***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Steve Tasker]

Gael Clichy sent off for a 2nd yellow.

 

[The Gator]

Gael Clichy sent off for a 2nd yellow.

Two in 10min???

 

[The Z Machine]

Always find the little differences in the Brits vs. us good guys amusing. What's up with those camera angles they love so much? They are always right on top of the camera looking down. Then when they get to the smooth it looks like they have the fishbowl effect on.

No entiendo.

 

[Steve Tasker]

PK given against Lescott. Inadvertent, but his hands were in the air in an "unnatural position".....and Lampard (off the bench) buries it.

 

[The Gator]

Came this > < close to cheering

 

[Sebowski]

Always find the little differences in the Brits vs. us good guys amusing. What's up with those camera angles they love so much? They are always right on top of the camera looking down. Then when they get to the smooth booth it looks like they have the fishbowl effect on.

No entiendo.

typo

 

[NewlyRetired]

ESPN's soccer coverage and commentators are crap. So hard to watch and listen too.

who called the game today with Macca? I don't like him but Darke is usually solid. As for watching the game you are seeing it the same as English viewers are as this is the UK feed of ESPN.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Looks like the Union will have the honor of popping the cherry on MLS' new "Young Designated Player" category with the signing of 21-year old forward and Costa Rica international Josue Martinez from Saprissa.Love the Young DP rule, only carries a cap hit of $200k. Reports are that the Union paid $500k for the transfer. Hopefully this paves the way for similar young talent signings in MLS.

Jesus, an already young and talented team gets even younger. Very cool.

Andy, as if it were possible, the Union got even younger today by jettisoning Stefani Miglioranzi in the re-entry draft and signing their second homegrown player, 18-year old midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin, who just finished his freshman year at Colgate and acquitted himself rather well in last summer's friendlies against Everton and Real Madrid.This team tweet says it all: The average age of the 25 players currently listed on the Union roster is 23.52. 18 players are 23 or under.Theyre not the best team in MLS, but it really is a fun team to follow.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Came this > < close to cheering

What's not to love about this wonderful Chelsea team??My boy and I had a great celebration after that one. Finally a big win for the Chels.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like the Union will have the honor of popping the cherry on MLS' new "Young Designated Player" category with the signing of 21-year old forward and Costa Rica international Josue Martinez from Saprissa.Love the Young DP rule, only carries a cap hit of $200k. Reports are that the Union paid $500k for the transfer. Hopefully this paves the way for similar young talent signings in MLS.

Jesus, an already young and talented team gets even younger. Very cool.

Andy, as if it were possible, the Union got even younger today by jettisoning Stefani Miglioranzi in the re-entry draft and signing their second homegrown player, 18-year old midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin, who just finished his freshman year at Colgate and acquitted himself rather well in last summer's friendlies against Everton and Real Madrid.This team tweet says it all: The average age of the 25 players currently listed on the Union roster is 23.52. 18 players are 23 or under.Theyre not the best team in MLS, but it really is a fun team to follow.

Your team is infinitely more fun to follow than mine is. :(The Revs went in the opposite direction picking Jacqua and Simms. Not that I mind older players, LA packs them in every year, but adding older role players to great team is different than adding them to a horrible roster.

 

[DiStefano]

I'm actually getting kinda of sick of Hudson's ####-slobbering on Barça and Messi in particular.

Must be hard seeing your favorite team having their arses handed to them on a platter, time after time.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

ESPN's soccer coverage and commentators are crap. So hard to watch and listen too.

who called the game today with Macca? I don't like him but Darke is usually solid. As for watching the game you are seeing it the same as English viewers are as this is the UK feed of ESPN.

It was Darke. I thought Macca was terrible today, Darke was decent, as usual. I've read that Gary Neville is doing a good job at Sky Sports - is that who ESPN uses for its commentary?

 

[((Morpheus))]

Looks like the Union will have the honor of popping the cherry on MLS' new "Young Designated Player" category with the signing of 21-year old forward and Costa Rica international Josue Martinez from Saprissa.

Love the Young DP rule, only carries a cap hit of $200k. Reports are that the Union paid $500k for the transfer. Hopefully this paves the way for similar young talent signings in MLS.

Jesus, an already young and talented team gets even younger. Very cool.

