Mancini could face FA rap after blasting referee over 'incredible' Nasri red card
Roberto Mancini was infuriated by Samir Nasri’s red card at Norwich during Manchester City’s 4-3 win — risking potential punishment from the FA.
Mancini admitted Nasri had made a foolish mistake by reacting to a tackle by placing his forehead against that of Norwich defender Sebastien Bassong two minutes before the interval.
But the Italian was furious Bassong escaped with a yellow card from referee Mike Jones after he consulted his assistant.
The champions, beaten at Sunderland on Boxing Day, were off to a flying start when they went 2-0 up inside four minutes after Edin Dzeko's quick brace.
Norwich reduced the deficit through Anthony Pilkington's deflected free-kick, before Nasri was shown a red card.
Although the decision did not eventually cost City as Sergio Aguero and an own-goal from Norwich keeper Mark Bunn eventually saw off the spirited Canaries, Mancini was left less than impressed by the whole incident.
The Italian - who is already facing a Football Association probe for comments after the Sunderland game that referee Kevin Friend had 'ate too much for Christmas' - felt City were hard done by and will appeal against what is set to be a three-match ban.
Things got ugly again just before the break when Bassong upended Nasri on the far touchline.
The duo squared up face-to-face, with Nasri pushing his head into the Norwich defender - which on consultation with the assistant referee resulted in a red card for the France midfielder, and a caution for Bassong.
Mancini lamented: 'Both players came forward with their heads, so if you are going to send off one, then you have to send off both, not only Samir.
'Samir said he touched his head, okay, but the other player has done the same.
'The linesman has a big responsibility also, because it was not a good decision, it is incredible.
'You want to send off both players? Then, okay, the referee was there, he saw everything. The linesman was behind [the players], he could not see. We will appeal, sure.'
Mancini continued: 'I am disappointed with Samir, and he will pay his fine, but the decision was not correct.
'Samir did a mistake, okay, but after why when the other player did the same thing, does he send off only one?
'There are two rules for different teams, and I hate this in football and cannot accept this.
'In life, there is only one rule for everyone. This season, I have seen things which are not good.
'For the referees, this is the most easiest thing to do, but I do not want to talk about the referees too much, because I said last time that they had a big lunch for Christmas, and I don't know what [will happen].'
City have now won three out of their last four Premier League games, but still trail leaders Manchester United by seven points.
Mancini was just happy to get a victory, which was made harder by some poor defending as all of Norwich's goals came from set-plays.
'I am delighted with the result and the performance,' the City boss said.
'In the first few minutes, we played some fantastic football and scored two goals, but after the sending off it was difficult, however, we fought well.'
Norwich, meanwhile, have now lost three Premier League games in a row, having been on an unbeaten 10-match run before Christmas.
Canaries boss Chris Hughton, though, remained positive despite a second home loss in a week, after Chelsea ran out 1-0 winners in Norfolk on Boxing Day.
'Manchester City showed why they spend the amount of money they do for the offensive players they have, but you cant be 2-0 down so early on and expect to have a good day,' Hughton said.
'However, we displayed great character and certainly at 4-3 it seemed it might be going our way, but again they showed real good quality.
'I cannot fault the endeavour of the players we have got, so now we will look to go again.'
Hughton could empathise with Mancini's complaints on the refereeing.
He said: 'In the build-up to their second goal, there was a foul by Vincent Kompany in midfield, which was disappointing.
'On the sending off, there was certainly a coming together of heads and some movement, now whether that was enough for a sending off... if the referee has given it for that reason, was it a bit harsh? Probably yes.'
What must Mancini do to get the sack at Manchester City
Manchester City might win the Premier League title this season. Manchester City might win the FA Cup as well this season. They can rejoice at the end of the season with two silverwares. Roberto Mancini will bask in glory and champagne and happy times will return at Etihad again.
Hang on. Lets’ come back to reality. Manchester City lost to Sunderland and probably they have lost the league as well, though it’s still too early to say. The fact – Roberto Mancini’s side are seven points behind the league leaders Manchester United and unless City step up their level of performance, they can soon forget about challenging for the title.
