Wednesday's B*l**x
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 9:09 amTHE BOLLOX
Balotelli tribunal appearance in doubt as City star misses training through illness
Mario Balotelli’s appearance at the Premier League tribunal that will rule on his dispute with Manchester City today is in doubt after he was sent home from training yesterday with a virus.
Balotelli is disputing City’s right to fine him £340,000 (two weeks’ wages) for picking up too many red and yellow cards last season.
The Italian, ill for two days, was sent home from training by the club doctor almost as soon as he arrived yesterday.
With him Without
Games 53 32
Wins 31 23
Draws 12 5
Losses 10 4
Ave goals for 1.94 2.22
Ave goals against 0.98 0.63
Win per cent 58 72
Today’s tribunal is set to go ahead at 9am, unless the two parties have settled their differences, which was being reported late last night. Brian Marwood was due to front City’s case. He was moved sideways after Txiki Begiristain arrived last month and now heads up the champions’ academy. However, Marwood was at the forefront of affairs at the Etihad when Balotelli was fined at the end of last season. Balotelli was due to be represented by an Italian lawyer, with his agent Mino Raiola and PFA rep Richard Jobson also attending.
Balotelli’s case hinged on whether City had acted outside of guidelines laid down by the football authorities and agreed by all clubs. The rules state that clubs can fine players for picking up cards for dissent and violent conduct but cannot do so just because a player has been booked or sent off too many times.
The 22-year-old will also argue that he was publicly supported by his manager Roberto Mancini after two red cards last season.
Normally, such cases are heard at the Premier League’s headquarters at Gloucester Place. That was the case when Charlie Adam faced Blackpool in 2010 and Gabriel Heinze confronted Manchester United in 2007. On this occasion, though, a two-man panel was set to adjudicate at a secret location in London. The result was due to be announced tomorrow.
Heading the panel was set to be a QC, while the second member was believed to be somebody who used to be involved in the game.
At City, there is a desire to lay down a marker for player discipline. Balotelli missed a fifth of his club’s 54 games through suspension last season. The club argue that is just too many.
Mancini is not driving this issue but has ruled his protege out of Saturday’s game at home to Reading as he feels Balotelli is not training with enough intensity. It will be a surprise if Balotelli plays over Christmas.
In the league, Balotelli has received 15 cards — 12 yellow and three red.
Manchester United join Manchester City in £16.5m Brazil midfielder chase
Manchester United have joined Premier League title rivals Manchester City in the chase to sign Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho in January, according to the Daily Mirror.
Manchester City were thought to have an agreement with Shakhtar Donestk that would permit Fernandinho to move to the Etihad Stadium in the New Year, but the report claims Manchester United are now keen to pip their local rivals to the signing.
Alex Ferguson is believed to have been impressed by the Brazilian's recent performances in the Champions League, not least against Chelsea, and is reportedly prepared to sanction a move for the playmaker rated at £16.5m.
The Ukrainian giants are in no rush to sell one of their best players, especially having progressed to the latter stages of the Champions League, and manager Mircea Lucescu is desperate to keep hold of Fernandinho, and teammate Willian.
Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be tracking Willian, but the report claims Shakhtar will be much more willing to talk transfers at the end of the season, rather than in January.
Still, Fernandinho is eager to test himself in the Premier League after eight seasons in Ukraine, and with the choice of the top two teams in England, a move next month could be on the cards.
Manchester United fans have long claimed that the club needs a new midfielder, while Manchester City signed Jack Rodwell and Javi Garcia in the summer. The Old Trafford club currently rotate Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Anderson, while City principally play Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry. But both clubs could perhaps use the dynamism of Fernandinho, a player with five caps for
Newborn daughter of football superstar Mario Balotelli who has never met her father
Little Pia was born three weeks early to the footballer's Italian ex
Raffaella Fico has accused him of being 'irresponsible' and taking 'no interest' in his daughter
She added that her heart is now 'closed' to the Man City forward
Interview was in magazine that published topless pictures of Duchess of Cambridge
This is the first picture of Pia Balotelli, the new baby daughter of firebrand Manchester City striker Mario.
The little girl was born earlier this month to his ex-girlfriend Raffaella Fico, 27, and arrived three weeks early - she had been due on Christmas Day.
