[FOOTIE] Weekend Football

[Lewis]

There is some football on this weekend lads. United vs Arsenal tomorrow, and whatever has been on today.

'SOCCER!'

[Lewis]

I meant to lol the other day at Andres Iniesta (and Barcelona by extension because they should pay him a lot more) attempting to justify taking a dirty Chinese payout when he's still got plenty of football in him, so: lol

[Magic]

Fuck off Leeds.

[Giggles]

Alan Browne :cool:

[niko_cee]

On current trajectory we're going to have to win the Champions League to get back in it again, aided by some more top notch refereeing. 12 draws in a season really is a bit mad.

As long as all the favourable decisions are kept for the European games it's probably a fair deal.

[Spikey M]

Nice of Salah to try and lump someone. Hopefully gets a retrospective ban. :drool:

[Gray Fox]

Liverpool are still firmly in control thanks to the spanking of teams earlier in the season. Assuming Spurs win out and it's down to Liverpool and Chelsea, there's only 2 scenarios which get Chelsea 4th.

They have to win all 3 games themselves regardless. They need Liverpool to drop points against Brighton, or overturn 17 goals worth of difference.

[niko_cee]

My fear is that Liverpool have to win that last game of the season, and relegate Brighton in the process. It's a fairly long shot, but it's getting more proximate.

[Shindig]

We've completely checked out.

[Magic]

10 man Inter 2-1 Juve. :drool:

[-james-]

Proper, proper bottle job.

[-james-]

Inter, obv.

[Magic]

2-3 :(

[Kikó]

Amazing fixture. Inter were brilliant for 60 minutes but run out of steam and the sub out Icardi was a poor one.

Benfica have fucked it as well.

[mo]

Hopefully MK do a Chesterfield now. Imagine that stadium in the National League.

[Waffdon]

On you go, Stevie, la.

[Waffdon]

Tavernier is such a pathetic defender.

[Shindig]

Sunderland has a new board and in need of a new manager. What a calamity.

[Kikó]

Makes sense new ownership want a new manager.

[Shindig]

What connections would Eastleigh's director possibly have?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2018/4/29/f51f2784-4d97-4d7e-8e22-8b7050e901b3.png

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2018/4/29/b62af56d-a719-404a-b10a-63bbc6fcd458.png

[Spikey M]

I’ve never heard of 2 of Arsenal’s starting 11. How do you achieve that in May, I have no idea.

[John]

I’ve never heard of 2 of Arsenal’s starting 11. How do you achieve that in May, I have no idea.

Mavropanos is the kid they signed in January. This is his first appearance.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He's only played like 20 games for his previous Greek team too.

[Lewis]

Throwing him into this seems a bit mean.

[Lewis]

Woah look at that league table. If Southampton send Swansea down. :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Arsenal also have a kid called Jordi Osei-Tutu on the bench.

It's such an Arsenal name.

[Jimmy Floyd]

West Brom somehow still not being down was an eye opener. We should probably fire Southgate and get Darren Moore in for the World Cup.

[Lewis]

I bet Mourinho would trade a premature death for a 6-0 or something here. Having to go along with the Wenger love-in all week must have sickened him to his very core.

[Disco]

It's the Arsenal central defence, a greek infant who's barely kicked a ball has as much backbone as anyone else they're likely to pick.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've just gone over 6.5 goals. Don't let me down, Jose.

[SincereTheRebel]

I've just gone over 6.5 goals. Don't let me down, Jose.

Smells of another 8-2 violation.

[SincereTheRebel]

Its maitland-niles mother still living in a skip?

[John Arne]

Bellerin and Chambers in the same back 4 :D Possible the worst 2 defenders of all top 6 teams.

4-1 Man Utd.

[SincereTheRebel]

Arsenal wearing that same blue kit like they did for the hammering

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Bellerin and Chambers in the same back 4 :D Possible the worst 2 defenders of all top 6 teams.

4-1 Man Utd.

I love that Bellerin was once rated highly purely because of his speed.

[John Arne]

I love that Bellerin was once rated highly purely because of his speed.

Yeah, it was bizarre. He was always a decent defender, but for a few seasons he was linked to Barcelona simply because he was pretty quick.

[Gray Fox]

Bellerin and Chambers in the same back 4 :D Possible the worst 2 defenders of all top 6 teams.

4-1 Man Utd.

I see this and raise you Alberto Moreno.

[John Arne]

I see this and raise you Alberto Moreno.

An excellent point. 2 of the 3 worst defenders.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Pogba :cool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That ball by Lukaku is seriously good.

[John]

That was a cracking block from Bellerin.

[Lewis]

United should pre-empt the state of football twenty years from now and convert Lukaku into a busy right-winger.

[Jimmy Floyd]

United should pre-empt the state of football twenty years from now and convert Lukaku into a busy right-winger.

Everyone will be bemoaning the fact that 'small fellas like Messi don't make it anymore' as he wheezes between rehab stints in Miami.

[phonics]

Yeah, it was bizarre. He was always a decent defender, but for a few seasons he was linked to Barcelona simply because he was pretty quick.

