Racist gobshite Evra tries to emulate his boss with lies
Mario Balotelli wants to leave title rivals Manchester City and return to Italy, says pal Patrice Evra.
Italy forward Balotelli is wanted by both Milan clubs, with AC Milan ready to sell former Man City forward Robinho back to his native Brazil to finance his transfer fee and wages.
He has also been mentioned as a player the champions will move on if they are able to buy Liverpool's Luis Suarez in January.
The 22-year-old has not started either of City's last two games, with manager Roberto Mancini preferring Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez with Edin Dzeko appearing from the bench.
The two Manchester clubs - the top two in the Premier League - will meet at Eastlands next month in a potentially pivotal encounter.
Frenchman Evra, who speaks Italian after starting his career there, has told Italian TV that his friend would rather be back home playing in Serie A.
The Manchester United captain said of controversy-magnet Balotelli: “Mario really misses Italy.
“I don’t know if he will stay in Manchester, because he wants to return to his country. I am not his agent - I am only telling you how he feels.
“He is my rival in Manchester - I meet him a lot, I know him well. Off the pitch, we joke around and I take the micky out of him.”
City defensive coach Angelo Gregucci has praised Balotelli’s “attitude and behaviour” in his appearance for Italy this week - but could make no promises about his future.
“Mancini has chosen to give him a signal, and it is his right to make choices,” he said.
“Perhaps during the last week something was missing, but Mario is ready to take back the Manchester City shirt.
“Will he stay? It’s not up to me to say. I just know that he is definitely sellable. He has 22 years of talent and quality.
“He is a resource of our football club. He will give his contribution to the national team and to City.”
Juventus to step up interest in Man City defender
Juventus are set to step up their interest in Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov.
Kolarov has only started five games for the Premier League champions this season and reports in Italy claim he could be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium.
Juventus are making advanced moves to sign the Serbian defender and feel they have a strong chance of clinching his signature as City look unlikely to make the next stage of the Champions League.
Roberto Mancini will be keen to keep Kolarov at the club and ensure his side have enough strength in depth.
But he will not want to keep an unsettled player if Juventus make a sizeable offer to sign him.talkShite
More supportive bollox from MuEN
Manchester City accused of cashing in on 'legalised touting' over derby tickets
Manchester City have been accused of profiting from ‘legalised touting’ after tickets for the derby went on sale online – for more than £100.
The eye-watering price is thought to be the most expensive to be legitimately charged for a football match ever played in Manchester.
The tickets for the December 9 clash are being offered by Viagogo, official ticket exchange partners of the club.
They are for the bottom tiers of the Colin Bell Stand and East Stand and are up for grabs for £81 plus a £19.44 booking fee. The M.E.N. understands that face value for the £81 tickets is £54. Viagogo sell tickets on behalf of fans who cannot make the game and also receive a limited number from the club to sell themselves.
Supporters are permitted to charge between 90 and 150 per cent of the face value for the tickets. Viagogo takes 10pc, as well as the booking fee – a percentage of the total transactions.
Malcolm Clarke, chair of Manchester-based national fans’ group the Football Supporters Federation, slammed the Blues – claimed they were allowing fans to rip each other off.
He said: “We regard this as legalised touting. We see no reason, if clubs have tickets available, why they cannot sell them in the normal way at face value.
“If a supporter was selling tickets outside the ground at more than face value they would be committing a criminal offence. There is no reason why an organisation should be treated differently. It seems very much like a rip-off.”
Last month, the M.E.N. reported that City had asked social network Twitter to close down a fan-run, non-profit ticket exchange account.
The site, run by Blue Adam Keyworth, 20, reopened days later after he agreed to remove any use of the club’s name.
Adam, from Prestwich, said: “That the club are allowing fans to rip off other fans that is the worst thing about it.”
Viagogo director Ed Parkinson, defended the price.
He said: “We believe the best way to provide the best deal is to offer an official service with the club.
“Before, fans would have to go to the black market with deals often done in pubs close to the ground and pay whatever was being asked. The price for a match like this would have been higher.”
