Transfer news...

[h=1]Steve Bruce could make switch to international game with South Korea[/h] • Manager has been out of work since dismissal by Sunderland
• Eriksson, Hiddink, Van Basten and Scolari also linked with job




Steve Bruce is believed to be on the Korean FA's shortlist to succeed Cho Kwang-rae. Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images

Steve Bruce has been linked with a surprise move to manage the South Korean national team.
The former Manchester United defender, who was sacked by Sunderland last month, is reportedly on the Korean Football Association's shortlist to succeed Cho Kwang-rae. Other names said to be in the frame are Sven-Goran Eriksson, Guus Hiddink, Senol Gunes, Marco van Basten and the former Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari. The post carries a salary of £640,000 a year.
A spokesman for the Korean FA would only state: "Once we know who the ideal candidate is, we'll begin talks with that person."
One drawback to Bruce's hopes of being offered the job is that he has never previously managed an international side. The 50-year-old, who joined Sunderland in 2009, has previously taken charge of Sheffied United, Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic, Crystal Palace and Birmingham City.
He may also harbour hopes of a swift return to the Premier League, given the potential for managerial change at all of the clubs in the midst of a relegation battle.
 
January transfer window will define many English Premier sides......
 
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[TD="class: createdate"] Wednesday, 21 December 2011 20:34 [/TD]
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Jessca Nangawe
KLABU ya Azam FC ya jijini Dar es Salaam, imesema itampiga bei kipa wake Obren Curkovic chini Vietnam na tayari mazungumzo ya awali yameshaanza.

Hata hivyo bado Azam haijawekwa wazi ni timu gani atakwenda kucheza nchini humo.

Kwa kipindi kirefu Obren ameshindwa kuonekana dimbani akiuguza majereha ya kidole aliyopata wakati wa mechi ya Ligi Kuu dhidi ya JKT Oljoro.Chanzo cha habari hizi kimeitonya Mwananchi kuwa, klabu moja nchini Vietnam imeonyesha nia kumsajili nyota huyo na klabu haina kipingamizi.

Kwa sasa kipa huyo raia wa Serbia anaendelea vizuri na yuko tayari kuanza kucheza."Sisi hatuna tatizo, tuna imani na uwezo wa Obren ila kwa muda mrefu alikuwa majeruhi ndio maana alishindwa kuonekana uwanjani," alisema mmoja wa viongozi wa klabu hiyo. [/TD]
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[h=1]Luis Suárez and Liverpool have limited appeal options to FA and courts[/h] Liverpool could seek arbitration, or go to the high court or even the European courts – but Luis Suárez may be better advised to try to put the racism furore behind him




Luis Suárez, right, in training with Liverpool on the day he was banned for racially abusing Patrice Evra. Photograph: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Luis Suárez has 14 days to consider whether to appeal against his eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra from the date that Liverpool receive the written reasons of the Football Association's regulatory commission, not from Tuesday, which was the date of the decision. It is important to note that Suárez can only appeal against the level of the sanction not the actual verdict.
I would expect Liverpool to receive the written reasons quite soon – they are usually provided within three working days of the decision being announced, although the Christmas period may slow this down. Giving two weeks to decide whether to lodge an appeal is unusual. The usual directions for appeals against the decisions of the regulatory commission provide for a much tighter timetable.
If Suárez decides not to appeal, the decision will become binding. If he decides to appeal, he must provide written submissions and there will be a hearing, at which he will be represented by lawyers. The appeal board can reduce the sanction, but it can also increase the sanction and its decision is stated to be final and binding. But if it goes against Suárez, he may be inclined to try a further challenge.
The additional options he may try to challenge the decision include the following:
• He could bring arbitration proceedings under rule K of the FA's rules. Such an arbitration would be limited to a challenge to the validity of the decision on the grounds of ultra vires (including error of law), irrationality or procedural unfairness. An arbitration would probably take place behind closed doors before a three-person tribunal. The process would take months rather than weeks, and it is likely that the suspension and fine would take effect pending the arbitration.
• He could attempt to bring judicial review proceedings in the high court, but his chances of getting this type of action off the ground must be considered quite limited. In a challenge to the setting up of the Premier League in 1992, the high court decided that the FA was not subject to judicial review.
Regarding how the FA will have prepared for attempts at appeal, the regulatory commission will take great care in the drafting of its written decision. The commission will want to ensure, as far as possible, that the logic and the application of the FA rules are as watertight as possible, giving as little room as they can to routes of appeal.
One other option that may be considered relates to the statement released by Liverpool FC. I note it states that "the accusation by this particular player [Evra] was not credible – certainly no more credible than his prior unfounded accusations". Suárez, therefore, may consider suing Evra for defamation.
When decisions such as this come out, teams and players usually make a statement about "going all the way to Europe". Yet such statements rarely, if ever, come to anything. Rights of access to both the European court of human rights and the court of arbitration for sport are strictly limited, and I would find it hard to believe that any such challenge would be made in the first place.
It also strikes me that any decision whether to appeal may be used tactically. Suárez has 14 days to either (i) accept the charge, (ii) lodge an appeal or (iii) do nothing. If he admits the charge the penalty will take effect from the date the charge is admitted. Should Suárez appeal, the penalty is suspended until after the outcome of the appeal. Alternatively, Suárez could do nothing and allow the penalty to begin at the expiry of the 14-day deadline. These options will determine which matches Suárez can play in over the coming weeks.
A final point: when I advise clients on whether to commence legal action, the legal merits of their case are only one of a number of factors that I take into account. In a case such as this, Suárez and Liverpool should think long and hard about whether they want this case dragged out. A sensible option may be a contrite statement from Suárez making clear that he is not a racist and that he is gravely sorry for any offence he has caused and that, notwithstanding that he does not agree with the decision, he wants to put the whole episode behind him. The risk for Suárez of taking this further is that he goes down in history as the case that got to grips with racism in high-level football.
Steven Friel is a lawyer for Brown Rudnick who specialises in complex disputes
 
