4th July 2011 Footballing Brothers
A brother is your sibling and siblings share things. They share clothes (sometimes), they share stories and similar experiences but they most definitely share their childhood together (usually), They grow up side by side and see each other mature but how often does that togetherness tie in with later life as well? Not very as far as I'm aware. It seems a lot of people distance themselves from their close relatives. Usually, not a spiteful act but merely one to help their own future. However, some stay very close as we have seen over the years from some superb brothers and footballers alike.
Firstly, we have the Nevilles. Phil and Gary Neville. Some may say legends in their time at Manchester United, they served some of their greatest footballing years together, side by side on the same pitch playing on either wing. In their youth they were the ideal full backs to have in your squad and they both grew into being heroes at the club. Gary recently had his testimonial following his retirement from football after 20 great years serving the club. Phil is still playing for Everton and is the club captain and has shone their just like he did at United for his spell at the club.
Phil Neville
| Senior career* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1995–2005 | Manchester United | 263 | (5) |
| 2005– | Everton | 197 | (4) |
| National team‡ | |||
| 1992–1993 | England U16 | 10 | (0) |
| 1993–1995 | England U18 | 6 | (0) |
| 1995–1996 | England U21 | 7 | (0) |
| 2007 | England B | 1 | (0) |
| 1996–2007 | England | 59 | (0) |
Gary Neville
| Senior career* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1992–2011 | Manchester United | 400 | (5) |
| National team | |||
| 1995–2007 | England | 85 | (0) |
Bobby and Jack Charlton
Bobby Charlton and Jack Charlton must be two of the famous footballing brothers as-well though. Jack played for Leeds and Bobby Charlton predominantly played for Manchester United. Jack famously played for Leeds throughout his whole career and later went on to manage Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday, Republic of Irelandwho he lead to the World Cup in 1990. However, to a lot of people he was still overshadowed by his brother Sir Bobby Charlton who played for Manchester United through most of his career and until recently (when Giggs overtook him) he was the leading appearance record holder for the club. Bobby Charlton managed 758 appearances for United and is most famously remembered during his successful years playing in the team with George Best and Denis Law. Unfortunately, the brothers are known to have had a serious feud after comments about Bobby's wife but happily, when Bobby received another individual achievement (the Sports personality 2008) his brother presented him with it and they seemed to get along okay. I'm not sure if they are close to this day but what I do know is they were both world class footballers and very loyal to their clubs as they both spent more 17 years at each respected team.
=
| Senior career* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1956–1973 | Manchester United | 606 | (199) |
| 1973–1975 | Preston North End | 38 | (8) |
| 1976 | Waterford | 3 | (1) |
| 1976 | Arcadia Shepherds | 1 | (0) |
| 1978 | Bangor City | 1 | (1) |
| 1978 | Newcastle KB United | 1 | (0) |
| 1980 | Blacktown City | 1 | (1) |
| Total | 651 | (210) | |
| National team | |||
| 1953 | England Schoolboys | 4 | (5) |
| 1954 | England Youth | 1 | (1) |
| 1958–1960 | England U23 | 6 | (5) |
| 1958–1970 | England | 106 | (49) |
| Senior career* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1952–1973 | Leeds United | 629 | (70) |
| National team | |||
| 1965–1970 | England | 35 | (6) |
These brothers were brought up by foster parents after their real parents split up. Justin became the first black footballer to be sold for a million pounds when he was snapped up by Nottingham Forest. However, after a fall out with Brian Clough, Fashanu moved on and went to many different clubs. He was the first footballer openly announce he was gay. Unfortunately for him, after allegations he sexually assaulted a 17 year old, Fashanu was found having hung himself in Shoreditch, London. However, John Fashanu was most famously known for his time playing for the crazy gang of Wimbledon. He made 276 league appearance scoring 107 goals. He openly "disowned" his brother calling him an outcast. All of this media hype surrounding Justin eventually lead to his unfortunate suicide. Although these two players aren't exceptionally known for their footballing ability I believe their story is worthy of the most famous top 10 footballing brothers.
Frank & Ronald De Boer
The twins were born just minutes apart and it seemed they were never going to be separated. They both started they're careers at Ajax and equally both moved to Barcelona to be a part of Louis Van Gall's rapidly growing dutch contingency within Barcelona. Frank Boer spent 3 more years in spain as he made more of an impact in the team rather than Ronald. However, by 2004 the two players were reunited in the famous Scottish club of Rangers. They were both instant favourites there and were very succesful. However, they both decided to go to Qatar where the two players playing careers ended. Frank is now the manager of AFC Ajax and Ronald is retired.