Andy, as if it were possible, the Union got even younger today by jettisoning Stefani Miglioranzi in the re-entry draft and signing their second homegrown player, 18-year old midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin, who just finished his freshman year at Colgate and acquitted himself rather well in last summer's friendlies against Everton and Real Madrid.This team tweet says it all: The average age of the 25 players currently listed on the Union roster is 23.52. 18 players are 23 or under.

Theyre not the best team in MLS, but it really is a fun team to follow.

I saw him play last year (he scored a hat trick against my brother's team) and was very impressed. He's the real deal.Also, I suspect the Union aren't done yet with the homegrown signings. This kid is likely next.

 

[jonessed]

I'm actually getting kinda of sick of Hudson's ####-slobbering on Barça and Messi in particular.

Must be hard seeing your favorite team having their arses handed to them on a platter, time after time.

Really? You are going to rail on him for being an Atletico fan? I think anyone that doesn't bandwagon a United, RM, Barca, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern, etc. ought to be commended. Not that being a fan of a top team is wrong, but come on.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Looks like the Union will have the honor of popping the cherry on MLS' new "Young Designated Player" category with the signing of 21-year old forward and Costa Rica international Josue Martinez from Saprissa.

Love the Young DP rule, only carries a cap hit of $200k. Reports are that the Union paid $500k for the transfer. Hopefully this paves the way for similar young talent signings in MLS.

Jesus, an already young and talented team gets even younger. Very cool.

Andy, as if it were possible, the Union got even younger today by jettisoning Stefani Miglioranzi in the re-entry draft and signing their second homegrown player, 18-year old midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin, who just finished his freshman year at Colgate and acquitted himself rather well in last summer's friendlies against Everton and Real Madrid.This team tweet says it all: The average age of the 25 players currently listed on the Union roster is 23.52. 18 players are 23 or under.

Theyre not the best team in MLS, but it really is a fun team to follow.

I saw him play last year (he scored a hat trick against my brother's team) and was very impressed. He's the real deal.Also, I suspect the Union aren't done yet with the homegrown signings. This kid is likely next.

I was actually expecting Hernandez to be signed before McLaughlin, since the word is that Hernandez has made no secret about his pro aspirations and may have already signed with an agent.As for McLaughlin, he was essentially tasked along with Ryan Richter of bracketing out Cristiano Ronaldo last summer against Real. And they succeeded in keeping him off the scoresheet. Yes it was only a friendly, but this kid had just graduated from HIGH SCHOOL, yet he played like he belonged on that field. Definitely showed that he had some grit. Looking forward to what he can do at the pro level.

 

[NewlyRetired]

ESPN's soccer coverage and commentators are crap. So hard to watch and listen too.

who called the game today with Macca? I don't like him but Darke is usually solid. As for watching the game you are seeing it the same as English viewers are as this is the UK feed of ESPN.

It was Darke. I thought Macca was terrible today, Darke was decent, as usual. I've read that Gary Neville is doing a good job at Sky Sports - is that who ESPN uses for its commentary?

Sky Sports and ESPN are two seperate entities. I am not sure but I would be surprised if Sky and ESPN had the same on air talent under contract at the same time. Last I heard, Derek Rea was doing some commentary for ESPN UK

 

[The Z Machine]

I'm actually getting kinda of sick of Hudson's ####-slobbering on Barça and Messi in particular.

Must be hard seeing your favorite team having their arses handed to them on a platter, time after time.

It's part of being an Atlético fan. I do feel like a cheap hoor cheering for Real though. I simply don't want Barça to win any more. It's that simple.

 

[D in the D]

Stated this awhile back..trying to get into the sport more. I love the entire off the field dynamic of the worldwide game, still getting into the on-field action so to speak.

One of the big things i am trying to get past are the on-field "theatrics". Obviously, individual players have reputations for this sort of thing, but do some leagues (or teams) have a greater reputation for this sort of thing. I was having dinner last night at a bar and was watching a Serie A game between Roma and Juventus (sp? on both). It seemed like every time two players made contact, one of them went down and grabbed a shin, ankle, foot, etc. and most times it looked like a blatant attempt to get a call.

