For many years mentions of the Football Association’s ‘disciplinary committee’ conjured images of a gathering of antiquated blazers from various county FA’s arriving at Lancaster Gate for h'ordeuvres and aperitifs, before musing over the misgivings of a lairy footballer and thus deciding whether the cat o’ nine tails or a three game sit on the naughty step were adequate comeuppance for the greaseball in question.
Nowadays the ‘disciplinary unit’ seems to have sexed itself up to rival Sir Harry Pearce and co in Spooks. After another fractious weekend of Premier League football, a host of implausibly handsome agents will roll across the bonnets of their chauffeur driven Mercedes and into the high-tech towers down at Soho Square to liaise with police and analyse video footage of an incident which has since gone viral to millions around the world.
The incident we speak of is of course the John Terry racism allegations, and even if in reality the truth seekers in question do lie somewhere in between the one’s who want to wash mouths out with soap and those who shoot on sight in tube stations, the FA and its people who do deal with such matters once again find themselves hopelessly marooned over an issue which has become routinely insolvable.
By the time the row exploded via a hive of social networking activity on Monday afternoon, the FA were already busy swimming in circles about similar circumstances involving Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez.
In both cases the FA have vowed to pursue the claims with vigour but concrete evidence on which to prosecute an individual over such matters is extremely thin on the ground. It largely comes down to one man’s word against another and even though in both instances the scene of the clashes were littered with peripheral bodies, there seem to be a suspiciously large number of deaf ears from all camps.
The FA will now be charged with sifting through various camera angles and microphone recordings in the hope that some light will be shed on the matter, whilst a number of players from all sides will be interviewed to see if they can add anything to the piece.
Although each and every club subscribes to stamping out discrimination from within the game, this also comes with a feeling that clubs deal with issues with a large amount of self-appreciation. The two-ing and fro-ing of the allegations requires bonafide testimonies and it is difficult to imagine another player from the accused’s club leaping forward to add weight to the investigations against a team-mate.
During Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate’s trial for affray ten years previous, then club colleague Michael Duberry had the presence of conscience to give evidence in court which would - had the trial not collapsed due to the contempt of the Sunday Mirror - potentially have been damning to men he would theoretically have had to shower and change with in the future.
Duberry’s contributions to the case were not taken well amongst fellow players and fans of Leeds United at the time and the defender duly found himself pilloried to the point of having to leave the club for the heinous offence of helping officers with their enquiries.
Unsurprisingly each of Liverpool, Manchester United, QPR and Chelsea have pulled their men from the middle and are standing staunchly by them in the corner of the rings, leaving the FA stood isolated to piece together the rather fragmented and circumstantial evidence which would be picked to pieces by any self respecting defence lawyer in a court of law.
Indeed it is the police who have also been summoned onto the Terry affair because the complaint about the England captain was made to the Met on Monday morning by a member of the public.
The Met will deal with the issue as a criminal mater, and would therefore be legally obliged to produce a case fit to stand up throughout legal channels. As we’ve mentioned above, the nature of the evidence available to all parties is shrouded in innuendo and lacking in clarity meaning unless there are a number of witnesses able to collaborate accusations - which with Terry and Suarez there are not - a prosecution would almost certainly fail.
The involvement of the police has also added to the futility of the FA’s pursuit of justice. If the police do not have enough evidence to convict, how could a lesser body do anything but follow suit without fear of any reciprocal legal retaliations being administered through the very same judicial system which had previously exonerated the accused?
Nor, given the nature of the subject can the FA be seen not to act seriously or sweep it under the carpet as they do with so many other issues which would be equally as hard to prove.
It’s often difficult to find sympathy with the disciplinary processes of the FA who’s statutes and precedents are largely baseless and inconsistent and who’s uncodified constitution of our national game makes it about as democratic as your average African despot. But in these scenarios - it is.
The FA’s attempts to stamp out all forms of discrimination from the game are far more than an empty gesture but considering the complexities of confirming guilt, they still represent a toothless tiger over the issue.
