Misogyny or men caught up in the moment?

Richard Keys and Andy Gray the Sky commentators caught making derogatory remarks about female assistant referee Sian Massey have now apologised for their comments. Their sexist comments about the assistant understanding the offside rule seem at first out of order, unprofessional and immature. They generalise by saying “women don’t know the offside rule”, which is obviously a daft comment that in the end is spur of the moment. They should be more than wary of their positions as respected pundits for such a global business that looks to their comments and opinions as a worthwhile verdict on a game or decision. Okay, for these two they thought the microphone was off – lets just say it was an elementary mistake that they wont make again.

But lets replace the two with Dave and Mark, two fans sat in the stands or in front of the TV who see exactly the same incident and one turns to the other and comments on the ‘linos’ need for a proper understanding of the offside rule. Later when they watch it on Match of the Day they realise they were wrong, fair play to the lineman (or woman in this case) and carry on watching the game. Football fans whether commentators, pundits or loyal supporters love nothing more than watching games and scrutinising decisions. We love it, it makes us feel like we could be the referee, linesperson, manager etc its part of that wonderful inbred love of the game we have here in England, that we all want and think of ourselves as experts. These are the sort of everyday comments that wouldn’t so much as get a smirk out of a crowd of football loving fans in a pub nowadays. I’m not just talking about men either, most women fans would see it as a joke, a cheap ribbing that’s part of our culture.

In the end Sky TV are going to cover their backsides and apologise profusely, they’ve already withdrawn the two from coverage tonight. But the executives, fellow presenters and behind the scenes staff will all be laughing off the situation. Why? Because that’s all it is, a daft mistake and joke that shouldn’t have been aired but has got into the public domain. Are the wives, mothers and children of Andy and Richard going to abandon them over it? Are they hell. Are football fans, other sport fans or ordinary people going about their business going to be deeply affected and shocked by this whole saga – Not one bit. The only people jumping on it now are feminists and high ranking women in sport. Any excuse for a moan, a chance to push their egocentric agendas to make them feel all modern day WI. I respect Karren Brady, I think she does a great job in football and is a great asset to the game. But I can’t help but cringe when she jumps on the bandwagon trying to keep this non-starter of a campaign going with comments such as “I don't think any of the comments were anything other than sexism”.

I’m all for women progressing in football if they’re just as fit, attentive and knowledgeable about the rules of the game as all male officials. If they pass the necessary levels of testing as the other males have then every credit to them they deserve their place in the elite of officiating. But lets not get carried away and turn this whole stupid incident into another sexist argument where all males are apparently against women in football.

Pope Benedict XVI's Apology

I've been very reluctant to write concerning the Pope's letter apologising for abuse of minors. Some of the things that have happened in the past I find despicable, and believe so many of those priests who have abused their positions should be deeply ashamed. However, I also find it disgusting how secularists and so many others are jumping on the bandwagon and attacking the majority of innocent Catholics who have never done a thing wrong, you can't tar everyone with the same brush. I believe the letter speaks for itself, however I'd like to refer you to the editorial in the Telegraph on Sunday which speaks more common sense than I've seen in any newspaper in a very long time, as well as the article on the matter which Archbishop Timothy Dolan published on his blog - see the following link:

http://blog.archny.org/?p=581


Pope Benedict XVI's challenge
Telegraph View: The Pope must continue to take calm, decisive action that will prevent his visit to Britain being overshadowed by this scandal.


On Saturday, Pope Benedict XVI delivered a heartfelt apology to the victims of revolting abuse by Irish priests and members of religious orders. His statement was remarkable not just for the power of its language – the pontiff spoke of his own "shame" – but also for its determination to dismantle the culture of buck-passing that has disgraced the Catholic Church in Ireland. The Vatican is planning a Visitation of Irish dioceses. Certain prelates and bureaucrats are rightly terrified of what it will uncover.

Victims' groups have declared themselves unsatisfied by the Pope's apology. To an extent, this is understandable: as Benedict XVI says, no apology can heal wounds caused by child abuse. Victims and families will carry them to the grave. Even so, a few unfashionable points need to be made.

