Six minutes was all it took for Juan Mata to make an impact with his new club, a cross-field pass perfectly picking out Patrice Evra and a matter of seconds later, the net was rippling. If this is a sign of things to come, then United fans better get excited.
Sealed with club record £37.1m from rivals Chelsea, Mata has arrived with arguably a massive weight on his shoulders and the hopes of Manchester United fans across the globe that he can turn their fortunes around. But no pressure was evident, as Mata would float around the pitch, popping up everywhere. Within minutes he was pinging passes across the field, much back to the days when he was a regular in the Chelsea XI. I still find it astonishing that Chelsea and Mourinho were willing to leave Mata out of the starting line-up and then go on to sell him, but it has worked fantastically in United's favour.
Not one player can turn a club's season around and for Moyes and his players, there is plenty of work to do. But United can make a good stab of it, particularly if strikers Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie stay fit; the latter getting on the score-sheet after only six minutes into his return tonight. At times against a plucky Cardiff side, led by former United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, they would concede possession easily and were chasing the game. I am yet to be really convince by Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling - are they really the future of the English side? Manchester United did play okay - comfortable more than anything - but if they lose possession against a better side in the future, they will be punished. They certainly need to improve.
But for now, Mata's arrival has injected a much-needed buzz to Old Trafford. It's a big signal of intent from David Moyes, to say to their rivals 'listen, don't forget about us.' Mata will go on to be a Manchester United great, his creativity and vision is what they need in what is a side this campaign that is lacking any real conviction. It may be too late to save their season and a Champions League spot now, but the potential is there for beyond - and all that remains to be seen is whether Chelsea have made a big mistake letting their two-time Player of the Year slip from their grasp.
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
Thursday, 30 May 2013
Myself and my football ramblings.
Hiya all!
Apologies for not having posted in a little while - for the last month or so, I've pretty much been full speed ahead with a lot of things!
First off, I have finally finished my second year of University! As much as this year went quickly for me, the work seemed to drag on and on, so it's more of a relief than anything that I've finished for the summer. Four months of summer holiday await for me, and I cannot wait.
However, I have actually been fairly busy recently since I left University to come home! The last week, I have been completing work experience at the Independent newspaper, based in Central London. I have found the experience different to my time spent at magazines earlier in the year, but I have found it an enjoyable one! It's given me vital experience and guidance on where I possibly will want to go after University next year - and I'm looking forward to coming back in July for another week. At this moment in time, the big dream is to go to New York and work there - if not full-time then I'd like to do an internship first and go from there. I also have been job-hunting for a summer job, to keep me busy! I successfully got a job working at the South of England show for a few days, as well as a interview on Saturday for working at Gatwick Airport; keep your fingers crossed for me please people!
I've been to a few football matches - one of them seeing my beloved Brighton and Hove Albion losing in the play-offs to our arch rivals Crystal Palace. That was a horrible match - I think most of us Brighton fans were fairly confident going into the play-offs, and how that came back to bite us. It's all gone downhill since, with our management all suspended, players leaving and whatnot... It's not been the toughest time being a Brighton fan to say the least, but it has been very testing. I have full faith in Tony Bloom and the club however - as much as it is frustrating not knowing anything, it's better this way than things being leaked all the time. It's being handled internally for a reason - and it's very professionally done by the club.
If he was to stay, would Gus be welcomed back? Half and half I reckon; on one hand, he's done fantastically with us and taken us to the play-offs within two seasons of being back in the Championship. On the other, he's fast becoming a little unpopular with the fans - has his ego gotten to big for the club? Most likely. It'd be hard to see him stay after all this, but it's not impossible. I hope it is sorted sooner rather than later, so the club can focus on next season and rebuilding to challenge for the play-offs once more - I hope!
I've seen a couple of women's football matches recently - both at Premier League grounds. One was Arsenal Ladies v Liverpool Ladies at the Emirates; although the result was very disappointing from a Arsenal perspective, I found the Emirates very impressive. What would have been better, is a bigger crowd. I believe there was only a crowd of around 2,000 for the game, which me and my football team found rather disappointing. It probably felt a lot less too, due to the size of the Emirates.