Mr Parkinson declined to reveal how much City made from the agreement.
He said: “There is a sharing of revenues, but that information is commercially sensitive.”
A City spokesman said: "”he primary purpose of our partnership with viagogo is to provide our Platinum seasoncard holders with the opportunity to sell their tickets in a safe and secure manor at a capped price, on the rare occasions they are unable to attend a game.
"Although our fans are able set their price and potentially make a small profit when they have to miss the big games of the season, it's worth noting supporters can only sell their tickets a limited number of times, safeguarding against those who may wish to abuse the service."
ON THIS DAY BOLLOX
Saturday 16 November 2008
Mark Hughes’ City continue to flirt with the foot of the table after a disappointing 2-2 draw away to Hull City. Daniel Cousin puts the Tigers ahead before a Stephen Ireland double puts the Blues 2-1 up at the break. Former Blue Giovanni cracks home a deflected free-kick on the hour to earn Phil Brown’s side a draw at a packed KC Stadium.
Wednesday 16 November 1949
England return to Maine Road for a World Cup qualifier after a three-year absence to thrash Ireland 9-2 in front of a crowd of 69,762. The goals are scored by Rowley (4), Pearson (2), Mortensen (2) and Froggatt.
Transfers: Five stars linked with Manchester City - MuEN
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is the latest player linked with a big-money move to Manchester City - even though the club have scotched the report. Here is a look at the big-money moves the Blues have been linked with ahead of the January transfer window:
LUIS SUAREZ (LIVERPOOL)
The Uruguayan has been in outstanding form for the Anfield club this season having scored 11 goals in all competitions. Figures of £40-£50million have been suggested but City are not understood to be interested in the 25-year-old, who signed a new long-term contract only in August.
RADAMEL FALCAO (ATLETICO MADRID)
Colombia striker Falcao has been highly impressive in Atletico's superb start to the season and has struck 13 times in all competitions. The 26-year-old has said he would like to play in a different league but, at the peak of his value, that could also cost around £50million.
DANIELE DE ROSSI (ROMA)
The tough midfielder was strongly linked with City in the summer but no move materialised and the club signed Jack Rodwell and Javi Garcia. Rumours of a move to the Etihad Stadium have been reignited after the 29-year-old was sent off for punching an opponent last week and subsequently omitted from the Italy national squad.
SERGIO BUSQUETS (BARCELONA)
Another player who could add strength to the City midfield, but the Spain international would not come cheap and nor would the proud Catalan leave Barca easily. Among the attractions would be the opportunity to reunite him with his former team-mate, and City's midfield driving force, Yaya Toure.
ISCO (MALAGA)
The dynamic 20-year-old, who reportedly has a £16.9million buy-out clause in his contract, is highly rated after playing an influential role in Malaga's rise to Champions League prominence. Viewed as a creative player in the mould of Eden Hazard, who was linked with City before his summer move to Chelsea.
VILLA VIEW
Can Villa's bargain buys stop the multi million City slickers? Brad Guzan thinks so
Aston Villa defence tipped to put a stop to Manchester City's super strikers
Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan is confident Paul Lambert’s bargain-basement backline can stop Roberto Mancini’s megabucks strike force at Manchester City tomorrow.
The likely defence of Guzan, Matthew Lowton, Ron Vlaar, Ciaran Clark and Enda Stevens were assembled for less than a third of Sergio Aguero’s £35 million transfer fee.
That doesn’t even take into account the vast sums City have splashed out on fees and wages for the likes of Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli, David Silva and supersub Edin Dzeko.
But Guzan is convinced the claret and blues have the quality to match the Premier League champions at the Etihad Stadium despite the discrepancy in price tags.
“They have some of the best in the Premier League in terms of attacking players and have spent some money,” he said.
“But, saying that, we’ve got the ability and the talent in our dressing room to deal with any strikers that line up against us.
“If you look at the United game, they’ve got world-class attacking players but for most of the game we handled ourselves pretty well.