[h=1]Manchester United ignore off-field distraction to breeze past Fulham[/h]




[h=2]Premier League 2011-12[/h]
Fulham 0
Manchester United 5
  • Welbeck 5,
  • Nani 28,
  • Giggs 43,
  • Rooney 88,
  • Berbatov 90+0




Manchester United's Ryan Giggs celebrates scoring their third goal against Fulham. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

With the fallout still radioactive from the Luis Suárez judgment, for his racially aggravated abuse of Patrice Evra, it was easy to forget, for a moment, that there was some football to be played. Manchester United did not forget. With a performance of ruthless focus, they swatted aside Fulham to maintain not only their imperious away form but their pursuit of Manchester City.
Sir Alex Ferguson's team is the only one in the country yet to taste defeat on their domestic travels and a blemish was never likely here, from the moment that Danny Welbeck enjoyed the first offer of hospitality from the Fulham defence. Martin Jol, the home manager, wore a thunderous expression as United made the game safe by half-time. Nani scored the second and made two more while Ryan Giggs embellished yet another personal legend by contributing his first league goal of the season. He has now scored in all 20 Premier League campaigns.
Fulham were better in the second half, although it would have been remarkable if they had been any worse, but United finished in style, with Wayne Rooney scoring with a deliciously swerving shot from 25 yards. He was trumped, though, for the evening's finest goal by the substitute Dimitar Berbatov, who guided Antonio Valencia's low cross into the far corner with a backheel of sumptuous execution. Never mind Giggs. It was his first league goal of the season.
When things click for Berbatov, it is easy to presume that simply everything must have gone right for United. Not quite. There was concern for Phil Jones, who started at right-back but left the fray early with a suspected cheekbone fracture, having caught a nasty-looking elbow from Clint Dempsey in a second-minute aerial challenge.
He played on but when he lost his bearings to allow Bryan Ruiz in behind him, compelling him to make a saving tackle inside his penalty area, his number was up. He had been pepped by smelling salts but looked dazed as he left the field in the 20th minute.
There were spicy tackles. Jonny Evans was horribly late on Moussa Dembélé while Ashley Young, who had come on for Jones, left the ground when he flew into a reckless one on Dickson Etuhu. He came off worse, when the Fulham midfielder saw him coming, although Ferguson, curiously, blamed Etuhu after Young was forced off.
"There were some very aggressive tackles in the second half and Ashley Young paid the price of that," Ferguson said. "He will be out for two or three weeks. Jones was caught by an elbow, although I don't think it was intentional. We'll send him for an X-ray and we'll see tomorrow but it doesn't look great."
United suffered another blow when they learned that their ticket allocation for the third-round FA Cup tie at Manchester City has been restricted to 5,900, significantly less than the 15% of capacity to which they believe they are entitled.
Ferguson reported that Rio Ferdinand, who took a knock at QPR on Sunday and did not play here, would miss the Wigan game on Boxing Day but "should be available for Blackburn" on New Year's Eve. The manager was forced into a further defensive reshuffle when Jones was led from the field, Valencia dropping into right-back.
Jol might have wondered if his pre‑match exhortations were for nothing when Ruiz and Chris Baird allowed Nani to run and cross for Welbeck to sweep home. United worked a short corner routine for the second goal, Giggs whipping over a cross for Nani, of all non-aerial specialists, to glance a header past David Stockdale and the third followed more hands-off Fulham defending. Nani strolled into the area, squared and Giggs's shot looped up off Philippe Senderos and arched over Stockdale. Jol called it a "horror show".
Fulham created second-half chances, with Anders Lindegaard, given a starting opportunity in the United goal, making smart saves to deny Dempsey and Andy Johnson, twice. At the other end, Welbeck chipped over when one-on-one with Stockdale before Rooney and Berbatov sculpted the final flourish.
Ferguson made no comment on the Suárez-Evra case. "We've said nothing all along," he said. "It's in the hands of the FA and that's how it's going to stay." He was happier to salute "one of our best performances of the season".
 
