? Sepp Blatter apologises
? Gus Poyet calls Patrice Evra a "cry baby"
? Manchester United lose Tom Cleverley
Paul will be here shortly, when Tokyo Sexwale - the man at the centre of the Sepp Blatter-Rio Ferdinand Twitter spat - is due to hold a press conference. In the meantime, here's the latest morning update on the furore, with David Beckham wading in:
"The comments were appalling. A lot people have said that. I don't think that the comments were very good for this game. There obviously is, and has been, racism throughout soccer and in life over the last few years.
"I do think, especially being around the England team and being around the FA ? the FA do a lot of work in kicking racism out of the game. They've have made huge strides in the past 10-15 years ? but it is still there."
We'll also have all the latest news ahead of the weekend's football action.
Jamie Jackson's up early this morning, or hasn't been to bed yet since yesterday: either way he's here to greet us with some words from Gareth Bale, who first addresses rumours of an imminent move to Barcelona: "It's always nice being linked with clubs such as Barcelona ? it's great to be linked with a team like that. I'm enjoying my football at Spurs and I don't really take much notice of what is written about interest from other clubs."
Bale has also been talking about the prospct of playing in the Olympics, and he's not making any apology to Wales fans who think he's selling out .. or soemthing. "The most important thing for me is Wales as a country. I'm proud to play for Wales. If there was any possibility that Wales would go then obviously I wouldn't play [at the Olympics]. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience in London, in Great Britain, playing in front of the home fans. Hopefully everything can get sorted and I can play if selected."
Here, have some pre-weekend teams news early doors:
Spurs: Rafael van der Vaart could recover from his hamstring injury in time for Monday's clash with Aston Villa. He is rated 75% fit after sustaining the damage while on international duty for Holland against Switzerland. Vedran Corluka is expected to overcome his ankle problem, but Michael Dawson (Achilles) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle) remain out.
Provisional squad: Gomes, Friedel, Cudicini, Bale, Kaboul, Corluka, Bassong, Gallas, King, Walker, Assou-Ekotto, Rose, Parker, Modric, Livermore, Townsend, Carroll, Lennon, Falque, Sandro, Pienaar, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe, Dos Santos, Adebayor, Van der Vaart.
Stoke: Tony Pulis hopes to have a trio of players back available for selection for tomorrow's games agianst QPR at the Britannia.
Ryan Shawcross, Marc Wilson (both muscle strains) and Matthew Etherington (back) could all return to the Potters team after missing the 5-0 defeat at Bolton on November 6 through injury.
Provisional squad: Begovic, Sorensen, Nash, Huth, Upson, Woodgate, Shawcross, Wilson, Wilkinson, Whelan, Whitehead, Diao, Etherington, Walters, Jerome, Shotton, Arismendi, Pennant, Delap, Crouch, Palacios, Jones, Higginbotham.
Wolves: Kevin Foley is the only Wolves absentee for the match at Everton. Jody Craddock has recovered from illness. Repoublic of Ireland trio Kevin Doyle, Stephen Ward and Stephen Hunt are expected to be sober.
Provisional squad: Hennessey, De Vries, Stearman, Johnson, Berra, Ward, Hammill, Henry, O'Hara, Jarvis, Hunt, Doyle, Zubar, Doherty, Elokobi, Craddock, Milijas, Guedioura, Edwards, Ebanks-Blake, Fletcher, Vokes.
Another Arsenal press conference brings news of another slew of injuries: Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Karl Jenkinson will be out for around four weeks and Kieran Gibbs will be sidelined for up to six weeks. But it's OK, Arsenal fans, Marouane Chamakh is back.
Because Sepp Blatter is incapable of saying he t akes racism seriously without giving the impression that he doesn't take racism seriously, Tokyo Sexwale has been cajoled into speaking for Blatter instead. The South African who appeared alongside Blatter in hastily-issued photos yesterday that recalled Father Ted's "The Chinese - a great bunch of lads" slideshow. It's under way now ... I can't see it ... but @rwilliams1947 says Sexwale has called Blatter's comments "rather unfortunate".