That is only one half of the story. The performances have been lacklustre most of the time. They have somehow managed to get the results but never looked threatening this season. They always gave the feeling that sooner or later they will shift their tempo and gear, but that hasn’t been evident so far.
Players definitely should take a hard look at themselves but so is their manager. We all saw, he was out of his wit’s end against quality teams in Europe. He was beaten tactically and City were dumped out from group stages from the second season running. There hasn’t been any major and significant improvement in the team this season. In fact, they deteriorated a bit from last season.
The harsh truth is unless new signings are made it doesn’t give a feel that the scenario will change any time soon. Plus, Mancini has failed to control few players that caused disruptions in the City camp, especially the case of Mario Balotelli.
The City owners have been patient with him and for how long? Any more slip-ups and City might go out of sight of Man United leaving perhaps Chelsea to challenge for the title. Crux of the matter is, the Italian is failing miserably and unless the situation improves quickly his time will be soon up at City.
City consider Shawcross bid as Stoke skipper stalls on signing new deal
England defender Ryan Shawcross may be a shock departure from Stoke in the transfer window if he doesn’t sign a six-year deal offered recently.
The club are unhappy at the prospect of the 25-year-old running down the last 18 months of his deal. Manchester City like him, and could be tempted to make a move for the former Manchester United man.
Shawcross, who made his England debut in November, has earned rave reviews this season as Tony Pulis' side have gatecrashed the top half of the Premier League.
Mancini's enfant terrible Nasri must grow up or risk being left on the scrapheap
The petulant 25-year-old let his team-mates down in Manchester City's 4-3 win over Norwich on Saturday and risks being ostracised from the champions' title defence
If Samir Nasri set out to usurp Mario Balotelli as Manchester City's enfant terrible at the beginning of the season, you have to take your hat off to him. Even at 25, it seems perfectly appropriate to label the Frenchman from Marseille a child, such are the petulant acts that repeatedly get him in trouble.
On Saturday afternoon, as the rest of his team raced around Carrow Road conjuring the kind of football that won them the Premier League last year, the Frenchman – who had only just returned to the starting XI – imploded and was forced to abandon their quest for a much-needed three points.
Mike Jones dished out the red card for what his linesman deemed violent conduct after Nasri leapt to his feet following a bone-crunching tackle from Sebastian Bassong. It was the sort of challenge football can barely find room for these days and were it not perfectly timed, the Norwich centre-back may have walked too.
He didn't, but even if he was red-carded, Nasri would have been marching down the Carrow Road tunnel with him, such was the stupidity of his reaction. He fell heavily (it really was a tackle to shake your soul), rolled on the ground for a few seconds, before jumping to his feet and angrily shoving his forehead into Bassong's. There was a hint of a butt, but no hurtful intent – Nasri's genuinely not that type, he's more the type to turn his back in a wall than take it full in the face – and that was it.
It wasn't the worst act of violence on a football field we will ever see, but he gave the officials an opportunity to brandish a red card in front of a raucous home crowd baying for blood.
Fortunately City never relinquished the lead they had earned when Nasri walked. Sergio Aguero put in his best display in a sky blue shirt this campaign and was well supported by Yaya Toure, David Silva and Edin Dzeko.
Ultimately Mancini will be relieved that his side returned to Manchester with three points, carrying the renewed belief that could catalyse the comeback required to overhaul United's seven-point lead.
But it should not detract from the juvenile actions of Nasri. The midfielder is one of a number of City players who appear to put their careers before those of their team-mates. For every Vincent Kompany, a model professional and inspirational leader, there is a Balotelli. For every Aguero, a diligent, spirited footballer, there is a Nasri, a Carlos Tevez (though he has since redeemed himself) and a Joleon Lescott.
For a title-winning team there are too many egos, too many stars looking to shine alone.