[h=1]John Terry to face criminal charges over alleged racist abuse[/h] • Crown Prosecution Service confirms Terry will be charged
• England captain to appear before court in February
• Pledges to 'fight tooth and nail to prove my innocence'




John Terry denies making a racial slur against Anton Ferdinand when Chelsea played QPR in October. Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

John Terry will fight "tooth and nail" to clear his name after the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed its intention to prosecute the England captain over an alleged racist slur made towards the Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.
The Chelsea centre-half, who denies any wrongdoing, will appear before West London magistrates' court on 1 February charged with a racially aggravated public order offence made during an altercation with Ferdinand in the derby with QPR at Loftus Road on 23 October.
The 31-year-old's club manager, André Villas-Boas, has reiterated that he will benefit from Chelsea's full support, with Terry set to start Thursday's Premier League game at Tottenham Hotspur.
"I am disappointed with the decision to charge me and hope to be given the chance to clear my name as quickly as possible," Terry said. "I have never aimed a racist remark at anyone and count people from all races and creeds among my closest friends. I will fight tooth and nail to prove my innocence. I have campaigned against racism and believe there is no place for it in society."
Terry was caught on camera confronting Ferdinand six minutes from time in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat. The Football Association initiated an inquiry into the incident following a complaint from QPR, with the Metropolitan police following suit in response to an emailed complaint from a member of the public.
The CPS has subsequently confirmed that additional evidence, thought to be new video footage of the incident that was not broadcast at the time, had come to light.
Terry was visited by police at his house in Surrey at around 1pm on Wednesday and was told he has been charged with using "threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress which was racially aggravated in accordance with section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998".
Alison Saunders, the chief crown prosecutor for London, said: "I have today advised the Metropolitan police service that John Terry should be prosecuted for a racially aggravated public order offence following comments allegedly made during a Premier League football match between Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea on 23 October 2011.
"The decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and after careful consideration of all the evidence I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute this case. Mr Terry will appear before West London magistrates' court on 1 February, 2012. He is now summonsed with a criminal offence and has the right to a fair trial."
Villas-Boas said Terry, who was reappointed as England's captain earlier this year, will be able to handle the pressure of playing at White Hart Lane. "He has my full support, and the club's full support," the Portuguese said. "He represents this club to a maximum level and we're very grateful to have a player of his quality in our team, in what he represents in terms of history and achievements within the club. We know exactly his human values and his personality. For me they are never in doubt, so I will support him whatever the outcome. He is fit and available [to play]."
If found guilty, Terry would face a maximum fine of £2,500, though there would be serious implications over his captaincy of the national team. The FA, whose own inquiry into the incident has been put on hold until the conclusion of the criminal investigation, has yet to comment on the issue, though Chelsea added in a statement: "The club finds all forms of discrimination abhorrent and we are proud of the work we undertake campaigning on this important issue."
 
[h=1]England face dilemma over John Terry after racism charges[/h] • Chelsea defender will fight 'tooth and nail' to prove innocence
• Preliminary hearing and Holland friendly both in February




