree that players are arrogant and self promoting. They pimp their rides with bling and lead celebrity lifestyles that reaffirm their egotistical superiority. It’s not necessarily a criticism for their confidence plays a major role in their successful careers but it means they must be responsible when given a mouthpiece to the world. Darren Bent illustrated how important is is for players to have boundaries when he publicly criticised Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and forced a move Sunderland. The England forward wrote:
“Seriously getting p***** off now. Why can’t anything be simple? It’s so frustrating hanging round doing jack s***.
“Do I wanna go Hull City NO. Do I wanna go Stoke NO do I wanna go Sunderland YES so stop f****** around, Levy. Sunderland are not the problem in the slightest.”
Bent was reprimanded by Tottenham for disrespecting his superior but the topic was already in the public eye and he eventually moved to the Stadium of Light. It may be understandable that the striker felt frustrated by a long-drawn-out transfer but is spitting the dummy out the best way to keep fans informed? How are Hull and Stoke meant to react to an unprovoked attack?
As flattering as it must be to have a host of teams chasing your signature, it doesn’t warrant the arrogant way players try to tempt prospective buyers. Sadly it illustrates an ever increasing shift in player power that if left unmonitored will lead to social media becoming an unrestricted voice of football.
Players like Bent and Hazard may argue they’re merely keeping followers informed but their comments actually affected their transfers. After all Bent got his preferred move and Hazard opened the door to Chelsea once he knew they’d qualified for the Champions League. It allows players to dictate their futures and has given them more control than the clubs holding their contracts.
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Some clubs are starting to police their players social media antics in order to pre empt controversy but currently there are no rules to stop players saying whatever they like. Clearly they need to be censored or fans will lose patience with players like the Belgian boy who keeps crying wolf.
Do you think players should be banned from using twitter? Does social media improve the relationship between players fans? Should it be monitored by an authority?
Let me know your views and opinions by following me on twitter – Tweet me@Alex_Churcher
Ruud Gullit has slammed the racists that are threatening to derail the Euro 2012 tournament and has called upon players to take action against it and not ignore it like he used to.
The Dutch Legend who helped Holland win the Euro Championship in 1988 has backed the stance made by Mark van Bommel in speaking out against it and claimed that he was powerless to do so back in the 80s and 90s, as black players weren’t backed by the authorities:
“When I played, I received racial abuse but I was just one of a few black players and we weren’t backed up by the authorities. Now there are so many at the top of their profession and they have the backing of important people.
“I used to ignore the abuse and felt powerless to change attitudes”
Gullit is hoping the tournament passes off without incident, but has called upon the authorities to ensure that everyone unites to rid this evil from the game:
“We are beyond that now though. We just have to hope that racism doesn’t haunt this tournament but that, if it does, the response is strong. We want to remember Euro 2012 for great football.
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The players need the support of UEFA and the football authorities need the support of the police.” (Daily Mail)