Balotelli has been the poster boy for such impudence but even he is innocent in some regards. The Italian may have contributed to his own downfall but for the most part the trouble follows him rather than him instigating it himself. Nasri though is a different case.
There were rumours of his poor attitude when he was part of a young and vibrant Marseille side. At Arsenal he wowed audiences and took to the Premier League and Arsene Wenger's blueprint as impressively as Santi Cazorla has this season. Then came the clockwork departure Gunners fans have grown to loathe as he moved north to Manchester, a city far less welcoming than the lights of London.
Perhaps it is the millions he earns that has given him the sense of entitlement that seeps out of every facial expression and flash of temper. They say champions must be born winners, they must hate losing, but there has always been a line and Nasri has constantly crossed it.
Take for example the melodrama of France's failed Euro 2012 campaign that led to Hatem Ben Arfa, Yann M'Vila and Jeremy Menez join Nasri in front of a disciplinary panel. City's midfielder was not only part of a fractious and rebellious clique in Laurent Blanc's squad but he was almost dealt a two-year ban after offering to fight a journalist who riled him with a disparaging remark.
Nasri is in danger of becoming the next Emmanuel Adebayor - a renegade whose value to the team diminished with every mistake. Some say the now-Tottenham man was misunderstood, but that is neither here nor there – under Mancini he was shunned for a perceived lack of commitment to the team. It was a similar story with Roque Santa Cruz, Stephen Ireland and Wayne Bridge: overpaid players happy to collect their wage and not contribute to the collective.
Many will wonder why Balotelli is not in the same boat, but it is hardly a secret that Mancini accommodates and nurses his protege. That will not change, even if he has been exiled from the squad for the Christmas schedule.
Nasri has never been one to endear himself to supporters and his smug declaration that “no-one can question me now,” after he got his hands on the Premier League trophy fulfilled that assertion.
The wave of discontent is building. Mancini may have acquitted the Frenchman of blame as he pointed the finger at the officials in the wake of the 4-3 win, but privately he will be disappointed with the impetuosity of his actions.
For whatever reason the 48-year-old has begun the process of ostracising Lescott, with Aleksander Kolarov seemingly not far behind. Nasri must show that he has the courage and maturity to come through his latest setback and re-establish himself as a dependable member of City's first-team, or else risk being dumped on the scrapheap too
GOLDEN BOLLOX - DEC 30 2009
Joe Hart takes swipe at Man City as Birmingham prepare £3.5million permanent deal
England hopeful Hart is glad of the Premier League action with Alex McLeish's club but he is taking the plaudits with a level head after his experience with the other big-money Blues. Hart said: "I take all of the praise with a pinch of salt. One minute you are a great young keeper and the next you are being moved out to bring in someone more experienced." The comment relates to Hart's bitter spell under Mark Hughes the former manager's when he was chopped to make way for Shay Given despite being in England contention at the time. Hart leapt at the loan chance and will also be happy to sign for Birmingham, with Alex McLeish prepared to take him on permanently. McLeish has already paid £1million in a 'loan fee' to have Hart for the season, and that sum is due to come off the final transfer figure - with City considering selling the up-and-coming star.
Wenger admits Bellamy attraction B*ll*x
Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out an audacious move next month for Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy. On the day that one of his long-term targets, Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh, said he would not be moving to the Emirates, the Arsenal manager admitted he would like to bring in Bellamy but fears he will not succeed. Wenger desperately needs to strengthen his forward options after losing Robin van Persie for the rest of the season because of an ankle injury. Bellamy was outstanding for City in their 3-0 victory over Wolves on Monday night, but after initial allegiance to previous manager Mark Hughes, the Welshman has recommitted himself to the club and Roberto Mancini. When questioned about the rumours, Wenger refused to dismiss them out of hand. "I like the player but I've not done anything," he said. Asked if he is going to make a bid, he replied: "I don't think we can buy players from City." Bellamy is one of then most controversial figures in the Premier League, with a charge sheet that includes squaring up to Newcastle coach John Carver at an airport in 2004, accusing Graeme Souness, his manager at Newcastle, of lying in 2005 and swinging a golf club at Liverpool team-mate John Arne Riise in 2007. But Wenger is known to be among his admirers, the forward's determination to win and pace attracting him. The attraction to Bellamy is understandable: he is already playing in the Premier League and would be available for the Champions League knockout stages. But Mancini, the new City manager, has stated his desire to keep Bellamy and the player's wages of £90,000 a week could prove a sticking point for Arsenal. Wenger has most of the £41m received from City in the summer for Kolo Touré and Emmanuel Adebayor to spend. Other strikers the club are interested in include Toulouse's Andre-Pierre Gignac and Carlton Cole of West Ham.
