280 replies to this topic

[Carmine Hose]

And just ban Marco Materrazzi, period.

He actually pulled the headbutt flop in a Serie A game as well and the ref told him to get off the ground. Hilarious.

[RedSoxNationAustria]

A lifetime ban on Gilardino! Get rid of such sissies and send them off the pitch forever!

[Vinho Tinto]

The constant bitching and simulation in the game makes a mockery of these competitions. There needs to be a disrepute charge at the federation, confederation, and FIFA levels that can be brought against clubs and players who cynically try to game the system. Bitch about the ref at the post-game interview? You're gone for a game. Period. Grab your face and writhe around when the opponent's boot comes nowhere near it, a la Fabio Cannavaro in Tuesday's match? You're gone for three games. See ya. Intimidate the referee? Six-point deduction in the league, expulsion from the competition if it's a cup.

Would you support punishing the English FA for what happened to Urs Meier after England's exit from Euro '04?

[Flask N Gaggin']

Any response from ManU on why there was 5K supporters in a spot reserved for 3,500?

Reading the comments, I thought Lille is grabbing at huge straws. No way ManU should or will get thrown out of the CL for anything that happened on or off the field. But the guy did have one point, if:

A) UEFA agreed to their securities measures.

B ) ManU was given 3,500 tickets, which were handed over to the travelling supporters early.

C) The supporters used the early access to create fake tickets.

Then ManU should review its ticket distribution policy. It's clear that the fans in that section were being crushed and the last thing anyone wants to see is a return to the 1980s. Just wondering if the club is disputing any of the above claims.

United won't make an offical statement until their investigation is complete.

A.) The stewards were waving everyone through, and not checking tickets. Not to mention the gated area apparently was a huge bottleneck.

B.) Tickets were provided 11 days before the match. Home matches are sent out 6 weeks in advance. Somehow United don't have much of a problem at OT.

C.) Fake tickets were definitely floating around, as they always are. Allegedly they were extremely easy to forge. However, I've heard that plenty were available on open sale. The stewards were taking any Mancs in the home end and putting them in the gated away area, adding to the crowd.

This isn't the first time they've had trouble in France, they were also gassed in Lyon. Because of the English history of violence, there are always separate rules for them in terms of police treatment. I've also heard that some of the younger element of United's travelling support aren't as well behaved as the old guard, and added to the trouble.

[DLew On Roids]

Would you support punishing the English FA for what happened to Urs Meier after England's exit from Euro '04?

That would be a better question if I were a fan of the English national team Anyway, you can't answer that question without defining for what a team or association should be held responsible. For teams, the behavior of the supporters inside the ground has to be fair game. The team distributes tickets, even on the road.

The line goes farther with major international finals, though. These the associations coordinate blacklists with their national and host country law enforcement, so responsibility for misbehavior by supporters even outside the ground must be shared by the supporters' national associations.

However, I don't see how any association can be held responsible for the behavior of private individuals who are not traveling to an event. The treatment of Meier was unconscionable, I don't see how one could hold the FA responsible for emailed death threats or for The Sun planting an English flag on his lawn. That doesn't fall under their control. I suppose one could argue that you could penalize the emailers by docking point from their team's next qualifying effort, but that opens up huge loopholes. There's nothing to stop me from writing a script that generates 10,000 GMail addresses and then sends threatening emails to Urs Meier if I want England out of the next tournament.

By the way, although I wouldn't have supported sanctions against England in that case, Ericksson should have been suspended for his post-match complaints about the refereeing.

Edited by DLew On Roids, 22 February 2007 - 01:19 PM.

[DLew On Roids]

Now Lille is blatantly trying to win the game off the pitch: http://football.guar...2019142,00.html

"We sent their quota of places to Manchester several weeks ago, as is the usual thing to do," said Xavier Thuillot. "But the English club, instead of distributing the tickets to their supporters on their arrival at the stadium, on their descent from the bus, sent them out a month ago. The result - some very good forgeries, which have allowed some supporters to enter the stand reserved for them. All the forged tickets on the night were Manchester United tickets.