Are there leagues where this sort of activity is more prevalent or did i just happen to catch a game that was particularly bad for this?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Interesting piece on the 10 worst losses in US history. #1 was obvious but the rest are interesting to see as well

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/978988-usmnt-ranking-the-10-most-devastating-losses-in-history

 

[NewlyRetired]

Stated this awhile back..trying to get into the sport more. I love the entire off the field dynamic of the worldwide game, still getting into the on-field action so to speak.One of the big things i am trying to get past are the on-field "theatrics". Obviously, individual players have reputations for this sort of thing, but do some leagues (or teams) have a greater reputation for this sort of thing. I was having dinner last night at a bar and was watching a Serie A game between Roma and Juventus (sp? on both). It seemed like every time two players made contact, one of them went down and grabbed a shin, ankle, foot, etc. and most times it looked like a blatant attempt to get a call. Are there leagues where this sort of activity is more prevalent or did i just happen to catch a game that was particularly bad for this?

Some leagues are significantly worse about diving and faking than others. Spain and Italy are two of the worst for this issue IMO. Leagues like the Bundesliga, EPL and MLS do not exhibit this stigma on the sport as bad as some others do. This is true of the national teams as well. You will find some countries fake constantly and others fake rarely. Personally I hate it. I would kill for a rule change to suspend players for long periods of time when it was found they dived after viewing video evidence after the game.

 

[theprince]

ESPN's soccer coverage and commentators are crap. So hard to watch and listen too.

who called the game today with Macca? I don't like him but Darke is usually solid. As for watching the game you are seeing it the same as English viewers are as this is the UK feed of ESPN.

It was Darke. I thought Macca was terrible today, Darke was decent, as usual. I've read that Gary Neville is doing a good job at Sky Sports - is that who ESPN uses for its commentary?

Sky Sports and ESPN are two seperate entities. I am not sure but I would be surprised if Sky and ESPN had the same on air talent under contract at the same time. Last I heard, Derek Rea was doing some commentary for ESPN UK

Macca fan here. Liv supporter. I work in television and think the ESPN coverage is fantastic. I can't think of much I'd change. I prefer Martin Tyler, but Darke is good too.

 

[Slapdash]

ESPN is much much better than Fox IMO.

 

[theprince]

ESPN is much much better than Fox IMO.

One thing I don't like is how Darke always gives scores of the other games. It doesn't bother me at all in the NFL or any other sport for that matter, but I try to watch as many EPL games on DVR as I can.

 

[GoFishTN]

Stated this awhile back..trying to get into the sport more. I love the entire off the field dynamic of the worldwide game, still getting into the on-field action so to speak.

One of the big things i am trying to get past are the on-field "theatrics". Obviously, individual players have reputations for this sort of thing, but do some leagues (or teams) have a greater reputation for this sort of thing. I was having dinner last night at a bar and was watching a Serie A game between Roma and Juventus (sp? on both). It seemed like every time two players made contact, one of them went down and grabbed a shin, ankle, foot, etc. and most times it looked like a blatant attempt to get a call.

Are there leagues where this sort of activity is more prevalent or did i just happen to catch a game that was particularly bad for this?

You'll love Cristiano Ronaldo then. A light breeze will send him sprawling.Edit: A quick youtube search led me to this gem:

 

[NewlyRetired]

Stated this awhile back..trying to get into the sport more. I love the entire off the field dynamic of the worldwide game, still getting into the on-field action so to speak.

One of the big things i am trying to get past are the on-field "theatrics". Obviously, individual players have reputations for this sort of thing, but do some leagues (or teams) have a greater reputation for this sort of thing. I was having dinner last night at a bar and was watching a Serie A game between Roma and Juventus (sp? on both). It seemed like every time two players made contact, one of them went down and grabbed a shin, ankle, foot, etc. and most times it looked like a blatant attempt to get a call.

Are there leagues where this sort of activity is more prevalent or did i just happen to catch a game that was particularly bad for this?

You'll love Cristiano Ronaldo then. A light breeze will send him sprawling.Edit: A quick youtube search led me to this gem:

that video is just brilliant!

 

[The Z Machine]

Interesting piece on the 10 worst losses in US history. #1 was obvious but the rest are interesting to see as wellhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/978988-usmnt-ranking-the-10-most-devastating-losses-in-history

I attended 3 of those games. Ugh.

