I have always believed that sport and politics should not cross each other. Sport is not a vehicle for political ideals. Each sport is represented by a national and international body. It is them who should lead their respective sports in international affairs. Sport must not be influences by governments or lobby groups over political situations. Ultimately the ticket paying public suffer.
The World Cup Trophy journeys around Africa on its way to South Africa. I’m sure Fifa have good intentioned plans to have it visit schools and lesser known football clubs. But what I saw this morning has angered me and left me despising Fifa even more.The World Cup Trophy has arrived in Zimbabwe and has been lifted by the hands of Mugabe. Held high in celebration by a man who has crippled his nation and his people.
I’m sorry but Fifa have got it seriously wrong here. Many great men have lifted the World Cup Trophy. Men who have fought out of poverty and slumps, such slumps created by leaders like Mugabe. These men have all held the Trophy with pride for their nation and its people.
Now Fifa are very happy for Mugabe a reckless president who has self progressed at the expense of his people. A man who shows no pride or remorse for his nation or suffering people. We have had uproar over a handball, yet I’m sure this show casing of a political monster will go unnoticed. The World Cup Trophy could have easily gone to Zimbabwe without Mugabe touching it. Without the need to give him a world audience of press to see him lift the Trophy like a hero, to me this is disgusting.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Henry's Hand
As the FAI accept defeat in getting a replay with France, the saga of Henry's hand flutters away as club football returns. Fifa got what they wanted the top seed in the world cup draw. But as the anger of the moment withdraws the call for video footage in matches will grow stronger.
To brand Henry a cheat is step too far. Cheating occurs in all sports and no more so than in soccer. Almost every weekend from the Sunday league to the Premier league cheating occurs. From diving, pulling shirts, shoulders and handballs it’s a common sight in everyday football.
The outbursts of anger towards Eduardo’s dive against Celtic and now Henry are a reflection of today’s society. This is a form of Political Correctness is sport. As in society we take the moral high ground in order to succeed or to make others feel inferior, ultimately to win an argument. This PC world is a false attempt at bettering oneself over others.
Now it has entered our sporting arenas. Ireland are taking the moral high ground, their false PC attitude is an attempt to win. To brand a player like Henry a cheat based on a single error is an outrageous accusation. If roles were reversed would Irish players fulfil the acts they are requesting from Henry, France and Fifa most certainly not.
The fact is hand balls are apart of football, they have won, games, titles, and world cups. Maradonas hand ball gained a greater reward than Henrys. Both players are considered to be great players of their generation. In the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, there was no technology to call on or request, referees decisions were accepted and the game moved on. What saved Maradonna was that after his now famous Hand of God he scored one of the greatest goals ever. The skill and beauty defined the player that was Maradona. Henrys hand ball was not followed up with a moment of foot balling splendour, although his is career full of them. Henry will have to wait until the World Cup to wipe out his error with a goal to equal the greats.
Henry has let himself down on the follow up act. To celebrate so intensely on an act of wrongness was disgraceful. To sit in false sympathy with Irish player’s grotesque, and to admit and request a replay was an act of a false martyr of footballs Fair Play. Henry played the other side of the Political Correctness game. He did and said the right things knowing they would be rendered useless, he took a moral high ground to protect himself, for some he can be called the cheat with a false conscience.
For Martin Hansson the referee there is a great injustice, until that moment he had managed the game excellently. He is suffering the fact that refereeing decisions are not about rules of the game but about money. Refereeing decisions are always read with the words “such decisions cost a team money”. A referee is not an overseer of accounts and financial costs but of rules and laws. Like all rules they are there to be broken. Flying a yellow flag of Fair Play is a dismal attempt to oust player arrogance. Fifas and UEFAs inability to enter the modern sporting world of the fourth referee will allow players arrogance to thrive.