I have footage of Sexwale's press conference now. He is no Blatter mouthpiece. He is talking eloquenrtly and firmly ... and fatser than I can type, so for now I can only give you some excerpts from him, starting with his reaction to Blatter's suggestion that victims of racist abuse should simply shake hands with the aggressor at the end of the match and forget about it: "You cannot exchange it like a jersey. You cannot mitigate it with a handshake. We should differentiate racist remaks from remarks that are made by players who are fighting for a ball. Certain things stick. This is not just about racism, but all discrimination ... English players say funny thing about Irish players, Mexicans say things about Uruguayans, Croatians about Serbs ... that is not allowed ... you can't say 'I was angry so I called a man a nigger': you can't say that, there has got to be restraint ... Blatter has unwittingly raised the focus on racism so that is a good thing .. I hope those who are criticsing are not doing it for convenienent purpose, I hope it is genuine."
Sexwale also says that is it "unhelpful" that John Terry remains captain of the England team while being investigated over allegations of racism.
When you have done something which was not totally correct, I can only say I am sorry for all those people affected by my declarations.
It seems that I, like Sky, inserted a rogue 'h' into Mr Sexwale's surname earlier. Sorry about that. A genuine mistake, no doubt influenced by Sky's error. It's all their fault. Also, I was thinking of the third track on Baby Grain's limited edition C90 cassette, which took twos of bedrooms by storm back in 1995. "Tokyo Sexwhale was an instumental with extended bass and drum solos," recalls singer/songwriter/bassist/dummer/producer @TomBry, who happens to be sitting right opposite, adding an audacious prog-jazz-funk-metal edge to the Guardian's sports desk.
Liverpool's Lucas explains that he's improved partially by taking inspiration from Xabi Alonso.
I've changed in all ways. Everyone knows I used to play further forward on the pitch. I had to adapt to a new style of game, a new pace, more physical. I think I've adapted well and I'm really enjoying my role in the team.
Xabi Alonso is a player I always watch and try to learn from.
In case you haven't seen Gus Poyet's opinion on the Evra-Suarez rumpus, here it is, featuring Poyet branding Evra a cry-baby for complaining.
This article has the full details of what Sexwale said, including the bits before the Sky cameras joined in.
"Mr Blatter is well known worldwide as a champion against racism and discrimination. It is a well documented fact that he fought tooth and nail to have the first World Cup in Africa, which was hosted in 2010 in South Africa."
Sexwale cited Blatter's engagement with Nobel laureates Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and F. W. de Klerk, and cited his role in recognising former prisoners Robben Island who used football to further their cause. "It is therefore completely unthinkable to refer to such a man as a racist," he added.
But the former anti-apartheid stalwart acknowledged that Blatter had blundered this week. "I'm informed that in their response Fifa used the picture of Mr Blatter and myself. In some circles this may have inadvertently created the impression Mr Blatter was trying to clean up his image.
"What was problematic with his initial statement as reported was when he said racism does not exist on the pitch. This was rather unfortunate We have heard countless cases of racial slurs being spewed on the playing field against others. That is well known. On countless occasions our [Fifa fair play] committee has called for such
Blatter's apology is unsatisfactory. He gives no indication that he understands what he's apologising for, other than getting himself in a sport of bother. His insinuation that racist abuse is no big deal and people who complain about it are bad sports was not off-the-cuff, he made it in numerous high-profile interviews. He showed himself - again - to be unsuitable to occupy the position he is in.
You bump into Lionel Messi. You have a camera phone with you. What to do? Why, ask him to take a photo of you and Javier Mascherano, of course.
Information for Fantasy Football managers: Roberto Mancini has hinted that Pablo Zabaleta and, more pertinently, Sergio Aguero are unlikely to start tomorrow as they're tired after their trip to Argentina for international duty.