 

[The Gator]

ESPN is much much better than Fox IMO.

One thing I don't like is how Darke always gives scores of the other games. It doesn't bother me at all in the NFL or any other sport for that matter, but I try to watch as many EPL games on DVR as I can.

Yeah, can't stand that either.

 

[Slapdash]

I'm actually getting kinda of sick of Hudson's ####-slobbering on Barça and Messi in particular.

Must be hard seeing your favorite team having their arses handed to them on a platter, time after time.

It's part of being an Atlético fan. I do feel like a cheap hoor cheering for Real though. I simply don't want Barça to win any more. It's that simple.

They feed off your hate and grow stronger. Watching the next generation play, it isn't going to change soon.

 

[The Z Machine]

I'm actually getting kinda of sick of Hudson's ####-slobbering on Barça and Messi in particular.

Must be hard seeing your favorite team having their arses handed to them on a platter, time after time.

It's part of being an Atlético fan. I do feel like a cheap hoor cheering for Real though. I simply don't want Barça to win any more. It's that simple.

They feed off your hate and grow stronger. Watching the next generation play, it isn't going to change soon.

I don't know which team you're referring to here...

 

[NewlyRetired]

Interesting piece on the 10 worst losses in US history. #1 was obvious but the rest are interesting to see as wellhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/978988-usmnt-ranking-the-10-most-devastating-losses-in-history

I attended 3 of those games. Ugh.

hmm...... totally wild guess, were the three games#8, #4 and #3?

 

[The Z Machine]

Interesting piece on the 10 worst losses in US history. #1 was obvious but the rest are interesting to see as wellhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/978988-usmnt-ranking-the-10-most-devastating-losses-in-history

I attended 3 of those games. Ugh.

hmm...... totally wild guess, were the three games#8, #4 and #3?

Whoops. I was mistaken. It was only 2 of the ten (#9 and #4). I have a friend that attended 4 (#10, #9, #4, and #3). Woof.

 

[TwinTurbo]

Stated this awhile back..trying to get into the sport more. I love the entire off the field dynamic of the worldwide game, still getting into the on-field action so to speak.One of the big things i am trying to get past are the on-field "theatrics". Obviously, individual players have reputations for this sort of thing, but do some leagues (or teams) have a greater reputation for this sort of thing. I was having dinner last night at a bar and was watching a Serie A game between Roma and Juventus (sp? on both). It seemed like every time two players made contact, one of them went down and grabbed a shin, ankle, foot, etc. and most times it looked like a blatant attempt to get a call. Are there leagues where this sort of activity is more prevalent or did i just happen to catch a game that was particularly bad for this?

Some leagues are significantly worse about diving and faking than others. Spain and Italy are two of the worst for this issue IMO. Leagues like the Bundesliga, EPL and MLS do not exhibit this stigma on the sport as bad as some others do. This is true of the national teams as well. You will find some countries fake constantly and others fake rarely. Personally I hate it. I would kill for a rule change to suspend players for long periods of time when it was found they dived after viewing video evidence after the game.

My rule of thumb is that any country that speaks one of the romance languages pretty much embraces diving in soccer and the drama that goes along with it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Houston signed a deal for stadium naming rights. Quite a mouthful. New name of stadium for next ten years is:

BBVA Compass Stadium

 

[NewlyRetired]

If you like finances, this article from Goff is fascinating regarding the money issues in US Soccer.

