The Frivolous FA

“Absolutely perverse”. That was the damning verdict of Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson towards the FA this week, in a week where the respective footballing associations on both sides of the border got it in the neck from football fans and those within the game.

First in line for a spot of tongue lashing was England’s governing body in the wake of the Jeremie Aliadiere affair. For those of you not in the know, the ‘Boro striker was sent off during the weekend defeat to Liverpool for a slap on Javier Mascherano. According to law 12 of the beautiful game, which states that “A player is guilty of violent conduct if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball”, the French striker’s offence was deemed to be violent conduct and so automatically resulted in a 3 match ban.

(pic courtesy of the BBC)

Above: Aliadiere sees red at Anfield

As is their right, Middlesbrough launched an appeal against the suspension on behalf of their player, feeling that the red card produced had been of a harsh nature. However, not only was the appeal rejected, the FA in their wisdom decided to increase it by a further match, which has incensed the ‘Boro hierarchy.

Chairman Gibson commented that “we could’ve taken it on the chin if the appeal had simply been rejected. But to extend the ban by a further match, I find absolutely perverse.”

Above: ‘Boro chairman Steve Gibson

And his chief executive, Keith Lamb, went further in his stinging attack on the FA, saying that “there is one rule for the big boys and one rule for the rest of us.” The mood of the Riverside outfit was not helped by the FA’s appraisal of Middlesbrough’s appeal, which was that it was “frivolous”. And to spare you looking it up, though you can here, the term means ’shallow’ or ‘not serious’. Now, given the club had the right of appeal, if I were Middlesbrough I’d be feeling rather insulted by that remark- clubs don’t submit appeals knowing full well there’s no chance of it being overturned!

Backing up ‘Boro were Derby manager Paul Jewell and Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth boss, who branded the FA’s decision “scandalous”. The FA’s reply was that each case is dealt with on its own merits, that they “refute any suggestion that certain clubs are treated differently to others” while if they feel the appeal is as they claimed “frivolous”, then they can extend the suspension. But why have that rule there? Who are they to question the integrity of clubs involved in appeals by dismissing them as silly? If an appeal was doomed to failure, clubs wouldn’t do it- as has been evidenced by Manchester City, who have decided not to appeal Martin Petrov’s red card in Monday’s defeat by Everton for fear of the ban being increased.

And Lamb’s point about the likes of ‘Boro, Manchester City and Everton being treated differently from the so-called ‘big four’- thats Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea- may not be as far fetched as some may think. It could be said William Gallas of Arsenal acted in a violent manner during his side’s FA Cup thrashing by Manchester United by kicking Nani off the ball, but he received no punishment while Mascherano raised his hands to Aliadiere but received no card from the referee.

Above: The FA- home of the silly

So is it a case of bias toward the big clubs? Perhaps. Or most likely it is true to say that those in power at Soho Square, to put it kindly, lack common sense with regards certain decisions. If you want to be brutal, you could say that they simply do not have a clue at times. The smart thing to do would be to reject the appeal if they felt the referee’s decision was correct, then get on with it. But to increase the ban by a game, simply because a club felt they had an obligation to defend their player?

There’s only one thing frivolous about this sorry situation, and it certainly isn’t Middlesbrough’s appeal on behalf of Jeremie Aliadiere.

Super Spurs claim Carling Cup glory

What a job Juande Ramos has done at Tottenham Hotspur. A club which was in the relegation places in the Premier League when he arrived have turned their season around, and in some style. A fabulous performance in front of England boss Fabio Capello saw Spurs defeat favourites Chelsea to win the season’s first piece of silverware at a rain lashed Wembley.

They needed extra time to claim their first trophy since defeating Leicester City in the 1999 final, but this was no lucky victory. Spurs were well organised, solid at the back and effective up front, creating many chances against a shaky looking Blues backline, in the first half especially.

But for all their dominance in the opening period, with Dimitar Berbatov, Steed Malbranque and Robbie Keane creating havoc, Chelsea hit the front with a pin point Didier Drogba free-kick. It then looked as though that Avram Grant’s side were about to grind out another hard earned victory to retain the trophy won against Arsenal last season.

But Ramos’ team now have belief and a steely determination not evidenced under previous gaffer Martin Jol. With inspirational centre halves Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate, who claimed the glorious winner, leading from the centre of defence, Spurs continued to go at Chelsea and were rewarded when the ice cool Berbatov stroked home a penalty after Wayne Bridge was penalised for handball.

After that, the match belonged to Tottenham. Indeed, Didier Zokora, outstanding in the midfield holding role, could even have won it in normal time but for a combination of great goalkeeping from Petr Cech and woeful finishing. But it merely delayed the inevitable as Woodgate rose to beat Cech to a cross ball in the 3rd minute of extra time and his header rebounded off the keeper, back on to his head and into the net.