Here's a thoughtful piece by John Barnes, in conversation with Henry Winter in today's Telegprah. He makes many interesting points and observations, includin this one:
A lot of people are jumping on the bandwagon now about Blatter, saying he's wrong ? and he is. But if you want to have a South African-style Truth and Reconciliation Commission, get in every manager and player who is over 40 and ask them: 'Say you have never used the N-word?' Most won't be able to. Much more than 75 per cent of people back then in the Eighties would have.
Sebastian Larsson has been an important player for Sunderland in recent weeks but they will have to do without him against Fulham tomorrow because he's suspended. Titus Bramble, who was expected to play for the reserves in midweek after being fined for bringing the club into disrepute, has a knee problem and is unavailable, as are keepers Simon Mignolet and Craig Gordon.
Provisional squad: Westwood, Carson, Brown, Bardsley, Richardson, Turner, Laing, Cattermole, Gardner, Vaughan, Larsson, Colback, Elmohamady, Meyler, Sessegnon, Bendtner, Ji, McClean, Cook, Egan, R. Noble.
Right, let's do some prediction. I reckon this will be the weekend where Newcastle lost their unbeaten record, Liverpool win at Chelsea, Blackburn hapless streak ends and lots of matches end 2-0.
Norwich 1-3 Arsenal
Everton 2-0 Wolves
Man City 2-0 Newcastle
Stoke City 2-0 QPR
Sunderland 1-2 Fulham
West Brom 0-1 Bolton
Wigan 0-2 Blackburn
Swansea 1-1 Man Utd
Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool
Tottenham 2-0 Aston Villa
The Joy of Six is here and it's dedicated to great Republic of Ireland victories. And one farcial defeat during a farcial tour organised by a farcical assocaition.
Zico and Romario. Two magical football figures who will always be welcome in these pages. They're in the pages of the Internatioanl Herald Tribune too, because Rob Hughes has a nice piece bringing us up to speed with their current activities: Zico is coaching Iraq and Romario ... is a Brazilian congressman who has vowed to use his new-found power to bring down Fifa. Read more here.
Queen's Park Rangers manager Neil Warnock wants rid of Blatter. And he has an idea of how folks could make him go. "Every black player should refuse to play in their next international match," he reckons. Why just black players?
Sir Alex Ferguon has confirmed that Tom Cleverley will be out until after Christmas with an ankle injury.
While Paul pops down to Yo Sushi! for his regular lunchtime California Rolls, it's John Ashdown here to keep you company.
Here's our man Dominic Fifield down at Cobham: "Down at Cobham fully expecting to be told, any second now, that there is to be no mention of John Terry made in this press conference given fears of prejudicing the various inquiries that are currently on-going. Mind you, I'm not entirely sure Andre Villas-Boas will be any more eager to discuss Fernando Torres ahead of a game against Liverpool. This is only going to go one way ?"
It's been something of a slow news day today, which is the perfect time for you to check this out: 500 reasons to love football. Everything you need to restore your faith in the beautiful game. This is a personal favourite (although a bit of cheese on top would not go amiss).
Neil Warnock in full: "Racism does happen on the field of play and the shaking of a hand just doesn't put it right," said the QPR manager. "But who is going to sack him? I don't see that anybody is going to sack him. I think the only way we could get him out of the situation that he is in if every black player in the country, in every country, refused to play in the next international game. That's the only way. Nothing else is going to get him out until he wants to go."
Tokyo Sexwale not only has a wonderful name, he also refers to himself in the third person (and with a name like Tokyo Sexwale, why wouldn't you?). He has said today that Fifa's use of a picture of him being hugged by Blatter was unnecessary. "Mr Blatter is a very big man, I don't think he needs a hug with Tokyo Sexwale to fight his battles," said Tokyo Sexwale.