First, these crimes reached their peak in the years between the Second World War and the early 1980s. Many perpetrators are long dead, and so are the clergy who abetted their crimes. Second, it is important that the legitimate concerns of victims are not drowned out by the synthetic rage of militant secularists who see a chance to advance their agenda. Third, the Roman Catholic Church is a community of a billion people, most of whom have never suffered or committed abuse. It is largely a force for good in the world. Christianity as a whole will suffer if innocent Catholics are tarred with the brush of paedophilia.

Let guilty men be pursued relentlessly – but only the guilty. The Pope must continue to take calm, decisive action that will prevent his important visit to Britain being overshadowed by this terrible scandal.

Do not be afraid - Vocations Sunday

With Vocations Sunday coming up in April there will undoubtedly be plenty of articles, stories, etc concerning a need for an increase in vocations to Priesthood and Religious life. Especially with us being in the Year of the Priest, April should be a great time to pray for an increase in vocations and actively encourage anyone who is considering taking that leap. For this year I've written an article that will appear in The Catholic Voice of Lancaster encouraging young men to be brave and consider whether they are being called, even though it seems like a huge commitment that they struggle to endear to. I've included it below:




“Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I give you strength, truly I help you.” (Isaiah 41:10)


The image of the apostles in the upper room cowering, afraid and unsure as to what they must now do, is one of great relevance for so many young men today. So also is the culmination of this event – when flames of fire came upon them, the Holy Spirit dwelled within them and they had the courage to go out as witnesses to Christ. That step which the apostles took doesn’t seem to be quite as straightforward to those whom the Lord calls forth in this day and age. There seems to be no straightforward answer as to why: so many people pray unceasingly for an increase in vocations to the Priesthood; vocations promoters, directors and so many other individuals are fervent in their encouragement to young men. However, great comfort should be taken from Jesus’ promise to always provide shepherds for his flock.

Many times throughout His ministry Jesus had to reassure His own disciples, “Do not be afraid”, they often lacked the faith and conviction to wholeheartedly enter into the mission Jesus had for them. Peter was often the worst offender “Peter took fright and began to sink,”(Matthew 14:22-23), yet we know that he was successfully entrusted with being the rock which the Church was build upon. If the very first disciples of Christ, who were there and saw all he did and said, were afraid to follow their vocation in life, it is no wonder many men 2000 years on can struggle to embrace their vocation from God. However, just as the disciples were strengthened when they most needed the love and guidance of Christ, so are those called to Priesthood – the Spirit is already directing their “whole being,spirit, soul and body”, and it is only through discernment that they will come to see whether or not they are being called to a Priestly Vocation.

Seminary formation is designed to bring you closer to God, to help you hear and understand the plan he has for your life. Many people are scared or worried about committing themselves, however the discernment process puts no pressure upon young men, more so it is tailored to help the individual work out whether Priesthood is what God is asking of them. The Holy Father speaks of these years as:

“a time of journeying, of exploration, but above all of discovering Christ. It is only when a young man has had a personal experience of Christ that he can truly understand the Lord’s will and consequently his own vocation. The better you know Jesus, the more His mystery attracts you.”

Seminaries are abundant with people from all walks of life, all with their own personal vocation stories. Many will come to realise in the first couple of years that this isn’t their vocation in life, whilst others enter formation unsure or without much confidence and soon become aware that they are being pointed in the direction of ordination. “Taste and see that the Lord is good, How blessed are those who take refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8)

One of the greater barriers that many put up in front of themselves revolves around issues of unworthiness and ability. The late Cardinal Basil Hume described it as “a dismaying gap between what we know ourselves to be and what the priesthood demands of us.” Such demands upon our human nature such as celibacy, confidence in authoritative public speaking, interpersonal skills and a comprehensive knowledge of the faith are all dealt with and encouraged throughout training for each person as an individual. When we think back to Pentecost, we can see there that the Holy Spirit will always be with us to guide and protect us. If you do feel there is a possibility that God is calling you to priesthood, open up your heart and pray for the Lord to give you strength, encouragement and direction in your life.