Silva: There is a lot of anger in the dressing room, and not just from Mancini
The Manchester City playmaker reveals that the team were furious after the 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, and admits it will be harder to retain their title, but says that is their aim
David Silva has expressed his frustration at losing 1-0 to Sunderland on Boxing Day, a result that extended the gap between the champions and current leaders Manchester United to seven points.
However, despite seeing themselves fall far behind their crosstown rivals, Manchester City will recognise this situation from last season's triumphant turn-around, which saw them catch the Red Devils despite being more than 10 points adrift with eight games remaining.
Silva has called for his team-mates to brush off the defeat at Sunderland, and rally themselves to focus on the greater goal of successfully defending their Premier League title.
He told The Sun: “The defeat in Sunderland was a hard blow for us. Nobody believed we would lose.
“As a team we have a huge desire to repeat our title success.
“But as we know that the Premier League is very open and if you give away chances you can be beaten.
“Even so, there was a lot of anger in the dressing room — and not only from the coach.
“Those three points were so important because in our situation they could make the difference between us winning and losing the title.
“And really, if we do not win at places like Sunderland, it is nearly impossible to fight for the success in this league."
Roberto Mancini has recently lashed out at his strike-force, admitting his disappointment with their poor goal-scoring record. But the Spaniard believes that opposing teams are understanding the style of Manchester City, making Mancini's side easier to defend against.
Silva continued: “It’s not a question of lack of quality or bad luck. Rivals know how to play against us and each day make it more difficult for us to triumph.
“There is a long way to go — but we cannot allow United any more advantage at the top of the table. The future is in our own hands but we have already shown how powerful we can be during our worst moments during the past year.
“Our goal this season was the Champions League — but now that chance has gone we want to win the Premier League and dedicate the achievement to our fans.
“It won’t be easy but our challenge is to be back level with Manchester United by the end of February.”
TWEETING BOLLOX
City striker Sergio Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) is happy to finish the year on a high: “It’s great to see the year off with a win – sets us up nicely for 2013. We have what it takes and we won’t give up. Goals came back to us today and it matters. We have a great team and make no mistake – we’ll proudly defend our title.”
Citizens captain Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) is similarly ecstatic to win a topsy turvy game: “Wowzers! What a game! Unlucky with some of the decisions but this game was everything the Premier League is about. Great game! #MCFC”
MANCHESTER TITLE RACE
PTS +7 GD +3
Wenger Wants Ex-Gunner to Return from Manchester City
The Gunners are believed to be interested in appointing Manchester City executive and former Gunner Brian Marwood to the board of administrators at the Emirates. And, according to the Mirror, the north London club's chiefs believe Marwood and manager Arsene Wenger can work together to attract top talent to the club and return title-winning days to the fans.
A winger during his playing days, Marwood played for Arsenal between 1988 and 1990 and won the First Division title (the club's first win since in 17 years) in his first year with the team. And given his time with the Premier League champions has led to arguments with manager Roberto Mancini, the Englishman may be willing to return to London.
Marwood was initially appointed as the Etihad club's transfer chief but has since been reassigned as managing director of the club's Football Academy, with ex-Barcelona chief Txiki-Begiristain appointed in his place.
