Good afternoon.
I was in a bustling city centre this morning. I watched a taxi driver get out of his cab on the rank, stand proudly his hands behind his back next to his vehicle where he stood for the minutes silence. Around him far, far too many went about there business; yakking and social networking their utterly worthless piffle into an assortment of hand- held devices.
I would guess by the look of the taxi driver that his lineage wasn’t what our old pals at the BNP would view as wholly indigenous of these shores. Moments like that at provide for folk like me at least, hope.
On an equally upbeat note there is the occasion of Sandro’s first International goal last night. It probably won’t be featured on too many ‘Goal Of The Year’ compilations, but hey…
Not sure Modric’s current form put’s him in the team in front of Sandro.
For the away matches I would rather have Parker and Sandro playing CM and leave Lennoe, Defoe, VDV and Ade to cause havoc.
get ball like fakinel mate. goal look defence make chicken great.once.
On a wholly different subject, I note the weird test scores in Cape Town. I wonder, with a nod to Pakistan versus England of recent times, whether we have another instance here of the Asian/whatever gambling syndicates bending the results in their direction. And, if they can with cricket, what’s to stop them with football.
Not that our lads are any more vulnerable than those in other clubs in the PL, but just that the money out there is stupendous (read the court testimony at Southwark) and football players are known to be more inclined to gambling (and thus more prone to heavy losses) than the ordinary bloke. Like you and me?
Just a sombre item to chew on – like pemmican – while waiting for the ice to break or the sun to shine or the league season to recommence, or all three?
I pray pardon for the intrusion.
Football players earn a fortune! Referees earn nothing….you do the math and then tell me why Mido was sent off at home to Cheatski for heading the ball when we were absolutely annialaiting them, or the time when Mendes scored the goal of the century (better than the goal at Wimbledon that put Beckham on the map) at Yanited that never was, or last season at OT and SB……Newcastle v Spurs FA cup semi final 2 handballs one given……need I go on? Fuck me I sound like Davspurs……..the point is, it only matters to the FA, Law, Establishment etc, if there is money on it……
If I were a ref, the one thing that would keep me honest is the possibility of a News of the World type sting.
However, that apart, and notwithstanding the proneness to gambling Yachtsman suggests as a motive, I would be more concerned about the players being corrupt, because the one thing that I have noticed about those who earn fabulous wages in any industry, is that the more they have, the more they want.
I’m not suggesting that they are generally corrupt, but I would dispute the idea that the poor are more prone to crime. There are plenty of people in poor countries who are honest. In those countries where the poor are generally dishonest, you will find that corruption is endemic. Most people can tolerate their poverty if they see “we are all in this together”, but when they see that some of those who ought also be suffering, are travelling first class, and they are clinging on to the outside of a lifeboat, they take a different attitude.
I believe that’s why players aren’t ‘fast-tracked’ into becoming referees. Also ref’s earn about 80k per year plus expenses. I know it’s a pittance compared to some players, but a tidy salary all the same.
On another wholly different subject, I want a T-shirt that reads “I Strongle You, Make”
personally i don’t give a ferkin’ ferk….coys