“God’s chosen instrument may well have many personal failings; the chief requirement however is a willingness to let God work through us.” (Cardinal Basil Hume)

England 3-0 Egypt - Play to our potential and success follows, the need to address the weaknesses is still prevalent though

In the end it was more than a credible result, but it certainly took a kick up the backside at half time to ignite the ability that exists in the England players. From the off England were lacklustre, they seemed to be half asleep and dumbfounded by the attacking threat that Egypt offered. The visitors came out the blocks determined to prove that they deserved to be at the World Cup this year instead of England's 2nd opponents Algeria. They haven't fluked the last 2 African Cup of Nations, they've been by far the better side. At this years tournament they beat every African side that have qualified for the World Cup and on the performance of the first half hour it seemed extraordinary how they they aren't going to South Africa.

Egypt's opener was almost inevitable, the speed and skill that they were exerting had put England on the back foot, Upson's slip that led to the goal epitomised the home team's inability to cope with a team who played at pace and counter attacking finesse. This shouldn't take anything away from the goal though, Zidan's finishing was almost worthy of his French namesake.

Come half time the crowd and Capello had seen enough. Off went Lampard and Defoe, on came Carrick and Crouch. Although Lampard hadn't done too badly in the 1st half, Carrick bossed the centre more, his passing and control of the game seemed to be very influential. As for Crouch, well he was fantastic in an England shirt yet again. Almost unplayable, it was a fine example of how continental country's seem to be clueless whe it come to handling him. Capello has previously said that he prefers a big man and small man up front, he's also stated about Crouch that he prefers not to play with him because it encourages a long ball game. Well maybe its time for the Italian to eat a bit of humble pie and see that Crouch is much much more than that kind of player. Why would anybody choose Heskey over Crouch??! If they both fit the 'big man' tag alongside Rooney then how exactly can the excuse about the long ball game be used when Heskey is the sort of player that encourages such play. The big difference - Heskey doesn't score much, Crouch cannot stop scoring for England. His two goals tonight makes it almost a goal a game in his last 8 internationals. If Crouch unsettles defenders as much as Heskey does, yet also scores goals then maybe it's about time Capello experimented more with Rooney and Crouch from the start against Mexico.

PLAYER RATINGS


Robinson - 6 - A suprising starter bearing in mind the form of Hart and return to actin of James, but it seems Capello has decided on him as 1st choice. Didn't do anything wrong but to be fair wasn't hugely tested.

Brown - 6 - Was more attacking than Baines and seemed assured after a shaky start.

Upson - 5 - Was at fault for Egypt's goal and looked shaky all night. Should have been much better bearing in mind his teammate was in goal.

Terry - 7 - Given a hot reception by the crowd who certainly made their feelings towards him known. After his early slip that nearly cost England a goal, Terry was rock solid at the back. Controlled the back four and let his football do the talking.

Baines - 7 - Although he looked nervy in the opening exchanges, he put in an assured performance and staked a claim to be the main understudy for Cole at the World Cup.

Gerrard - 7 - At times was looking back to his best when surging forward, strayed inside alot in the first half but balanced his positioning much more to great effect in the 2nd half.

Lampard - 5 - Didn't get into the game too much, the 2 chances he did have he squandered.

Barry - 7 - Better than he's been in previous games, was much better playing alongside Carrick in the 2nd half.

Walcott - 5 - After a promising start he was all puff and no smoke. Threatened to show glimpses of the player who destroyed Croatia in the qualifiers but nowhere near fit enough and needs more playing time back at Arsenal.

Defoe - 6 - Had a couple of chances in 1st half but was substituted at half time. The teams problems in the 1st half couldn't have helped his stake for a starting bearth alongside Rooney.

Rooney - 7 - Had a few chances on the night, although he struggled to link up too well with Defoe, once Crouch came on they were formidable.

SUB: Carrick - 7 - Opened up the Egypt midfield 5 and made them look far more vulnerable. Worked well with Barry and supplied the strikers well.

SUB: Crouch - 8 - Once again proved that he is much more than a target man. Both goals at the end of great passing movements by England, and nearly pulled off another one of his fantastic acrobatic kicks.