Posted at 03:18 PM ET, 12/12/2011U.S. Soccer Federation budget revealedBy Steven GoffI spent part of my weekend leafing through the 604-page U.S. Soccer Federation budget for fiscal year 2013, which covers April 2012 through the following March. (I don’t recommend it.)Want to know how much is spent on shipping costs for a board of directors meeting, cell phone stipends, auto maintenance, the value of office furniture or the number of players registered in Vermont? How about President Sunil Gulati’s travel expenses? It’s all in there. (Gulati is afforded $120,770 for 35 domestic trips and seven international visits.)The budget, which was obtained by the Insider last week, must be ratified at the USSF’s annual general meeting in March in Miami.Beyond the minutia that would numb even the most enthusiastic accountant, the book reveals a number of interesting figures and statements:*The USSF is projecting a $6.6 million deficit in FY ’13 ($8.8 million operating deficit, offset some by $2.2 million investment income). “We believe our commitment today to both programming and personnel will increase the overall value of our core property and in turn increase future revenue opportunities,” the federation says in the budget report.That “personnel” includes new U.S. men’s national team coach Juergen Klinsmann, whose base salary is $2.5 million – four times more than predecessor Bob Bradley earned. The USSF is also expanding the officiating program and continuing to invest in the Development Academy, which is designed to bolster the youth system.The USSF is projecting a deficit of $4.5 million for fiscal year 2012, which ends this March ($6.1 million overall, offset some by $1.6 million investment income). The economy is partly to blame: “We anticipate continued negative impact on matches that are not considered ‘premium’ by our fans,” which refers to friendlies against low- or mid-tier opponents or matches played early in the year and World Cup cycle, the federation says.From a marketing and sponsorship perspective, “we have long-term agreements in place [through 2014] with sustained revenue. We are also in the process of pursuing additional long-term sponsorship agreements that will help protect against any short-term economic downturns.”In 2010 and ’11, the USSF banked surpluses totaling more than $8 million, most of it coming from investment income.According to the budget, revenue in FY ’13 will come from sponsors ($12.5 million); men’s and women’s national team events ($11.6 million); player and membership registration ($5.7 million); referee registration ($3 million); and coaching programs ($1.5 million). Nike, a major sponsor, earmarked an additional $5.9 million for player development programs.*The two Victory Tour matches for the U.S. women’s national team this fall grossed $1.1 million in ticket sales (35,000 total). The U.S. men’s national team friendly against world champion Spain in June netted $4.7 million in ticket sales (64,000) and revenue.The women’s team is slated to play two away friendlies in April and one at home in May. It will also play three away friendlies in June and one at home in July before the Olympics (assuming the Americans qualify next month).The women’s participation in the Olympics brings in an additional $250,000 from sponsors. Team expenses are projected at $1.8 million and winning the gold medal would trigger more than $1 million in bonuses for the player pool and a Victory Tour of up to 10 games.If the women fail to win the gold and settle for silver or bronze, the bonus pool is very small (no specifics available) and the Victory Tour “would be adjusted accordingly,” just as the post-World Cup schedule was trimmed to two matches after the team finished second in Germany.In stark contrast, the U.S. Olympic men’s squad wouldn’t receive any additional rewards for earning a medal in London. Why would the women receive enormous bonuses and the men collect slaps on the back?The women’s riches are driven by the collective bargaining agreement between the women’s senior national team and the USSF. The women’s senior squad represents the United States at the Olympics, which, along with the World Cup, are the pinnacle of the players’ career.The Olympic men’s squad is primarily for under-23 players striving for a place on the senior national team, where financial prizes are substantial in later years. (The U.S. men’s senior national team has a separate CBA with the USSF and doesn’t include the U-23s.)The women’s CBA also calls for annual salaries for the primary players: $62,500, $43,750 or $31,250, which supplements their modest WPS contracts. The men have no such agreement. They do, however, receive appearance fees and bonuses for national team work; the women don’t.*The men’s senior team is slated to play away friendlies in June and August 2012. The USSF will receive $25,000 for those appearances; team expenses are projected at more than $300,000 for each trip. A major home friendly (known as a “premium” match) is planned for June with 55,000 spectators at an average ticket price of $67 for gate revenue of $3.7 million. The event expenses plus U.S. team expenses would total $1.8 million, for an anticipated surplus of $1.9 million. (And you wonder why the USA plays Mexico at home regularly.)The team is also pegged to play an away match next fall that would bring in $100,000 (offset by $400,000 in expenses). The World Cup qualifying schedule includes two matches in June, two in September and two in October, plus three in early 2013, assuming the Americans advance to the final round. The semifinal-round home games are money-losers because of typically modest turnouts for lower-ranked opponents. The away matches garner no revenue and cost nearly $600,000 apiece in expenses.*The men’s youth program was $442,000 under budget this year, most of that due to the failure to qualify for the U-20 World Cup.*For Division I sanctioning, MLS (19 clubs) paid the USSF $620,000 — $350,000 for the first 10 clubs and $30,000 for each additional team. WPS, with just five clubs, paid $350,000.*In FY ’12, the USSF expects to collect $2.8 million in fees for sanctioning international matches at U.S. venues involving non-U.S. friendlies and exhibitions featuring visiting clubs – about $600,000 above initial expectations. FIFA and CONCACAF receive a percentage of those fees, and another share is earmarked for the state association where the match is held. Promoters have challenged the USSF’s right to collect the fee and filed suit. The case is pending.*The USSF is making a substantial commitment to improving officiating by spending $3.8 million in FY ’13 – a $1.1 million increase over FY ’12. However, it’s not entirely a knee-jerk reaction to criticism leveled by MLS players, coaches and supporters about the quality of officiating; the USSF has said over the years it’s been looking to improve the program. However, the intensity of the criticism has undoubtedly sped up the process. Details of the revamped program are expected to be unveiled soon.The FY ’13 budget includes $1.8 million earmarked for “referee performance,” which includes the pro referee department, full-time referee program, training camps, referee coach and match evaluation.In FY ’12, the USSF budgeted $90,000 for such initiatives but expects to end up spending $1.15 million. It has also budgeted $639,000 for referee ID and training; in FY ’12, it budgeted $75,000 and anticipates spending $346,000.Also in FY ’12, the USSF didn’t budget any money for referee education but will end up spending $532,000. For FY ’13, the budget calls for $631,000 in that area. It’s unclear how much MLS will help to offset the costs.Not included in the budget details but confirmed by the Insider: Terry Vaughn, one of three full-time USSF referees and an MLS regular, will not return to the program next year because of subpar evaluations.