The second game me and my football team-mates went to was the women's Champions League at Chelsea's stadium, Stamford Bridge. That was impressive, and the crowd was a staggering 19,258 - impressive for a women's football game in the UK outside of the Olympics. I really hope that the Olympic legacy will help women's football continue to grow - with the women's FA Cup Final shown on the TV and the Euro's due to be shown in the summer, the coverage of the sport is beginning to grow. I'm so pleased - I know women's football may never be as 'big' as the men's game, but it is growing, slowly but steadily.
I believe that is all for now, so I shall end my little ramblings. Any comments on the issues above, just drop one below! Always be glad to hear from you lovely lot.
Adios, and happy reading x
Apologies for not having posted in a little while - for the last month or so, I've pretty much been full speed ahead with a lot of things!
First off, I have finally finished my second year of University! As much as this year went quickly for me, the work seemed to drag on and on, so it's more of a relief than anything that I've finished for the summer. Four months of summer holiday await for me, and I cannot wait.
However, I have actually been fairly busy recently since I left University to come home! The last week, I have been completing work experience at the Independent newspaper, based in Central London. I have found the experience different to my time spent at magazines earlier in the year, but I have found it an enjoyable one! It's given me vital experience and guidance on where I possibly will want to go after University next year - and I'm looking forward to coming back in July for another week. At this moment in time, the big dream is to go to New York and work there - if not full-time then I'd like to do an internship first and go from there. I also have been job-hunting for a summer job, to keep me busy! I successfully got a job working at the South of England show for a few days, as well as a interview on Saturday for working at Gatwick Airport; keep your fingers crossed for me please people!
I've been to a few football matches - one of them seeing my beloved Brighton and Hove Albion losing in the play-offs to our arch rivals Crystal Palace. That was a horrible match - I think most of us Brighton fans were fairly confident going into the play-offs, and how that came back to bite us. It's all gone downhill since, with our management all suspended, players leaving and whatnot... It's not been the toughest time being a Brighton fan to say the least, but it has been very testing. I have full faith in Tony Bloom and the club however - as much as it is frustrating not knowing anything, it's better this way than things being leaked all the time. It's being handled internally for a reason - and it's very professionally done by the club.
If he was to stay, would Gus be welcomed back? Half and half I reckon; on one hand, he's done fantastically with us and taken us to the play-offs within two seasons of being back in the Championship. On the other, he's fast becoming a little unpopular with the fans - has his ego gotten to big for the club? Most likely. It'd be hard to see him stay after all this, but it's not impossible. I hope it is sorted sooner rather than later, so the club can focus on next season and rebuilding to challenge for the play-offs once more - I hope!
I've seen a couple of women's football matches recently - both at Premier League grounds. One was Arsenal Ladies v Liverpool Ladies at the Emirates; although the result was very disappointing from a Arsenal perspective, I found the Emirates very impressive. What would have been better, is a bigger crowd. I believe there was only a crowd of around 2,000 for the game, which me and my football team found rather disappointing. It probably felt a lot less too, due to the size of the Emirates.
The second game me and my football team-mates went to was the women's Champions League at Chelsea's stadium, Stamford Bridge. That was impressive, and the crowd was a staggering 19,258 - impressive for a women's football game in the UK outside of the Olympics. I really hope that the Olympic legacy will help women's football continue to grow - with the women's FA Cup Final shown on the TV and the Euro's due to be shown in the summer, the coverage of the sport is beginning to grow. I'm so pleased - I know women's football may never be as 'big' as the men's game, but it is growing, slowly but steadily.
I believe that is all for now, so I shall end my little ramblings. Any comments on the issues above, just drop one below! Always be glad to hear from you lovely lot.
Adios, and happy reading x
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Gone... But not goodbye
The footballing world was undoubtedly beyond shocked, as Manchester United gave confirmation that long-serving manager Sir Alex Ferguson was to retire at the end of the season; just two weeks after leading the Red Devils to their record 20th title.
No-one saw this coming. At all. It's a major shock - personally, I thought he could have gone a couple more seasons at least, maybe even longer until his health physically wouldn't let him manage anymore. That's one thing we have to remember; no-one is invincible. The man is 71, he cannot go on forever - as much as we may all want him to.