He's learnt to defend over the past couple of seasons since he lost quite a bit of pace bulking up. Now he can't attack as seen by that awful ball straight to De Gea.

[Jimmy Floyd]

There seems to be some sort of closing down amnesty in this game for some reason.

[phonics]

There's nothing on the line. This is exactly how these end of season games always look.

[phonics]

lol they're going to try do Xhaka in for a ball bouncing off the post. Jamie Redknapp is a very bad pundit.

[Lewis]

Graeme Souness' hungover rage.

[John]

Quality ranting from Souness.

[Lewis]

He's created a right atmosphere here.

[Samadini]

He normally saves that for Newcastle games. I missed it, what was it about?

[Disco]

Graham Souness was best man at Dale Wintons fake wedding. What a world.

[John]

He normally saves that for Newcastle games. I missed it, what was it about?

Xhaka diving in during the build up to the Man U goal. I'm quite sure he was close to calling him a prick about three times before remembering he was on TV.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That was the rant of someone with about thirty grand on Arsenal.

[Magic]

Khoulibaly sent off in the 6th. A fine bottle job by the partenopei.

[Giggles]

Khoulibaly sent off in the 6th. A fine bottle job by the partenopei.

What got you into Italian soccer lately? I don't recall you ever having an interest in it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Koulibaly, mate.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Ospina :D

[Lewis]

This is like watching paint expire.

[Baz]

This is like watching paint expire.That’s how every United game is.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Fellainimania :rave:

Fuck off Wenger.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Tripled marked, back to goal and he still finds the back of the net.

[Disco]

How fitting.

[phonics]

At least Almunia was funny.

[-james-]

How good is Mavropanos. Him and Retsos are going to create a dynasty.

[Lewis]

Having somebody who can move the ball quicker will make such a difference to United. Dave Gayer rolls it out; Chris Smalling gets it, takes five touches, fakes to pass to Antonio Valencia, turns around, takes five more touches, passes it to the other centre-back; whichever midfielder eventually comes back for it out of frustration has nobody to pass to where they should be, so they have another ten seconds standing there... I wonder how much Michael Carrick was expected to play this season before his issues, because they need a like-for-like replacement.

[Magic]

What got you into Italian soccer lately? I don't recall you ever having an interest in it.

BTS mate.

[Magic]

2-0 Viola. Title over.

[Baz]

How good is Mavropanos. Him and Retsos are going to create a dynasty.Which ones better?

[Ian]

Running wild. :cool:

[Kikó]

It's been pretty gutting with the inevitable Juve title win. Inter are looking pretty buggered for the champions league.

I'm rooting for Braga at the moment in Portugal who could sneak second if the results go a certain way.

[-james-]

Which ones better?

Well, Retsos, but today was the first time I'd ever seen Mavropanos and he looks excellent as well. Watch out Mr. Ramos.

[-james-]

This Leverkusen side that Retsos is a part of will be the trendy European side of next season. Especially if Bailey doesn't get pinched in the summer.

[SincereTheRebel]

How good is Mavropanos. Him and Retsos are going to create a dynasty.

https://i.imgur.com/9ZOgqGO.png

[John Arne]

LAFC have just scorded a 93rd winner in their first ever home game :drool:

[Lewis]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/tottenham-reality-check-stadium-costs-escalate-mauricio-pochettino

lol if it all falls apart in their glossy new stadium.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I'm still a bit unsure that it will be ready for the season.

They're meant to be hosting an NFL game in October and they were meant to have a seating plan this week. The seating plan is now expected in June with general sale of the tickets for the game going on sale, they hope, in August.

[phonics]

Spending a billion on a stadium just so Daniel Levy has somewhere to buy cheese seems a bit much.

[phonics]

990977091335270400

:drool::drool: :drool::drool::drool: :drool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

The new Chelsea stadium will dwarf anything Tottenham are doing in administrative shambles. We'll be at Wembley for three years (which will turn into five, and then nine, or zero when Shad Khan turfs us out and we'll have to ground share at Loftus Road) and that's before we try to negotiate a timetable for Network Rail to stop the trains for a bit so we can concrete above their line.

We should just stick with the ground we have forever in my view. 42,000 is quite adequate.

[Lewis]

If anything they should reduce the capacity to fifteen thousand and just turn most of the ground into high roller executive facilities. Like that Levi's Stadium (lol) in America which has one of the stands almost wholly devoted to plush boxes. Have four stands like that.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Shad Khan will stick a pool (heated) in Wembley when he gets it.

http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wjct/files/styles/medium/public/201711/GBvJAX2016_115.jpg

[Pepe]

:sick:

[Disco]

You have to question whatever is on offer on the pitch if you feel the need to add other forms of entertainment into your stadium.

[Baz]

:sick:Get lost, that’s amazing.

[Pepe]

Making the stadium all plush boxes does sound like a good idea. Then they could sell tickets for the plebs to stand outside and watch on a giant screen.

[Pepe]

Get lost, that’s amazing.

Standing side by side to a shirtless American blob for four hours watching THE GAME. Lovely.

[Lewis]

You could have a glass bottom pool directly above the 'Tunnel Club' like an aquarium.