Balotelli has yet to see his daughter in the flesh and and is said to have only seen pictures of her via email.
In her first interview since giving birth Raffaella lashed out at the player for failing to act as a proper father.
In an interview with glossy Italian weekly Chi, Raffaella posed for several pictures with Pia, as well as her mother and brother Francesco, after securing a five figure deal with the magazine.
Chi is the same publication that printed pictures of a topless Duchess of Cambridge in the summer which were taken while she was on holiday in France with Prince William.
Furious Raffaella stormed: 'Mario for me is irresponsible. It came to a certain point where he was just not interested in anything, not in me or our daughter.
'Up until certain things happened he was supposed to marry me. That was our project, our desire.
'Then all of a sudden everything collapsed and I don't know why.'
Raffaella and Balotelli were an item for almost a year but split up in March after she flew to Manchester to confront him over a series of alleged affairs - the bust up was so furious that police had to be called to his Cheshire home.
Then in June during the European Championships, Raffaella contacted Balotelli to tell him she was pregnant with their child but initially he refused to accept it was his and demanded a DNA test.
Devastated Raffaella then hit back and said she had no fear of taking the test and her family rallied round her as it emerged she had also been contacted and urged to have an abortion - something the deeply religious underwear model ruled out completely.
Two months ago things appeared to be back on track when Balotelli issued a statement saying he was dropping the DNA requirement and that he would be 'trying again' with Raffaella and the two were pictured kissing on the balcony of home in Naples.
But despite his promise it quickly became clear he had no intention of doing the honourable thing as Raffaella confirmed that after he left her in Naples he failed to contact her in the following weeks.
Raffaella, who appeared on Italy's version of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, described he moment she went into labour and rushed to the clinic.
'I sent Mario a text message at 3pm when the first contractions started and then again at 6.30pm when I went into the delivery room. I sent him another as soon as I came out and Pia had been born.
'But he only bothered to get in touch at half past midnight when my phone rang.
'I said to him "Mario, I've given birth" and he just said "Ah OK, I'm not bothered" and he then put the phone down. I've not heard from him since.'
'Mario's not even bothered about seeing his daughter - even if he doesn't want me to take a DNA test anymore I will do. I will make the results public so everyone knows Pia is Mario Balotelli's daughter.'
When asked if Balotelli had offered financial help Raffaella said: 'I have not had any economic help from Mr Balotelli.
'He is worth more than da Vinci's Mona Lisa but for his own daughter he hasn't flashed a penny. I have not even had a call asking if I needed anything. I don't need him or his money.'
However when asked what she would do if Balotelli did get in touch, Raffaela said: 'The door for his daughter is always open. The door of my heart is closed forever.
'I think when he came back to Naples a couple of months ago to see me that was just a PR exercise.
'Things then were not going well for him on and off the field.
'He doesn't have any paternal instincts. He is not even curious about his own daughter.'
Raffaella, whose previous boyfriends have included Cristiano Ronaldo, named her daughter after a mystical monk called Padre Pio who was famous for having bleeding wounds in his hands and feet exactly where Christ had them.
During the summer she made a pilgrimage to his shrine near Foggia where she was photographed in prayer in front of his statue with her mother and brother.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
A new police investigation into the Hillsborough disaster is announced by the Home Secretary.
Former Durham Chief Constable Jon Stoddart will lead the new inquiry, which will focus specifically on the 96 deaths of Liverpool fans at the FA Cup semi-final in 1989.
The move comes after a report from the Hillsborough independent panel laid bare a cover-up which attempted to shift the blame for the tragedy on to its victims.
Home Secretary Theresa May says: "I am determined to see a swift and thorough response to the findings of the Hillsborough Panel to deliver justice for the 96 football fans who died and the families who have fought so hard on their behalf."
Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 27, for £75m - and recruiting the club's manager Jose Mourinho. DSSC
Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has offered no guarantees that Frank Lampard, 34, whose contract is due to expire in the summer, will see out the season at Stamford Bridge. Sky Sports
Roma president James Pallotta has said midfielder Daniele De Rossi will not be sold in January despite the 29-year-old being linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City. talkSHIT
Arsenal have held "peace talks" with Theo Walcott, 23, over a new contract and will tie up deals for British trio Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs. Daily Mirror
Arsenal have opened formal talks to sign Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar next month. The 29-year-old is demanding about £100,000 a week in wages and a three-year contract to move to the Gunners. The Times
Schalke striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar could be on his way to Arsenal DSSC
England striker Daniel Sturridge, 23, will choose Liverpool over Tottenham when he quits Chelsea next month. The Sun
Tottenham and Newcastle are trying to hi-jack Liverpool's move to re-sign winger Thomas Ince, 20, from Blackpool. Daily Star
Chelsea are considering Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanic, 22, of Roma as a possible replacement for Frank Lampard. Tuttosport.com
Tottenham and Arsenal have joined the list of British clubs watching disillusioned Barcelona striker David Villa, 31. Futbol.as
Paris Saint-Germain forward Peguy Luyindula, 33, is to join his friend and compatriot Thierry Henry at New York Red Bulls. L'Equipe
Former France coach Raymond Domenech has expressed an interest in taking charge of the USA national team. L'Equipe
Alex Ferguson met Pep Guardiola in New York this week. The former Barcelona manager is still undecided over his future. The Sun
QPR's Adel Taarabt, 23, has confirmed he wants to play for Morocco at the Africa Nations Cup next month despite club boss Harry Redknapp asking him to miss the tournament. Le Equipe
Demba Ba has revealed his frustration at Newcastle United's style of play this season, increasing the uncertainly surrounding the striker's future at the club. The Journal
Leeds United manager Neil Warnock has said he deserved more loyalty from QPR's hierarchy after guiding the club from the Championship to the Premier League. Warnock was sacked by the Premier League strugglers in January. Evening Standard
Barcelona's record-breaking goalscorer Lionel Messi, 25, would now cost around £312m to sign after he agreed a new deal at the Nou Camp. The Sun
Reading winger Jimmy Kebe, 28, has told the club's Russian owner Anton Zingarevich, that he must provide money to buy players in the January transfer window if he wants the Royals to stay in the top-flight. Daily Star
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has revealed the dressing room secrets that have kept him at the top for over a quarter of a century to academics from Harvard Business School in Boston. Daily Mirror
Blackburn manager Henning Berg stormed out of the club's Christmas party after he was made to wear a stocking on his head and dance on stage. DSSC
Balotelli tribunal appearance in doubt as City star misses training through illness
Mario Balotelli’s appearance at the Premier League tribunal that will rule on his dispute with Manchester City today is in doubt after he was sent home from training yesterday with a virus.
Balotelli is disputing City’s right to fine him £340,000 (two weeks’ wages) for picking up too many red and yellow cards last season.
The Italian, ill for two days, was sent home from training by the club doctor almost as soon as he arrived yesterday.
With him Without
Games 53 32
Wins 31 23
Draws 12 5
Losses 10 4
Ave goals for 1.94 2.22
Ave goals against 0.98 0.63
Win per cent 58 72
Today’s tribunal is set to go ahead at 9am, unless the two parties have settled their differences, which was being reported late last night. Brian Marwood was due to front City’s case. He was moved sideways after Txiki Begiristain arrived last month and now heads up the champions’ academy. However, Marwood was at the forefront of affairs at the Etihad when Balotelli was fined at the end of last season. Balotelli was due to be represented by an Italian lawyer, with his agent Mino Raiola and PFA rep Richard Jobson also attending.
Balotelli’s case hinged on whether City had acted outside of guidelines laid down by the football authorities and agreed by all clubs. The rules state that clubs can fine players for picking up cards for dissent and violent conduct but cannot do so just because a player has been booked or sent off too many times.
The 22-year-old will also argue that he was publicly supported by his manager Roberto Mancini after two red cards last season.
Normally, such cases are heard at the Premier League’s headquarters at Gloucester Place. That was the case when Charlie Adam faced Blackpool in 2010 and Gabriel Heinze confronted Manchester United in 2007. On this occasion, though, a two-man panel was set to adjudicate at a secret location in London. The result was due to be announced tomorrow.
Heading the panel was set to be a QC, while the second member was believed to be somebody who used to be involved in the game.
At City, there is a desire to lay down a marker for player discipline. Balotelli missed a fifth of his club’s 54 games through suspension last season. The club argue that is just too many.
Mancini is not driving this issue but has ruled his protege out of Saturday’s game at home to Reading as he feels Balotelli is not training with enough intensity. It will be a surprise if Balotelli plays over Christmas.