Ronald and Erwin Koeman
Erwin and Ronald Koeman are both famous for being successful footballers in Holland and Spain (Ronald Koeman only). Erwin had very successful spells with clubs like Mechelen, Groningen and PSV as did Ronald Koeman but he also succeeded at a very high level with Barcelona who he also managed in an assistance role. Both played as midfielders and played a fair share of matches for their national side. When they had both retired from playing the game they both took up coaching roles and have both managed since their retirements. Erwin is currently in charge of Utrecht and Ronald isn't managing any team right now but has recently left his role as boss of AZ Alkmaar.
13th June Messi & Ronaldo
Who Wins- YOU decide!
Well, it has to be one of the hottest topics around the world. These two players are just "out of this world". They're something special. I've only been watching football for about 10 years but I've never seen anything like them. The fact is we have two of the greatest players EVER playing in the same generation. The question is- Who's better?
Lionel Messi ("The Little Maestro")
2010/11 Spanish La Liga
| GAMES | GOALS | ASSISTS | SHOTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 31 | 18 | 150 |
These stats really do speak for themselves. I mean, he has contributed collectively 49 direct and indirect goals in just 33 games. Now, I know that the spanish league is not complimented for its tough tackling and rock solid defences but no player should be capable of stats like those. They are just phenomonal. All season long we have seen him rip the best of teams apart- for example Real Madrid. He has amassed a total of 3 goals in 5 games against "Los Merengues" and contributed even more than just goals throughout the matches. The obvious stand out performance was the one which the little genius netted a brace to give Barcelona a very healthy advantage in their Champions League semi-final clash with Real. They were playing in front of a packed, raucous and intimidating crowd. Most players didn't react to that but unfortunately, instead, reacted to all the refereeing decisions. However Lionel Messi was like the lonely wolf in the pack. Not only did he not get involved as much as the other but he most certainly didn't insitgate any issues. He concentrated on the main issue: The game. All he wanted to do was score. He wanted to effect the game in a positive way. He can't be excused from a bit of play-acting but in comparison to all 21 other players he acted like an angel. He then netted the brace to restore order and regain respect of pundits and fans alike. However, in this game, his main rival, Cristiano Ronaldo was frustrated but is he as good as Messi or is he living in his shadows?
Cristiano Ronaldo ("The Machine")
2010/11 Spanish La Liga
| GAMES | GOALS | ASSISTS | SHOTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 40 | 10 | 250 |
I really am baffled. How can two players be so extraordinarily good and be playing in the same league? It's just not fair to other teams. They're stats are almost identical in the collectiveness as Ronaldo has amassed 50 goals and assists respectively (Messi only managed 49, however Ronaldo played in one more game). And I'll tell you now, from looking at these stats I wouldn't be surprised if in that "one game" Messi missed he scored a hat-trick. However, this paragraph is about Ronaldo. Cristiano seems to be more attention seeking than his counterpart and likes to be heard in the media. Ronaldo hasn't been as praised as much as Messi over the past two seasons and I do believe that has played on his mind in positive and negative ways. For example I think in some ways it has sent him out on the pitch with an even bigger incentive as all he wants to do is gain appreciation and a huge amount of recognition. However, as we saw from the Champions league semi-final first leg he was not only frustrated but he was also nullified from the match. He was like a phantom on the pitch and had very little effect. The worst thing to see was that he was showing his frustration very openly and seemed to be directing it at the helpless Jose Mourinho. However, for me, the BIGGEST positive attribute is the fact that Cristiano has also blossomed in the premier League. Unlike Mr.Messi, Ronaldo has experienced the TWO best leagues in the world and showed what he is capable of worldwide. He has shown he can be brutal enough for the premier league and most certainly technical enough for LaLiga. Now, I have no doubt that Messi would relish the opportunity of brushing past the Premier League defenders but I doubt he will ever leave Barcelona meaning that no other club would be able to attain the services of the maestro.