Until they are presented with a, forgive the pun, black and white case of abuse from upon the field of play the FA can do little to act upon the matter. However one day, unfortunately sooner rather than later, there is likely to be an instance which is proveable and it is then which the FA need to show their might and intention to stamp out racism from the game.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Milwall v Ipswich Town betting preview
The international break is rarely welcomed by many managers but Milwall have been undefeated since the last time domestic duties were shelved. They will aim to keep that run going against the play-off chasing Tractor Boys this weekend.
The Lionesses went into the last round of Euro 2012 qualifiers mired in the relegation zone. They had scored just once in seven games losing five of them, but following the resumption Kenny Jackett’s boys have rediscovered their Bermondsey bowl.
Draws with Middlesbrough and Brighton were built upon by a Sven-busting 3-0 defeat of Leicester City and bwin’s 3way football betting market have Millwall at 6/5 to pick up another three points against Ipswich Town.
However, this resurgence has been temporary and Millwall have previously only won once at the New Den all season losing one and drawing the other four. Ipswich have also drawn two of their six away games so honours even at 11/5 seems well priced.
Whats more, Millwall have only scored four at home all season with Ipswich drying up in their last two games. Goals might be tight, so under 2.5 goals in the game at 4/5 could be a steady bet.
After a calamitous start to the campaign the Tractor Boys eventually got their act together after a spate of early hammerings. Four wins from six before last weekends home defeat to Crystal Palace made them one of the form sides in the division.
The Suffolk side are loitering around ninth place in the Championship table although the turbulence of the division means they are a mere four points off West Ham in second.
Paul Jewell said his team have been ‘flat’ in recent weeks, culminating in the loss to Palace, but after having a full week to recover, I’m backing them to find a second wind and sneak this 2-1 at 10/1. New bwin customers receive a £25 free bet when you register and putting that on a 2-1 Ipswich win will return you £275.
New customers can register here to claim a £25 free bet.
Follow us on Twitter @bwinbetting
John Baines
The Lionesses went into the last round of Euro 2012 qualifiers mired in the relegation zone. They had scored just once in seven games losing five of them, but following the resumption Kenny Jackett’s boys have rediscovered their Bermondsey bowl.
Draws with Middlesbrough and Brighton were built upon by a Sven-busting 3-0 defeat of Leicester City and bwin’s 3way football betting market have Millwall at 6/5 to pick up another three points against Ipswich Town.
However, this resurgence has been temporary and Millwall have previously only won once at the New Den all season losing one and drawing the other four. Ipswich have also drawn two of their six away games so honours even at 11/5 seems well priced.
Whats more, Millwall have only scored four at home all season with Ipswich drying up in their last two games. Goals might be tight, so under 2.5 goals in the game at 4/5 could be a steady bet.
After a calamitous start to the campaign the Tractor Boys eventually got their act together after a spate of early hammerings. Four wins from six before last weekends home defeat to Crystal Palace made them one of the form sides in the division.
The Suffolk side are loitering around ninth place in the Championship table although the turbulence of the division means they are a mere four points off West Ham in second.
Paul Jewell said his team have been ‘flat’ in recent weeks, culminating in the loss to Palace, but after having a full week to recover, I’m backing them to find a second wind and sneak this 2-1 at 10/1. New bwin customers receive a £25 free bet when you register and putting that on a 2-1 Ipswich win will return you £275.
New customers can register here to claim a £25 free bet.
Follow us on Twitter @bwinbetting
John Baines
City must shake off inferiority complex
TEAMtalk guest John Baines believes Manchester City face the ultimate test of how far they have come as a footballing giant at Old Trafford.
The Premier League's top two and bookies' favourites for the title come together on Sunday afternoon in arguably the most eagerly-anticipated fixture of the season so far.
Whatever the result, the ultimate destination of the Premier League trophy will not become much clearer for it - especially with Chelsea hovering menacingly in third. However, what we will find out is just how these two sides now perceive one another.
Just shy of 12 months ago, the reciprocal Manchester derby took place in the other half of the city. The scoreless draw at Eastlands was remarkable for nothing and memorable for all of the wrong reasons. Neither side came out of the affair with much credit, especially the hosts who were widely pilloried for their overtly-cautious tactics.
