Mid-Week Fixtures

[phonics]

I'll post the fixtures later but I had to jump in with this absolutely bonkers story from Football Leaks.

Roberto Firmino has an 83 million pound release clause. Sounds normal until you get to this clause.


‘Arsenal cannot buy him for [£83million]. Nor for any higher amount, moreover,’

Still bitter about that 40 million and one pound bid?

[Kikó]

I would like to see Liverpool turn down an 83 million pound bid for Firmino.

[John Arne]

Why would Liverpool be bitter, he didn't go on to join Arsenal... I think most Liverpool fans find it hilarious that Arsenal made the offer of £40,000,001 - it isn't bitterness :)

Don't forgot to include Vietnam (1) v (2) Indonesia in the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi final.

[Kikó]

Benfica Napoli is the WOOF fixture of the round. The former can't lose or they risk going into third behind Besiktas.

Zorya United has a similar amount of importance but no one cares.

[Lewis]

'Bitter? Frantic denials and a pained smiley will see this off...'

[John Arne]

Just seen that Febregas wasn't charge for slapping Fernandinho - seems a strange one.

[Giggles]

My local team have a practice match on Thursday evening down the school. MOOO.

[Kikó]

'Bitter? Frantic denials and a pained smiley will see this off...'

If I start typing AW in size 1 that should work...

[John Arne]

Aaawww, look at the Man Utd fans get chippy.
Fucking cunts, the lot of ya. Smiffy come back me up.

[Smiffy]

It could be a £10 release clause and Arsenal would still spend all summer umm'ing and aw'ing whether to spend some cash so it's truly a non story.

[Disco]

I never got the issue with the 40m +1 bid, seemed eminently sensible if there was a 40m release clause.

[Smiffy]

I don't see the issue either. It's probably one of the first times we've been strong at board level to say "lol, fuck off" irrespective of the clause existing. If Suarez wanted to pursue it further then he would have so clearly he didn't want to join Arsenal in the first place but mostly it was nice not to be bent over for one of out better players. Owen went for peanuts, McManaman left as he did, Torres for £50M was good in hindsight but I know which I'd have preferred at the time. One day we may even get in a position where the Firmino's and Coutinho's don't see us a stepping stone for Barcelona/Madrid/Top four rivals but we'll see.

[Giggles]

I can't understand why Arsenal didn't take it further.

[Smiffy]

Because they had no legal right to do so? Only Suarez had that right and he simply wasn't bothered. Irrespective of your thoughts on Liverpool or Suarez himself, moving to Arsenal isn't a step up in any way shape or form.

[phonics]

I just find it completely odd that they've written a specific club into this clause and it's the one team we've literally never competed with.

[Giggles]

I just find it completely odd that they've written a specific club into this clause and it's the one team we've literally never competed with.

It is rather small time to go to those lengths.

[Smiffy]

I imagine that's nothing compared to what would be in some contracts.

[phonics]

Still bitter about Yossi Benayoun turning up at the Emirates and mugging everyone off. Bloody hell that was a weird transfer window.

In:
http://i.imgur.com/k2kQ9NT.png

Out:
http://i.imgur.com/z87onIk.png

[John Arne]

I just find it completely odd that they've written a specific club into this clause and it's the one team we've literally never competed with.

Indeed it would, which I why imagine it's completely made up. If not, it is pretty lol.

[mugbull]

Irrespective of your thoughts on Liverpool or Suarez himself, moving to Arsenal isn't a step up in any way shape or form.

:happycry:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

One day we may even get in a position where the Firmino's and Coutinho's don't see us a stepping stone for Barcelona/Madrid/Top four rivals but we'll see.
I liked this one more.

[SvN]

At the time Arsenal was an obvious step up from Liverpool. It probably still is now, but Liverpool have a manager that has a decent chance of changing that in the next few years.

[mugbull]

Do they? They're doing well this season, but it's only been like 4 months and last year they did the same as they usually do.

[Lewis]

Seventh (or whatever Liverpool were in 2013) to [guaranteed] fourth isn't that obvious a step up. Especially if you are already twenty-six, which would mean having to spend your peak years there, rather than using that as a further step towards somebody who might win things.