Some lengthy Friday lunchtime reading: An extract from Jonathan Wilson's new book on Brian Clough, Les Rosbifs exclusive interview with Steve McClaren earlier this week, the brilliant Twohundredpercent on the problems at Port Vale, and In Bed With Maradona's look at the best 100 young players in the world one year on. That little lot should keep you going.
And one more perhaps ?�the 72's in-depth statistical look at life in League Two.
Pablo Zabaleta and Adam Johnson have signed new deals at Manchester City, allowing the official City website to use the word "ink" as a verb.
Sir Alex Ferguson says he's not about to let Dimitar Berbatov leave Old Trafford and will extend his contract at the club: ""Dimitar is still in my thoughts," he said today. "I have read some things but there is absolutely no reason for me to let him go. He is an outstanding footballer and we will give him the extra year."
If you're anything like me, you'll want to know what David Beckham thinks about just about any issue of the day. In a wide-ranging press conference which may or may not have included his views on the European debt crisis and whether or not Dairylea and Marmite sandwiches are an offence against creation, the LA Galaxy man spoke about Sepp Blatter's comments. Here's the video:
A bit of transfer news: the Newcastle Chronicle's Lee Ryder is reporting that Nile Ranger is off for a loan spell at Barnsley. A potential coup for the Tykes, that, although he has had his problems.
Hats off to 101GreatGoals.com for pointing us in the direction of this ?�an ode to Sepp Blatter.
Hello, Doyle back, refuelling complete. I know you care. Say, are you excited about tomorrow's match at St Mary's? Promises to be a belting south-coast derby. Brighton, we know, can be very decent but are they good enough to best Southampton, who are on a rollicking home run, having won 17 straight matches. When they spent heavily last year, their then-manager Alan Pardew said they were buying players who would not only get them out of League One but also straight out of the Championship. Rickie Lambert came in a little before that but he is most definitely a striker who belogns in the Premier league, as do Adam Lallana and Morgan Scheiderlin. And Guly do Prado and Ricahrd Chaplow have been in brilliant form too recently. The Saints play a style of effective football that is somewhere between Swansea and Norwich and if they go up this season they will take to top-flight as well as that pair have done so far this term. You will have gathered by now that I think they will beat Brighton. But what does James Dart think?
Manchester City have announced they've made the biggest loss in the history of English football: �194.5m, if you don't mind. What does that mean in terms of financial fair play? Allow David Conn to shed some light.
Norwich expect to have midfielder Bradley Johnson (concussion) and defender Russell Martin (ankle) available against Arsenal tomorrow. QPR, meanwhile, are likely to omit Adel Taarabt for their trip to Stoke because he's tired after a week of international duty and, perhaps, because he's done virtually nothing this season to warrant a starting place.
Hey look, some clubs want to bhring back plastic pitches!
Football League clubs want to bring back artificial pitches which were banned in the late 1980s.
Queens Park Rangers, Luton, Oldham and Preston all played on "plastic pitches" with the Deepdale club returning to grass only in 1994.
Now Accrington and Wycombe Wanderers are among those interested in laying an artificial surface because they believe it is cheaper than grass and will increase revenue.
A proper blast from the past, eh? Maybe there are also clubs who want to bring back Steve Foster headbands, commentaries of away European ties down crackly phone lines from behind the Iron Curtain, and rampant hooliganism? But, of course, it's not really a return to the past at all, as the new-fangled artificial grass is so close to the real thing that even a pernickey royal cow would struggle to tell the difference. No crazy bounces or carpet burn with these surfaces.