Roberto Mancini's men played for and got a draw without showing much inclination to attack their bitter rivals or go for the win. The point was lauded as another step towards the goal of Champions League positioning but to the naked eye it looked like an admission of weakness on City's behalf. An on-field demonstration orchestrated from the touchline that they still felt inferior to their old foes. The fact that at the time Manchester United were not even officially the best team in the land and were labouring themselves through the post Wayne Rooney transfer saga made the whole attitude from Mancini's men even more baffling.
A year on and the dynamics of the situation have changed, with United champions and City having grand designs on the thought. If City are to realise the aims of their expenditure and talent, they must shake the inferiority complex which has hung over them for decades - starting on Sunday.
Mancini's pragmatism in last year's derby was not an isolated incident. His side had been equally as belligerent against other contenders and although this season City's scorelines have been in large impressive, their only result of note was the dismantling of a ragged Tottenham side reeling from concerns over Luka Modric's future. In every aspect, this is the first true test of their credentials.
There is no doubt that Manchester City have the quality and depth of personnel to win this division, but as demonstrated by United's 'unvintage' class of 2010/11, going the course over 38 games requires an ingrained desire to win which is bred and not bought as well as other characteristics which define champions.
Late winners, resilient comebacks and ground-out victories all contribute to becoming the best team in the land - but so to does having a fearlessness and bravado that you are indeed the best. United have enviably demonstrated many of these traits since the inception of the Premier League to make them so revered and reviled and it is these qualities which City need to compliment their outstanding individual qualities.
A no-nonsense win over Everton and a late comeback midweek against Villarreal prove they can perform with such functionality - but the strongest barometer of how to judge how far they've progressed will be how they approach facing the champions on Sunday.
Going into the game City will be largely at full strength with the absence of Carlos Tevez long since immaterial. They are on the back of five wins out of six in all competitions as opposed to United's two from five plus injury issues, with the Blues knowing a win would put them five points clear of the side they seek to usurp.
Internally all concerned with Manchester City may take a point now, as would many sides who venture into the turf of parallel opposition, but there is a difference between getting a point and playing for one - and the manner and mentality of their performance will shed more light on their aspirations than any material gains. For once, a trip to Old Trafford should yield no fear, and neither should it be placed into them.
Conversely attitudes may also have changed from within the United camp. You are unlikely to hear Sir Alex Ferguson uttering 'noisy neighbours' any time soon and the Scot has long since admitted that City pose a genuine threat to his side's mantra of English football's kingpins.
The Red Devils supremo will be well aware that despite the flurry of early-season goals, United's expansive style has often left them alarmingly exposed at the back. A statistic coughed up after the Norwich City game showed United have had more shots directed at them than any other side this season and that tally was also more than they'd allowed throughout the whole of last season.
Arsenal and Chelsea have already perished at Old Trafford this term but each of those eventually-handsome victories were skewered by profligate finishing from the visitors and Basle's three goals in the Champions League further highlighted a soft centre.
Last time out at Anfield, Ferguson gave the runners a run-out, switching to a starting 4-5-1 to try to reinforce the midfield protection. Of course, battening down the hatches away from home is different to doing it in front of your own fans - but even still it will be interesting to see how Ferguson attempts to taper the threat of the positionless connivance of City playmaker David Silva.
Few managers have as much faith in their team as Ferguson and given hosting rights the onus will be on United to get at their cross-town rivals. Perhaps in any other season against City that would be the case, and certainly against Arsenal and Chelsea that was the case, but one senses times are a changing and the time to change may well be Sunday.
The infancy of the season has seen United and City set themselves up as the teams to top, but which one has the absolute belief to win over 90 minutes and 38 games will become apparent by 3.30pm on Sunday - even if the outcome of the piece will be defined much further down the line.
The Premier League's top two and bookies' favourites for the title come together on Sunday afternoon in arguably the most eagerly-anticipated fixture of the season so far.
Whatever the result, the ultimate destination of the Premier League trophy will not become much clearer for it - especially with Chelsea hovering menacingly in third. However, what we will find out is just how these two sides now perceive one another.
Just shy of 12 months ago, the reciprocal Manchester derby took place in the other half of the city. The scoreless draw at Eastlands was remarkable for nothing and memorable for all of the wrong reasons. Neither side came out of the affair with much credit, especially the hosts who were widely pilloried for their overtly-cautious tactics.