Regardless of whoever you support, you cannot deny the man is a legend. The greatest manager possibly ever, definitely the best manager in the English league. And quite frankly if you don't agree with that, you do not understand football.
In his 26 years at United, Fergie has won 38 trophies - that impressive haul includes 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups. That record is undisputed - and yet we remember his first two seasons in charge of United were unsuccessful. In fact, United were going to sack him! But they stuck with him, and now, they have knocked Liverpool off their perch to be the most successful club in England.
He may be hypocritical, he may be arrogant but my goodness, he is utterly brilliant. I don't think any manager will eclipse quite what Fergie has done in his wonderful United career, and the respect he has gained throughout the World for this, is enormous. This is clearly evident from the amount of people who today, have said publicly spoke about how brilliant the man is. He's the man who could get his team to turn a game around and do the impossible. He puts his faith in the youth of today, and can make little known teenagers turn into some of the best footballers on the planet. There's just something about Fergie which makes him just pure brilliance.
Whoever his successor may be (I think David Moyes would be perfect for the job), they have certainly massive boots to follow. But I stand up and applaud a brilliant manager, one that has done a lot for the game. He may be going, but this is not goodbye.
So I say,
Farewell Fergie. And thanks for everything.
No-one saw this coming. At all. It's a major shock - personally, I thought he could have gone a couple more seasons at least, maybe even longer until his health physically wouldn't let him manage anymore. That's one thing we have to remember; no-one is invincible. The man is 71, he cannot go on forever - as much as we may all want him to.
Regardless of whoever you support, you cannot deny the man is a legend. The greatest manager possibly ever, definitely the best manager in the English league. And quite frankly if you don't agree with that, you do not understand football.
In his 26 years at United, Fergie has won 38 trophies - that impressive haul includes 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups. That record is undisputed - and yet we remember his first two seasons in charge of United were unsuccessful. In fact, United were going to sack him! But they stuck with him, and now, they have knocked Liverpool off their perch to be the most successful club in England.
He may be hypocritical, he may be arrogant but my goodness, he is utterly brilliant. I don't think any manager will eclipse quite what Fergie has done in his wonderful United career, and the respect he has gained throughout the World for this, is enormous. This is clearly evident from the amount of people who today, have said publicly spoke about how brilliant the man is. He's the man who could get his team to turn a game around and do the impossible. He puts his faith in the youth of today, and can make little known teenagers turn into some of the best footballers on the planet. There's just something about Fergie which makes him just pure brilliance.
Whoever his successor may be (I think David Moyes would be perfect for the job), they have certainly massive boots to follow. But I stand up and applaud a brilliant manager, one that has done a lot for the game. He may be going, but this is not goodbye.
So I say,
Farewell Fergie. And thanks for everything.
Friday, 19 April 2013
PFA Player of The Year nominations
You know that the football season is nigh, when word comes through of who has been shortlisted for this season PFA Player of the Year award in the Barclay's Premier League. This season has felt like it has flown by, but here we are again - facing another two or three months without Football; I don't know how we're all going to cope!
The six players nominated for the prestigious award are:
In my view, I think this man without a shadow of a doubt will swoop the prize - and that man is Gareth Bale. Bale this season has been outstanding for Spurs, jinxing his way through opposition teams and scoring 17 goals, with half of them probably being goal of the season contenders. There's no doubt that this season has been one of Bale's best; Spurs will need to keep him if they want to aim for Champions League football next season, or if in fact they do qualify this year. Bale is like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in ways - he makes dribbling and everything he does easy, with a venomous left foot and such grace and balance when he plays. It's hard to believe that Spurs were set to loan him out to Birmingham at one point earlier in his career - now the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid are after his services. He surely will sweep the board and win this award and quite frankly, I can't think of a more deserving winner.
A note on the other contenders - it is nice to see Carrick nominated, a pleasant surprise. He has been outstanding this season, and having ousted his way back into contention for the England squads, it is very much deserved. He has been the unsung hero of United's campaign, with all of the limelight mainly on their star signing Robin van Persie - who's nomination is nothing than you expected but is equally deserved. Suarez has been stellar all season and profilic, whilst Mata and Hazard have been at the heart of Chelsea's campaign, the clogs in the machine of their midfield. One player that should have been nominated I felt is Swansea's Michu - he is one, if not, of the signings of the summer, and has been prolific since his arrival in Wales. Outstanding striker, and does deserve a mention.