 

[Steve Tasker]

How long have they been running deficits for?

 

[NewlyRetired]

How long have they been running deficits for?

Not sure. This is by far the most information we have ever seen. It can't have been too long though, especially at this deficit level. One item to note is that the US is going to be playing a team that is a big draw in June, I assume as maybe the last warm up before the qualifiers.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

How long have they been running deficits for?

Not sure. This is by far the most information we have ever seen. It can't have been too long though, especially at this deficit level. One item to note is that the US is going to be playing a team that is a big draw in June, I assume as maybe the last warm up before the qualifiers.

Im thinking it has to be Mexico, Brazil or Argentina. Cant imagine one of the Euro qualifiers flying over here before heading to Poland, but I suppose it's possible.

 

[NewlyRetired]

How long have they been running deficits for?

Not sure. This is by far the most information we have ever seen. It can't have been too long though, especially at this deficit level. One item to note is that the US is going to be playing a team that is a big draw in June, I assume as maybe the last warm up before the qualifiers.

Im thinking it has to be Mexico, Brazil or Argentina. Cant imagine one of the Euro qualifiers flying over here before heading to Poland, but I suppose it's possible.

I agree, that makes the most sense.Interesting to see that each away qualifier costs $600k in expenses. That is more than I thought but I guess flying players in from all over the place must add up quickly.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Great video here showing the fantastic view of the field from the last row in the new Houston stadium.

http://www.twitvid.com/TODJ4

 

[NewlyRetired]

Caleb Porter stated that Jozy, Williams and Chandler are all in his plans for Olympic qualifying.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Seattle signed IMO their best player, Rosales, to a multi year deal. The contract was said to be "DP worthy", but I don't know if that just means good money but not taking up a DP slot.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Not sure if anyone saw this, as I know we don't have many SPL fans here. As probably the lone Hearts "fan", and I use that term loosely, though I do follow their results without ever seeing them play, I have been following this a little bit. It's pretty interesting (and messed up, for the players) - from ESPN -

Time running out for Hearts

The non-payment of senior players at Hearts appears to be approaching a crucial juncture. Last weekend, an anonymous member of the first-team squad gave an interview with the Scotland on Sunday newspaper in which the prospect of players walking away from their contracts in January was raised. FIFA regulations empower players to take such action if they have not been paid their salaries for 90 days, and January 14 will be the date that triggers that option for the players at Tynecastle.

Past seasons have seen delayed payments there, but never on this scale. The October salaries were delayed until early November, when an intervention by Paulo Sergio, the manager, facilitated a resolution and quelled the threat of an official complaint to the Scottish Premier League.

Senior players have not been paid wages due on November 16 and the club has warned that no payment is likely to be forthcoming until the New Year at the earliest.