Roberto Mancini's men played for and got a draw without showing much inclination to attack their bitter rivals or go for the win. The point was lauded as another step towards the goal of Champions League positioning but to the naked eye it looked like an admission of weakness on City's behalf. An on-field demonstration orchestrated from the touchline that they still felt inferior to their old foes. The fact that at the time Manchester United were not even officially the best team in the land and were labouring themselves through the post Wayne Rooney transfer saga made the whole attitude from Mancini's men even more baffling.
A year on and the dynamics of the situation have changed, with United champions and City having grand designs on the thought. If City are to realise the aims of their expenditure and talent, they must shake the inferiority complex which has hung over them for decades - starting on Sunday.
Mancini's pragmatism in last year's derby was not an isolated incident. His side had been equally as belligerent against other contenders and although this season City's scorelines have been in large impressive, their only result of note was the dismantling of a ragged Tottenham side reeling from concerns over Luka Modric's future. In every aspect, this is the first true test of their credentials.
There is no doubt that Manchester City have the quality and depth of personnel to win this division, but as demonstrated by United's 'unvintage' class of 2010/11, going the course over 38 games requires an ingrained desire to win which is bred and not bought as well as other characteristics which define champions.
Late winners, resilient comebacks and ground-out victories all contribute to becoming the best team in the land - but so to does having a fearlessness and bravado that you are indeed the best. United have enviably demonstrated many of these traits since the inception of the Premier League to make them so revered and reviled and it is these qualities which City need to compliment their outstanding individual qualities.
A no-nonsense win over Everton and a late comeback midweek against Villarreal prove they can perform with such functionality - but the strongest barometer of how to judge how far they've progressed will be how they approach facing the champions on Sunday.
Going into the game City will be largely at full strength with the absence of Carlos Tevez long since immaterial. They are on the back of five wins out of six in all competitions as opposed to United's two from five plus injury issues, with the Blues knowing a win would put them five points clear of the side they seek to usurp.
Internally all concerned with Manchester City may take a point now, as would many sides who venture into the turf of parallel opposition, but there is a difference between getting a point and playing for one - and the manner and mentality of their performance will shed more light on their aspirations than any material gains. For once, a trip to Old Trafford should yield no fear, and neither should it be placed into them.
Conversely attitudes may also have changed from within the United camp. You are unlikely to hear Sir Alex Ferguson uttering 'noisy neighbours' any time soon and the Scot has long since admitted that City pose a genuine threat to his side's mantra of English football's kingpins.
The Red Devils supremo will be well aware that despite the flurry of early-season goals, United's expansive style has often left them alarmingly exposed at the back. A statistic coughed up after the Norwich City game showed United have had more shots directed at them than any other side this season and that tally was also more than they'd allowed throughout the whole of last season.
Arsenal and Chelsea have already perished at Old Trafford this term but each of those eventually-handsome victories were skewered by profligate finishing from the visitors and Basle's three goals in the Champions League further highlighted a soft centre.
Last time out at Anfield, Ferguson gave the runners a run-out, switching to a starting 4-5-1 to try to reinforce the midfield protection. Of course, battening down the hatches away from home is different to doing it in front of your own fans - but even still it will be interesting to see how Ferguson attempts to taper the threat of the positionless connivance of City playmaker David Silva.
Few managers have as much faith in their team as Ferguson and given hosting rights the onus will be on United to get at their cross-town rivals. Perhaps in any other season against City that would be the case, and certainly against Arsenal and Chelsea that was the case, but one senses times are a changing and the time to change may well be Sunday.
The infancy of the season has seen United and City set themselves up as the teams to top, but which one has the absolute belief to win over 90 minutes and 38 games will become apparent by 3.30pm on Sunday - even if the outcome of the piece will be defined much further down the line.
La Liga betting preview
Saturday October 15th
Mallorca v Valencia
Home win: 21/10 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 6/5
Betting Tip: Mallorca maybe a nice place to go on your holidays but it’s not the favoured destination of many a la Liga club. The Islanders boast an impressive home record and have won two of their three matches whilst hosting so far this season. Valencia won here last year but Mallorca won the previous two and with los Che having half an eye on a midweek Champions League trip to Leverkusen, back the 12/5 draw.