Interesting match in France tonight where Lyon take on Rennes, the match having been brought forward to help Lyon prepare for the Champions League clash with Ajax next week. Not that Rennes helped with the fixture switch - according to Lyon chief Jeam-Michel Aulas they obstructed it, and that, in addition to the fact that the sides are squashed together in fourth and fitth in the table, has helped create a fairly noxious atmosphere ahead of the game. Blood was, um, baddened even further when Rennes' manager used the time-honoured method of trying to influene the referee by claiming the other team has undue influence over referees, suggesting Lyon benefit from loads of penalties at home. "I've gone through the statistics," shrugged Lyon suit Bernard Lacombe by way of reply. "In four of the last 10 season we have won three penalties at home and in six of those seasoned we've only been given two. That doesn's strike me as excessive." So you see folks, it's not only in the Premier League that there is such squabbling.
There's a mighty kerfuffle brewing over at Everton, where dissent among the board seems to have been exposed by a series of leaked emails. The Liverpool Echo explains thus (you can read more here):
The correspondence, including conversations between director of communications Ian Ross and chief executive Robert Elstone, were published on the Toffeeweb site last night then later taken down.
The emails purporting to be from Ross are highly critical of Elstone's leadership and describes working at Goodison Park as like 'working in a kindergarten.'
Other matters discussed include Everton FC's PR strategy surrounding the protest march by the Blue Union fans' group in September, a growing air of "paranoia" inside the football club and talk of "financial meltdown" at the club
.
Mention of the boardroom blitz at Everton got me thinking of this unforgettable track: splendid stuff, though are the first 10 seconds the campest intro to any rock song ever?
You may have heard that David Ginola this week instigated legal proceedings for defamation against G�rard Houllier over the latter's continuing claims Ginola was to blame to France's missing out on the 1994 World Cup, chiefly because his overhitting of a a cross in the last minute against Bulgaria was "criminal". But it has emerged today that Houllier could have fingered a different culprit: France's slack border guards. The below is from Retuers (more here):
An illegal border crossing helped secure Bulgaria's famous 2-1 win over France in 1993 which set up their impressive run to the World Cup semi-finals in the United States the following year.
The Balkan country clinched victory in Paris in the last minute when Emil Kostadinov scored from Luboslav Penev's pass but midfielder Zlatko Yankov revealed that the duo had entered France without the necessary visas.
"This story sounds like a legend now but it's true," Yankov, capped by Bulgaria 80 times between 1990 and 1999, told local media on Thursday.
"They (Kostadinov and Penev) had visa problems and they needed help from our keeper Borislav Mihaylov and former Bulgaria midfielder Georgi Georgiev, who were playing for the French club Mulhouse at that time, to join us in Paris."Kostadinov and Penev sneaked across the border between Germany and France in a car driven by Georgiev as the two Mulhouse players deliberately chose a border-post with low security."
Rumorus are afoot that Tottenham want Moussa Demb�l� and Martin Jol doesn't like that talk one bit. He's got his praise for the Belgian: ""I think Demb�l� could develop into one of the best. He's better on the ball than any other number 10s I know. The only step he has to take now is play more killer balls and finish."
Speaking of France-Bulgaria, if you understand French you'll be amused by this commentator's reaction when France concede a penalty agaisnt the same opposition in the final minutes of a World Cup qualifier in 1976. ("I'm not afraid to say it: Mr Foote, you are a bastard [salaud]. There is no other word ... ") Also, Michel Platini scored this stupendous freekick.
Ahead of Liverpool clash with Chelsea t his weekend, Pepe Reina was asked to compare Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez. His reply is short, and starts with an inaccuracy before concluding with an indisputable fact. "Fernando is top class; Luis is as good or even better than Fernando." Yes, Suarez is indeed better than Fernando, who is not top class any more. Nor indeed is David Villa. What has happend to Spain's once-celebrated strikers?
Not quite as entertaining as those French highlights, but worth a look all the same: here's a video of Sepp Blatter's apology.
It's time to wrap this up. Thanks for tuning in. Hope you found at least one interesting or entertaining above or below the line. If you didn't, then you might like to head over to read Amy Lawrence's musings on Manchcester City and Napoli instead? Off you pop, then. Bye.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/nov/18/football-live-blog-sepp-blatter
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