Who do you think will swoop the prestigious Player of the Year? Let me know!
The six players nominated for the prestigious award are:
- Gareth Bale
- Luis Suarez
- Michael Carrick
- Robin van Persie
- Eden Hazard
- Juan Mata
In my view, I think this man without a shadow of a doubt will swoop the prize - and that man is Gareth Bale. Bale this season has been outstanding for Spurs, jinxing his way through opposition teams and scoring 17 goals, with half of them probably being goal of the season contenders. There's no doubt that this season has been one of Bale's best; Spurs will need to keep him if they want to aim for Champions League football next season, or if in fact they do qualify this year. Bale is like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in ways - he makes dribbling and everything he does easy, with a venomous left foot and such grace and balance when he plays. It's hard to believe that Spurs were set to loan him out to Birmingham at one point earlier in his career - now the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid are after his services. He surely will sweep the board and win this award and quite frankly, I can't think of a more deserving winner.
A note on the other contenders - it is nice to see Carrick nominated, a pleasant surprise. He has been outstanding this season, and having ousted his way back into contention for the England squads, it is very much deserved. He has been the unsung hero of United's campaign, with all of the limelight mainly on their star signing Robin van Persie - who's nomination is nothing than you expected but is equally deserved. Suarez has been stellar all season and profilic, whilst Mata and Hazard have been at the heart of Chelsea's campaign, the clogs in the machine of their midfield. One player that should have been nominated I felt is Swansea's Michu - he is one, if not, of the signings of the summer, and has been prolific since his arrival in Wales. Outstanding striker, and does deserve a mention.
Who do you think will swoop the prestigious Player of the Year? Let me know!
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
Odd Football ramblings
Football. I don't know about you guys, but I'm pretty sure I live and breathe it. I'd be so lost if I didn't play Football. It's odd how one sport can make someone have so much emotion towards just 22 players kicking a ball around, but we do. I do. And a lot has happened in the football world, which this blog is about - football ramblings!
First of, I want to extend my congratulations to everyone connected to Cardiff City FC - their players, staff, fans etc. I for one is pleased to see them in the top flight; they've deserved it for so long and they've got a good manager and squad. For a team that has been always challenging the top of the Championship, it's no more than they deserve than to finally end 51 years of hurt and go up to play with the big guns.
I'm also sad to see Portsmouth relegated, a football club which has so much history. It's hard to believe that it was only in 2009 that they had top class players such as Niko Kranjcar and Kevin-Prince Boateng in their starting line-ups - now they have had big financial trouble, in administration and will be playing their football in League Two next season. I know it must be fantastic for Southampton fans that their arch rivals are down, but I'm sad for them and their fans. At least now, with Pompey's Supporters Trust in charge of the club, they can rebuild from stratch. I have no doubt that they will be back challenging in the Championship in no time, so keep the faith Pompey fans!
I come onto now the amount of violence and hooglanism football has seem to have over the last few days - quite frankly, I am appalled. For starters, I really don't see why some Millwall supporters (a minority may I add) found the need to scrap amongst themselves and the Police? It's done nothing but let their club down, who already have a bad enough reputation as it is. It was utterly stupid for them to behave like that, and I feel for their 'proper' fans - fans who were there just to watch their team. To then have the following day Newcastle fans riot in their OWN CITY was just disgraceful - again, was there really any point? Once again I say, all they have done is brought shame on their club - and once again I shall say this was a minority. I hope the authorites and the Football Association take swift action with both incidents.
And my final rambling focuses on the FA, and their lack of punishment for both Callum McManaman's horrendous challenge on Newcastle defender Massadio Haidara, as well as Sergio Aguero's two-footed stamp on Chelsea's David Luiz at the weekend. Both men should have received red cards for their appalling challenges at the time, and should have also received bans. However, thanks to the FA's rule, both escaped bans. Why? The FA say they don't 'have enough authority' to punish both, thanks to their ruling which states if a match official saw the challenge in question, yet didn't act on it, nothing can be done. Basically. Which is a load of tripe. The FA need to change their rulings or risk continuing to make themselves look like a laughing stock organisation, by letting horrific challenges such as McManaman's go unpunished.