Getafe v Villarreal
Home win: 13/10 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 2/1
Betting Tip: Getafe haven’t got off to the best of starts after narrowly missing out on the drop last campaign. Madrid’s third club have won just once all season albeit that being at home against then leaders Real Betis. Villarreal have also been slow out of the blocks and with a vital Champions League tie against Manchester City to follow, the draw again looks best value at 23/10.
Real Madrid v Real Betis
Home win: 3/25 Draw: 29/4 Away win: 17/1
Betting Tip: After an explosive start to the season the Betis bubble has burst with a pair of scoreless defeats in their last two games. Things are hardly likely to improve at the fortress Bernabeu where Real win lots and score plenty. There’s not much money in the Real win but the resurgent Kaka could be worth a try at 7/5 to score at any time during the match.
Barcelona v Racing Santander
Home win: 3/50 Draw: 19/2 Away win: 30/1
Betting Tip: Barcelona have played three times at home in la Liga this season, winning all three and scoring 18 goals in the process. There’s only one winner here but at 3/50 for the result you’ll have to look elsewhere for value. If you fancy another routine Barca victory, have a multiple correct score of 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0 at 7/4.
Granada v Atletico Madrid
Home win: 13/5 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 1/1
Betting Tip: Atletico have yet to register a point or even score a goal away from home this season but the remedy for that is a trip to Granada. Last season’s Segunda Division play-off winners will be in the thick of the relegation battle all season and despite a win and a draw in their last two home matches, Atletico should have enough to claim the 1/1 win.
Sunday October 16th
Rayo Vallecano v Espanyol
Home win: 23/20 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 23/10
Betting Tip: Rayo haven’t won at home and Espanyol have yet to win away this season and what’s more neither of them score much either. Given that under 1.5 goals in the game is 37/20, the 23/10 draw looks to be a good bit of business.
Real Zaragoza v Real Sociedad
Home win: 19/20 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 29/10
Betting Tip: Bar getting drummed 6-0 by Real Madrid, Zaragoza have picked up four points from the other six at home and have fought well without claiming maximum points against Betis, Malaga and Villarreal. Sociedad have lost three of their last four with only a win over lowly Granada to show since their remarkable comeback against Barcelona. Zaragoza to win with under 3.5 goals in the game at 3/2 is a steal.
Levante v Malaga
Home win: 2/1 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 13/10
Betting Tip: Levante are this seasons surprise package deservedly lying in second and remaining unbeaten. Malaga’s new signings have also got their act together after an opening day defeat and have won four of their last five. The result is a tough one to call so picking over 2.5 goals at 19/20 covers all bases.
Sevilla v Sporting Gijon
Home win: 37/100 Draw: 7/2 Away win: 15/2
Betting Tip: Sevilla have won all three at home this season whilst basement boys Gijon have lost all bar one of their fixtures including both away games. Alvaro Negredo has been back amongst the goals for Sevilla and he’s evens to score at any time during the game.
Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna
Home win: 39/50 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 18/5
Betting Tip: Osasuna have lost just once this season courtesy of an 8-0 reverse at the Camp Nou. Aside from that they’ve been difficult to beat and they should have enough to hold off a Bilbao side who have yet to win at home. Osasuna may not have enough to win but bwin’s double chance have them at evens to get a draw or better.
Mallorca v Valencia
Home win: 21/10 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 6/5
Betting Tip: Mallorca maybe a nice place to go on your holidays but it’s not the favoured destination of many a la Liga club. The Islanders boast an impressive home record and have won two of their three matches whilst hosting so far this season. Valencia won here last year but Mallorca won the previous two and with los Che having half an eye on a midweek Champions League trip to Leverkusen, back the 12/5 draw.
Getafe v Villarreal
Home win: 13/10 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 2/1
Betting Tip: Getafe haven’t got off to the best of starts after narrowly missing out on the drop last campaign. Madrid’s third club have won just once all season albeit that being at home against then leaders Real Betis. Villarreal have also been slow out of the blocks and with a vital Champions League tie against Manchester City to follow, the draw again looks best value at 23/10.