One of the flashpoints between Marwood and Mancini was the summer transfer saga involving Dutch striker Robin van Persie. The former Arsenal skipper forced a move from the Gunners at the start of the season, with both City and cross-town rivals Manchester United bidding for his services. And Mancini, at the time, was furious with what he perceived was the lack of financial support from Marwood.
"He [van Persie] is an Arsenal or United player. These questions you should ask other people. I don't know what I can say. After three or four months... nothing. No I'm not happy. I don't want to say anything at the moment. For me we have a good team. But we need to continue to improve. You should talk to Brian Marwood for this," a clearly angry Italian said at the start of the campaign.
Marwood's appointment, should it happen, will likely be important. Arsenal are looking at a busy transfer period in January, with David Villa, Adrian Lopez and Demba Ba among the players linked with a move to north London. IBTimes
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Chelsea defender Ashley Cole set to open talks with Madrid and PSG
Both clubs are willing to give the Blues left-back a three-year contract, despite uncertainty surrounding their Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain will this week open talks with Ashley Cole about a summer move.
But Cole may decide to keep his options open, with his Chelsea contract due to expire at the end of the season and Manchester City and Manchester United monitoring the situation.
Cole is allowed to speak to foreign clubs from Tuesday and Real and PSG will not waste any time in beginning negotiations. Left-back Cole is able to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club or could wait until the summer to make a free transfer switch to one of Chelsea’s rivals.
But he has not yet resigned himself to leaving Stamford Bridge and will consider an offer if Chelsea produce a U-turn and better the one-year extension that was rejected.
Real and PSG are both willing to give 32-year-old Cole a three-year contract and uncertainty over the futures of managers Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti is not thought to present a major obstacle.
United made a tentative enquiry about Cole in the summer after refusing to meet Everton’s £15m asking price for Leighton Baines.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy plans to tell Real Madrid that 23-year-old winger Gareth Bale is valued at £60m. Sunday Mirror
meanwhile the Tottenham winger rejects diving accusations ...
Gareth Bale says he is being unfairly called a diver after receiving a third yellow card this season for simulation.
Bale's caution in Tottenham's 2-1 win at Sunderland was his fifth of the campaign and means he will be suspended for the visit of Reading on 1 January.
"That's three times now I've been clipped and booked for no reason," said the Spurs winger, 23.
"People keep saying I'm diving, but if there's contact it's not diving. Referees need to look more closely."
Sunderland opened the scoring shortly before half-time through a close-range strike from defender John O'Shea.
But Tottenham equalised through Carlos Cuellar's own goal before Aaron Lennon fired the winner moments later.
The victory moves Spurs up to third in the Premier League table, but they will be without Bale for the visit of Reading.
"People think I'm diving when there's contact," said the Welshman, who fell when challenged in the penalty area by Sunderland's Craig Gardner after 80 minutes at the Stadium of Light.
"If there's contact, it's a penalty or free-kick. There's nothing I can do. What do you want me to do? Hit my head on the floor? I have to put my hands down to protect myself. If people kick me, I'll go down.
"People keep saying I'm diving but it doesn't bother me whatsoever. It's a foul and I know it myself."
Bale was also yellow-carded twice last season for diving.
Earlier in the match, Bale's team-mate Jermain Defoe escaped punishment when he appeared to go down without being touched. Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas felt the two incidents show referees may be singling out Bale for special treatment.
"It looks like persecution," Villas-Boas said. "It was a big mistake from the referee."
Yellow cards accrued in the first half of the season are after wiped after 31 December but Bale's fifth comes before the cut-off.
"If you see the images, Gardner is not even focusing on the ball, he goes in and clips him," Villas-Boas added.
"It doesn't mar the win but Gareth was one game from being clean from yellow cards and it's extremely unfair that he misses Reading."