In light of this unfolding drama, the announcement in the autumn by the Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov that he had lost interest in his Scottish asset and wished to sell the club that he has steered into a £30 million debt (owed to the Lithuanian bank he also controls) raises doubts over the funding available to Russian.

His time at Hearts, whom he has funded on a level beyond every club outwith the Old Firm with some success, has included several threats of legal action against the club by creditors, who were almost always paid at the 11th hour. The condition of Romanov's finances may be measured by his ability to engage in that kind of financial brinkmanship to avoid losing his club's most valuable players before they can be sold in January. No club will make an offer on January 1 for Andrew Driver or David Templeton if they believe they could pick them up as free agents two weeks later.

The SPL and SFA have been toothless so far, the former body claiming it requires a formal complaint by players to investigate a club's practice, the latter unwilling to interfere in cases it may have to rule on at an appeal hearing.

The unpaid players are due their December wage on Friday and if they do not receive payment then, it is likely that some, at least, will lodge an official complaint with the league, which will bring yet more pressure to bear on a club fast approaching a crisis.

Paying the penalty

Hearts' form since they first delayed payment, in October, has been horrible. They have lost five games in seven and Sergio has stated his concern over the motivational problems that arise from the situation.

However, his team were extremely close to denying Celtic a victory in Glasgow last weekend. Leading 1-0, the home side conceded a penalty when the Hearts striker John Sutton was held in the box. Eggert Jonsson, Hearts' Iceland international, struck a good-looking penalty, but Fraser Forster, the Celtic goalkeeper, followed its flight and batted it away with his trailing arm for a fine and valuable save.

For both teams, in different ways, it could prove a pivotal moment. Celtic continue a resurgence in their pursuit of a Rangers team that lacks its early-season authority, while the next Hearts team that visits Celtic Park may look very different to the one that traipsed off after Forster's save denied them a win bonus that would, by way of consolation in the end, have been purely theoretical.

 

[Christo]

Crap--disaster at Craven Cottage. Fulham gives up equalizing goal that knocks them out of Europa in 3rd minute of OT

 

[Sebowski]

Crap--disaster at Craven Cottage. Fulham gives up equalizing goal that knocks them out of Europa in 3rd minute of OT

Wow. It was 2-0 Fulham when I left for work. Nice goal from Demps. Can't believe they lost that lead. From what I saw they were dominating the match.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Did anyone see this -

The game was then held up as Pennant, a first-half substitute for Andy Wilkinson, refused to take a corner while he was seemingly pelted with objects thrown by the crowd.Several Besiktas players appealed for calm and referee Marcin Borski went to speak to the home bench before restarting play.

Wondering what the scene looked like, could Besiktas be in trouble? Racially-motivated attack?

 

[The Gator]

Crap--disaster at Craven Cottage. Fulham gives up equalizing goal that knocks them out of Europa in 3rd minute of OT

My link

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Did anyone see this -

The game was then held up as Pennant, a first-half substitute for Andy Wilkinson, refused to take a corner while he was seemingly pelted with objects thrown by the crowd.Several Besiktas players appealed for calm and referee Marcin Borski went to speak to the home bench before restarting play.

Wondering what the scene looked like, could Besiktas be in trouble? Racially-motivated attack?

The NY'er ran a story earlier this year about Besiktas partisans. They are very spirited, to put it mildly.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Did anyone see this -

The game was then held up as Pennant, a first-half substitute for Andy Wilkinson, refused to take a corner while he was seemingly pelted with objects thrown by the crowd.Several Besiktas players appealed for calm and referee Marcin Borski went to speak to the home bench before restarting play.

Wondering what the scene looked like, could Besiktas be in trouble? Racially-motivated attack?

The NY'er ran a story earlier this year about Besiktas partisans. They are very spirited, to put it mildly.

It may have been racially motivated, but maybe not because Besiktas fans throwing stuff on to the field for no reason wouldn't be anything new.

 

[Christo]

Crap--disaster at Craven Cottage. Fulham gives up equalizing goal that knocks them out of Europa in 3rd minute of OT

My link

My link

 

[The Gator]

Crap--disaster at Craven Cottage. Fulham gives up equalizing goal that knocks them out of Europa in 3rd minute of OT

My link

My link

I knew I didn't have a leg to stand on after last Monday but went with it anyway