Overall:
Well, I've got a dilemma here. I am at a total crossroads. I'm finding it very hard to separate these two heavyweights in football. I don't know if you have a clear winner but I most certainly don't. My conclusion would be, if any club had either of these stars they're getting two dedicated and hard-working players. We've seen how much they contribute as shown through their heroic campaigns in LaLiga. They were the main talismen for their respective clubs. I think that Ronaldo may possess more of a "whole package" factor as I honestly believe Cristiano Ronaldo can do everything possible in football whereas Messi seems to be better in some of those certain areas and that is why he might be praised higher. For example, dribbling is a trait where Ronaldo is absolutely world class and some of his tricks are immaculate, however a lot of people see Messi for his close control and lighting fast feet as an EVEN BETTER dribbler of the ball. However, I believe Ronaldo possesses double the amount of power and heading ability where Messi seems to be lacking but he makes up for it with all his other many attributes. I really can't decide who's better. They are both fantastic at what they do. Perhaps the stats help us to understand that Messi is more of a team player and Ronaldo is more of an individual? I don't really know, but no matter what, we have two of the greatest players ever playing in our generation and we should enjoy every minute we have watching them.
11th June Celebrations - Why Run The Risk?
Pride. Pleasure. Passion. Aren't these traits you want a player from your favourite team to display? When Rooney scores for United I want to see him jumping for joy like a lunatic. When an English player scores a goal for his country I want to see him kiss the badge and go mad. This is how you show passion. How a player shows he cares can be demonstrated through his celebration. However, due to the the F.A and Uefa I am questioning why any player celebrates as if they care anymore because any minor disruption concerning celebrations during matches seems to annoyingly warrant a yellow card these days.
Celebrations have adapted to become a "part and parcel" feature of a goal since Roger Milla's famous "dancing around the corner flag" move in the 1990 World Cup Finals. Milla is the inspiration to modern and inventive new celebrations today. Some players are known now and will probably always be remembered now for their outrageous and trademark celebrations: just take Tim Cahill as an example as we all know him as the man who wrestles his nearest corner flag to celebrate or even Peter Crouch who made a name for himself with his "Robot" dance in a 6-0 over Jamaica in which Crouch in fact scored a hat-trick.
Now, the rule applied to celebrations is as follows:
"While it is permissible for a player to demonstrate his joy when a goal has been scored, the celebration must not be excessive."
I fully appreciate that there are rules. Rules are there to be kept. However, it makes me wonder how these football associations can decide what is and isn't excessive. According to me when a player's father has just passed away taking off your shirt to reveal a separate t-shirt with a picture of your father on it is not only NOT excessive but it's actually 100% respectable and in fact admirable but yet in the case of Tamir Cohen he still received a yellow card against Arsenal following his injury time winning header. Disgrace. Absolute disgrace. How can any human being have the lack of decency to even let that one slip? I mean, I understand that there would then be arguments of "inconsistency" however in this case I don't think anyone would mind. I don't blame Mike Jones for booking him. It's the rules. Rules are there to be kept. But I'm sorry, in some cases, common courtesy should just prevail.
Whats the difference between running into your supporters and running into the bench full of teammates? To me, not very much. In both cases you're running into individuals who are delighted that you have just scored a goal. However, showing passion and jumping into fans is the one seen as a bookable offence. The rule is this:
"deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee's permission"
Well,to my knowledge, both celebrating with fans and fellow team mates on the bench can be defined as "leaving the pitch," without permission. Other arguments have described the safety of fans and players to be the significant reason why players are cautioned. As far as I'm aware I don't recall a situation where there have been injuries either way (to players and/or supporters). However players who decide to celebrate by showing off their athleticism with a cartwheel or numerous twirls have in fact been injured before (although extremely occasionally) & their celebration could be describe as excessive for example Robert Earnshaw and Lomano LuaLua (who is the one who injured himself). However one of the most recent and key examples of a player running into the crowd refers to West Ham in their horrific season in 2010/2011. At Goodison Park in late January West Ham had just taken a 2-1 lead with 6 minutes to go which would have given them only their second away win of the season. However, seconds after Piquionne nodded the Hammers in front, he ran into the fans and expressed all his possible passion to play for the famous club to then, only be humiliated and sent off because it was his second bookable offence. Later in the match West Ham conceded a late equaliser to dampen all spirits. Not only had they just lost two points but one of their best strikers at the time was facing a ban. Now, again, myself and all footballers understand that there are rules BUT he had just scored a vital goal to hopefully help his team stave off relegation. In cases like this a bit of passion should not only be expected but admired as-well. There were many pundits who questioned the West Ham players attitudes towards the club but this specific performance was more than adequate and showed more passion then people had accused them of NOT having.