SUB: Wright-Phillips - 7 - Was much more productive down the right hand side in 25 minutes than Walcott had been all game. Ran at the wingback and did well to get a goal.

SUB: Milner - 6 - Didn't have too much time to show his class, but is surely a certainty on the plane to South Africa with how well he's progressed of late.

SUB: C Cole - 6 - Too late to do anything.

Is it just me that's bored of reading about affairs?

So Ashley and Cheryl Cole have finally split up after more allegations against Ashley. Why exactly are the public expected to be amazed by this news? I would put my future life savings on this being front page news for at least 2 more weeks if not longer - why though? Do the media see the general public as being having so little genuine interest in their lives or is it more of a case of dictatorship on the medias part. I'd certainly say the latter - its the old case of someone is raised up on high so that when they fall it'll be so much more of a 'sensational' ending.

Only a few years back the tabloids were desperate to make Cheryl Cole (or Tweedy, as she was then)public enemy number one. For weeks upon end the tabloids dragged out the story that she was involved in a nightclub altercation, into a huge scandal - vicious assault, racist Cheryl, a thug - in the end she admitted to being drunk and punching the nightclub attendant, but strenuously denied being a racist - she served her punishement and tried to rebuild her career and grow up from the 19 year old young woman she was then. When the hairdresser who revealed her affair with Ashley spoke to the same papers in January 2008, Cheryl was now the poor victim and the papers turned on Ashley.

This being the same Ashley who the tabloids adore! Not because of his wonderful talent as one of the best left backs in the world, how stupid to think that, nope it's because he seems to be such an easy target for scandal. They loved making him out as a greedy, arrogant overpaid celebrity when he moved to Chelsea for the money...and possibly success (but that isn't controversial so not print worthy) yet scrambled to make his and Cheryl's wedding pictures the front page news as a beautiful and wonderful celebrity occasion. Since then, every sniff of promiscuity has been pounced upon like an elephant sitting on an ant! Until eventually they find out enough and publicise it to destroy the marriage that they promoted only 4 years earlier.

So is this my own damning verdict on Ashleys personal life, or the transitional character change and moral development of them both? Not at all. I'm merely highlighting the fickle and hypocritical nature of our national press. They aren't interested in the emotional trauma, the deep personal issues involved with such stories, they want to make money out of them, out of us. Cheryl in her statement earlier today has asked that "the media respect her privacy at this difficult time" - Do you honestly think they will??

Not a chance!!!!!

They'll milk this story for what will seem like an eternity, with apparent new revelations and insights into either of the 2 peoples lives - and they'll only get bored of it when they tell us, the nation when we're supposed to be bored of it. Sound bizarre?! It should do, but unfortunately what I'm getting at is that the national media have manipulated so much of the country into being obsessed with celebrity culture and delving into the ordinary of these people's lives. Personally, I feel sorry for Cheryl and don't agree with what Ashley has done, but it's the same way I feel about the same situation with anybody in the world - but in the end it's their business, their problems, and it's very personal - so do we really need to know the ins and outs of 'celebrities' personal lives or are we going to continue to be playthings for the tabloids?

Arsene "Whinging" Wenger yet again

The predictability of last nights post match comments re: the Arsenal v Porto game was far too easy. The Porto winner certainly was nothing short of bizarre and comical, however the reality of it is that the referee made the correct decision with regards to the rules of the game. No matter how much Wenger tries to plead the "not deliberate" backpass card, it won't wash. Sol Campbell touched the ball back to the the goalkeeper, who in turn picks it up; if anyone is to blame there it's Fabianski, he should have spotted that Campbell kicked it back to him (from literally feet away) and booted it out of touch.

Thats the first part where Wenger is talking nonsense. Secondly, was his line that competes with a Jimmy Carr one liner -

"I think the referee also has to give us time to build a wall or else you will never have a chance to defend an indirect free-kick in the box...Has he ever played football? If he has played I don't see how he can explain to me how we can defend."

