Chelsea have pledged to ban any fans found guilty of racist comments or chants for life, as an internal investigation surrounding the Champions League tie against Genk in Belgium continues.
Reports have indicated that striker Daniel Sturridge was victim of a derogatory and abusive comment by one of the Stamford Bridge club’s VIP supporters, whilst chants aimed at QPR defender Anton Ferdinand were also sung during the 1-1 draw.
With Blues captain John Terry under investigation over alleged racist comments also, the London club have stated that any evidence of racism by the fans will be treated with the utmost severity.
“We are investigating several complaints as part of our ongoing investigation into offensive behaviour at the game in Genk,” an official statement reads.
“We take all complaints of this nature extremely seriously and are working with supporters and police to identify those that took part. It can sometimes prove difficult to identify offenders at European away games as there are varying degrees of CCTV and TV footage available to us.
“However, we will continue to vigorously pursue any evidence of individuals or groups taking part in discriminatory behaviour and take the strongest action against them.
“Chelsea FC believes such activity shames the club and the game of football and we are fully committed to eradicating such offensive behaviour from the sport,” the statement concluded.
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Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole is unsure whether he will be in Fabio Capello's 23-man England squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa when it is named on Tuesday.
Injuries have led the former West Ham United star to have a frustrating season at club level while doubts about his future at Stamford Bridge have dominated the headlines.
However, Cole came off the bench as a second-half substitute to set up the equaliser in England's unconvincing 2-1 win over Japan in Austria on Sunday, after which he said:"Do I have any nerves? You've got to be pragmatic about it.
"I came here ten days ago to try to enjoy my time back here, train well, and it's in the manager's hands about the squad.
"There are a lot of players who will be hoping, a lot of players have got a good case. But, whatever happens, we are all right behind England and hopefully this will be our time.
"Have I done enough? I don't want to go into that. I had a good finish to the season, I wasn't starting but I was having an impact coming off the bench.
"I came here and did my thing and I've enjoyed it because it has been such a long time. Croatia was my last game and I ended up with ten stitches in my head. It is just nice to be back around the lads and it feels great.
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"I don't know what I will do on Tuesday. I've never been in this position. I don't know. It is a funny atmosphere. There is nothing you can do.
"We've done everything we can do, we've trained hard, everyone has had an excellent week's training and that's all you can do. I'll wake up, have my breakfast and there we go."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Walking off the pitch at the end of England’s game against Algeria- a disappointingly drawn game in which he played particularly poorly- Wayne Rooney took the time to deliver a video message to the fans. You’ve probably heard about it; I imagine a few of the newspapers mentioned it.
“Nice to see your home fans boo you. That’s what loyal support is” he said and, yeah, good shout, Wayne. I mean that literally, too. In a tournament where it had been previously assumed impossible to even hear oneself about the drone of the Vuvuzeleas, even his toughest critics would be forced to concede that getting your words heard by the 21.3 million people ITV report were watching on Friday night is some achievement, even taking into account how many of those 21.3 million would have already switched channels by the time of Wayne’s to camera piece so as to avoid bumping into James Corden.
Rooney has evidently put a lot of thought in to getting his message heard, which is to his credit. Would, though, that he put similar thought in to the crafting of the message itself. For one thing, ‘home fans’? Wayne, you’re playing in South Africa- it’s going on 6000 miles from ‘home’. Even when they talked of you being miles off the pace afterwards, I don’t think they meant that many miles. Secondly, it seems disappointing to be resorting to that horary old crutch that peculiarly English comedy device, sarcasm, so early in the competition. It’s hard to imagine a Kaka or a Messi using such base wit when finding a camera at the end of a World Cup fixture- those lads seem more comfortable on the camera, more adroit and cavalier, always have a trick up the same sleeve Rooney probably keeps his written speech just in case he forgets anything- and even the French, not a team without their own problems at this tournament, have demonstrated a certain imagination in their insults that seemed beyond England’s brightest hope. Is this a problem with coaching? Should our lads be being taught to just get out there and enjoy their spittle leaden monologues from an early age, with less pressure on hitting marks and not treading on the feet of any ball boys in the vicinity handing out the energy drinks?
