What did I learn this week? #2

I visited Luton this week for a client meeting and have to say that I didn't feel safe. I can officially say that, despite visiting some rough places in London and beyond, Luton is the only place I have felt that a mugging was imminent! The area was very unpleasant and the people seemed to have nothing in the eyes - you know that dead stare?
   
You have to question how the editor at Newsnight could let the story run that hinted at a pedophile without concrete proof. This could have ruined an innocent mans life.  And on the same topic, why Philip Schofield thought that News Of The World tactics were appropriate naming pedophiles named on the internet, I will never know. You cant go spreading rumours without facts, despite having the Prime Minister to hand. I was annoyed that David Cameron then mixed pedophiles with gay men - we all know that such perverts are hardly ever gay.
  
Crystal Palace go 13 games unbeaten since the first 3 losses of the season.  :-)  I will enjoy it while I can.
  
I received my voting forms for the local Police and crime commissioner. My concern is that I know absolutely nothing about the candidates and very little about the job itself. The decision for people to vote for a someone to do such an important job baffles me. I suspect that 90% of people will be in the same position.  I can see that the next time we come to vote, the candidates will be thrashing around statistics and therefore the voting will be based on short term performance rather than the overall role including long term planning.
  

Welcome Ian

Ian Holloway has just become manager of Crystal Palace, following the departure of Dougie Freedman.  I appreciate that you are not all football fans, but Ian is well known for his post match comments:

    

Ian Holloway on Cristiano Ronaldo: 

“He’s six foot something, fit as a flea, good looking – he’s got to have something wrong with him. Hopefully he’s hung like a hamster – That would make us all feel better. Having said that, me missus has got a pet hamster at home, and his cock’s massive.”

 

No one likes a cheat

Ashley Young (him of the webcam fame) and Andy Carroll (him of the idiotic ponytail fame) have both been accused of cheating in recent weeks.  Both clearly dived aiming to be awarded penalties - Ashley got the penalty, Andy got a yellow card for being a twat.  The sad part was that Andy insisted he was tripped, yet there was no-one touching him!
 
This play acting has to be dealt with seriously. On the continent it's often accepted and tollerated - and that has ruined many games.  For me, watching diving players, especially in Italy and Spain shows them to be cheats and I have no respect for them.
  
In addition to the players being idiots, this season there seems to be a greater number of referee decisions that are not just poor, but really stupidly wrong.  Take the "goal" for Chelsea at the weekend in the FA Cup semi-final.  It was nowhere near across the line, but the ref' awarded a goal. Stevie Wonder would have made a better decision.  The England "goal" in the World Cup that was 3 feet inside the goal and wasn't awarded! The odd off-side decision that is slightly wrong is almost acceptable, but missing goals is just not on. Technology is the answer and it's way overdue.
 
This is how close the goalkeeper got to Andy Carroll...
 

The current state of the Premiership

A clever summary of the English Premiership season so far...
 

The side that won 7-1 on Saturday beat the side who won 3-2 against the side who beat the 7-1 winners, 8-2.

The 8-2 winners lost 6-1 against the side who lost 2-1 to the side the 8-2 winners beat 3-1.

But the 2-1 losers beat the 7-1 winners 1-0 who beat the 2-1 winners, 5-3.

The moral of the story?

Andy Carroll is still shit.

Who would have thought it

If you asked me a week ago what I thought of Joey Barton and I would have said: "mindless thug". My views have changed a little. On BBC3 the other night, there was a documentary on gay footballers presented by Amal Fashanu who is the niece of the late Justin Fashanu - the only out gay English football professional.

No top footballers would take part apart from Joey Barton and a few from Millwall. Joey revealed that his uncle is gay and said he felt sorry for those players who were not comfortable discussing homosexuality. His view was that there were “archaic figures” in the footballing world who would discriminate against gay players, but that he expected an out gay player in Britain in the next decade.