And here, I shall conclude on my ramblings. As always, I would love to hear your thoughts - do you think the FA should change their rules? How do you think Cardiff will fare in the Championship next season? Let me know below!
P.s. I'm incredibly sorry for neglecting this blog for such a long time - I could give a long list of excuses but none would be acceptable... The obscene amount of second year uni work though may be a factor.
Friday, 8 February 2013
My top five deals in the January transfer window!
In the life of any football fan, transfer deadline day is the day when all work is put on hold, sick days are pulled and the home television set is purely reserved for Sky Sports News and the likes of Jim White. This one day every year in January and August excites football fans across the land, as tension builds up towards the dreaded deadline with questions being thrown about everywhere - will my club sign anyone? How many will 'Arry Redknapp sign today? Will Ronaldinho move to Blackburn!? Oh what a wonderous day.
But alas, it has been and gone. Until August we must wait... But last month's transfer window brought the excitement we all needed, with big deals being concluded throughout the land. One of my teams' did sign a big player - Matthew Upson went to Brighton AH - and the other signed a player to start in the Summer - Wilfred Zaha to Manchester United, even more AH - but it was other clubs were my eye was caught for the majority of the window. So low behold, here are my top five transfer window deals!
1. Lewis Holtby
Signed to Tottenham Hotspur from Schalke. £1.75m
This, for me, was one of the best deals I had seen in the January transfer window for a while - Lewis Holtby. As an attacking midfielder, Holtby had been catching Premier League clubs (and my) eye for a number of seasons and finally, it was announced he'd sign for Spurs in the Summer. However, Spurs' injury woes forced the club to sign the highly-rated German international sooner - and to be honest, I couldn't wait until the summer to see him in the Premier League! Outstanding player who is bound to settle in well and make a big impact; he's the midfielder England have missed out on terribly. His vision and his passing will work well with Tottenham's play - absolute bargain too at £1.75 million.
2. Moussa Sissoko
Signed to Newcastle United from Toulouse. £2.5m
Another fantastic signing who is already showing his worth in the Premier League. A bargain at £2.5 million, a part of Newcastle's new French legion is strong, pacy and attacking; just the player Newcastle needs after letting star player Demba Ba leave. We all saw how easily he got past Ashley Cole - yes ASHLEY COLE - the other day against Chelsea, and then scoring the equalising and winning goals; making him an instant Toon favourite. Only 23, this player is a star for the future.
3. Daniel Sturridge
Signed to Liverpool from Chelsea. £12m
A good move by Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool has seen English international Daniel Sturridge make to Merseyside, and switched for blue for the red of Liverpool. Quite frankly, a very decent signing - Sturridge is a good quality, young striker but he needed (and deserved) to be at a club where he is going to get playing time. Liverpool on the other hand, only had Luis Suarez as their recongized striker, so this move works out well for all parties. Maybe 12 million is a bit excessive, but a very good player with lots of potential - could force his way back into Roy Hodgson's England plans with more playing time.
4. Mathieu Debuchy
Signed to Newcastle United from Lille. £5m
This saga threatened to rival the Cesc Fabregas 'will he-won't he' tale between his move from Arsenal to Barcelona but finally, Newcastle landed their man - left back Mathieu Debuchy. Debuchy impressed with his performances for both former club Lille and for the French international team during Euro 2012, and I really rate this player. He's solid at the back, but he's also great at attacking and getting forward with his team - your perfect left-back so to speak. I'll tip him to impress in the Premiership - really is a top player.
5. Demba Ba
Signed to Chelsea from Newcastle United. £7m
I do feel sorry for Newcastle fans by the way Ba acted but hey, at least it wasn't as bad as Peter Odemwingie! Demba Ba has proved himself as a profilic goal-scorer in the Premier League, and he's your typical centre forward - powerful, good in the air and he has that goal scoring instinct. He'll do well at Chelsea - how long he'll stay there is anyone's guess - and he'll provide good competition for Fernando Torres. He's the striker Chelsea needs up front to replace the big hole Didier Drogba left.