Mr Wenger that is precisely the point of playing an advantage! At the time of the original infringement within a few yards of the ball was the Porto player, one Arsenal defender and the goalkeeper. Thus, when the offence takes place(which is in a way cheating the opposing side of a goal opportunity) there are those 3 players in the immediate vicinity as well as another player from each side just coming into play. Now let's skip forward to when the referee allows the attacking side to compensate from the offence. In the immediate vicinity when this quick free kick is taken there is Fabianski, the 2 attacking Porto players and the 2 Arsenal defenders - precisely the number of players and exact players that were around when Arsenal illegally stopped their goalscoring opportunity!! So where's the problem? Exactly why should Arsenal be given time to build up a wall and bring all their players into the situation? - if this happens then Porto lose any chance of an advantage. Maybe Mr Wenger ought to think a bit more before he speaks.

The goal in question starts at 3:00

http://www.footytube.com/video/fc-porto-arsenal-2-1-17-02-2010-34514

The problem is that Wenger realises that the Porto players were alert and ready to take advantage of the situation, they weren't dithering about and complaining like the Arsenal players. The Arsenal defence showed complete naivity in their approach to the situation. Why did Campbell briefly bend down and clutch his face? Why does the goalkeeper walk halfway back complaining then throw the ball to the Porto players? Where is Vermaelan's immediacy in repositioning himself? All these are the real contributors to the 2nd goal sham, but Wenger insists on trying to make a scapegoat out of the referee in the full knowledge that it is the same referee involved in the "Henry handball scandal" Rather than hold his hand up like Fabregas his own captain and admit wrong he insists on blaming the one man who is most vulnerable, in the hope that the press will get behind Wenger and make Hansson the excuse for another naive performance by his own players.

Back from the oblivion

A hectic diary of late, combined with laziness and summoning the energy to compile opinion on so many issues of late, has led to my lack of posts. I do wish in one way that I had stayed an ever present, especially with some fascinating and controversial storylines since Christmas. The big debate once again that has arisen from the John Terry affair - Does a footballers private life really matter when it comes to being an example on the pitch? Is the stereotypical football fan really bothered about the fact that the England captain has been playing away, just as long as it doesn't influence his performance on the pitch?

The additional complication of the woman he had an affair with being a teammates ex girlfriend, as well as the allegation that he paid her to have an abortion further complicates this one and brings in so many more questions and dilemmas. Effect on team morale, will there be support for the captain or is his authority going to be undermimed, huge moral questions surrounding the allegations that he used his financial clout to "quick fix" the problem. When these factors are added to the equation, one can start to understand why Capello has taken the decision to strip Terry of the England Captaincy, especially being so close to the World Cup. Under no circumstances should England's chance at the World Cup be jeopardised, not when we've got out best squad in years with the best chance in years of glory! (Take note national press by the way, if your on side stop making such an effort to disrupt pre-tournament morale and plans!!)

Apparently, the Popes defence of his clergy, the Church and religious freedom for our Country in his Ad Limina address was a direct attack on the rights of homosexuals and other marginalised groups.

Your country is well known for its firm commitment to equality of opportunity for all members of society. Yet as you have rightly pointed out, the effect of some of the legislation designed to achieve this goal has been to impose unjust limitations on the freedom of religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs. In some respects it actually violates the natural law upon which the equality of all human beings is grounded and by which it is guaranteed.

I urge you as Pastors to ensure that the Church’s moral teaching be always presented in its entirety and convincingly defended. Fidelity to the Gospel in no way restricts the freedom of others – on the contrary, it serves their freedom by offering them the truth. Continue to insist upon your right to participate in national debate through respectful dialogue with other elements in society. In doing so, you are not only maintaining long-standing British traditions of freedom of expression and honest exchange of opinion, but you are actually giving voice to the convictions of many people who lack the means to express them: when so many of the population claim to be Christian, how could anyone dispute the Gospel’s right to be heard?

The above is merely a snippet of Pope Benedict XVI's address, but I'd advise such people to have a proper read through it all. He is staunchly defending our right to have religious freedom, our right to adhere to the religious traditions that have co-existed in our society for hundreds of years, before this ludicrous government starting inventing over the top nitty gritty laws that have no sensitivity to anyone. It is the agenda of Harriet HarmMEN that should be scrutinised and opposed by England as a united nation.