In the league, Balotelli has received 15 cards — 12 yellow and three red.
Manchester United join Manchester City in £16.5m Brazil midfielder chase
Manchester United have joined Premier League title rivals Manchester City in the chase to sign Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho in January, according to the Daily Mirror.
Manchester City were thought to have an agreement with Shakhtar Donestk that would permit Fernandinho to move to the Etihad Stadium in the New Year, but the report claims Manchester United are now keen to pip their local rivals to the signing.
Alex Ferguson is believed to have been impressed by the Brazilian's recent performances in the Champions League, not least against Chelsea, and is reportedly prepared to sanction a move for the playmaker rated at £16.5m.
The Ukrainian giants are in no rush to sell one of their best players, especially having progressed to the latter stages of the Champions League, and manager Mircea Lucescu is desperate to keep hold of Fernandinho, and teammate Willian.
Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be tracking Willian, but the report claims Shakhtar will be much more willing to talk transfers at the end of the season, rather than in January.
Still, Fernandinho is eager to test himself in the Premier League after eight seasons in Ukraine, and with the choice of the top two teams in England, a move next month could be on the cards.
Manchester United fans have long claimed that the club needs a new midfielder, while Manchester City signed Jack Rodwell and Javi Garcia in the summer. The Old Trafford club currently rotate Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Anderson, while City principally play Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry. But both clubs could perhaps use the dynamism of Fernandinho, a player with five caps for
Newborn daughter of football superstar Mario Balotelli who has never met her father
Little Pia was born three weeks early to the footballer's Italian ex
Raffaella Fico has accused him of being 'irresponsible' and taking 'no interest' in his daughter
She added that her heart is now 'closed' to the Man City forward
Interview was in magazine that published topless pictures of Duchess of Cambridge
This is the first picture of Pia Balotelli, the new baby daughter of firebrand Manchester City striker Mario.
The little girl was born earlier this month to his ex-girlfriend Raffaella Fico, 27, and arrived three weeks early - she had been due on Christmas Day.
Balotelli has yet to see his daughter in the flesh and and is said to have only seen pictures of her via email.
In her first interview since giving birth Raffaella lashed out at the player for failing to act as a proper father.
In an interview with glossy Italian weekly Chi, Raffaella posed for several pictures with Pia, as well as her mother and brother Francesco, after securing a five figure deal with the magazine.
Chi is the same publication that printed pictures of a topless Duchess of Cambridge in the summer which were taken while she was on holiday in France with Prince William.
Furious Raffaella stormed: 'Mario for me is irresponsible. It came to a certain point where he was just not interested in anything, not in me or our daughter.
'Up until certain things happened he was supposed to marry me. That was our project, our desire.
'Then all of a sudden everything collapsed and I don't know why.'
Raffaella and Balotelli were an item for almost a year but split up in March after she flew to Manchester to confront him over a series of alleged affairs - the bust up was so furious that police had to be called to his Cheshire home.
Then in June during the European Championships, Raffaella contacted Balotelli to tell him she was pregnant with their child but initially he refused to accept it was his and demanded a DNA test.
Devastated Raffaella then hit back and said she had no fear of taking the test and her family rallied round her as it emerged she had also been contacted and urged to have an abortion - something the deeply religious underwear model ruled out completely.
Two months ago things appeared to be back on track when Balotelli issued a statement saying he was dropping the DNA requirement and that he would be 'trying again' with Raffaella and the two were pictured kissing on the balcony of home in Naples.
But despite his promise it quickly became clear he had no intention of doing the honourable thing as Raffaella confirmed that after he left her in Naples he failed to contact her in the following weeks.
Raffaella, who appeared on Italy's version of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, described he moment she went into labour and rushed to the clinic.
'I sent Mario a text message at 3pm when the first contractions started and then again at 6.30pm when I went into the delivery room. I sent him another as soon as I came out and Pia had been born.
'But he only bothered to get in touch at half past midnight when my phone rang.
'I said to him "Mario, I've given birth" and he just said "Ah OK, I'm not bothered" and he then put the phone down. I've not heard from him since.'
'Mario's not even bothered about seeing his daughter - even if he doesn't want me to take a DNA test anymore I will do. I will make the results public so everyone knows Pia is Mario Balotelli's daughter.'