It is in the hands of Fifa and UEFA to end these sagas. The technology is there and other sports like tennis and rugby have shown that the game can continue unhindered. It is correct that a replay is not granted, because for now handballs and diving are an accepted method of gaining the advantage. It is not the sole responsibility of the referee to fly the Fair Play Flag. It lies on the shoulders of players and mangers but above all Fifa. It is Fifa who have the power to end all this, it is they who have the power to ensure a greater level of fairness. As they mull over this Henry will have to live with his conscience.
To brand Henry a cheat is step too far. Cheating occurs in all sports and no more so than in soccer. Almost every weekend from the Sunday league to the Premier league cheating occurs. From diving, pulling shirts, shoulders and handballs it’s a common sight in everyday football.
The outbursts of anger towards Eduardo’s dive against Celtic and now Henry are a reflection of today’s society. This is a form of Political Correctness is sport. As in society we take the moral high ground in order to succeed or to make others feel inferior, ultimately to win an argument. This PC world is a false attempt at bettering oneself over others.
Now it has entered our sporting arenas. Ireland are taking the moral high ground, their false PC attitude is an attempt to win. To brand a player like Henry a cheat based on a single error is an outrageous accusation. If roles were reversed would Irish players fulfil the acts they are requesting from Henry, France and Fifa most certainly not.
The fact is hand balls are apart of football, they have won, games, titles, and world cups. Maradonas hand ball gained a greater reward than Henrys. Both players are considered to be great players of their generation. In the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, there was no technology to call on or request, referees decisions were accepted and the game moved on. What saved Maradonna was that after his now famous Hand of God he scored one of the greatest goals ever. The skill and beauty defined the player that was Maradona. Henrys hand ball was not followed up with a moment of foot balling splendour, although his is career full of them. Henry will have to wait until the World Cup to wipe out his error with a goal to equal the greats.
Henry has let himself down on the follow up act. To celebrate so intensely on an act of wrongness was disgraceful. To sit in false sympathy with Irish player’s grotesque, and to admit and request a replay was an act of a false martyr of footballs Fair Play. Henry played the other side of the Political Correctness game. He did and said the right things knowing they would be rendered useless, he took a moral high ground to protect himself, for some he can be called the cheat with a false conscience.
For Martin Hansson the referee there is a great injustice, until that moment he had managed the game excellently. He is suffering the fact that refereeing decisions are not about rules of the game but about money. Refereeing decisions are always read with the words “such decisions cost a team money”. A referee is not an overseer of accounts and financial costs but of rules and laws. Like all rules they are there to be broken. Flying a yellow flag of Fair Play is a dismal attempt to oust player arrogance. Fifas and UEFAs inability to enter the modern sporting world of the fourth referee will allow players arrogance to thrive.
It is in the hands of Fifa and UEFA to end these sagas. The technology is there and other sports like tennis and rugby have shown that the game can continue unhindered. It is correct that a replay is not granted, because for now handballs and diving are an accepted method of gaining the advantage. It is not the sole responsibility of the referee to fly the Fair Play Flag. It lies on the shoulders of players and mangers but above all Fifa. It is Fifa who have the power to end all this, it is they who have the power to ensure a greater level of fairness. As they mull over this Henry will have to live with his conscience.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Ireland passion not enough
We waited a long time for an Irish performance in soccer. When it arrived again it disappointed. Once again our hearts and expectation have been teased and dumped. Against Italy we had it in the bag losing out to a last minute equaliser. We were dashed but thankful of a play off place. The journey could continue.
On Saturday the teams performance was outstanding for the first half. We had belief at half time. This was it this was our moment again. We were back, back to the good old days. For the first time in a long time we looked like a team. But like all good things in Ireland at present it did not last. Graeme Souses remarked that France had another gear.
As Ireland failed with fatigue, France notched it one only half a gear and took the spoils. Anelkas deflected shot was cruel to us all. Ireland persevered and had their chances to get a draw. But it was not to be, the old days still a distant memory.