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, 34, is to be offered the same wages as David Beckham to move to LA Galaxy and could earn around £4m a year with the American side. The Sun
Real Madrid are reportedly planning a £22m summer move for Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, 22. The Sun
Arsenal plan to hold more talks with Theo Walcott next month in an attempt to keep the 23-year-old at the club. Sunday Mirror
Liverpool are ready to go head-to-head with Newcastle for 21-year-old Valenciennes central defender Nicolas Isimat Mirin. Metro
Alex Ferguson has told Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder Nani, 26, that he does have a future at Old Trafford despite being a target for Arsenal, Tottenham and Juventus. The Mirror
Spanish side Espanyol could be set to make a surprise move for Stoke City striker Michael Owen, 33, during the January transfer window. Metro
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup has admitted he is interested in signing Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas, 25, and has not ruled out the possibility of Danny Graham leaving the club. South Wales Evening Post
Sunderland and New York Red Bulls are rumoured to be in discussions over a loan move for former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill, 33, who joined the US club in July. Sky Sports
Norwich manager Chris Hughton will go back to sign £3m Brighton striker Craig Mackail-Smith, 28, after missing out on him in the summer. DSSC
Celtic are close to signing Israel defender Rami Gershon from Belgian Standard Liege. DSSC
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says the club need to give top scorer Luis Suarez, 25, hope of a Champions League challenge if they want to keep him at Anfield beyond the summer. DSSC
Blackburn have added 32-year old MK Dons boss Karl Robinson to their managerial wish-list. The Mirror
Wolves manager Stale Solbakken has warned defender Christophe Berra, 27, that his position at the club will be in doubt if he does not sign an extension to his contract. Express and Star
Referee Mick Russell's failure to send off Sheffield Wednesday's Jeremy Helan despite appearing to show him two yellow cards is to be investigated by The Professional Game Match Officials Limited. Sunday Express
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger spent part of the first half of his side's 7-3 win against Newcastle wrestling with the zip on his 'Michelin man'-style coat. Metro
GOLDEN BOLLOX 30 DEC - 2010
Edin for the title: Mancini backs Dzeko to fire Manchester City to Premier League crown
Manchester City were in talks with Edin Dzeko's agent last night and hope to conclude a £35million deal for the Wolfsburg striker by the weekend.
DSSC exclusively revealed City's pursuit of the 24-year-old Bosnia striker and the move has accelerated after Wolfsburg agreed to give under-fire manager Steve McClaren funds to build his own side.
Eastlands bosses were discussing personal terms for Dzeko last night after agreeing to pay Wolfsburg £28m up front and the rest based on City's performances and qualifying for the Champions' League.
Espanyol star cools talk of move to Manchester City
Manchester City target Victor Ruiz has cooled speculation linking him with a move away from Espanyol.
But the cash-strapped club might be forced to sell the £7million-rated defender to ease their financial problems anyway.
After a bright start in La Liga, Espanyol sit fifth, 15 points clear of the relegation zone, so their top-flight status seems assured for this season at least.
“I feel very comfortable here at my city, with my family and my friends
”And their apparent safety might now tempt the board to sell Ruiz, and other stars, to raise much-needed money.
But Ruiz, who has been linked with a move to City for some time, told Com Radio: "I want to stay at Espanyol - thanks to this club I can earn my living doing what I love, which is football.
"I feel very comfortable here at my city, with my family and my friends. I just think about what surrounds Espanyol, which is fantastic."
Man City strengthen ties with Norwegian outfit Strømsgodset
Manchester City have strengthened their relationship with Norwegian outfit Strømsgodset.
City have struck a collaboration agreement with Strømsgodset, which has already seen exciting youngster Mohammed Abu make the move to the Premier League club's academy.
Strømsgodset coach Ronny Deila and their football director Jostein Flo, the former Sheffield United striker, recently visited City and were bowled over by the way they were treated.
City boss Roberto Mancini and midfielder Patrick Vieira hosted the pair, while City directors made it clear to both Strømsgodset chiefs that they were delighted with the progress of their burgeoning partnership.
LEGENDS LOUNGE UPDATE
viewtopic.php?f=119&t=44570&p=484450#p484450
. . . AND NOT LONG NOW TIL THE END OF THIS BOG CLEANING DUTIES BOLLOX