Further, to whom was the message addressed? His anger was visible and clearly meant for those in the stadium. But they couldn’t hear him. So presumably we were expected to relay his thoughts to them somehow, via, one can only conclude, people we know who’ve travelled out there. That’s going to put a strain on the old phone bill isn’t it? I suppose Wayne can be forgiven this oversight, given that he thought the game was being played at Wembley. But, even so, next time it would surely be easier for everybody were he to nip out during the second half and ask the people operating the P.A system if they wouldn’t mind squeezing his message in between the safety guidelines and the happy birthdays. It’s not like anybody would have missed him on the pitch and, as a bonus, he would have been able to extend his best wishes- and those of the rest of the squad- to the gaffer on his sixty fourth. But I suppose that way we’re back again to concerns regarding sarcasm and additional concerns, in this instance, of how well it translates.
And can I just make the suggestion that if our role in this exchange was the vital cog that transferred it from the speaker to its audience that he may want to consider his tone? Not shooting the messenger is a phrase usually only employed upon delivery of said message, something for the recipient to consider; the sender of the message usually needs no such advice with most realising that such an action would demonstrate, if nothing else, gross inefficiency.
He’s apologised for the statement, through the more stuffy method of a press release, which disappointed those among us who wanted the entire saga to play out, serial style, through a series of similarly shot post match reflections. He probably reasoned that the air time couldn’t take the strain of the narrative, which seems sensible given England’s performances thus far and how decent Slovenia look- one more thirty second slot was hardly likely to incorporate a proper storyline and character development. And such non development from Rooney would have felt, for the viewer, dramatically unsatisfying, no matter how symbolically apt.
Read more of Chris Mackin’s musings at his excellent site ‘Partially Deflated’
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Sir Alex has ruled out big changes this summer at Old Trafford as he intends to put his faith in youth this coming season. United supporters certainly have mixed views over Fergie’s stance, with many feeling that the Scot is missing a trick as their rivals continue to strengthen their respective squads.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of Man United blogs which has included…One contract the Glazers can ill afford to baulk on; Fergie’s faith masks the bigger picture and Neville highlights a major flaw in the armoury.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Man United stories on the Web this week.
THREE ways that Fergie can look to fill the Hargreaves hole
Do Sir Alex’s claims really add up?
Is Sir Alex’s faith simply masking the bigger picture?
From United reject to arguably one of the best in his field
One contract the Glazers and co can ill afford to baulk at
Gary Neville highlights a major flaw in the armoury
Why Sir Alex must take a dip into the transfer market
A blow for United and Spurs, but equally for Capello
The FIVE Premier League flops (past and present) who shone in SA
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Best of Web
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Will this season be this starlet’s coming out party? – The Busby Way
You’ve Made Your Decision On Renewal… Now The Shirt – RoM
We all want Glazer out but is there anyone better? – Truly Reds
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Genius Scholes need not fight the fight one time too many – United Rant
Can this much maligned midfielder pull out of his current nose dive? – The Busby Way
Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has not given up hope of landing Liverpool's Spain international striker Fernando Torres before the end of next month.
Mancini has already signed Jerome Boateng, Aleksandar Kolarov, Yaya Toure and David Silva this summer but is pursuing the Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 winner as he looks to push his spending since the end of last season past the £100million mark.
Although Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has bought Joe Cole this month and persuaded Steven Gerrard to stay at Anfield, Torres has not commented on his future.
Mancini said:"Torres is one of the best strikers in Europe and is already playing in the Premier League for three years and knows it very well. But it depends on his situation – his price and whether he wants to come.
"There are two or three strikers that we could go for, but it is the same situation as it is with James Milner. First there is the price and then it depends if the players want to change team. Until today, Liverpool haven't bought many players."
Of Aston Villa midfielder Milner, Mancini added:"When Manchester City enquire about a £10million player, the club asks for £20million. That is not good for us.
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"James is still a player who interests us but only at the right price."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
In the wake of Martin O’Neill’s departure, Avram Grant may have thought there was no better time for his side to be playing Aston Villa. The reality was starkly different as West Ham slumped to lacklustre 3-0 defeat. The Hammers were out-paced, out-manoeuvred and out-thought by their claret and blue rivals. Are there any positives to discern from Saturday’s encounter or is it likely to be another long season for the Irons?