Who is your top five transfer deals? Were you happy with who your club signed? Drop a comment below!
But alas, it has been and gone. Until August we must wait... But last month's transfer window brought the excitement we all needed, with big deals being concluded throughout the land. One of my teams' did sign a big player - Matthew Upson went to Brighton AH - and the other signed a player to start in the Summer - Wilfred Zaha to Manchester United, even more AH - but it was other clubs were my eye was caught for the majority of the window. So low behold, here are my top five transfer window deals!
1. Lewis Holtby
Signed to Tottenham Hotspur from Schalke. £1.75m
This, for me, was one of the best deals I had seen in the January transfer window for a while - Lewis Holtby. As an attacking midfielder, Holtby had been catching Premier League clubs (and my) eye for a number of seasons and finally, it was announced he'd sign for Spurs in the Summer. However, Spurs' injury woes forced the club to sign the highly-rated German international sooner - and to be honest, I couldn't wait until the summer to see him in the Premier League! Outstanding player who is bound to settle in well and make a big impact; he's the midfielder England have missed out on terribly. His vision and his passing will work well with Tottenham's play - absolute bargain too at £1.75 million.
2. Moussa Sissoko
Signed to Newcastle United from Toulouse. £2.5m
Another fantastic signing who is already showing his worth in the Premier League. A bargain at £2.5 million, a part of Newcastle's new French legion is strong, pacy and attacking; just the player Newcastle needs after letting star player Demba Ba leave. We all saw how easily he got past Ashley Cole - yes ASHLEY COLE - the other day against Chelsea, and then scoring the equalising and winning goals; making him an instant Toon favourite. Only 23, this player is a star for the future.
3. Daniel Sturridge
Signed to Liverpool from Chelsea. £12m
A good move by Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool has seen English international Daniel Sturridge make to Merseyside, and switched for blue for the red of Liverpool. Quite frankly, a very decent signing - Sturridge is a good quality, young striker but he needed (and deserved) to be at a club where he is going to get playing time. Liverpool on the other hand, only had Luis Suarez as their recongized striker, so this move works out well for all parties. Maybe 12 million is a bit excessive, but a very good player with lots of potential - could force his way back into Roy Hodgson's England plans with more playing time.
4. Mathieu Debuchy
Signed to Newcastle United from Lille. £5m
This saga threatened to rival the Cesc Fabregas 'will he-won't he' tale between his move from Arsenal to Barcelona but finally, Newcastle landed their man - left back Mathieu Debuchy. Debuchy impressed with his performances for both former club Lille and for the French international team during Euro 2012, and I really rate this player. He's solid at the back, but he's also great at attacking and getting forward with his team - your perfect left-back so to speak. I'll tip him to impress in the Premiership - really is a top player.
5. Demba Ba
Signed to Chelsea from Newcastle United. £7m
I do feel sorry for Newcastle fans by the way Ba acted but hey, at least it wasn't as bad as Peter Odemwingie! Demba Ba has proved himself as a profilic goal-scorer in the Premier League, and he's your typical centre forward - powerful, good in the air and he has that goal scoring instinct. He'll do well at Chelsea - how long he'll stay there is anyone's guess - and he'll provide good competition for Fernando Torres. He's the striker Chelsea needs up front to replace the big hole Didier Drogba left.
Who is your top five transfer deals? Were you happy with who your club signed? Drop a comment below!
Thursday, 24 January 2013
The crazy world of Football
Ah Football. What a crazy world it has become; we've seen chickens and cats invade pitches before, we've seen fans run onto the pitch to attack players... but never have we seen a player sent off for kicking a ball-boy.
Yep, you red that right - last night during Chelsea's League Cup semi-final away against Swansea, midfielder Eden Hazard was sent off. Why? Because he kicked a ball-boy. Never has this happened in the beautiful game. This could quite possibly be the most bizarre sending off ever to occur on the pitch, but I feel Chris Foy had no option but to send Hazard to an early bath. I mean, the ball-boy didn't help matters; he decided to lay on the ball, prompting Hazard to try poke at it with his foot. A swift little kick and the boy was sent sprawling, chaos erupting. Both were in the wrong - the ball-boy should have just returned the ball, Hazard should have kept a clear head.