Praise has to go for the guys at Millwall for speaking a lot of sense. They said that they wouldn't care if another player was gay and would take the micky out of him in the same way they "pick" on other players. It's all part of the dressing room banter.
 
For me, it wasn't a great documentary, far too much filler, but it's always nice to see Anton Hysén.  I am disappointed that a few top Premiership players were not brave enough to go on camera. It's quite pathetic actually. And the FA should have put a top person forward to be interviewed and state their position clearly. They failed badly in my opinion.
 
Justin's brother, John Fashanu didn't come out of it well either. I understand that his brother could have handled his coming out better, but the 80's were a world away from today's world where coming out is seen as far less of an issue for most people. John's comments were not helpful at the time and he doesn't appear to regret them too much.
 
It sounded to me that players who were to come out would probably have support from most colleagues, but the hassle from away fans could destroy them.  Anton Hysén plays for a small team in a more liberal country and is currently just milking his celebrity (so would I) rather than concern himself with football crowds.

In all of this, let's not forget the immense skill that Justin had.  This goal says it all...

Torres still rules

It's been a long time since I found an excuse to share some pictures of the super-sexy Fernando Torres. OK, I don't need an excuse... he cant score a goal these days, but he's still gorgeous. The second one looks like fun, but I particularly like the last one. :-)
  

Goooooooaaaaaal

Following a football team that has almost gone out of business twice, constantly has up-and-down seasons and disappoints at inopportune moments can be tough.  However, last night was very special. Crystal Palace travelled to Old Trafford to play a Manchester United team that featured 8 full internationals in the Carling Cup.  The Eagles won 2-1. A fine win whichever way you look at it and certainly not a lucky one.

The first goal, from a team that hasn't scored in 5 games, came from Darren Ambrose - a player who can be brilliant, but often ineffective this season... 

Jonathan de Falco

A few months ago, I blogged about the cute and supremely confident Anton Hysen - a professional football who is out and proud.  He's enjoying gay life to the full it seems (via his blog) - appearing in magazines, on radio, lots of TV, film premiers, working with clothes designers, etc etc.  I like the guy and it seems he is really genuine.

With footballers in mind, there is news of another footballer coming out, but this time there is a twist to the story...

A professional footballer has made a new career using his tackle, by becoming a gay porn star. Former Belgian professional footballer Jonathan de Falco, formerly of Racing Mechelen and Oud-Heverlee Leuven, has assumed the name Stany Falcone to follow his dream of becoming a gay porn star.

The 26-year-old told the Antwerp Gazette: "I felt more and more content with who I really was. I had to really go on, but after a conversation with the club, we agreed that I should leave the club earlier and I would change my life. The football world is not ready for gay players. There is too much prejudice and generally low tolerance. Since I was 20 I have been in gay circles, but when I played soccer, nobody noticed anything. If my orientation would have been known, there would have undoubtedly problems."

So I have have been thinking.  There are around 4000 professional footballers in England.  If I use a very conservative 3% gay ratio (the gaytio*), then that means there are 120 closeted guys playing football.  It saddens me to think that there are so many guys who have to live a lie, cant be themselves and ultimately cant be happy. I hope that the experience of Anton Hysen will be positive enough to allow some guys to say "I'm gay, I play football, so what?!".

* Copyright Stephen Chapman 2011

Michael Thalassitis

Our local paper reports on Stevenage* FC games and this picture of their 18 year old youth Striker Michael Thalassitis jumped out. Very cute with stunning eyes!

*For the record, Stevenage is a "new town" built in the 1950's and although it has a great road system, it's a bit of a dump with non-descript housing estates and a terrible concrete town centre. The whole town can be described as "rough" including many chavy people. These are only my opinions of course, but people from the town I live in would never shop in Stevenage... ever!