[mugbull]

Suarez knew he could do better than Arsenal, yeah, but it's obviously a step up

[Jimmy Floyd]

Ah, the glory days of Agent Yossi. What a man.

[Lewis]

Which is why it only makes sense on an individual basis, and is probably pointless altogether unless the player definitely stands to earn more and/or win more. Look at that loser Alexander Hleb. Even at the time we all knew that that was the end of him.

[Giggles]

Is this City-Celtic game not a dead rubber? Fucking TV3.

[John]

It's the G team, but still lol at 'Pep'.

That's a corking finish from Iheanacho. Lovely goal in the Arsenal game too. All action right from the start.

[John]

That penalty decision in the Kiev game is good fun. I get to lol at both Craig Thompson being an absolutely abysmal referee and some Turks getting fucked over. Lovely.

[Kikó]

I'm expecting benfica and Napoli to fix the draw if they know the score at half time.

[Kikó]

And a third for Kiev and a red. Great stuff.

[John]

The Besiktas goalkeeper was weeping after the fourth went in.

[niko_cee]

Anti-Arsenal clause?

:D

Shove that in your modified database.

[phonics]

The fogs coming in and you can barely see the players on the other side :D Feels proper 90s.

[Browning]

Nice of PSG to roll over so Arsenal can live out their dreams of a glorious exit to Bayern again.

[John]

What a diving shitbag Robben is.

Besiktas have nine men and they're pissing around with the ball in their own box. Is there a goal difference issue in that group that could be solved with bribery?

[phonics]

Is the Balanta playing in this match the one of FM fame?

edit: It is :cool:

[phonics]

806236803342729216

Some of the replies are top quality as well.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

As if a Scottish person would throw a hamburger.

[niko_cee]

There must be footage of this surely? We need to assess if it is as good as that Sunderland (or was is Newcastle?) fan who tried to punch a horse at their derby a few years back.

[niko_cee]

Ah, t'was Newcastle.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SHuGha_bTo

:D

[John]

That bloke punching the kangaroo that had his dog in a headlock has already surpassed the Geordie man.

Atletico have just sent their goalkeeper up for a corner in the last minute of a dead rubber. What's the point?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Ah, t'was Newcastle.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SHuGha_bTo

:D
He's no Conan.

[Jeet]

I would like to see Liverpool turn down an 83 million pound bid for Firmino.

Like to see Arsenal bid 83 million :D

[John Arne]

If anyone wants to watch some proper footy, Vietnam-Indonesia about to kick off. Could get tasty late on.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uze3HJtH0GA

[John Arne]

Wow...least respectful minutes silence ever :D

[Jimmy Floyd]

Love a game with no commentary, particularly when the crowd sound mental.

[John Arne]

The Viet commentary is fucking awful, so you aren't missing much.

Have your younger brother scream in your ears whenever Vietnam cross the halfway line and you are sorted.

[John Arne]

What the fuck is going on? Vietnam keeper just got booked for getting punched in the head - he complained a little bit and got sent off.
All subs used, so outfield player in goals. 0-1, 15 minutes left.
Indo's have been time wasting for 20 minutes, and as usual, the ref let's teams get away with it. So infuriating.

[Giggles]

Will this cause a riot of any proportions? I'm tuning in if there's a chance.

[John Arne]

Ah, apparently the keeper kicked out at the bloke who punched him. For fucks sake.

[John Arne]

Will this cause a riot of any proportions? I'm tuning in if there's a chance.

No, I wouldn't have thought so. Most Northern Viets are pretty well behaved (brainwashed)

[John Arne]

1-1!!!!!

[John Arne]

Gooooooooooaaaaallllllllll

[John Arne]

Fucking hell

[John Arne]

2-1, 3-3 aggregate.

Extra-time to survive with a midfielder in goal.

[Smiffy]

What level do we think we're looking at here because I used to play for some basement bashing Sunday league team and I reckon we'd have done a number on either of these two. Keeper basically send feck it, I'm bringing you down regardless.

[John Arne]

That "keeper" is a midfielder. But yeah, it's not the highest level in the world.