"This is very similar to what happened with Feyenoord fans during a Uefa Cup match at Nancy," he added, referring to the Dutch club's expulsion from Europe after crowd disturbances suspended their game on November 30. "Manchester know what there is at stake after the disturbances provoked by their fans. It's the reason why they were so swift to try and put the blame on us."

This is the exact kind of gamesmanship bullshit I'm talking about. And we're supposed to be shocked that this band of amateurish douchebags mismanaged the stadium situation?

[Spacemans Bong]

Lille and the French police are engaging in a massive CYA.

[Zomp]

Fuck you Lille.

http://soccernet.esp...d...502&cc=5739

[Tony the Pony]

Fuck you Lille.

Big surpise... Yet again the French show they can't organise a football game, and the French police demonstrate they'd rather gas supporters than shoot them.

What a joke. My favorite team was kicked out of the MAFFIA Cup recently for a game in Nancy - now Lille will be trying to use that as standing jurisprudence to kick out Man Utd.


In Nancy, there were 1,200 away fans that bought their tickets through the pre-screened club procedure. A few thousand more with no tickets were chased throughout the city by the police and thrown in the stadium next to the away supporters. Some plexiglass breaks and everybody gets gassed. Meanwhile, those docile Nancy fans ("never a problem - the most peaceloving fans in Europe") sing the Marseillaise as a woman a few feet away from me has a seizure while the French police keeps gassing...

Instead of an investigation into the actions of the club Nancy (selling unlimited tickets to tourists - I know of one guy buying 200 with cash a few weeks before the game), the city Nancy (closing all the bars), and the police actions prior, during and after the match, the European Football Association (MAFFIA) has thrown out the away team.

As MAFFIA is very money-savvy I don't expect Man Utd to be expelled - but a precedent has been set. Very recently. In the meantime, I'm starting to see why some of those banlieus burn at night.

(I can't believe I posted my first post in a Manky Urinals topic. If anybody is interested in a Millwall Cup Final polo - I have a spare, ha ha)

Edited by Tony the Pony, 23 February 2007 - 09:14 PM.

[meckbah]

Fulham 1-2 United

We we're brutal, absolutely brutal. Neville was rested, Vidic had to go off injured, we went one down ended up with a back four of O'Shea, Brown, Rio and Silvestre and never looked like getting the three points. But we won! Ronlado with a lovely goal in the 89th minute. Running at the defence from inside his own half, skipping by two challanges before finishing in the corner with the help of a deflection. Put simply it should the stuff that champions are made of. Winning when you have no right to win. 9 points clear and it just makes next weeks game against the scousers absolutely the game of the season thus far.

[LRedsox]

Let me tell you- I was eight rows back in the away end, and brutal is absolutely right. United got out of jail in a big way.

Ronaldo's goal was totally as a result of not getting a foul called in exactly the same place on the touchline a minute before his goal. He was furious at the ref and seemed to decide to deliver a big "F*** You" to the him and Fulham. Picks up the ball on the touchline, skins two players, cuts inside and finds the bottom corner.

Fergie's celebrations at the finish say it all. They were all massively pumped.

Giggs' finish for the equalizer was also quality.

Not sure if Vidic was injured...both he and Bouba Diop seemed to be subbed before the ref had a chance to send them off.

[Zomp]

United 3 Reading...2.5

United advance in the FA Cup due to 3 goals in the first 6 minutes. Reading fight back and dominate the last 10 minutes of the game, hitting the crossbar in extra time to almost tie the game.

Too close for comfort.

[Carmine Hose]

Match of the year for United Saturday on the trip to Anfield. Would love to take back a draw as the Reds are en fuego right now.

Can't believe this one isn't on FSC here, even on replay (must be some kind of Sky exlcusive). I'll have to make an excuse to the wife to be out early for the 8am start.

[meckbah]

Match of the year for United Saturday on the trip to Anfield. Would love to take back a draw as the Reds are en fuego right now.

Can't believe this one isn't on FSC here, even on replay (must be some kind of Sky exlcusive). I'll have to make an excuse to the wife to be out early for the 8am start.