Fabio Capello, right, could have England's buildup to Euro 2012 disrupted by the case against John Terry. Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Fabio Capello's preparations for Euro 2012 are facing further disruption after it was announced that the England captain, John Terry, is to face criminal charges over an alleged racist slur made towards the Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.
Terry was visited by police officers at his Surrey home on Wednesday and informed of the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service and has vowed to fight to clear his name. He will be formally charged at a hearing at west London magistrates' court on 1 February. Yet, with proceedings then to be adjourned for trial at a future date, there is a realisation within the national set-up that the issue could potentially drag up to, or even beyond, the summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
Capello was already resigned to being without the suspended Wayne Rooney for the opening two group games of the finals, but is now coming to terms with the reality that the build-up to Euro 2012 could be dominated by the case against Terry. The 31-year-old was reappointed as national captain only in February having been stripped of the honour ahead of the World Cup in 2010 following newspaper allegations surrounding the defender's private life, and controversy is now dogging the defender yet again in the months approaching a major tournament.
England are not due to play again until the friendly against Holland at Wembley on 29 February and Terry, who denies any wrongdoing, does not intend to resign and still hopes to be available to captain his country in that fixture. Last night Umbro, the national team kit manufacturers, who count Terry as one of their clients, used a picture of an England team led by Steven Gerrard on their official website.
Football Association officials held talks in the wake of the CPS announcement, but have understandably not made any public comment for fear of prejudicing the case. Their own inquiries into the incident at Loftus Road on 23 October were well advanced when the police investigation began and are on hold pending the result of the criminal investigation.
Terry will start for Chelsea in Wednesday's Premier League game at Tottenham Hotspur – where stewards will wear headcams and adopt a zero tolerance policy towards any supporters heard using foul, abusive, homophobic or racist language – and retains the full backing of the club's hierarchy. "I don't doubt his integrity as a person," said the manager, André Villas-Boas. "He's been representing this club for a lot of time with tremendous success. He has my full backing. The club have that backing for him, too. We will continue to support him.
"We know exactly his human values and his personality. For me they are never in doubt, so I will support him whatever the outcome. The fact that [he has been charged] doesn't mean he is guilty."
The centre-half had been caught on camera confronting Ferdinand some six minutes from time in Chelsea's 1-0 loss at QPR. The player later released a statement insisting he had merely been repeating an accusation he felt had been made by his opponent. "I am disappointed with the decision to charge me and hope to be given the chance to clear my name as quickly as possible," said Terry on Wednesday night. "I have never aimed a racist remark at anyone and count people from all races and creeds among my closest friends. I will fight tooth and nail to prove my innocence. I have campaigned against racism and believe there is no place for it in society."
If found guilty, Terry would face a maximum fine of £2,500 though there would inevitably be serious implications over his future captaincy of, and potentially involvement with, the national team. Chelsea issued a statement on Wednesday insisting the club "finds all forms of discrimination abhorrent" and remains "fully supportive" of the player, though their stance drew criticism from Lord Herman Ouseley, the chairman of the anti-racism campaign Kick it Out and a former chair of the Commission for Racial Equality.
"It doesn't surprise me, but it does sadden me," said Lord Ouseley. "Clubs, who are large employers, must consider the implications of dealing with allegations made against their players, and not simply offer blanket support without carrying out their own full investigations and being certain of the ground on which they are standing when they offer full support."
Asked whether Terry should continue to be allowed to play for his country before the case is heard, Lord Ouseley added: "That's a big call for the FA. Clearly, the next international is not until 29 February and maybe this will have been disposed of by then so they don't have to make that big call. But I think there is an issue of the morality, of the leadership, the standard we set, the ethics for football."
 
[h=1]Hughes 'set to turn down Blackburn return'[/h] Published 22:31 21/12/11 By Alan Nixon & David Anderson

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...n-in-charge-into-New-Year-article845255.html#


Mark Hughes is ready to turn down Blackburn, leaving the crisis-hit Premier League cellar dwellers' Indian owners with a major problem.
Hughes, who played for Rovers from 2000-2002 and managed them from September 2004 to June 2008, is Venky's first choice to take over from embattled Steve Kean as boss.
However, sources close to the former Rovers chief say the terms and assurances he would need to be given before he resumed control at Ewood Park are beyond the Pune-based organisation.
Kean has been granted a final stay of execution after surviving Wednesday's crunch meeting with Venky's.
 
[h=1]Italian giants plotting Torres loan swoop[/h] Published 22:31 21/12/11 By John Cross

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...to-seal-Carlos-Tevez-deal-article845250.html#


AC Milan are ready to make a cheeky move to take Fernando Torres on loan.
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has already insisted the striker is not for sale in January, and a loan deal also seems unlikely.
But Milan will try to convince the Blues otherwise, after struggling to come up with a financial package good enough to land Manchester City outcast Carlos Tevez.
The Italian giants will offer to pay Torres' full wages and structure a permanent £30million-plus option in any deal for next summer.