The playoffs are about letting the best teams go to the World Cup. France is the better team without doubt. For Ireland to go to Paris and win is a big ask. For fourth five minutes we had France, we had bravery, commitment and passion but no direct skill, not world class player to change the game. France had Anelka, Henry. For team in apparently in disarray with their manager, France showed us passion means noting, to win its about skill and so it was.
For Ireland now face a trip to Paris. Last time they got a draw, this time they must win. To do so Ireland need to go out all guns blazing, get a goal within the first thirty minutes. If they manage that then who knows, but fitness might undo Ireland again as it did on Saturday. Extra time could kill Ireland’s hopes in Paris, and to ask Ireland to score twice is a stretch too far.
Irish fans have been hurt to many times to get their hopes up. But another summer without World Cup football will be the final nail in the coffin.
On Saturday the teams performance was outstanding for the first half. We had belief at half time. This was it this was our moment again. We were back, back to the good old days. For the first time in a long time we looked like a team. But like all good things in Ireland at present it did not last. Graeme Souses remarked that France had another gear.
As Ireland failed with fatigue, France notched it one only half a gear and took the spoils. Anelkas deflected shot was cruel to us all. Ireland persevered and had their chances to get a draw. But it was not to be, the old days still a distant memory.
The playoffs are about letting the best teams go to the World Cup. France is the better team without doubt. For Ireland to go to Paris and win is a big ask. For fourth five minutes we had France, we had bravery, commitment and passion but no direct skill, not world class player to change the game. France had Anelka, Henry. For team in apparently in disarray with their manager, France showed us passion means noting, to win its about skill and so it was.
For Ireland now face a trip to Paris. Last time they got a draw, this time they must win. To do so Ireland need to go out all guns blazing, get a goal within the first thirty minutes. If they manage that then who knows, but fitness might undo Ireland again as it did on Saturday. Extra time could kill Ireland’s hopes in Paris, and to ask Ireland to score twice is a stretch too far.
Irish fans have been hurt to many times to get their hopes up. But another summer without World Cup football will be the final nail in the coffin.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Robinsons International Return
Former England head coach Andy Robinson will venture back into the international scene. He will do so as Scotland’s coach and first up are the tricky Fijians. It’s hard to believe that three years ago Robinson left the reigns of English Rugby. A time no doubt he will be happy to forget that is in terms of statistic anyway, nine wins out of twenty two games.
It is difficult to judge Robinsons International managerial talent. Lets face it the task of England was difficult for anyone. He took over at time when English rugby had many a change of guard and old battered war heroes retired with their world cup medal firmly pinned to their chests. English rugby had peaked. Under Clive Woodward English rugby was seven years waiting to peak. It finally did in winning the world cup. Robinson was not going to be given time to rebuild. World Champions have never fallen as quickly as the English rugby team.
England is still seeking a team that can justify its World Championship title. Robinsons tenure as England manager did him few favours. However he has gone on to a successful time as Edinburgh head coach. Success that has opened the door back to international rugby again. He now has a team were expectation is limited. There’s no world cup or glorified players to defend.
Robinson can quietly go about his business in Scotland. As things are he seems to be pressing all the right buttons up North. Most noticeably he has learnt the importance of the press. This week players have been doing media work for all but one day. Robinson has even invited fans and journalist to an open training session, as he says himself " the open session is important to kick of the autumn international".
Robinson is also making big decisions. Allister Hoggs is replaced by a young twenty two year old Alex Grove. Hoggs was Scottish captain last season. Robinson has overcome his fear of the press. As England coach he was always heavily criticised. Robinson seems to have overcome this and is happy to be back in the spot light. This time Robinson is there as a proven coach after his success with Edinburgh.