I haven't been as nervous about a game since the build up to the Arsenal away game in 2003. This is absolutely huge. I am very concerned though that Ferguson will agree with you Carmine and play for a draw. He did this last year at Liverpool and it depressed the hell out of me. If I see Rooney on the left and Giggs wandering around behind larsson I will go beserk. someone should contact ferguson and tell him that Liverpool are not actually that good. The only way to play this game is to walk down the tunnel laugh at the 'This is Anfield' sign and attack them. Giggs on the left Ronaldo on the right Rooney up front off Larsson, Carrick and Scholes pulling the strings. If we play that way we win and the league is ours. Play for the draw and anythign can happen....You gotta do whatever you have to do to see this game Carmine...

[meckbah]

So far so good. Ferguson has managed to pick his best 11. Van DeSar, Neville, Vidic, Rio, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Larrson. Hopefully they play the right way. Giggs better be on the left....

Scouse Gits have Gerrard on the right, Giggs is the man you want out there. Keep Gerrard going backwards, win the midfield battle and attack them over and over again. Liverpool are not as good as United we need to show them. Man I hate Liverpool....This is such a big game.

[SoxFanInCali]

F*&k.

Smash and grab by the Mancs. It's your year.

[Flask N Gaggin']

When Johnny comes marching down the wing, O'SHEA O'SHEA
When Johnny comes marching down the wing, O'SHEA O'SHEA
When Johnny comes marching down the wing,
The Stretford End will f*cking sing
We all know that Johnny's gonna score!


What a result, O'Pie has effectively won them the title. They definitely stole one today.

[Philip Jeff Frye]

What a result, O'Pie has effectively won them the title. They definitely stole one today.

Wow, United has gotten every break this year. From outcomes like this to their general run of good health (Scholes comeback in particular has been huge), the gods are clearly smiling on this year. Congrats to them.

[meckbah]

For the first time in my life I am ashamed of my football club. beating Fulham is fine, we didn't play well but we won, that is how titles are won. Today Ferguson did not try to win and it was disgusting. I am delighted we won but totally ashamed.

[Carmine Hose]

Fitting that an Irishman nets the winner with St. Pat's in a fortnight.

[Carmine Hose]

Luck is what it is. The results have been good, but now Scholes is gone for 3 matches and 2 strikers are hurt (OGS and Rooney) and Larsson's loan ends in 9 days. If they're truly lucky, Smudger nets 10 goals the rest of the way.

[meckbah]

Ah the master tactician that is Alex Ferguson strikes again. Obviously galvanised by Saturdays outstanding second half performance agaisnt Liverpool Mr Carlos Ferguson has picked John O'Shea instead of Ryan Giggs. Great to see his usual "the fans won't accept anything less than attacking football here" philosophy come to the fore once again.

I am totally fed up with our defensive attitude in big games. Lille are not really that good, much like Liverpool, we are at home, 1-0 up and yet Ferguson decides to go with a five man midfield and defend our goal lead. Does he forget that the only time we have won this tournament was when we just attacked teams. I still think we'll win but it will be a bigger struggle than it should be.

[Carmine Hose]

Nice turn-around by Alan Smith at the end of the match. United clearly were playing for the draw and rested Giggs because Scholes is out for 3 domestic matches. Ugly game, but beautiful goal from Ronaldo-Larsson.

I don't think Larsson's departure hurts them much in the EPL race with only the Stamford Bridge tie looking like a legit loss possibility (things do happen of course). Where it will hurt is the CL moving on.

[Vinho Tinto]

only the Stamford Bridge tie looking like a legit loss possibility (things do happen of course).

At the beginning of the season, I thought that there was no way Chelsea would finish second. I've now come around to the point that I don't expect a victory for the Blues when they meet. That game has all the makings for the final ribbon of a championship season.

[meckbah]

Ronaldo opens contracts discussions

This is great news for united if true (even though it ruins my Iniesta/Eto'o for Ronaldo trade). Wrapping him and Rooney up long term is brilliant for United. I'll take them over Denilson and Senderos et al every day of the week

Edited by meckbah, 08 March 2007 - 03:51 PM.

[Zomp]

Great news.