“Obviously it wasn’t the result we wanted and they had a few chances.
Brad Guzan makes another vital save
“Also, if you were to say ‘player x is worth this amount of money and another player is worth another amount’ I don’t think you could say there is much difference.
“I think that is testament to what the manager is doing at the club – bringing in talented, high-quality players to get ourselves up.”
BINGO BOLLOX
Money's tight, times are hard but please dig deep because he was in our back yard ...
BINGO MEMORIUM FUND: http://mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewtopic ... 19&t=44426
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to concede his £50m gamble on striker Fernando Torres has failed and step up his pursuit of 26-year-old Atletico Madrid and Colombia forward Falcao. DSSC
Chelsea are "almost certain" to sign Fluminense and Brazil right-back Wallace, 18, in a £4.4m deal and will stay at Stamford Bridge rather being sent out on loan. ESPN.co.uk
Everton manager David Moyes was among the scouts watching Norway defender Vegard Forren, 24, during their 2-0 win over Hungary on Wednesday, but Fulham are thought to be favourites to sign the player from Norwegian champions, Molde. DSSC
Liverpool winger Stewart Downing, 28, has been told he can leave in January, with the club willing to accept a huge loss on the £20m they paid Aston Villa just 16 months ago. Daily Mirror
Adam Morgan, 18, hopes he can help save Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers the hassle of spending big-money on a new striker - but admits the fan in him wants to see the Reds spend January. Liverpool Echo
Southampton boss Nigel Adkins has no plans to loan out any more players this month. Adkins, who allowed Dan Seaborne to join Charlton last week, has no intention of letting the likes of Tadanari Lee and Steve De Ridder to leave before Football League's emergency window closes next week. Liverpool Echo
Sheffield Wednesday remain hopeful of bolstering their front-line before next Thursday's emergency loan deadline, with Sunderland striker Connor Wickham, 19, still in their sights. Sunderland Echo
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has denied suggestions of a contract dispute with Raheem Sterling, 17, over a new deal for the winger.
Southampton manager Nigel Adkins is under pressure amid his side's poor start to the season SkySports.com
Manchester United are increasingly hopeful that club captain Nemanja Vidic, 31, could return early from a serious knee injury in time for the derby away to Manchester City on 9 December. Times
Senegal are heading for a confrontation with Newcastle after threatening to prevent striker Papiss Cisse, 27, from playing against Swansea on Saturday. Daily Telegraph
Former QPR forward Trevor Sinclair says his former team, who are bottom of the Premier League, have one month to start picking up points or they will leave themselves with too much to do to avoid relegation. talkSHIT
Nigel Adkins is confident he will remain Southampton's manager even if they lose Saturday's bottom-of-the-table meeting with QPR. Guardian
West Ham will present a take-it-or-leave-it deal to occupy the Olympic Stadium after running out of patience at delays in the bidding process. Times
Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, 21, says "Arsenal are the club I love" and admits that when he joined Villa he thought they were based in London. Sun
Newcastle United players had their own bush-tucker trials at their training ground when the club's chef, Liz Hornsby, hosted her own 'I'm A Celebrity' challenge, as a tribute to Newcastle fans Ant and Dec. DSSC
Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 30, came close to joining Arsenal in 2001 - even posing in a Gunners shirt - but despite Malmo agreeing a £3m fee for their player, he went to Ajax and Arsenal signed Francis Jeffers from Everton for £8m. Sun
Santa Cruz midfielder Chicao has been banned for two matches for smearing his blood over rival Esley during an ill-tempered match in Brazil. Metro
Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has revealed his football hero is Argentina legend Diego Maradona, who used his hand to score against England at the 1986 World Cup. Daily Star
Brazil forward Neymar, 20, blamed an "unstable" pitch after missing a penalty against Colombia with an effort which bore more resemblance to an American football field goal or rugby conversion. Independent
Barcelona forward Messi, 25, had a rifle inadvertently poked in his face as he was given an armed guard through Riyadh Airport in Saudi Arabia while on international duty with Argentina. Sun
Nolberto Solano is on the brink of one of the most remarkable turnarounds in South American football as manager of Universitario. The 37-year-old former Magpies midfielder took over earlier this year with the 25-times Peru champions battling against relegation, but they go into the final game of the regular season with a chance of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores. Newcastle Evening Chronicle
For *@*!* sake, ref! Young footballer with Tourette's is banned for swearing at referee
The goalkeeper was reported to his local FA and given a two-game ban and a £25 fine for abusive language
A young footballer with Tourette’s syndrome has been banned for swearing at the referee.