But it is downright bizarre, and it's not the only bizarre sending off the game has seen.
Eric Cantona - Eric 'the King' Cantona was not so high and mighty during a game between Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Cantona was already being sent off for kicking out at Palace defender Richard Shaw, and decide to launch 'kung-fu' style at Palace fan Matthew Simmons. This resulted in a 8 month ban for Cantona, and him almost quitting United.
Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer - A very bizarre incident between the then team-mates; Newcastle were nearing the end of a 3-0 thrashing at home by Aston Villa, when a brawl broke out between the pair, causing stunned team-mates and opposition players to seperate them. Dyer was banned for three matches, whilst Bowyer was banned for four - it was judged he had been the aggressor. Not sure how they figured that one out.
Arsene Wenger - during Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at Manchester United back in 2008, Arsene Wenger was seen gleefully celebrating what he thought was an equalising goal by Robin Van Persie - which was then disallowed. Of course outraged, Arsene decides to vent his anger by kicking a water bottle, who is promptly sent to the stands by ref Mike Dean. For kicking a water bottle. Oh deary me.
Esteban Alvarado - AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado was sent off for kicking a fan that tried to attack him. An Ajax fan ran onto the pitch whilst the two sides were contesting a last-16 tie in the Dutch Cup and attempted to kick the keeper - only for Esteban to trip the offender up and land a few kicks himself. Despite protesting his innocence, the ref showed the goalkeeper the red card and in pure anger, AZ Alkmaar's manager ordered his players off the field, resulting in the game being abandoned.
Oh the wonderful and crazy world of Football.
Your thoughts? Remember any other bizarre sending offs? Drop a comment below if you may!
Yep, you red that right - last night during Chelsea's League Cup semi-final away against Swansea, midfielder Eden Hazard was sent off. Why? Because he kicked a ball-boy. Never has this happened in the beautiful game. This could quite possibly be the most bizarre sending off ever to occur on the pitch, but I feel Chris Foy had no option but to send Hazard to an early bath. I mean, the ball-boy didn't help matters; he decided to lay on the ball, prompting Hazard to try poke at it with his foot. A swift little kick and the boy was sent sprawling, chaos erupting. Both were in the wrong - the ball-boy should have just returned the ball, Hazard should have kept a clear head.
But it is downright bizarre, and it's not the only bizarre sending off the game has seen.
Eric Cantona - Eric 'the King' Cantona was not so high and mighty during a game between Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Cantona was already being sent off for kicking out at Palace defender Richard Shaw, and decide to launch 'kung-fu' style at Palace fan Matthew Simmons. This resulted in a 8 month ban for Cantona, and him almost quitting United.
Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer - A very bizarre incident between the then team-mates; Newcastle were nearing the end of a 3-0 thrashing at home by Aston Villa, when a brawl broke out between the pair, causing stunned team-mates and opposition players to seperate them. Dyer was banned for three matches, whilst Bowyer was banned for four - it was judged he had been the aggressor. Not sure how they figured that one out.
Arsene Wenger - during Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at Manchester United back in 2008, Arsene Wenger was seen gleefully celebrating what he thought was an equalising goal by Robin Van Persie - which was then disallowed. Of course outraged, Arsene decides to vent his anger by kicking a water bottle, who is promptly sent to the stands by ref Mike Dean. For kicking a water bottle. Oh deary me.
Esteban Alvarado - AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado was sent off for kicking a fan that tried to attack him. An Ajax fan ran onto the pitch whilst the two sides were contesting a last-16 tie in the Dutch Cup and attempted to kick the keeper - only for Esteban to trip the offender up and land a few kicks himself. Despite protesting his innocence, the ref showed the goalkeeper the red card and in pure anger, AZ Alkmaar's manager ordered his players off the field, resulting in the game being abandoned.
Oh the wonderful and crazy world of Football.
Your thoughts? Remember any other bizarre sending offs? Drop a comment below if you may!
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