When asked if Balotelli had offered financial help Raffaella said: 'I have not had any economic help from Mr Balotelli.
'He is worth more than da Vinci's Mona Lisa but for his own daughter he hasn't flashed a penny. I have not even had a call asking if I needed anything. I don't need him or his money.'
However when asked what she would do if Balotelli did get in touch, Raffaela said: 'The door for his daughter is always open. The door of my heart is closed forever.
'I think when he came back to Naples a couple of months ago to see me that was just a PR exercise.
'Things then were not going well for him on and off the field.
'He doesn't have any paternal instincts. He is not even curious about his own daughter.'
Raffaella, whose previous boyfriends have included Cristiano Ronaldo, named her daughter after a mystical monk called Padre Pio who was famous for having bleeding wounds in his hands and feet exactly where Christ had them.
During the summer she made a pilgrimage to his shrine near Foggia where she was photographed in prayer in front of his statue with her mother and brother.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]A new police investigation into the Hillsborough disaster is announced by the Home Secretary.
Former Durham Chief Constable Jon Stoddart will lead the new inquiry, which will focus specifically on the 96 deaths of Liverpool fans at the FA Cup semi-final in 1989.
The move comes after a report from the Hillsborough independent panel laid bare a cover-up which attempted to shift the blame for the tragedy on to its victims.
Home Secretary Theresa May says: "I am determined to see a swift and thorough response to the findings of the Hillsborough Panel to deliver justice for the 96 football fans who died and the families who have fought so hard on their behalf."
Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 27, for £75m - and recruiting the club's manager Jose Mourinho. DSSC
Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has offered no guarantees that Frank Lampard, 34, whose contract is due to expire in the summer, will see out the season at Stamford Bridge. Sky Sports
Roma president James Pallotta has said midfielder Daniele De Rossi will not be sold in January despite the 29-year-old being linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City. talkSHIT
Arsenal have held "peace talks" with Theo Walcott, 23, over a new contract and will tie up deals for British trio Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs. Daily Mirror
Arsenal have opened formal talks to sign Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar next month. The 29-year-old is demanding about £100,000 a week in wages and a three-year contract to move to the Gunners. The Times
Schalke striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar could be on his way to Arsenal DSSC
England striker Daniel Sturridge, 23, will choose Liverpool over Tottenham when he quits Chelsea next month. The Sun
Tottenham and Newcastle are trying to hi-jack Liverpool's move to re-sign winger Thomas Ince, 20, from Blackpool. Daily Star
Chelsea are considering Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanic, 22, of Roma as a possible replacement for Frank Lampard. Tuttosport.com
Tottenham and Arsenal have joined the list of British clubs watching disillusioned Barcelona striker David Villa, 31. Futbol.as
Paris Saint-Germain forward Peguy Luyindula, 33, is to join his friend and compatriot Thierry Henry at New York Red Bulls. L'Equipe
Former France coach Raymond Domenech has expressed an interest in taking charge of the USA national team. L'Equipe
Alex Ferguson met Pep Guardiola in New York this week. The former Barcelona manager is still undecided over his future. The Sun
QPR's Adel Taarabt, 23, has confirmed he wants to play for Morocco at the Africa Nations Cup next month despite club boss Harry Redknapp asking him to miss the tournament. Le Equipe
Demba Ba has revealed his frustration at Newcastle United's style of play this season, increasing the uncertainly surrounding the striker's future at the club. The Journal
Leeds United manager Neil Warnock has said he deserved more loyalty from QPR's hierarchy after guiding the club from the Championship to the Premier League. Warnock was sacked by the Premier League strugglers in January. Evening Standard
Barcelona's record-breaking goalscorer Lionel Messi, 25, would now cost around £312m to sign after he agreed a new deal at the Nou Camp. The Sun
Reading winger Jimmy Kebe, 28, has told the club's Russian owner Anton Zingarevich, that he must provide money to buy players in the January transfer window if he wants the Royals to stay in the top-flight. Daily Star
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has revealed the dressing room secrets that have kept him at the top for over a quarter of a century to academics from Harvard Business School in Boston. Daily Mirror
Blackburn manager Henning Berg stormed out of the club's Christmas party after he was made to wear a stocking on his head and dance on stage. DSSC