1) Green’s World Cup hangover continues
Robert Green found himself in excellent company this weekend as fellow goalkeepers, Chris Kirkland, Pepe Reina, Tim Howard and Scott Carson all made high profile gaffs. After his howler at the World Cup the fear for Hammers fans is that Green’s shaky form may be set to continue. Booed by the Villa fans, Green came under immense pressure from the off. Bombarded by crosses and corners the keeper was anything but commanding as he missed an attempted punch clearance, handing a gilt-edged chance to John Carew. Shortly after, Green parried Ashley Young’s cross to Marc Albrighton whose volleyed shot he could only divert to the grateful Stuart Downing who slotted home. Green should have caught the cross but recovered well to tip over Young’s goal-bound lob. It may take time before the England goalkeeper’s confidence is restored but he and others will be wondering if it is too soon to blame the new Nike Tracer ball.
2) Right-back remains a problem position
The well remunerated Lucas Neill had his critics at Upton Park but since his departure the right-back position has been the club’s Achilles heel. Having played in that role last season Grant had decided to push Julien Faubert forward and put new recruit Winston Reid in his place on Saturday. Having inexplicably refused to buy a right-back it will now be incumbent on Reid, James Tomkins or Tal Ben Haim, all centre-backs, to fulfil that role. Reid was exposed on his PL debut by Young whose pace and skill on the ball confused the Kiwi defender. He was additionally unable to augment the attack on the right flank. With strong but lumbering centre-backs likely to fill that position many managers will be telling their left-wingers to unsettle the Hammers’ right-back.
3) Tomkins needs help and guidance
In a move eerily reminiscent of his failed back pass at home to Wolves last season, Tomkins narrowly avoided a defensive disaster against Villa. Under no pressure Tomkins decided to play a back pass with his weaker foot, making a feeble connection and allowing John Carew a free run at goal. As the striker tried to round Green, the keeper got a touch which bounced off Tomkins and hit the post. Despite the defensive strengths of the Basildon born youngster, this bore all the hallmarks of an unease and nervousness at the back. The player will require reassurance and training from the coaching staff but has scant support from experienced colleagues like Green and Matthew Upson. A dearth of communication in West Ham’s defence has not been rectified.
4) Cole remains isolated
Carlton Cole is occasionally accused of laziness but patently does not receive adequate service from his team-mates. This was abundantly clear in the first-half where he played the lone striker role to no avail. The midfield sat especially deep, meaning when Cole received the ball there was no one to bring into possession and build an attack. Clearly frustrated Cole created one of West Ham’s only chances in the first period by beating Richard Dunne for pace on the left before cutting into the box and firing a low cross across the face of goal. Unsurprisingly after all that work there was not a team-mate in sight. This was partially remedied by the introduction of Frederic Piquionne and Pablo Barrera for the second half. Few chances were created though and the ability of West Ham to use the width of the pitch and employ some more creative passing from the centre will be integral to Cole’s goal-scoring form this year. Fans will be hoping Thomas Hitzlsperger can make a swift recovery from a thigh injury sustained on international duty.
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5) Pre-season counts for nothing
The Hammers were unbeaten in pre-season and recorded impressive victories over Borussia Monchengladbach and Panathinaikos. It was a broadly successful pre-season but their preparations did not resemble the weak performance against Villa. West Ham were sluggish, laboured and failed to find any passing rhythm. Neat one touch passing in their own half descended into directionless long balls forward. Much work will be required at Chadwell Heath if they are to give the home fans something to cheer when they face bogey side Bolton Wanderers next Saturday.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has revealed that Jermain Defoe's groin surgery has been put on hold.
Redknapp previously claimed the England striker would miss the upcoming Euro 2012 double-header with Bulgaria and Switzerland as he needed to go under the knife to cure a niggling problem.
Defoe was believed to be playing through the pain barrier during Wednesday's 4-0 Champions League play-off victory over Young Boys.
The striker scored against the Swiss side and afterwards informed Redknapp that he was no longer feeling the effects of the problem.
That led the Spurs boss to suggest the surgery could be reviewed and Redknapp has now confirmed that a decision is now on hold until after Saturday's Premier League meeting with Wigan Athletic.