Not only is it bad enough that a shirt FULLY REMOVED deserves a yellow card- but one brought solely above the head as well? Ridiculous, no? Take Emanuel Eboue for example. He doesn't score very often but he finally found his opportunity to thank the devine one for his goal against Celtic in a Champions League Qualifier in which the gunners won 3-1. All Eboue wanted to do here was thank a higher power for his goal. However in return, his gift was a yellow card from a more down to earth source. Supposedly, any message sent towards fans or above is a bookable offence as-well. In a similarly ridiculous case another arsenal player famously lifted his shirt to reveal a t-shirt stating "FOR THE NEW BORN KID" (referring to Thierry Henry's friend Sharleen Spiteri who had recently given birth to a new baby called "KYD.") To me, this is an act of true and loyal friendship and his reward just like Eboue's was a yellow card. Why can't a player reveal a t-shirt with a message like that? Who is that harming? How is that excessive? I just don't, and never will know.
However, more recently I have accepted that there has to be some control over celebrations after watching Emmanuel Adebayor's ridiculous and utterly stupid and thoughtless celebration against Arsenal after transfering to rivals Manchester City. In an extraordinary situation he ran the whole length of the pitch just to taunt the fans who used to love him. Now in this situation he created a riot. An absolute riot. Arsenal fans started throwing things onto the pitch in the direction of Adebayor. He put fans safety at risk. At the time of watching I thought it was pretty funny to be totally honest. To have the guts to do something like that is truly remarkable. But after some careful consideration I have to admit that scenes like this aren't good to watch and I believe he rightfully got booked. THAT IS WHAT CAN BE CLASSED AS EXCESSIVE. However, if he had celebrated that goal by running into City Fans he would have also been cautioned. Justified? I think not.
In summary:
As I'm sure you've gathered I am a fan of celebrations and I will always support them. I think we have successfully gathered that celebrations like Adebayor's fully deserve a yellow card but this is where you can start making your own comparisons. Emmanuel Adebayor received a yellow card for his ridiculous display of immaturity. Thierry Henry received a yellow card for his loyalty to a friend congratulating them on a baby girl named Kyd. Justified? Fair? No, I think not. Frederic Piquionne received a second yellow card (resulting in a red) for running into his own fans because he had just possibly found his team a way out of the relegation zone (gathering an extra, hopeful, 2 points in the process only for Everton to equalise in the dying seconds). He showed too much passion according to the F.A. This is passion players shouldn't be allowed to feel or show. Even more recently (although it horrors me to mention) Lionel Messi expressed his passion after scoring Barcelona's second goal in a 3-1 win agaisnt Manchester United. Now, had it not been for the huge gap and barrier between players and fans in Wembley I'm almost sure Messi would have practically been sat alongside his supporters. He sprinted like crazy to the advertising boards which thankfully stopped him motoring. He showed every bit of passion players could and should show. Perhaps your thinking, yes, well Messi showed all this passion without breaking the laws so why can't other players? I totally agree, however I don't believe players that break the laws in celebration do it purposely just to wind up the referee and get themselves booked. All I think these players are doing are expressing a surge of emotion which creates a situation in which sometimes they just can't control themselves because there is often so much at stake and they just want to show how much they care for the cause.
A celebration shows pride. A celebration shows pleasure. A celebration shows passion.
This is why I believe players should run the risk and rules should most definitely change.
"While it is permissible for a player to demonstrate his joy when a goal has been scored, the celebration must not be excessive."
I fully appreciate that there are rules. Rules are there to be kept. However, it makes me wonder how these football associations can decide what is and isn't excessive. According to me when a player's father has just passed away taking off your shirt to reveal a separate t-shirt with a picture of your father on it is not only NOT excessive but it's actually 100% respectable and in fact admirable but yet in the case of Tamir Cohen he still received a yellow card against Arsenal following his injury time winning header. Disgrace. Absolute disgrace. How can any human being have the lack of decency to even let that one slip? I mean, I understand that there would then be arguments of "inconsistency" however in this case I don't think anyone would mind. I don't blame Mike Jones for booking him. It's the rules. Rules are there to be kept. But I'm sorry, in some cases, common courtesy should just prevail.