As like any sport, results will count to how good Robinson is as an international manager. We would expect Scotland to win this weekend, but we can make allowances for a new manager. But unlike in England he has a whole new nation of talent and players to choose from, a lot more than what he had down North. To the Scottish players he will have new ideas. Ideas that got lost in the transition in England. Coaching England was a case of teaching old dogs old tricks. Now it’s new for all concerned. The autumn internationals are about pulling one over the big teams, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The coming tests are the building process. Like all managers The Six Nations will define Robinson as an international manager.
It is difficult to judge Robinsons International managerial talent. Lets face it the task of England was difficult for anyone. He took over at time when English rugby had many a change of guard and old battered war heroes retired with their world cup medal firmly pinned to their chests. English rugby had peaked. Under Clive Woodward English rugby was seven years waiting to peak. It finally did in winning the world cup. Robinson was not going to be given time to rebuild. World Champions have never fallen as quickly as the English rugby team.
England is still seeking a team that can justify its World Championship title. Robinsons tenure as England manager did him few favours. However he has gone on to a successful time as Edinburgh head coach. Success that has opened the door back to international rugby again. He now has a team were expectation is limited. There’s no world cup or glorified players to defend.
Robinson can quietly go about his business in Scotland. As things are he seems to be pressing all the right buttons up North. Most noticeably he has learnt the importance of the press. This week players have been doing media work for all but one day. Robinson has even invited fans and journalist to an open training session, as he says himself " the open session is important to kick of the autumn international".
Robinson is also making big decisions. Allister Hoggs is replaced by a young twenty two year old Alex Grove. Hoggs was Scottish captain last season. Robinson has overcome his fear of the press. As England coach he was always heavily criticised. Robinson seems to have overcome this and is happy to be back in the spot light. This time Robinson is there as a proven coach after his success with Edinburgh.
As like any sport, results will count to how good Robinson is as an international manager. We would expect Scotland to win this weekend, but we can make allowances for a new manager. But unlike in England he has a whole new nation of talent and players to choose from, a lot more than what he had down North. To the Scottish players he will have new ideas. Ideas that got lost in the transition in England. Coaching England was a case of teaching old dogs old tricks. Now it’s new for all concerned. The autumn internationals are about pulling one over the big teams, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The coming tests are the building process. Like all managers The Six Nations will define Robinson as an international manager.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Autumn Tests
Its that time of year again when you know Autumn has finally arrived. The Autumn tests mark the true start of the Rugby Calendar. The visit of the Southern Hemisphere is always inspiring. The Northerners hoping to claim a scalp or two over their travelling counterparts.
English fans lived in hopes of granger leading the Australians at half time. But such hopes short lived. One match in to the international calendar and the English pack is under question. Johnson expects England to learn from it lose. But many an English fan will wonder when this learning by defeat will end. England need to start knowing by winning. Already Dallaglio is asking for a new look team and a younger selection. England need to blood young players, but Johnson is not taking that responsibility. For England these are the years of discontent.
Wales and New Zealand. Always look forward to this fixture it constantly delivers entertainment and excitement. But this year not so. Even the Hakka seemed a little subdued. A tight game but Wales showed done of their invention. Both teams failed to turn it on.
With the Southerners recovering from the Tri Nations they are already up to match speed and fitness. What’s worse is they don’t seem to be tiring. Difficult for England and Wales too perform off the cold foot. We wait to see what the other matches will bring, but you can only assume the Southerners will do what they do best and win.
English fans lived in hopes of granger leading the Australians at half time. But such hopes short lived. One match in to the international calendar and the English pack is under question. Johnson expects England to learn from it lose. But many an English fan will wonder when this learning by defeat will end. England need to start knowing by winning. Already Dallaglio is asking for a new look team and a younger selection. England need to blood young players, but Johnson is not taking that responsibility. For England these are the years of discontent.
Wales and New Zealand. Always look forward to this fixture it constantly delivers entertainment and excitement. But this year not so. Even the Hakka seemed a little subdued. A tight game but Wales showed done of their invention. Both teams failed to turn it on.