[Lewis]

Standing side by side to a shirtless American blob for four hours watching THE GAME. Lovely.

That fat lad in his vest should have just sat it out.

[Disco]

Having a bath with a bunch of sweaty strangers isn't exactly the most appealing addition to the match day routine.

[Baz]

They could have them on different tiers with waterslides.

[Pepe]

That fat lad in his vest should have just sat it out.

Bet he's holding some nachos we can't see.

[Lewis]

He would know better than to take them near water, let alone other people.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

You have to question whatever is on offer on the pitch if you feel the need to add other forms of entertainment into your stadium.

When they put them in, there wasn't much at all.

They're actually pretty good now.

$250 a person with a minimum of 20 I believe.

You do get an open bar with just BUD and BUD LIGHT (woooooooooo) too.

[Disco]

It's also an objectively worse spot to watch from than just having a seat. Plus you're soaking wet come the end of the game, terrible idea all round.

[Foe]

They could have them on different tiers with waterslides.

This is your best ever idea. Love it.

[Spikey M]

That would never work over here. Adding a drowning risk to that of a crush all at once.

[John]

American stadiums have all manner of stupid shit in them. There's one with a lazy river running round it and the Atlanta Braves have a zip line.

[Giggles]

Levi's has a park on the roof of one of the stands doesn't it? And Tampa had a pirate ship in one end but I'm not sure if they're still in that stadium.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Tampa Bay has a pirate ship:

https://fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/229/files/2015/04/nfl-cincinnati-bengals-tampa-bay-buccaneers.jpg

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

One of the most recognizable features of the stadium is a 103-foot (31 m), 43-ton steel-and-concrete replica pirate ship, which fires replica cannons each time the Bucs score points or enter the other team's red zone. The cannon fires once for each point scored. In addition, when the Buccaneers enter their opponent's red zone, stadium hosts hoist team flags around the perimeter of the upper deck. During various times throughout the game, the song "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)" is played on the stadium public address system (taken from Pirates of the Caribbean), which signals patrons on board the ship to throw beads, t–shirts, and other free prizes to the people below. The segment is also known as a "Mini Gasparilla" to most fans. An animated parrot sits on the stern of the pirate ship. Controlled by radio and remote control, the parrot picks fans out of the crowd and talks to those passing by.

They're hosting the Super Bowl in 2021.

[mugbull]

And in European football we have sponsors all over every kit

Everythings dumb if you think about it etc etc

[Giggles]

I've always been amazed that US sports teams don't have shirt sponsors. Even the whole league having a kit manufacturer deal instead of individual teams seems totally alien when you're used to the way things are in soccer.

[Pepe]

How is having sponsors dumb?

[John]

Because we're saying nasty things about America.

[Disco]

I know whenever I'm annoyed by intrusive advertising I seek refuge in American television.

[Foe]

I've always been amazed that US sports teams don't have shirt sponsors. Even the whole league having a kit manufacturer deal instead of individual teams seems totally alien when you're used to the way things are in soccer.

No way big Rodge would allow "the brand" to be tainted like that.

Jerry might though.

[Jimmy Floyd]

PL teams will end up without shirt sponsors if it goes the same way for a while. The Man Utd (say) brand needs to take precedence. No one would ever put Dr Pepper on a Yankees pinstripe.

Notice the league itself has dropped the title sponsor.

[Giggles]

PL teams will end up without shirt sponsors if it goes the same way for a while. The Man Utd (say) brand needs to take precedence. No one would ever put Dr Pepper on a Yankees pinstripe.

Notice the league itself has dropped the title sponsor.

They've also started letting teams put an extra one on the sleeves though.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Yeah, we're still a way from it happening (also individual teams here are more cash greedy/less regulated than over there - for now).

[Pepe]

Mexico is pretty lol when it comes to sponsors:

https://tuul.tv/sites/default/files/8_1046.jpg

[Pepe]

https://s14-eu5.startpage.com/cgi-bin/serveimage?url=https:%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-oXsK24IDeu4%2FWsZUhlZiHUI%2FAAAAAAABgpk%2F5m2PsIr-F1wmztxF5dQRc4oRTEK4IIZMwCLcBGAs%2Fs1600%2Fnike-club-america-2018-19-home-away-kits%252B%2525282%252529.jpg&sp=3d788e5c7e73f10445d740841383c20f

:face:

[Mike]

Is that the guy off the new Leeds badge with a hammer?

[mugbull]

Shirt sponsorship is a surprisingly effective marketing strategy. I bought a Rakuten TV the other day and I realized oly afterwards that I actually had no idea what Rakuten is, except that theyre all over the Barca kit now, and thanks to that I bought a fuckin TV from them.

n=1 but I don’t think they’ll be getting rid anytime soon

[Foe]

Is ratuken not somehow related to the previous play.com?

Feel like they're just an umbrella for a bunch of electronics websites you've probably already heard of.

[niko_cee]

Rakuten bought play a good few years ago.

I have no idea what Rakuten is, but at the time I believe they bought it for the marketplace more than the ailing dvd VAT scam business.

[Kikó]

They're just a massive Japanese conglomerate. Do all sorts.