Goalkeeper Owen Thompson, 14, lost his cool when the official allowed a goal which led to his team losing.
He disagreed with the ref’s decision and told him to “f*** off”.
Owen was reported to his local FA and given a two-game ban and a £25 fine for abusive language.
Football chiefs imposed the punishment despite the lad holding a medical card for Tourette’s, which makes him prone to uncontrolled outbursts.
Owen, who has had trials for Watford, said: “It does not seem fair.
"Football often suppresses my ticks, but I cannot control them when I get upset or stressed.
"He just really stressed me out.”
Mum Melanie Burgess, 37, said: “The punishment is ridiculous. Football is a really important part of his life.”
Alistair West, Ware Youth under-15s manager, added: “It’s frustrating because he’s a really good kid.”
Owen, of Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire, was diagnosed with Tourette’s last year.
It has become so bad he keeps shouting “chavs” at older men.
But Owen is inspired to keep playing by Everton goalie Tim Howard, who has Tourette’s.
And the lad is mostly in top sets at his school.
Owen refused to shake the ref’s hand after the game on October 7 in which Ware Youth under-15s lost 2-1 to the Bengeo Tigers.
The team appealed the ban but Hertfordshire FA upheld the decision.
It later reduced his punishment to a one-match ban and £15 fine.
Hertfordshire FA chief Nick Perchard said: “The player swore at the referee and then refused to talk to him when asked to explain his actions.
"The committee decided the lack of respect shown was not connected to his medical condition.”
Five-year ban for Manchester City yob who launched racist abuse at Anton Ferdinand and protested 'John Terry did it'
A yob who bleated ‘John Terry said it’ when confronted about his vile racist abuse of footballer Anton Ferdinand has been barred from Manchester City matches for five years.
Blues fan Stephen Best singled out the black QPR player when City played them at the Etihad Stadium in September.
When he was confronted by a woman who repeatedly urged him to tone down his language, he protested: 'John Terry said it'.
Best, 31, of Edge Lane, Droylsden, denied he was a racist at Manchester magistrates’ court.
His lawyer said it was a case of ‘sticks and stones’.
But the court heard that after calling Anton Ferdinand a ‘black b******’ he directed another racist slur at Korean QPR skipper Ji-Sung Park.
A witness told police that he had never seen such behaviour in more than 1,000 matches, and that it had made him feel ‘embarrassed’ to be a City fan.
The woman who challenged Best described him as ‘very intimidating’ and said he had spoilt her enjoyment of games.
Unemployed Best, who admitted a racially-aggravated public order offence, has now how been slapped with a football banning order which bars him from the Etihad Stadium, a four-mile area around it, and the city centre for lengthy periods on match-days.
He is also barred from travelling to towns where City are playing away, and England games.
Best must also do 250 hours' unpaid work as part of a 12-month community order, and pay £85 costs.
Phil Reed, defending, said Best was ‘not a racist person’, claiming that his stepfather was black and that black pals did not consider him racist in ‘any way shape, or form’. He said Best had been suffering personal problems at the time, and had sunk eight pints before the match.
Sentencing, chairman of the bench Debbie Matthew said it was a case of ‘quite serious racial abuse’.
In September Chelsea player John Terry was banned for four matches and fined £220,000 for ‘using insulting words which included a reference to Anton Ferdinand’s colour or race’ following an incident at a game last year.[/i]
more bollox later ...