Though Chelsea did have chances in extra time, with sub Joe Cole forcing Paul Robinson into a couple of smart stops, Spurs deservedly hung on to claim their 4th League Cup.

It could be argued that with the squad Spurs have, they should be contesting major finals more often. The likes of Berbatov, Keane and King, the spine of Tottenham’s team, are proven stars on the international and European arena while around them are the exciting talents of Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Jenas.

And this is not forgetting Scottish football’s most expensive export. Many questioned Ramos’ decision to shell out £9 million for ex Rangers full back Alan Hutton, but the Scots international produced another polished performance to deny Chelsea’s stars any joy on the left hand side of the pitch. His trademark overlapping runs were restricted, but defensively he coped admirably, making many vital headed clearances and tackles to help preserve his side’s lead. New Scotland boss George Burley will be absolutely thrilled with the progress the young right back is making at White Hart Lane.

But Woodgate, the man of the match, and King take a lot of credit for the victory. The dangerous Drogba, his moment of genius with the free-kick aside, hardly had a sniff as the central defensive duo combined to defeat him in the arieal duels, as well as deny him time and space to take the ball into his feet. And as for Nicolas Anelka- well, was he even playing? Fantastic performances from both, and the watchful Capello couldn’t have been anything other than impressed as he plots plans to gear England for World Cup qualification.

But back to Ramos. Tactically, he was spot on and his players carried out his instructions admirably. His record in cup competition is impressive, most notably with Sevilla, with whom he won the UEFA Cup in successive seasons. And who’s to say Spurs can’t go all the way in that competition?

But, for now, Tottenham’s fans will rejoice in their terrific victory. A magnificent turnaround carried out by the quietly spoken Spaniard. It is fair to say that he is quote “very happy” with what has been achieved in a very short space of time.

Still living the dream?

It would be fair to say that the baptism of life in the Scottish Premier League has been tough for Gretna. The Raydale Park outfit, complete with charasmatic owner Brooks Mileson, captured the imagination of the nation after a success laden few years in Scottish football but now they are struggling to avoid a quick fire return to the First Division.

Since replacing the defunct Airdrieonians in 2002 though, the Black and Whites have managed to climb many mountains. Helped by Mileson’s millions, they steamrollered their way through Division Three in 2005, en route to becoming the first ever British club side to achieve three successive promotions, with the club capturing promotion to the top flight in the final minute of the final day of last season.

A Scottish Cup final with Hearts in 2006 and a brief stint in European competition saw Gretna’s stock rise but, it could be argued, that it was during the run in to their First Division title that the rot started to set in.

Amid rumours of discontent within the dressing room, manager Rowan Alexander was given a leave of absence, which eventually resulted in him leaving the club. Assistant Davie Irons took charge and guided the Borderers to the First Division championship, but Alexander’s appearance at Gretna’s first home game of the season claiming to still be in charge set the tone for what has been a turbulent debut season in Scotland’s top flight.

They were crushed 4-0 on the opening day by Falkirk and while results have gradually improved, they remain 9 points adrift of Kilmarnock and look odds on favourites to be relegated.

But it is not just on the pitch that they are struggling. Off the park, the evidence suggests that the dream Gretna have lived is about to turn into a disasterous nightmare. Their home matches are being played at Motherwell due to Gretna’s own Raydale Park not meeting SPL standards and, as well as costing the club a fair degree of money for use of Fir Park, it hasn’t done their crowds any favours.

Of course, Gretna itself only has a population of 3,000 people but their home gates can sometimes struggle to reach 2,000 with the inclusion of away supporters. Indeed, only 342 attended a CIS Cup tie with Cowdenbeath. That can be cause for alarm, as less income is being generated through the turnstiles to help cover the day to day running costs of the club.

But today has seen a significant development with the news that Gretna’s players and staff have had the payment of wages delayed. Owner Mileson’s health has taken a turn for the worst and is in hospital in Newcastle, and he is responsible for the club’s payroll. Gretna say the issue will be resolved but this, combined with the club shedding many high earners during the transfer window, suggests that their financial position may be more precarious than first thought. Perhaps Mileson doesn’t have the energy to bankroll the club any further, due to his health. With Gretna relying heavily on him, these are testing times for the tiny club.

And it could yet get worse. Plans for a new stadium on the town’s outskirts, which would meet the SPL’s 6,000 seater criteria, have gone quiet and with the league seeking assurances building work will start by March, Gretna could even face the prospect of being thrown out of the league. The plans are subject to Government approval but this has not yet been granted, but you would have to question if Gretna have the money to enable their new stadium to be a viable option.

All Davie Irons and his players will be focusing on is how they can claw into the gap between themselves and the teams above to try and avoid the dreaded drop. But it looks like Gretna may well have reached their own peak and the dream they have lived, and been lauded for, may be about to turn sour, both on and off the pitch.