I was also thinking about the return for Ronaldo the other day. I want him to stay above all else, but if he forced his way out of United I'd love to see United grab Ribery and Torres with that money, two players with whom they've been linked to before.

[meckbah]

Great news.

I was also thinking about the return for Ronaldo the other day. I want him to stay above all else, but if he forced his way out of United I'd love to see United grab Ribery and Torres with that money, two players with whom they've been linked to before.

Not as high on those two as I was before this season. As I said in the Barca thread, Eto'o and Iniesta are players United should be targeting. If Ferguson is intent on buying Hargreaves and playing a three man midfield he better have some creative talent in beside him and carrick once Scholes calls it quits. Iniesta would be prefect. Then Eto'o to compliment Rooney and Ronaldo. That is a front 3 to scare anyone. Giggs can spell Ronaldo and Rooney and the 4 midfielders can actually play the game the way Fergie wants them to. Having to pick 3 from Iniesta, Carrick, Scholes and Hargreaves would be a nice problem to have. Not likely to happen though because getting Eto'o and Hargreaves would stretch the budget but nice to think about.

Edited by meckbah, 08 March 2007 - 04:43 PM.

[meckbah]

2-2 draw serves its purpose. Scholes will now only miss one league game as the replay is monday week. Tough playing saturday (bolton h) then monday but with the International games to follow after the replay Scholes and probably Carrick will have a good rest before United play again.

If United get by Boro or if Chelski oust Spurs the United Chelski league match will be postponed until Wed May 9th, hopefully rendering it immaterial to the Premiershpip race.

[Flask N Gaggin']

FA Youth Cup first leg was tonight, at Emerates. Taken from another site....

Greatest Collection of Young Players Ever 1 United 0

A pretty even game against two very good sides. The goal that won it was taken well. United had a few chances. Wellbeck and Brandy going close. Hewson palyed well in midfield and Galibrath had another good game on the left wing
The second leg is at Old Trafford 2nd April

attendance a bit over 38,000 !!!!!

[Zomp]

Just watched United thrash Bolton 4-nil.

Gary Neville was injured in the first half of the game but Wes Brown came in and did a solid job. Ronaldo had his hand in the first three goals, setting up Park's first, a BRILLIANT 1-2 with Wayne Rooney for the second, and having his shot bounce off the keeper to Park for his 2nd of the match. In a season full of unbelievable performances by Ronaldo this has to be up there with the best.

Great job by Rooney today as well, a nice chip-in for his first and an awesome powerful strike for his second goal in the 70th minute or so.

Big replay tomorrow to keep the dream alive...

[Philip Jeff Frye]

Just watched United thrash Bolton 4-nil.

Guess you turned it off early if you missed that Bolton goal on a penalty kick at the end!

[Zomp]

Guess you turned it off early if you missed that Bolton goal on a penalty kick at the end!

Doh!!

...the call was too weak to even consider that a legit goal.

[Carmine Hose]

Devils through to the FA Cup semi-final vs. Watford at Villa Park on 4/14. Interestingly, Chelsea looks to take out Spurs 1-2 to take on Blackburn at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo takes his 3rd penalty against Middlesborough this year and nets the winner with his 18th of the season in the 76th minute.

Very chippy, but expected result.

United loanee Ben Foster rides the pine in the semis, which certainly hurts Watford's already slim chances.

[Flask N Gaggin']

Apparently the Sky interview after is classic....the interviewer is trying to basically accuse Ronnie of diving. Ronnie of course, has basically no comprehension of the questions. Responds, "Maybe they don't like me, because I'm too good."

Also, there was a little back and forth between the two benches after a Boro player was sent of for a wild challenge on Ronnie at the end. Carlos Q. and Southgate got into it and had to be separated. They shouldn't have let him go, as CQ would have just used the stick and move and danced around for like 70 minutes before going for a knockout blow.

As Carmine said, United get the Saturday Semi, Chelsea get Sun. This means that United/Rent Boys at the Bridge will most likely be midweek during the second to last week of the season. Hopefully, it will be meaningless.

[Zomp]

It clearly was a penalty, from every angle you can see Woodgate take out Ronaldo's back leg.