Should he report no problem then Defoe could also be available for England's two upcoming games.
"Now he feels okay so we'll see how he is tomorrow and if there's no pain, he won't have to have the op," said Redknapp.
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"But if he feels it, we will get the op done.
"It's been put on hold. It was definitely going to happen, it was all booked in for this coming Tuesday, but now he feels okay so there's a chance it may not happen."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has pleaded with the club's fans to show patience following the Reds' stuttering start to the Premier League campaign.
The Spain international played an important role as the Merseysiders were held to a goalless draw at Birmingham City on Sunday and Reina believes it will take time before they prove themselves as a top-four force under new manager Roy Hodgson.
"We have to make sure that people don't think of winning the league or being in the top-four already at this moment," he said.
"It is going to take a while. We have got to get used to the new players and then the system. There are many good teams and our target is to be up there but we have to be realistic.
"Is a Champions League spot realistic this season? I don't know. We will find out at the end of the season what we can achieve.
"Of course, we have to challenge for being up there. Maybe it will take a while. No-one has patience nowadays. We are just asking for a little bit.
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"We did not spend much money and in football to compete with the others sometimes it is important to do it."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
With Colin Calderwood having left Newcastle United to pursue his managing career at Hibernian in Scotland, the question remains, was Calderwood more than just an assistant coach? He must have had inherent within him certain leadership qualities, having managed in the lower leagues previous to becoming a coach at Newcastle. This coaching role was then superseded by becoming Chris Hughton’s right hand man, Hughton must have seen something in the character of Calderwood to suggest he would make an ideal number two. Or another possibility is that Hughton and Calderwood, having both been involved at Tottenham Hotspur, could form a strong bond and relate to each other easily.
Having regained promotion from the Championship last season with a formidable points tally of 102, having only lost four games and remained undefeated at St. James’ Park, it is fair to say that defensively Newcastle were on the whole impenetrable. Do we owe this record to Calderwood’s position as assistant manager? Having been a defender himself, as well as Hughton, and playing at the highest level for a number of years; it may be argued that he implemented the foundations that would secure Newcastle automatic promotion with ease and little discomfort.
Having never been renowned for defensive proficiency, this being ingrained upon the memory with some truly comical moments by previous Newcastle defenders with the main culprits being Titus Bramble and Jean-Alain Boumsong, it was compulsory to ensure that the defence was rectified after being relegated in such a manner. The players brought into by the club reflected what was being addressed, with a number of notable defenders being signed in January; these were Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fitz Hall and Patrick van Aanholt. With Hughton manning the vessel and Calderwood his shipmate, the defensive dilemma dissipated into thin air and they delivered the cargo safely back to the Premiership. Although with the defensive line-up Newcastle had in the Championship anything less would have been a catastrophe and resulted in a mutiny from the fans.
All of the people involved at Newcastle have wished their best and been quoted as singing the praises of the former Magpie assistant. He was only present for a season and a half, but it can be seen that Hughton and Calderwood had a good understanding, having built up a firm rapport. The only tarnish on Calderwood’s white garments appears in the guise of the poor home form that Newcastle have portrayed. Conceding goals when at home, against teams we should be victorious against when wishing to consolidate our Premiership status.
Existing now is an empty chasm in which Calderwood used to reside; the matter at hand in which to respond is who shall be his successor? Hopefully a more offensive minded coach that can create a sense of equilibrium to compliment the defensive work previously employed. Hughton would also benefit from an experienced head that would be able to advise him accordingly, being relatively inexperienced and having only ever been an assistant himself in the top flight.
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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes that striker Wayne Rooney may be fit to feature in England's upcoming European Championship qualifier against Montenegro.
The 24-year-old is currently struggling with an ankle injury and will miss his club's clash with Sunderland this weekend, but Ferguson thinks that Rooney could ready to play some part in the Euro2012 qualifier a week on Tuesday.
He told the local radio station Key103:"Wayne trained yesterday and he wants to play tomorrow.
"But I have to take the view that this injury has been niggling away for a while and he kept on playing.
"I have to be dead sure that I am doing the right thing, because Wayne has not been doing himself justice.
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"I think in a week he will be fine. Obviously we don't play in a week, so it is up to Fabio Capello whether he wants him to."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email