A week of Football - The Good, Great, bad and ugly!

The next day is building up to be quite a day or so of football. Big mersey, lancashire, and Birmingham derbies. A top of the table clash between Arsenal & Chelsea and The FA Cup 2nd round with the draw to follow. It should be quite spectacle and if yesterday is anything to go by there'll be goals galore!

In merseyside this could be the most critical derby in a long time - they say both managers have got quite a bit of pressure upon them but as far as I can see its Rafa under pressure today. A loss in todays game could be the end for him, after such a poor recent record this could be the straw that breaks the camels back. They say that the Liverpool fans are behind Rafa still but I can't see them being too impressed with being kicked out of CHampions league and losing to your closest rivals in the space of a few days. In the other dugout is Moyes, also under a little pressure but unwarranted in my opinion. Everton may be languishing towards the relegation zone but a win today sends them up into top half of the table. They've been in this situation before with Moyes and he has to be trusted. Managers whinge about injuries all the time, Moyes has barely uttered a complaint even though his squad has been seriously depleted for the majority of this season.

In London a win for Arsenal against Chelsea would be great for football in general as it would keep the title race well and truly open. None of us as neutrals wants to see United and Chelsea in a 2 horse race for the rest of the season, just think how much better this season could be if we have at least United, Chelsea and Arsenal in serious battle til May as well as the 4th spot being fought out by the likes of VIlla, Everton, Man City, Liverpool and Spurs. In the rest of the table things seem exceptionally tight with a win or loss moving teams from one half to the other. More football on Monday night live on sky from the Championship should also be a feisty encounter - PNE V Blackpool. Its been a long time since these clubs fought out similar league positions so Lancashire pride is well and truly at stake! We also have the magic of the FA Cup today, unsuprisingly the "big club" Leeds are on against Kettering but the excitement for most surrounds the draw at 3.45pm. Hopefully it'll throw up some fantastic games especially for the lower league sides.

Finally I'd like to make a point of mentioning a couple of positive and fun incidents this week. Yesterday saw one of the funniest goal celebrations I've ever seen from Jimmy Bullard of Hull City. His re-enactment of the famous half time team talk last year against Man City as a goal celebration was a welcome sight in the footballing world it had me chuckling to myself. Also, well done to the Wigan players - after last weeks humiliating 9-1 defeat at Tottenham they agreed to repay all 400 fans who travelled down to the game. Okay its only 400 fans and for a 20 odd man squad it isn't much to the players but still its a gesture of apology that is barely ever seen in football today. Giles Smith in The TImes was critical of the gesture saying it would set a dangerous precedent- how can you respond to that?! Oh dear o dear do some people just enjoy being critical of good gestures no matter what.

My Verdict on The Ireland v France controversy: Cheating, conspiracy and cowardice from top to bottom

Over the last week I’ve listened intently to all the arguments surrounding the world cup play off between Ireland and France. The Irish take on it, from the top brass of the Irish state to the patriotic adoring fans. The French side of the argument, again from the top brass to Thierry Henry the man who is at the centre of all this controversy. But for me the real voices that should have been speaking clearly have been a distant eerie silence – the men in charge of FIFA and UEFA. Bar a couple of statements that hide behind the written rules of the game, the cowards have pushed forward the referee and Henry as the scapegoats whilst behind the scenes they undoubtedly rejoice in the knowledge that they have succeeded directly and indirectly in ensuring the “bigger” clubs are through to South Africa at the expense of the smaller countries that ACTUALLY DESERVE to be there.