Bank holiday weekend

Pete and I spent Friday evening watching a very interesting French film called 'Little White Lies'.  It was mainly set in Cap Ferret near Bordeaux where we went last October.  An interesting film about money, selfishness and love.  A strange mix you may agree, but worth a look.

Yesterday we ventured into the local town and brought a few things in the shops before returning to make fresh juice (a mix of apples, carrots, grapefruit, peppers and plums!).  We then went to the see Hitchin Town play Circencester in a lower league football game.  Hitchin won 6-2 in a pulsating game that was non-stop action and despite the initial baulking at the £9 entrance fee, we both agreed it was worth the money in the end.  The weather started with heavy rain, then blue skies, then more rain, more rain and then ended with a brilliant rainbow.  Crazy summer weather!

On the way back we stopped for a quick beer before getting back and cooking roast chicken and roast potatoes, followed by a selection of cheeses.  A wonderfully cheap and satisfying meal.  What a friend we have in cheeses.

Today I drove us to Cambridge.  We had a coffee and then a walk around the shops.  There were some very fit guys free running - I wish I could do that and also have the pecs and abs that they had too. 

I had a voucher for some free photo printing after buying a new camera last month.  I have to say that the Jessops system is atrocious to use.   I was tempted to leave the shop after pressing the so-called-touch-screen over and over again and getting nowhere.  After some time, we got there and I now have a selection of photos that I don't quite know what to do with!  Actually, a couple may become Christmas presents.

We had intended going out this evening - let's see how we feel after dinner.  

Bank holiday tomorrow!

Peterborough loss

Yesterday Pete and I went to Peterborough play Crystal Palace to watch the opening game of the Championship season.  Palace were made up mainly of new signings and loan players.  This did not work. It seemed to me that too many players didn't know their exact role and we lost 2-1.  When Peterborough attacked and moved the ball quickly, we were vulnerable.  Anyway, let's not dwell on that part of the day.

I cant remember the last away game I went to, it was that long ago and it was a great atmosphere with 3000 Palace fans packed into one end of the stadium.

I had never been to Peterborough and was surprised at how nice the town centre is.  However, the population there looks... strange. Ask anyone that knows and they will just say "it's the people from the fens - too much interbreeding".  Also, Polish is the first language it seems.  With so many farms in the area, the Poles come to pick crops because the unemployed English are too lazy.

The last 5 on the fifth was well attended from all over the world - so thanks for those who took part.  I found a couple had not added a link to my site.  Please remember to do that or the others wont know you are playing!

Here are some images from the day - via the Instagram iPhone app.

Football quotes

There are some classic quotes here. Who said footballers were stupid?!


"My parents have always been there for me, ever since I was about 7"
David Beckham 

"I would not be bothered if we lost every game as long as we won the league."
Mark Viduka

Alex Ferguson is the best manager I've ever had at this level. Well, he's the only manager I've actually had at this level. But he's the best manager I've ever had."
David Beckham 

"If you don't believe you can win, there is no point in getting out of bed at the end of the day."
Neville Southall 

"I've never wanted to leave. I'm here for the rest of my life, and hopefully after that as well."
Alan Shearer

"I'd like to play for an Italian club, like Barcelona."
Mark Draper 

"I faxed a transfer request to the club at the beginning of the week, but let me state that I don't want to leave Leicester."
Stan Collymore 

"I was watching the Blackburn game on TV on Sunday when it flashed on the screen that George (Ndah) had scored in the first minute at Birmingham . My first reaction was to ring him up. Then I remembered he was out there playing."
Ade Akinbiyi 

"Without being too harsh on David Beckham, he cost us the match."
Ian Wright 

"I'm as happy as I can be - but I have been happier."
Ugo Ehiogu

"I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel."
Stuart Pearce 

"I couldn't settle in Italy - it was like living in a foreign country."
Ian Rush

"I always used to put my right boot on first, and then obviously my right sock."
Barry Venison

"I definitely want Brooklyn to be christened, but I don't know into what religion yet."
David Beckham

"All that remains is for a few dots and commas to be crossed."
Mitchell Thomas

"One accusation you can't throw at me is that I've always done my best."
Alan Shearer

Offside?! You sexist fools

In the news here in the UK, there is plenty of coverage about two football presenters on Sky Sports who have been reprimanded for making comments about a female assistant referee. The sexist views of Richard Keys (resigned) and Andy Gray (sacked) were caught off-air but were sufficiently offensive to upset the lady in question and most of the nation.  