Villas-Boas is already losing Nicolas Anelka to a team in China in January, while Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou will be on African Cup of Nations duty next month.
That would make any loan deal for Torres unlikely, but it will not stop Milan making an enquiry and offering the struggling Spaniard an escape route.
Milan have also made enquiries about taking Drogba, who is a free agent at the end of the season, on loan .
Meanwhile, reports in Germany suggest Chelsea are following Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios.
Would you like to know more?:
Chelsea want Gary Cahill, admits Villas-Boas
In-demand Cahill: I'm in a tough position
Terry WILL face court charge of racial abuse
I worry about Terry's ankle not his state of mind - AVB
Villas-Boas: I'll back Terry through it all
Team news: Bale losing fitness fight, Terry will start
Redknapp tells Villas-Boas: Calm down, Dear!
I'll be thrilled if AVB doesn't pick Lampard - Redknapp
Spurs stewards will wear headcams to crack down on abusive fans
Chelsea to play on Boxing Day despite Tube strike threat
Chelsea TV dumps legend who called AVB 'vindictive'
 
[h=1]Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Wednesday's papers[/h] Published 08:34 21/12/11 By Football Spy




Transfer stories from today's Daily Mirror
Exclusive: Chelsea all set to capture Cahill
Exclusive: Bridge poised for Arsenal move
City plan cheeky raid on Real Madrid

Mancini confirms Tevez isn't available for loan
Exclusive: QPR line up surprise Bent swoop
Liverpool sign Wycombe boy-wonder Ibe
Merseyside rivals in superkid tug of war
Newcastle leading the chase for Ridgewell
Stories from other papers and websites
David Beckham has agreed in principle to join Paris St Germain . He'll sign in January (Le Parisien)
Manchester United have scouted Independiente playmaker Patricio Rodriguez , 21, six times in the last three months with a view to a £15m move (Mail)
Sources in Portugal insist the Old Trafford side WILL sign Benfica's Argentinean midfielder Nicolas Gaitan , despite strong denials from chief executive David Gill (Independent)
United also want Sheffield United keeper George Long for £3m, but will face opposition from Arsenal and Aston Villa (Sun)
Manchester City c ould turn back to Lille's Eden Hazard , who has been watched by Patrick Vieira this season. The 20-year-old would cost £30million and City may go for Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez or Everton's Jack Rodwell instead (Mail)
Bristol City are bidding £300,000 for Eastlands kid Ryan McGivern , who has impressed on loan (Mail)
Tottenham defensive midfielder Jake Livermore wants to move out in January - and would consider a loan - to get more playing time (Sun)
West Brom will battle Wolves for Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner , who has struggled to settle in the North-East (Mail)
Newcastle 's Peter Beardsley mad a 600-mile round trip to scout Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha on Monday - then found the 19-year-old striker was suspended (Mail)
Wolves will bid around £5m for Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones in January (Metro)
The Molineux side also want Manchester City's Nedum Onouha for £3million (Express)
Aston Villa, Bolton, Swansea City and Fulham have all pricked up their ears after learning that Chelsea's Josh McEachran can go on loan in January (Guardian)
Swansea have agreed a £100,000 deal to take Liverpool and Everton target Rory Donnelly from Cliftonville - but the Toffees have also okayed a fee with the Northern Irish club (Star)
Leicester City will send loan signings Michael Johnson and Gelson Fernandes back to Manchester City and St Etienne , and could cancel the contracts of Michael Ball and Bruno Berner (Express)
 
[h=1]Thursday's gossip column - transfers and rumours[/h]

TRANSFER GOSSIP
AC Milan are ready to make a move to take Chelsea striker Fernando Torres on loan after struggling to come up with a financial package good enough to land Manchester City outcast Carlos Tevez.
Full story: Daily Mirror
But reports in Spain say La Liga side Malaga are ready to put in a £30m bid to bring the out-of-form Torres back to Spain.
Full story: Metro
Stoke manager Tony Pulis is ready to put more pressure on Blackburn owners Venky's with an £8m bid for star winger Junior Hoilett, 21.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Liverpool and Chelsea have been told to look elsewhere after River Plate insisted Argentine striker Lucas Ocampos, 17, is not for sale in January.
Full story: talkSPORT

OTHER GOSSIP
Fernando Torres has lifted the lid on his acrimonious departure from Liverpool, claiming on Spanish television that the club lied to him and that Liverpool's current American owners made false promises.
Full story: Daily Mail
Everton manager David Moyes walked out at half-time during *Blackburn's defeat to Bolton on Tuesday because he was so disgusted by the abuse Rovers fans were aiming at his friend Steve Kean.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester United's Norwegian Under-21 international Josh King could be heading back to Old Trafford after just two substitute appearances on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach because of injury.
Full story: talkSPORT
AND FINALLY
Arsenal's Robin van Persie has revealed that he only watches his own club and Barcelona matches on TV, because he believes they are the only sides who play "beautiful football".
Full story: Metro
 