[John Arne]

And he's just done it again :D

Sub keeper gives away 2 pens in extra time.

[Smiffy]

It's entertaining at least. I sniff an equaliser.

[John Arne]

Vietnam need 2 more. Indo have more away goals.

[Smiffy]

No chance then. I don't like away goals counting in extra time. I find it unfair.

[John Arne]

Well, that was entertaining, at least. Goalkeeper sent off, outfield player in goals, 2 goals in the final 7 minutes, 2 pens, 1 overturned for some reason, and Vietnam trying to no goalkeeper tactic for the final 1:30 minutes. Ultimately, a defeat :(

[Jimmy Floyd]

Infantino with a high class comedy suggestion of a 48 team World Cup with sixteen groups of three.

[Reg]

:face:

[Smiffy]

It lacked commentary for me but it was decent enough viewing. Juventus youth now...

[Magic]

Dorty Mady game is dece.

[John]

On the old infraction system I'd be hitting you with posting in the wrong language, Magic.

Brugge are basically refusing to defend here. Could easily wind up conceding eight.

[Adamski]

Mady :D Jesus.

[John]

Leicester taking a serious drubbing.

[John]

Leverkusen playing Jingle Bells when they score. :D

My phone has just autocorrected 'Leverkusen' to 'Lederhosen'. Well played, Samsung.

[Adamski]

Good on Leicester for quite clearly picking their games to turn up this year. Provided they don't go and get relegated, you'd take a last 8 CL and a solid 15th place finish this season.

[Giggles]

Last game for these two tonight. Be nice if they could jam a result for it.

https://www.balls.ie/football/one-last-hurrah-dundalk-using-horgan-boyles-departures-extra-motivation-israel/354005

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Mkhitaryan :cool:

Made it look easy.

[Reg]

About the first time someone's actually thought to dribble.

[John]

Lol at Southampton.

[Andy]

Absolute sack of shite. No plan and no urgency.

Won't be getting into Europe again any time soon.

Would love to know why our captain Fonte wasn't involved tonight.

Fuming.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Now you can concentrate on not qualifying for it next year, and knocking yourself out of the FA Cup.

[Andy]

Indeed.

[niko_cee]

The Milan clubs were probably onto something with their 'prestige' entry system, at least for the Uefa Cup. There's absolutely no point (as they have proven time and again) in sides like Southampton or West Ham (moreso) being allowed to represent our cherished coefficient on the European stage. At least United can turn out a reserve team to limp through the goat herders.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I have to say, I'm rather troubled by all this stuff about Chelsea and Liverpool massively benefiting from not being in Europe. If true, which I'm not convinced it is (the two teams are just much better than last year), then why would you want to be in Europe? But in order not to qualify you have to do badly... something has to give I think.

[Raoul Duke]

Because Fonte is leaving?

[Raoul Duke]

I have to say, I'm rather troubled by all this stuff about Chelsea and Liverpool massively benefiting from not being in Europe. If true, which I'm not convinced it is (the two teams are just much better than last year), then why would you want to be in Europe? But in order not to qualify you have to do badly... something has to give I think.

What's the financial breakdown between league TV money and CL money?

[Andy]

I don't believe those rumours to be honest.

He's 33 and not really that good anymore.

Even if it is true, why would United give a toss if he's cup tied in Europe?

Only thing that could explain it is if it's something dodgy to do with Mendez.

[Jimmy Floyd]

What's the financial breakdown between league TV money and CL money?

I'm guessing the PL deal now dwarfs it (there's another daft Chinese one on the way apparently).

Maybe the next step is for the big English clubs to demand CL places go to 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th.

[Reg]

Football will follow money, so the Europa League will get disregarded more and more until English clubs don't even pretend anymore.

It seems a bit daft that European competition is not worth as much as regular league football. The Europa League I understand as anything below the best will always be looked down upon, but why can't Uefa negotiate deals for the Champions League to rival the Premier League's?


I don't believe those rumours to be honest.

He's 33 and not really that good anymore.

Even if it is true, why would United give a toss if he's cup tied in Europe?