With the Southerners recovering from the Tri Nations they are already up to match speed and fitness. What’s worse is they don’t seem to be tiring. Difficult for England and Wales too perform off the cold foot. We wait to see what the other matches will bring, but you can only assume the Southerners will do what they do best and win.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Final Whistle
Last nights game at Old Trafford was a clear reminder of what Manchester United are all about. Over the years Sir Alex Ferguson has over seen many a United team. Players have come and gone, and there’s been many a change of guard. But one thing that has never changed and that’s United’s inability to give up, to fight to the bitter end.
Defensive errors saw United go two goals down at 3-1. The final flurry by United last night against CSKA Moscow, was typical United. The fight back was not about winning, nor was it about maintaining a undefeated record, it was about pride and honour.
United do not give up easily, they fight on and this is a characteristic of all Fergusons teams through the years. From Marks Huges late goal against Oldham in 1994 FA Cup semi final. The goal granted United a replay, they would go to win the cup. The Champions League final 1999, United fought to the end and pressured Bayern Munich. There reward two late goals in injury time and victory.
There seems to be a mentality about United teams. United don't except score lines. If you’re going to be defeated, then lose fighting. When you take the fight on, work hard and don't give up you get results like United.
A lot is made about the so called 'Fergie Time' but United play to the final whistle, and these days very few matched end on the ninetieth minute. United don't create injury time their opposition do. Under pressure oppositions crumble. They start fouling, faking injury, making substitutes all adds to the injury time.
At Old Trafford you have to play to the end, the final whistle. United will never lose without a fight. This is a trate embedded in all United sides since Ferguson became manager. It is not that often you will see a United team slump to a defeat. Watching the game last night you just knew, you felt United were going to claw this game back and they did.
Even as they equalised United were not finished. They continued to pressure and hunt down a victory. Open at the back as they pressurised CSKA, they ran the risk of being hit on the counter. Having equalised United did not close up and accept the point. They fought on in seeking victory.
As they say you have to create your own luck, and last night United did. A wicked deflection of a Valencia long shot made it all square. If United had accepted defeat, given up that shot would never have happened, and the point not saved. Over twenty years at the helm, opposition still don’t realise that Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United do not give up, especially at Old Trafford.
Defensive errors saw United go two goals down at 3-1. The final flurry by United last night against CSKA Moscow, was typical United. The fight back was not about winning, nor was it about maintaining a undefeated record, it was about pride and honour.
United do not give up easily, they fight on and this is a characteristic of all Fergusons teams through the years. From Marks Huges late goal against Oldham in 1994 FA Cup semi final. The goal granted United a replay, they would go to win the cup. The Champions League final 1999, United fought to the end and pressured Bayern Munich. There reward two late goals in injury time and victory.
There seems to be a mentality about United teams. United don't except score lines. If you’re going to be defeated, then lose fighting. When you take the fight on, work hard and don't give up you get results like United.
A lot is made about the so called 'Fergie Time' but United play to the final whistle, and these days very few matched end on the ninetieth minute. United don't create injury time their opposition do. Under pressure oppositions crumble. They start fouling, faking injury, making substitutes all adds to the injury time.
At Old Trafford you have to play to the end, the final whistle. United will never lose without a fight. This is a trate embedded in all United sides since Ferguson became manager. It is not that often you will see a United team slump to a defeat. Watching the game last night you just knew, you felt United were going to claw this game back and they did.
Even as they equalised United were not finished. They continued to pressure and hunt down a victory. Open at the back as they pressurised CSKA, they ran the risk of being hit on the counter. Having equalised United did not close up and accept the point. They fought on in seeking victory.
As they say you have to create your own luck, and last night United did. A wicked deflection of a Valencia long shot made it all square. If United had accepted defeat, given up that shot would never have happened, and the point not saved. Over twenty years at the helm, opposition still don’t realise that Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United do not give up, especially at Old Trafford.
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