Let me go through all this properly though, there are three huge issues that make up this entire farce. First of all there is the question of cheating on the pitch and Thierry Henry. The simple fact of the matter is that he DID handle the ball and directly influenced the goal that put Ireland out of the qualifier. He has admitted that it hit his hand, although not deliberately (which I would dispute due to the 2nd touch) and he even says that in his opinion the game should be replayed. There are not many players in the game that will be so honest, only past incidents such as the Paulo Di Canio one in 2001 can really spring to mind, but his admission of integrity cannot be embraced completely as he knows only too well that this will never happen, FIFA refuse to allow the game to be replayed, so whatever he says makes no difference. Put yourself in that situation – do you thus continue to defend your blatant cheating actions and appear ignorant and lack remorse OR do you try to regain a shred of dignity within the game and admit your fault and make an attempt at quelling the resentment aimed at you by so much of the sporting world. I know what I’d do.

So it remains, any genuine sportsmanship would have been appreciated, relevant and believable if it had been displayed on the pitch at the time by owning up. I’m having none of the rubbish about how he couldn’t have done because of the heat of the moment, etc the reality of it is he knew there and then that he’d cheated and it had astronomical consequences if he allowed it to stand. A quick chat with the referee, a refusal to run away in celebration – any act at the time, whether the referee took it into consideration or not, would have stripped Henry of the majority of accusations and could have set a precedent for the future. Instead, this will always be remembered, it’ll be a blot against him name forever and always mentioned in the same sentence as such other high profile cheats as Maradona in ’86 and Rivaldo in ’02.

Secondly, the men “in charge” – the biggest cheats of anyone in all this. The cheating started well before the Ireland v France game. The qualifying stages were nearing completion, France, Portugal, Greece, Russia are all looking unlikely to qualify automatically leaving the possibility of any one of them or all of them failing to qualify for the World Cup. Any ordinary person admits that this is merely a direct consequence of their own actions – they weren’t good enough therefore they’ll have to play an extra play off match and prove it over 2 legs there. But oh no that’s far too risky and fair for Sepp Blatter and Platini to accept. Instead they implement a seeding process for the play offs out of the blue as an obvious result of their worry that the “big” nations may not qualify. Why? Well lets look at the teams that were struggling; –

France - winners in 1998 have been runners up since, a nation of 60million and oh yes not forgetting the head of UEFA is French!
Portugal – Although they have never won the World Cup, they’re always almost there and possess a worldwide marketing icon in Cristiano Ronaldo, the most expensive player ever at £80million – to have a world cup without him would cost FIFA millions in potential income
Greece – Not the most glamorous side but winners of Euro 2004 and a top 20 ranked side
Russia – Apparently, according to FIFA’s world rankings are a better side than England!! I fear the mass population and unassociated assets of the country are of more importance than quality of football

Therefore, according to FIFA & UEFA the governing bodies, these big nations, who have already been helped out by seedings in the group stages where they have had between 8 and 10 games to prove their ability, also require help in the play offs. PURE CHEATING! The lower nations such as Ireland, Slovenia and Bosnia (no disrespect meant to them) have played their hearts out to prove that they are worthy of a potential place in next year’s World Cup. Many of them have proven that they are good enough by beating the top sides or are at least worthy of a fair test against teams in their EXACT situation. Not according to the people in charge. It’s evidently nothing short of a conspiracy, this argument wouldn’t be taking place if they had announced at the beginning of the qualifying campaign that everything would be seeded – but this was only decided at the last minute out of fear for their own loyalties and they have completely abused their power!

The final debate in all this surrounds the debate over use of technology in football. The rest of the world is moving on, society embraces technology in all walks of life for millions of uses. In sport around the world, their respective governing bodies have used common sense in making the most of the benefits of technology whilst retaining the integrity and spirit of the relevant sport. Crickets 3rd umpire works fantastically well because although there is a slight delay in the game of no more than a minute the umpires can always ensure the correct decision has been made. It is in their hands to decide, players can’t force them to check but the umpires have the intelligence and humility to accept it when there is a possibility they could have been wrong due to inevitable human error. Tennis’s hawkeye allows players to challenge a decision, which again inevitably with serves of over 130 mph, is sympathetic to the possibility of human error. The common sense is again there though, in that players are only allowed 3 challenges per set – that way the game still flows. Many other sports use similar technology – so WHY O WHY can’t football do exactly the same. All it takes is a bit of common sense just like the other sports have done to ensure that things don’t get out of hand. Allow the 4th official to have replays available for contentious decisions that neither the referee or linesman sees. We can’t allow every decision to be disputed, so allow the 4th official to be able to contact the referee about an important decision if it is incorrect. Modern replays take literally 10 seconds for an official to get hold of, so where’s the problem? If players are aware that the 4th official is able to spot things they may even begin to stop with cheating! Lets face it the 4th official does nothing else during the game. My other suggestion is to do with the equipment that has been offered to the football associations for years now – a tiny chip in the ball and an ear piece in the ref’s ear that would go off if the ball crosses the line. Simple, undisruptive and would clear up so many goals that should or shouldn’t have been. Its time Sepp Blatter stopped being such a hypocrite, stop hiding behind pathetic arguments of retaining footballs roots and integrity. If he wants the game and all the financial superpower that comes with it nowadays he has to ensure that he does the most to makes sure the important decisions ARE ACTUALLY CORRECT.