Only thing that could explain it is if it's something dodgy to do with Mendez.
That's that one worked out then.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It seems a bit daft that European competition is not worth as much as regular league football. The Europa League I understand as anything below the best will always be looked down upon, but why can't Uefa negotiate deals for the Champions League to rival the Premier League's?

1. The Premier League is all in English
2. People only want to watch about 6 of the teams that will qualify in a given year
3. Half of it is played in run-down ex-fascist/communist bowls - English grounds have much better sights and sounds for TV
4. It's all in midweek apart from the final, which is hopeless for other timezones, and increasingly hopeless for our own timezones

European competition came about because the idea of pitching the best teams from various leagues against each other to see who was the 'best of the best' was an exciting one, and that remained exciting for a long time. Is that still exciting? Maybe to you and I, but we don't make the TV deal big, the people who make the TV deal big are the many millions of extra star fuckers wanting to hop on the bandwagon with little interest in or knowledge of football.

[Reg]

1. The Premier League is all in English
2. People only want to watch about 6 of the teams that will qualify in a given year
3. Half of it is played in run-down ex-fascist/communist bowls - English grounds have much better sights and sounds for TV
4. It's all in midweek apart from the final, which is hopeless for other timezones, and increasingly hopeless for our own timezones

European competition came about because the idea of pitching the best teams from various leagues against each other to see who was the 'best of the best' was an exciting one, and that remained exciting for a long time. Is that still exciting? Maybe to you and I, but we don't make the TV deal big, the people who make the TV deal big are the many millions of extra star fuckers wanting to hop on the bandwagon with little interest in or knowledge of football.
Good points well made.

The excitement thing could well apply to 'who's the best team in England' though, couldn't it?

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's more of a soap opera thing. Will the Mitchells or the Beales come out on top this time. (editor's note: I don't watch EastEnders so they could be mates)

[Mazuuurk]

I have to say, I'm rather troubled by all this stuff about Chelsea and Liverpool massively benefiting from not being in Europe. If true, which I'm not convinced it is (the two teams are just much better than last year), then why would you want to be in Europe? But in order not to qualify you have to do badly... something has to give I think.

I think it's definitely true. Look at how they play as well, both of their tactics are based on quite a few players running their arses off every game. Which would take a completely different toll if you had more games.


It's not just Europe though, it's the combination of England and Europe (proven not to be very sustainable, as it were).

England have 2 cups instead of just one, and the League Cup is a fucking joke in the amount of games it produces. There's that, but also the fact that the Premier League simply seems much more competitive than the other top leagues. Barca could probably easily rest Messi and Suarez a game and still walk over Osasuna or whatever, but you try to do that even with Sunderland or Hull in the Premier League and you may very well get punished as a top team.

And I don't know how true it actually is, but at least managers like Mourinho always bang on about how much more physical the PL is than other leagues, and obviously that'll end up taking a toll.


The principle is the same whatever the causes are, of course, in that you're probably as a team going to have to prioritize one or the other at some point. But if any competition is going to end up suffering from it first, it'll be the FA cup (to the extent that's not already happened). In the extension, it may hurt the CL as well in a funky. I reckon it maybe already has - in that the most important bit for clubs is really to qualify and get through the group stages, and after that re-qualifying is more important than, say, losing the semis or the final, so going out in the Ro16 isn't all that bad, as you might end up having an advantage in the league.

[Chris]

They should scrap the League Cup, along with the JPT/Check-a-trade trophy, whatever it's called these days and have a cup for Championship and lower teams.

Although in the 90s (albeit I was a lot younger) I never heard half as much complaining about teams needing to rest players, but maybe I just didn't pay as much attention then.

[phonics]

The League Cup throws out consistently high-quality games, has young players being given a chance, no replays and cheap tickets. It's a million times better than the FA Cup outside of the possibility of proper proper minnows.

[Shindig]

With the likes of Chelsea and City getting their new money bullshit, more bigger clubs take it seriously. It helps the competition a bit.

[Giggles]

Why is there a Europa game this morning? Was one abandoned last night?

[Chris]

Yeah was called off due to fog, apparently.

[Smiffy]

I wonder what the odds on Leicester to go down next season are....:rosebud:

Missed a trick here.