Real Madrid v Real Betis
Home win: 3/25 Draw: 29/4 Away win: 17/1
Betting Tip: After an explosive start to the season the Betis bubble has burst with a pair of scoreless defeats in their last two games. Things are hardly likely to improve at the fortress Bernabeu where Real win lots and score plenty. There’s not much money in the Real win but the resurgent Kaka could be worth a try at 7/5 to score at any time during the match.
Barcelona v Racing Santander
Home win: 3/50 Draw: 19/2 Away win: 30/1
Betting Tip: Barcelona have played three times at home in la Liga this season, winning all three and scoring 18 goals in the process. There’s only one winner here but at 3/50 for the result you’ll have to look elsewhere for value. If you fancy another routine Barca victory, have a multiple correct score of 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0 at 7/4.
Granada v Atletico Madrid
Home win: 13/5 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 1/1
Betting Tip: Atletico have yet to register a point or even score a goal away from home this season but the remedy for that is a trip to Granada. Last season’s Segunda Division play-off winners will be in the thick of the relegation battle all season and despite a win and a draw in their last two home matches, Atletico should have enough to claim the 1/1 win.
Sunday October 16th
Rayo Vallecano v Espanyol
Home win: 23/20 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 23/10
Betting Tip: Rayo haven’t won at home and Espanyol have yet to win away this season and what’s more neither of them score much either. Given that under 1.5 goals in the game is 37/20, the 23/10 draw looks to be a good bit of business.
Real Zaragoza v Real Sociedad
Home win: 19/20 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 29/10
Betting Tip: Bar getting drummed 6-0 by Real Madrid, Zaragoza have picked up four points from the other six at home and have fought well without claiming maximum points against Betis, Malaga and Villarreal. Sociedad have lost three of their last four with only a win over lowly Granada to show since their remarkable comeback against Barcelona. Zaragoza to win with under 3.5 goals in the game at 3/2 is a steal.
Levante v Malaga
Home win: 2/1 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 13/10
Betting Tip: Levante are this seasons surprise package deservedly lying in second and remaining unbeaten. Malaga’s new signings have also got their act together after an opening day defeat and have won four of their last five. The result is a tough one to call so picking over 2.5 goals at 19/20 covers all bases.
Sevilla v Sporting Gijon
Home win: 37/100 Draw: 7/2 Away win: 15/2
Betting Tip: Sevilla have won all three at home this season whilst basement boys Gijon have lost all bar one of their fixtures including both away games. Alvaro Negredo has been back amongst the goals for Sevilla and he’s evens to score at any time during the game.
Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna
Home win: 39/50 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 18/5
Betting Tip: Osasuna have lost just once this season courtesy of an 8-0 reverse at the Camp Nou. Aside from that they’ve been difficult to beat and they should have enough to hold off a Bilbao side who have yet to win at home. Osasuna may not have enough to win but bwin’s double chance have them at evens to get a draw or better.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Ayre blind to Premier League brand
Ever since the Premier League became the most marketable and money-laden league in the world, the issue of its overseas broadcasting rights has been the elephant in the room. It has taken until now for somebody to voice opinion and break from the status quo with Liverpool's Ayre claiming: "The debate has to happen," about whether clubs should negotiate individual overseas broadcasting contracts to get what they deem to be a fair slice of the pie.
Ayre's comments certainly have sparked a debate but perhaps not in the manner he expected. His views have immediately been seized upon as self-centered, narrow minded and greedy which is perhaps somewhat unfair given his role and responsibility to his employers, but the debate which Ayre is trying to instigate has much further lying implications to the rest of the Premier League and English football in general.
At this juncture it's possibly worth delving into what TV revenue comes into the Premier League and how that is currently split. The league sells TV rights into domestic and overseas brackets. The domestic pot is 50 per cent equally apportioned between the 20 clubs, with the remaining money being awarded on merit for league placings and 'facility' fees for being on the telly. So, based on last seasons figures, each club were given an even sum of just short of £14million with the rest largely based on prize winning.