I personally don't think that some playful sarcasm was the problem, it was more to do with their view that a female assistant referee wasn't up to the job.  They should be ashamed of themselves.

The idiots have been mentioned widely on the net and here are some of the funniest tweets (and I appreciate that some are sexist, but are mainly taking the mickey out of the presenters)...

Breaking News: Mel Gibson and Ron Atkinson to replace Andy Gray and Richard Keys for Chelsea v Bolton game tonight.

Keys and Gray suspended for tonight's game. How ironic that they should be suspended for spouting inane, cliched, ill-informed nonsense.

I heard a female Assistant Referee is going to explain the Equality Act to Andy Gray and Richard keys using condiments on the kitchen table.

Disappointed in Richard Keys and Andy Gray. In this day and age women in football should be given more respect, especially the attractive ones.

Richard Keys and Andy Gray suspended by Sky - will be spending tonight explaining the "caught offmic" rule to their wives.

Oh the irony of Richard Keys and Andy Gray getting done by The Mail on Sunday for moaning about political correctness gone mad.

Andy Gray and Richard Keys. Coming soon to Thursday night, Channel 5.

Who's standing in for keys and gray? Lots of choice at sky. There's him him him him him him him him him him and him. And claire tomlinson.

Now available to download: a new game in which Richard Keys and Andy Gray fend off furious women. It's called Angry Birds.

Bigotry: Noun. The tree Richard Keys and Andy Gray climbed down from.

Could it happen?

After years of suffering, which continues to this day supporting the Eagles, could Crystal Palace be moving to a new stadium in a few years time?

Is there to be a place to love watching football in Southeast London?  The plan is to move to Crystal Palace Park, replacing the run-down Athletics stadium.  I would imagine that there will be a great deal of local  opposition and there is the additional complication of Spurs bidding for the Olympic stadium and rebuilding Crystal Palace athletics stadium as part of the deal.  For the record, I think that spending £500million on the Olympic stadium and then allowing Spurs (who are not from East London anyway) to pull it down to build another stadium, is simply idiotic.

Anyway, the Eagles have released some interesting graphics.  We have owners with some great ideas and a shiny stadium and winning some games would be very nice as well.

David versus Posh

Last night, Pete and I went into town with our young neighbours, Tom and Mandy.  They are the ones that refer to Pete and I as the gaybours.  They are such a great couple and are now engaged.  The problem is that they can drink like fish, so I had to pace myself.

Despite being a straight male, Tom admitted that he would rather have sex with David Beckham rather than Posh.  Let's face it, I think most gay and straight guys would avoid Smiler Posh Beckham and opt for her husband.  Why doesn't she ever smile?  What has she got to scowl about all the time?

Today was going to be about cleaning and buying some new fish for the pond.  However, I went to see Crystal Palace play Preston instead, partly to give Pete some peace and quiet.  I met my Dad, one Nephew, my Brother and his best mate Rick.  Since I was about 7 years old, I have thought that Rick is far too good looking for his own good.  Read into that what you want.  It's quite a trek to south London, so I don't do this often - it's also very expensive.

The game itself was awful.  You can see why these teams are at the foot of the table.  Palace had signed Stefan Inversen in time for the game and it was great that he scored on his debut.

Back to work tomorrow - how depressing eh?!

The next 5 on the fifth is coming...

The season ticket

I heard this story from a taxi driver...