Whats the difference between running into your supporters and running into the bench full of teammates? To me, not very much. In both cases you're running into individuals who are delighted that you have just scored a goal. However, showing passion and jumping into fans is the one seen as a bookable offence. The rule is this:
"deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee's permission"
Well,to my knowledge, both celebrating with fans and fellow team mates on the bench can be defined as "leaving the pitch," without permission. Other arguments have described the safety of fans and players to be the significant reason why players are cautioned. As far as I'm aware I don't recall a situation where there have been injuries either way (to players and/or supporters). However players who decide to celebrate by showing off their athleticism with a cartwheel or numerous twirls have in fact been injured before (although extremely occasionally) & their celebration could be describe as excessive for example Robert Earnshaw and Lomano LuaLua (who is the one who injured himself). However one of the most recent and key examples of a player running into the crowd refers to West Ham in their horrific season in 2010/2011. At Goodison Park in late January West Ham had just taken a 2-1 lead with 6 minutes to go which would have given them only their second away win of the season. However, seconds after Piquionne nodded the Hammers in front, he ran into the fans and expressed all his possible passion to play for the famous club to then, only be humiliated and sent off because it was his second bookable offence. Later in the match West Ham conceded a late equaliser to dampen all spirits. Not only had they just lost two points but one of their best strikers at the time was facing a ban. Now, again, myself and all footballers understand that there are rules BUT he had just scored a vital goal to hopefully help his team stave off relegation. In cases like this a bit of passion should not only be expected but admired as-well. There were many pundits who questioned the West Ham players attitudes towards the club but this specific performance was more than adequate and showed more passion then people had accused them of NOT having.
Not only is it bad enough that a shirt FULLY REMOVED deserves a yellow card- but one brought solely above the head as well? Ridiculous, no? Take Emanuel Eboue for example. He doesn't score very often but he finally found his opportunity to thank the devine one for his goal against Celtic in a Champions League Qualifier in which the gunners won 3-1. All Eboue wanted to do here was thank a higher power for his goal. However in return, his gift was a yellow card from a more down to earth source. Supposedly, any message sent towards fans or above is a bookable offence as-well. In a similarly ridiculous case another arsenal player famously lifted his shirt to reveal a t-shirt stating "FOR THE NEW BORN KID" (referring to Thierry Henry's friend Sharleen Spiteri who had recently given birth to a new baby called "KYD.") To me, this is an act of true and loyal friendship and his reward just like Eboue's was a yellow card. Why can't a player reveal a t-shirt with a message like that? Who is that harming? How is that excessive? I just don't, and never will know.
In summary:
As I'm sure you've gathered I am a fan of celebrations and I will always support them. I think we have successfully gathered that celebrations like Adebayor's fully deserve a yellow card but this is where you can start making your own comparisons. Emmanuel Adebayor received a yellow card for his ridiculous display of immaturity. Thierry Henry received a yellow card for his loyalty to a friend congratulating them on a baby girl named Kyd. Justified? Fair? No, I think not. Frederic Piquionne received a second yellow card (resulting in a red) for running into his own fans because he had just possibly found his team a way out of the relegation zone (gathering an extra, hopeful, 2 points in the process only for Everton to equalise in the dying seconds). He showed too much passion according to the F.A. This is passion players shouldn't be allowed to feel or show. Even more recently (although it horrors me to mention) Lionel Messi expressed his passion after scoring Barcelona's second goal in a 3-1 win agaisnt Manchester United. Now, had it not been for the huge gap and barrier between players and fans in Wembley I'm almost sure Messi would have practically been sat alongside his supporters. He sprinted like crazy to the advertising boards which thankfully stopped him motoring. He showed every bit of passion players could and should show. Perhaps your thinking, yes, well Messi showed all this passion without breaking the laws so why can't other players? I totally agree, however I don't believe players that break the laws in celebration do it purposely just to wind up the referee and get themselves booked. All I think these players are doing are expressing a surge of emotion which creates a situation in which sometimes they just can't control themselves because there is often so much at stake and they just want to show how much they care for the cause.A celebration shows pride. A celebration shows pleasure. A celebration shows passion.
This is why I believe players should run the risk and rules should most definitely change.
