Football

VAR officials are only human. I don't think anyone would try and argue that they're consistent so them having a player's reputation in the back of their mind when making a decision isn't that surprising. Look at the penalty claim against Liverpool.

I'd say they're inept rather than corrupt.

There was a very brief claim from Sanchez and then straight back into the match. No players running to the ref or anything.

Probably a penalty with the current rules but the rules are bollocks.

I'd say they're inept rather than corrupt.

I tend to agree, particularly for things like the penalty shout in the derby, but the two I mentioned shouldn’t be affected by ‘player reputation’ they’re just blatant fouls. For the Rodri handball I’ve not heard a single person say it wasn’t a penalty. Not one fan or pundit or ex-referee, even to the extent we get an apology from the refs association. Yet somehow the only person whose job it was to make the decision, a professional you’d think would be best qualified to do so, has made the wrong call. Incredible!

Had a lovely time at wembley on saturday... exhausting.

Saw CliveO making his way up to wembley, good to see you again mate.

Both Toney and Harvey saying their families were racially abused yesterday... grim that

Grim indeed. Hopefully anyone involved gets what they deserve.

Everton have the most racist fans in Britain - yes, grim, but not exactly news.

Really? what are you basing that on as there's quite a few other clubs I'd expect to be at the top of the list

Everton have the most racist fans in Britain - yes, grim, but not exactly news.

Did you conduct a survey?

The most recent scientific survey was 2000, and while I'm sure much has changed, a lot won't have done:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/jan/07/race.world

This is an eyes-open piece by an Everton website about their racist history, but ends a bit overly-optimistically with the signing of Moise Kean:

https://www.efcstatto.com/stories/everton-and-racism/

Then there's this place...

So a 22 year old survey and a fan who’s up for being honest about our historical problems. Definitely a small minority who are racist, I’ve seen and heard enough reports from mates who travel away. Definitely better than 10-15 years ago though. I’ve heard racist abuse at goodison park once (it was directed at yakubu ffs) was shut down by a few blokes who told the knuckle-dragger to shut up.

Anyways, here’s a couple of studies which say Chelsea and Leeds are worst.

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/chelsea-supporters-arrested-racial-chanting-five-home-405314

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/latest-leeds-united-news/most-racist-football-clubs-leeds-joint-second-league-shame-1821833

Then there's this place...

??

while I'm sure much has changed, a lot won't have done

Nothing like a rigorous application of the scientific method.

Saw CliveO making his way up to wembley, good to see you again mate

Great to see you as well. A lone high point in the day.

I used Komoot for the ride there. It was rather convoluted going over the North Circular but I was able to park my bike just off Wembley Way right by the bottom of the stairs going up to the stadium. With police and security milling around, I wasn't too nervous about locking up. On the way home I decided to try the Garmin most direct route which was fine except that it tooko me not only up over Hampstead Heath but at one point into the Heath and up a steep climb on a gravel track. Certainly took my frustrations out of me. The descent from Highgate to Islington was pleasant though and I arrived home in a hot and sweaty state.

For the third time in as many months we were at the sunny end. Had the sun in my eyes until the 90th minute. I got sunburnt to add to my other woes.

@Clever_Pun I fully understand and applaud the booing of the bald adulterous Sloaney type and GSTQ but why Abide with Me?

Yeah quite a few I know were lost in that as well, it's a lovely hymn.
I was trying to finish beer, found you can pour them in the coke cups, lid and a straw to enjoy over a bit more time.
Make sunday fairly brutal though... first world problems and all that.
Managed to get a reasonable ticket in the CL ticket sale this morning with £4-550 tickets providing quite the motivation to get that sorted asap

Then there's this place...

??

This thread was started by an Everton racist, who got 4 or 5 bans from here for racism, then got permanently banned for racism. Nobody likes it mentioned as many on here still see it as, 'yeah, he's racist, but he's a mate, so let's gloss over that'.

Anyway, onto some more positive news - may be have a long career without taking any shit from Neanderthals, on or off the pitch:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/may/16/jake-daniels-becomes-first-uk-male-footballer-to-come-out-as-gay-since-1990

It's a brave move from a 17rd old. More power to him.
Shame that sky sports tweeted the news with replies turned off. The support on the Blackpool announcement is pretty uplifting.

Was just gonna post this up. Brave move from him and wish him all the best I hope this may influence others to come out too.

^ What Rich said
🏳️‍🌈forza🏳️‍🌈

Classic damp sheets in North London tonight.

Allan’s a decent player not being played in his natural role.

In other news: total scenes in Huddersfield

One match away from a season of tears in the prem. I've only just recovered from the last experience...

Completely sodden sheets.

Unsurprising in a way, as it’s a young and quite small squad, but still to come this close and piss it away is disappointing.

That said, if you’d told me Arsenal would be in contention for a Big Cup spot right up to the end of the season back in August, I’d have taken that.

Arsenal bottling the 4th place trophy.
An openly gay player coming out.
Derby moving a step closer to securing a new owner finally.

Yesterday was a pretty good day.