The big thing surrounding so much of this is to do with morality. Henry’s decision, the decision of the authorities and upon what morality they possess (if any!) but most of all the underlying reason which behind the scenes is central to the meddling and conspiracy. That is FIFA want the top teams and players present in South Africa next year, they aren’t bothered how they do it as long as they can get away with it – BUT what about the fans? What do they want, where’s their moral position? I honestly think that the vast majority of football fans would rather the deserved teams such as Ireland were present as opposed to France. I say this because not only has 90% of the outside footballing world turned on Henry for cheating, but HIS OWN country disapproves strongly to how they qualified. Regardless of their patriotic loyalties the French fans has shown disgust in how their own team qualified. The only people in France who support Henry are SHOCK HORROR the French authorities, Domanech and the players – why? Simple – they are the ones who now benefit financially; the French economy gets a boost, the French boss keeps his job, players are on huge bonuses, all whilst the Irish struggle, but the bosses of FIFA, UEFA and the FFA couldn’t care less because their pockets are now lined and will be next year.

In the end Ireland have been cheated out of a place they rightfully deserved at next years world cup – I feel deeply sorry for them, South Africa would have been great with both the English and Irish there (just think of the beer sales!) I just hope football is cleaned up soon otherwise things could get so so much worse!

'Crazy Christmas Scrooges' start already

Each year we hear story after story about the festive cheer is being stamped out by secularism. Tales of how bosses at work become a modern day scrooge and how councils ban the very sense of identity that Christmas signifies are all too common. I must admit this year has been rather quiet so far and I was startng to believe that common sense was beginning to prevail. HOWEVER! Step forward the 'Neighbourhood Watch and the Safer Chorley and South Ribble Partnership' who have decided that carol singers are the new arch enemy of the area.

Households in the Penwortham area have already started to receive postcards through their letterboxes that they are advised to put up in their windows in order to deter carol singers. Oh yes those bad mannered, foul mouthed, offensive and dangerous people that knock on peoples doors to spread a bit of festive spirit. How dare they stand there and sing angelic carols that bring a smile and shiver to the majority of us at this beautiful time of year.



In their defence the people who have been distributing these postcards say that they are trying to protect the many vulnerable people who live in the area. I can understand that pensioners can feel particularly at risk during the dark, cold nights of winter but surely is this the way to protect the vulnerable people in our society? Is this the best plan that can be offered? Surely it's the hooded youths who terrorise people on street corners and by hanging outside our homes that we need to be protected from. It was only a couple of months back that we saw that dreadful story of the young lad and his gang who terrorised a mother and her disabled daughter to the point of them commiting suicide. The inquest concluded that the lack of response from the police and a weak criminal justice system was to blame for their eventual death.

Initiatives like this send out the message that the powers that be are actually afraid to challenge the real problems of anti-social behaviour and once again are taking the easy option by preying on those who have done no wrong! My age isn't on my side when it comes to such traditions as Carol Singers knocking on doors, I personally would love to see groups of them spreading the good news and joy of Christmas more. Those young people who do make the effort to wander the streets from door to door should not be discouraged AT ALL; instead, such proactive efforts by adults and children alike should be praised for trying to spread a bit of cheer!