[h=1]Vindication does not come without a downside for Patrice Evra[/h] Manchester United's full-back has seen his reputation take a hit despite Luis Suárez being found guilty of racial abuse




Patrice Evra, left, has seen his reputation come into question during the Luis Suárez case. Photograph: Lindsey Parnaby/EPA

So far, there has been nothing from Patrice Evra to indicate what he thinks of the Football Association's verdict, whether he thought the hearing was fair and what he makes of the backlash against him, but it is fair to assume there is vindication and, perhaps, the sense of a strange set of circumstances when a black footballer can be racially abused and yet come out of it with his reputation dismantled, too.
Liverpool have stopped short of branding him a liar, but only just. They have gone public that he is "not credible" and, on the first two days of Luis Suárez's hearing, their lawyers made a great play of pointing out that when Evra exchanged punches with a Chelsea groundsman, Sam Bethell, in 2008, the FA disciplinary commission considered his evidence "exaggerated". As recently as last week, Kenny Dalglish seemed convinced his player would get off on the basis that Liverpool planned to expose Evra as an unreliable witness.
Out of it, the perception has grown that Evra likes to "play the race card". The idea has grown that he is trouble, that he will say anything, that he has previous. It has been a blur of spin, bandwagon-jumping and, in some cases, deliberate deception. The result, football being the business it is, is that because enough people have set out to discredit him, they have managed to do so through sheer weight of numbers.
The Manchester United full-back is not entirely blameless and if it is true that he had an Ali G moment with the referee, Andre Marriner, and complained he was being booked only because he was black, there is a legitimate question of why this was not reported to the FA separately.
Liverpool want charges to be pressed because of the way he spoke to Suárez in "the most objectionable of terms". All we know so far is Evra said something along the lines of "Don't touch me, you South American," though more will emerge when the FA releases its full findings.
But Evra never cited racism in the Chelsea case, contrary to what you may have read elsewhere. Liverpool's extraordinary statement referred to Evra having no credibility and used as an example his "prior unfounded accusations". Except it was Mike Phelan, United's assistant manager, and Richard Hartis, the goalkeeping coach, who purported to hear the word "immigrant" used at Stamford Bridge. The story that it was Evra has gathered so much momentum now that even the usually reliable Press Association presented it as fact. Liverpool, they said, were referring to "racism allegations Evra made against Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell, which were not proven".
The truth is something completely different. Likewise, Evra kept his distance when two deaf United fans complained they had lip‑read Steve Finnan making a racist remark to him during a Liverpool-United game in 2006. The simple truth is that Evra has complained of being racially abused only once before, and that was the 1-1 draw at Anfield on 15 October.
If this were politics, it would be described as a smear campaign. Perhaps, if this were not United versus Liverpool and two such high-profile players, Evra might even be congratulated for having the courage to stand up to what Paul Goulding QC and his colleagues have now identified as racism, subject to a possible appeal. That is, after all, what the authorities want. Yet Evra has not been portrayed as the victim in the real sense of the word, and Liverpool have argued that he is, indeed, the villain, unreliable and malicious when it comes to the truth. It will hardly encourage others to come forward the next time someone is called a "negro" on a football pitch.
His form has plummeted, too. While Suárez has embellished his reputation as Liverpool's outstanding player of the season, there is a feeling at Old Trafford that the strain may have affected Evra. He has had an erratic year but a blip has become a full-blown slump and it was startling to see a left-back who once had legitimate claims to be recognised as the best in the business look so vulnerable at Queens Park Rangers last weekend. The FA's independent commission may have come down on his side, but that vindication does not come without its downside.
 
[h=1]Liverpool shirts supporting Luis Suárez 'shameful', says Paul McGrath[/h] • Former Manchester United defender attacks decision
• Liverpool players and manager wore shirts to support Suárez




Paul McGrath said that if he had been in Glen Johnson's position he would have thrown the T-shirt on the floor. Photograph: Showbizireland/Getty Images