It was a wild challenge on Ronaldo, but you gotta love 3 United players holding Rooney back to get after the guy

[CJChap]

ManU's tie with Chelsea has been pushed back because of the FA Cup Semis. Could make the game with Chelsea HUGE or it could make it potentially meaningless.

http://soccernet.esp...d...895&cc=5901

[biollante]

My bet is that it will be meaningless.

[Flask N Gaggin']

Nice comback today. United were down 1-0 at half time, but dominated in the second half, and won 4-1. It could have been alot more, but Friedel was class today. The goals came from Scholes, Carrick, Park, and Solskjaer.

Unfortunately for United, Vidic broke his collar bone and is likely out for the season.

[Philip Jeff Frye]

Portsmouth make things interesting in the Premiership again with a 2-1 win over ManU, doing Chelsea a major favor. Maybe their game will mean something after all.

[Zomp]

It was probably their worst game of the season. Rooney was invisible and Ronaldo couldn't get anything going.

A miscommunication between Rio and VDS caused the 2nd goal.


I thought it would be an easy ride to the top...clearly...I was wrong.

[Vinho Tinto]

But Rome's Prefect Achille Serra, the government official responsible for public security, told Reuters the entire episode lasted only two minutes during which police were forced to intervene after English fans trampled past stewards.

"The attack was started by the English fans -- by a part of the English fans, we're not generalising -- a group of the violent ones," he said.

"The other day, Bayern Munich came to Milan. And nothing happened. And a few days ago, Lyon came and nothing happened. A while ago, Valencia came, and nothing happened. The Ukrainians came, and nothing happened," he said.

"Perhaps some English groups that sometimes create problems in Italy and sometimes create problems abroad should examine their own conscience."
I thought it would be an easy ride to the top...clearly...I was wrong.

In the court of public opinion, this is a strong point.

[SoxFanInCali]

Roma Fans Cash With Manchester Police

Hopefully this doesn't get out of hand during or after the game.

[Flask N Gaggin']

Roma Fans Cash With Manchester Police

Hopefully this doesn't get out of hand during or after the game.

It wasn't too serious, there were something like 20 arrests. Oddly enough, a player for FC United of Manchester was one of the people arrested.

[Zomp]

Ronaldo with ManU til 2012

Pretty exciting news in an exciting time if your a United fan.

[Philip Jeff Frye]

No posts today after ManU leaves the door wide open for Chelsea to take the Premiership from them? They can score 7 against a good Roma team but only one (and none after 3 minutes) against a middle-of-the-pack Middlesboro?

[Zomp]

They sucked.

Took the lead within 5 minutes of the game starting, then looked lost for the rest of the game. Giggs came on for the 2nd half and was useless, Ronaldo was trying to take on 'boro by himself, and everyone of Rooney's shots missed the target.

Rio out 2 more weeks with a groin injury. Just to keep the haters up to date, we are now missing 3 of our 4 backs and 1 of our starting strikers.

Not.Good.

[SoxFanInCali]

Chelsea blow their chance and only get a 0-0 draw with Newcastle. Manc's lead is still 3, with a better goal differential. They are back in the driver's seat.

[Forever Red 9]

They're keeping it close. I'm really looking forward to May. There's a very good chance that Chelsea and Manchester will be playing each other head-to-head in three games for the treble (or the quad in Chelsea's case), although a win by Chelsea today would have made it much more likely. As much as I don't like these teams, that will be an exciting two weeks if that's how it plays out.

Edited by Forever Red 9, 22 April 2007 - 02:07 PM.

[Vinho Tinto]

Will Rooney attack Ronaldo?

It'd be pretty silly for him to attack the PFA player of the year.

[Zomp]

Up 5 with 3 to play as United win 4-2 over Everton.

United were down 2-0 with 40 minutes or so to play. A dropped ball from the keeper off a corner and O'Shea makes it 1-2. Phil Neville scores an own goal off another corner and ties it up at 2-2. With 20 minutes left Wayne Rooney puts'er in and in stoppage time Chris Eagles makes it 4.

Milan on Wed. to move one step closer to the dream.