The taxi driver and his son have season tickets at Chelsea.  Last season, they had great seats but were confused that the 2 seats next to them were empty every game.  This was very strange, considering the demand for seats at Stamford Bridge and the fact that it costs a great deal of money to buy the tickets.

This went on for game after game, with the taxi driver and son, surmising what had happened to the people.  But on Boxing Day, 2 people turned up and took their places to watch the match.

At half time, the taxi driver's inquisitive nature got the better of him and he asked the people why they had missed almost have of the season.  The man replied... "My stupid wife spent over £2000 buying these season tickets in the summer and decided to give them to us as Christmas presents!"

Classic!

Russian mafia rules OK

It's so sad to know that the World Cup wont be coming to England in 2018.  I do believe that we had the best bid and would have run the best event.  

The final choices of Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022) seem very strange choices and it was highly suspicious that everyone appeared to know the result before it was announced.  Russia has openly homophobic and racist clubs, owned by gangsters.  Ideal for trying to spread the game even further.  Qatar is an Islamic autocracy, where no-one gets the vote. Homosexuality is illegal. Good luck getting into Qatar if you are Jewish and women are second class citizens. 

The smell coming from FIFA HQ is overwhelming.  I would love the job on the committee.  They seem to live a 5 star lifestyle, but without having to justify where the money came from perfect!   FIFA has a terrible reputation and when Blatter goes, I expect it to change dramatically.

I cant wait until 2030 to see a World Cup here.  I suggest we scrap FIFA and have a World Cup every 2 years so we get it quicker!

Personally, I think the 2018 was won using a few Rubles.

Day 27 - A beautiful person

This posting is part of the 30 day challenge...

I could have chosen a movie star, a model, a person I know, but instead I have opted for an overpaid and horribly straight footballer.  Yes, you guessed it, no originality on this blog posting... it's the cute and twink-like Fernando Torres with his sexy deep voice that doesn't quite fit his young looks.

Despite his ludicrous salary, he seems down to earth and a nice guy, but it's about time he realised that we will be best friends one day and to get on with it!

Strange football misc.

Following on from the football related post a couple of days ago, here are 3 footie pictures showing 3 stupid things from today's sports news...

The awful Everton away kit for this season:

Criminal and Newcastle thug Joey Barton sporting a moustache that makes him look like a prat:

Nicolas Anelka forgot that playing for your country is a privilege and he should grateful for being paid thousands of percent more than the average man on the street - he'll never play for France again:

Football 2010/11

The Premiership season began this week, just a week after the Championship started.  It seems only days since the lacklustre England team at the World Cup broke our hearts and Crystal Palace saved their place in the league in Sheffield.  After a crazy year at Crystal Palace, with massive highs (the FA cup wins and some excellent performances) to extreme lows (administration leading to a 10 point deduction and subsequent bad run of  results).  The club was a day away from extinction, all based on a debt that was far less than similar clubs.  This can all be put down to years of mismanagement.

The club was saved and is now owned by a team of men that are also fans.  After decades, Selhurst Park is owned by the club and only a few of the best players have been retained from last season.  The new owners are all successful businessmen and intend to run the club as a business, cutting out stupid and risky spending.  Time will tell if their approach will be successful.

My predictions for the season ahead are listed below. I am rarely correct and would not suggest making a bet based on my thoughts.

Premiership: (No surprises again I fear)

Top in order:

Chelsea

Manchester United

Arsenal

Manchester City

Liverpool

Relegated:

Wolves

West Brom

Blackpool

Championship:

This could be an incredibly open league this year with 10 or more teams with the ability to do well. The top 2 might feature any of these teams...

QPR

Hull

Cardiff

Leicester

I think Crystal Palace will have another erratic season with so many changes having taken place. A mid table finish would be welcome.

The golden boot:

The Premierships top scorers will be, in this order...

Fernando Torres 

Didier Drogba

Carlos Tevez

Wayne Rooney

Robin Van Persie