Liverpool's decision to don T-shirts in support of Luis Suárez 24 hours after he was found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra was described as "shameful" by Paul McGrath, while Alan Hansen, the club's former captain turned television pundit, issued an unreserved apology for describing black players as "coloured" on Match of the Day.
McGrath, the former Manchester United and Aston Villa defender, led widespread condemnation of Liverpool's increasingly isolated stance over Suárez and claimed he would have thrown the T-shirt to the floor had he been the striker's team-mate Glen Johnson. The right-back later responded on Twitter: "I will support who I want when I want!!! There are a lot of reasons why I'm standing by Luis Suárez!!!"
Liverpool players and the manager, Kenny Dalglish, all wore the T-shirt, featuring Suárez's image on the front and his name plus number on the back, before their draw at Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night. The Football Association is not expected to take action over Liverpool's defiant show of support for the Uruguay international or the extraordinary statement released by the club in the wake of the eight-match ban and £40,000 fine handed to the 24-year-old on Tuesday.
The FA is keen for the findings of the independent commission that found Suárez guilty, led by Paul Goulding QC, to be published as quickly as possible, given the controversial and often uninformed debate that has erupted around the case. Goulding, however, does not work for the FA and the reasons may not be released until after Christmas. Only when Liverpool have received the commission's findings will their 14-day period in which to appeal commence.
Liverpool's pre-match clothing at the DW Stadium has attracted criticism from several black footballers, and McGrath claimed it represented a devastating setback to the accomplishments of anti-racism campaigns. The former Republic of Ireland international said: "Maybe Kenny [Dalglish] is trying to make a statement to the FA but I just think it is in bad taste that he sent them out in those T-shirts. It would have been much better for Liverpool Football Club if they had have worn anti-racism shirts.
"It's about respect. There's this issue going on about respecting your opponents. It is actually a game. The game itself has gone too big, it's about winning and the money. The actual element of football being a game has long since gone, it is all about protecting your interest, protecting your best players. There are a lot of children that watch these games and to have done what they did last night, doing their warm-up in T-shirts with his smiling face on it, having just been done for a supposedly racist comment to one of his opponents, is shameful for football. It puts the anti-racism campaign back to the beginning as far as I'm concerned.
"If I was in Glen Johnson's situation, I'd have thrown the shirt to the floor. If that had been someone in my time and I'd heard the comments or I'd even suspected he was guilty – and obviously there has been a tribunal – then I would not wear a T-shirt with his name on it, saying all is well and good here."
The Blackburn Rovers striker Jason Roberts also thinks the Suárez case transcends sport. He tweeted: "The stance on the Suárez issue from LFC has bemused me – are United going to print Evra shirts now????? Some issues are bigger than football." The former Newcastle United defender Olivier Bernard, now an anti-racism campaigner, said: "I really didn't think it was fine to wear the T-shirts. I can understand the club's side of it, but in society we can't accept racism and give support to a player who has used racist words."
Liverpool players have defended their collective decision to wear the T-shirts at Wigan. José Reina said: "He has our full support. We were together from the very first minute of the allegations and [the T-shirts] were the minimum we can do for him. I am 100% he is not racist and he has been accused of racism. We want him and everyone to know we are right behind our team-mate because he is a lovely guy and he has been crucified by some people and it is not fair. Eight games is not even close to being fair."
The controversy enveloped Hansen after he twice used the word "coloured" to describe black footballers on Match of the Day on Wednesday when discussing the current John Terry and Suárez racism cases. The 56-year-old Hansen, the show's long-time pundit, said: "I unreservedly apologise for any offence caused – this was never my intention and I deeply regret the use of the word."
 
[h=1]Friday's gossip column - transfers and rumours[/h]

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is ready to offer £8m for Fulham's unsettled, 30-year-old striker Bobby Zamora - but faces a fight to get him to move from London.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Real Madrid star Kaka is considering his future once again in a move that will reignite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
Full story: talkSPORT
Manchester United are aiming to beat Arsenal to the signing of Anderlecht and Argentina midfielder Lucas Biglia.
Full story: Daily Mail
Arsenal will offload Marouane Chamakh back to France next month and may make a shock swoop for Wigan forward Hugo Rodallega.
Full story: Metro
Fulham are leading the chase to sign Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olic, who has struggled to command a regular first-team place with the German side.
Full story: talkSPORT
Liverpool will reportedly look to lure Koln attacker Lukas Podolski to Anfield as the Merseyside club look to beef up their attacking options following Luis Suarez's ban.
Full story: CaughtOffside

OTHER GOSSIP
Blackburn manager Steve Kean is set to receive a stay of execution and will be in charge for their trip to Liverpool on Boxing Day.
Full story: Daily Mail
Pepe Reina has criticised the Football Association's decision to ban Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez for eight games, accusing the governing body of "crucifying" the striker.
Full story: Liverpool Echo
Chelsea's £50m striker Fernando Torres has brushed off reports that the Blues could be looking to cut their losses and sell him in January.
Full story: Sky Sports
AND FINALLY
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill brought Nicklas Bendtner down to earth by saying he wasn't a proper player...yet.
Full story: Daily Mirror
 
Rutashubanyuma said:
January transfer window will define many English Premier sides......
Click to expand...
EPL is no longer the league it used to be... they have killed their leagues and even the names that flow are more of a media hype that the quality we expected to see

EUROPE (England is finally out of europe) is now more attractive
 
EPL is no longer the league it used to be... they have killed their leagues and even the names that flow are more of a media hype that the quality we expected to see

EUROPE (England is finally out of europe) is now more attractive
Click to expand...
could be right but it is still most popular league in the World despite its many shortcomings.............
 
[h=1]Revealed: How FA decided on eight match Suarez ban and why Liverpool could go to the CAS[/h] Published 22:30 22/12/11 By David Maddock and Darren Lewis

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...-of-Arbitration-for-Sport-article845786.html#


Liverpool are refusing to rule out the possibility of taking Luis Suarez's case to a higher court.
The club is prepared to explore every avenue in an attempt to overturn the disciplinary action against the player, and even though it could go against FA stipulations, they will look at the possibility of taking their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.
Suarez has been "crucified" says Reina
High level meetings have taken place at Anfield over the past 24 hours about the next course of action, and while the CAS route is unlikely - because it is sure to invoke anger within the FA - it has not been completely ruled out, such is the depth of feeling on Merseyside.

Suarez was involved in meetings yesterday, for the first time since the ban was delivered, and the club have publicly vowed to clear the striker's name.
Every member of the squad, and even Dalglish, wore t-shirts with the player's name, number and an action picture on as they warmed up for Wednesday's game at Wigan.
Liverpool will wait for the written judgement of Paul Goulding QC, who headed the disciplinary commission, before they make any decision on whether to explore the CAS route.
But they have already declared war on the FA, after accusing them of a witch-hunt, claiming the governing body was "determined to bring charges against Suarez, even before interviewing him at the beginning of November."
Mirror Sport can reveal how the independent FA commission came to its eight match total for Suarez ban.
He was given two matches for using insulting language towards an opponent - the standard punishment if a player is sent off for such an offence.
For the second charge of making a reference to Evra's colour he was given six matches.
The three-man panel, led by Paul Goulding QC, have yet to make public their written reasons for their guilty verdict on the Liverpool striker and the level of their ban.
It is a measure of the zero-tolerance approach to racism that the commission felt it necessary to dish out such a heavy punishment.
But Rule 8.2 of the FA's Disciplinary code leaves the penalty for the additional charge at the discretion of the Commission if they deem it serious enough.
The ruling states: "While the Memoranda dealing with disciplinary procedures concerning field offences and offences on or around the Field of Play set out standard sanctions, these sanctions may be increased by the Regulatory Commission where the facts of an individual case so dictate, where a particular act of Misconduct is sufficiently serious that the guideline sanction would not constitute a sufficient penalty for the Misconduct that has taken place."
 
[h=1]EXCLUSIVE: Sunderland to bid £8m for Zamora[/h] Published 22:30 22/12/11 By Alan Nixon

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...lham-striker-Bobby-Zamora-article845728.html#


Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is ready to offer £8million for Fulham's unsettled striker Bobby Zamora - but faces a fight to make him move from London.
O'Neill wants a new target man and thinks the England cap would be perfect for the style he wants to play to turn round the fortunes of the Black Cats.
Zamora can leave Fulham where he has had a stormy relationship with Martin Jol, but the far-travelled forward is settled in the capital.
O'Neill could push the boat out and offer top terms, but the word from Zamora's camp is that the next move is not just about money.

New boss O'Neill can only wait so long for Zamora as his second choice - Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic - is being pursued by rivals, headed by QPR.
Sunderland are also chasing Senegalese striker Papiss Cisse but German side Freiburg want a big fee although that may come down during the window - and as they face a possible relegation.
 
[h=1]Old man Beckham will have to roll back the years to succeed at PSG, warns Pires[/h] Published 21:00 22/12/11 By John Cross




Arsenal legend Robert Pires has backed David Beckham to be a huge hit in France - if he can prove age is no barrier.
Former England captain Beckham, 36, is set to be unveiled as mega-rich Paris Saint Germain's new signing. The former Manchester United superstar looks to win a title in a fourth different country.
Ex-France international Pires has no doubt about his talent but says Beckham will have to be supremely fit to fit in at PSG after four years with LA Galaxy.
Pires said: "Beckham could really help PSG in the second part of the season if he is in really good physical shape. I don't doubt about his ability but it will be hard for him to maintain his rhythm and complete games for a club like PSG.

"His age could be overcome by bringing in a level of experience and intelligence to the squad which could be important.
"Beckham will be important for the forwards and his assists can be very useful. But the adaptation to European football again may be difficult."
 
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