That meant that of the domestic rights, champions Manchester United earned just over £40million whilst bottom club Blackpool left with around £25million. To all and sundry this system seems fair given the initial parity in payments and the rewards of a meritocracy, but the subject up for discussion is the overseas broadcasting rights which are spread differently.
The overseas package for the negotiated period between 2010-13 is worth approximately £1billion. Last season each and every club were granted just shy of £18million independent of stature, status or South Korean fanbase and it is this figure that Ayre claims Liverpool and the other box office teams are due a bigger portion of.
Manchester United and Chelsea have been quick to distance themselves from the Anfield club's stance but that may or may not have been nothing more than political point scoring given that it was that unloveable rogue Peter Kenyon who first floated the idea of individual broadcast rights whilst at United at the turn of the millennium.
Ayre's observations are that Liverpool, United, Arsenal and Chelsea are between them by far the most watched sides and thus have much to do with the volume of revenue coming onto our shores. To a degree, he has a point and to coin Ayre's crude analogy, everybody wants to watch the best but not the rest.
However, the point which Ayre overwhelmingly misses is that the tops clubs are so popular because of the brand. The marketing drive of the Premier League far outstrips that of any other world league and as a result its popularity has boomed since its inception.
Foreign fans will often roll out the cliches about the atmosphere at English grounds and the intenity and competitiveness of the games as the main attraction of our football, albeit with the hyperbolic hollywood glitz and glamour of the chosen few. The popularity of English football is not down to an elite ruling class but moreover a collective pack who all communally create a product which is so watchable around the world. The little clubs may not have much but what they do have is enough for them to be comparatively competetive. If we can shoehorn Blackpool back into the mix, was it not last year's basement boys who did a league double over the mighty Liverpool and brought so much to the party otherwise? The endeavours of those plucky underdogs differentiates leagues.
Parallels are immediately drawn to the system in La Liga whereby Barcelona and Real Madrid have a complete duopoly over the whole league. They are the two most marketable sides and indeed sell there own TV rights but as we know, this is to the complete detriment to the rest of the league. There may only have been four different winners of England's top flight since 1992 and there may only be a small band that have any chance of winning it presently, but in the last two la Liga seasons third place have finished over 20 points behind second.
Whether you feel that the top clubs do deserve a greater return from overseas broadcasting rights much depends on if you take an economic or ethical stance. Individual broadcasting rights would be designed to make the rich richer and increase disparity between the haves and the have nots. Much like Spain's inpenetrable top two, more wealth to those who don't need it could see England's top five or six clubs partitioned off from the rest.
The Premier League is a monolithic organisation fast becoming further detached from the rest of English football but the league and the major institutions within it must recognise their duty of care to the whole sport within this country. If you kill off the competition you kill off what makes the league great, and in that final gambit there is a hidden analogy about biting the hand that feeds you.
Friday, 7 October 2011
Inferior international teams need isolating
TEAMtalk's John Baines believes the Euro 2012 qualifying phase has proven the need to place international minnows in a 'development' group.
International breaks are like the days where you did detention at school.
You immediately treat it as a bit of an inconsequence and convince yourself that it will be over before you know it, but before long it's dragged on and on to the point where you feel punished.
So, with a vast supply of football for the consumer, a crowded schedule for the competitors and a waning interest away from the club game, is it time to reshape the qualifying process for major international tournaments?
Once again, the high-octane chivalry of domestic football has been temporarily suspended whilst international commitments are completed. Over the next six days, the 15-month qualifying process for Euro 2012 will be almost finalised, with only the four two-legged play-off ties in November remaining.
For some, the whole process has been a formality; for others, it will soon end in glorious success or failure and for a few, it may as well never even have started in the first place.
Ahead of the penultimate round of qualifying fixtures, four of the nine top seeds - Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain - have progressed serenely. The remaining five top seeds - Russia, France, Croatia, England and Portugal - all lead their respective groups and look good for an appearance at next summer's championships.
But down the other end of the tables, the tune has been just as familiar. So far, the nine European sides currently ranked lowest in FIFA's world rankings - Iceland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan, Malta, Andorra and San Marino - have lost 61 of the 73 games they have played between them, winning just seven and drawing five.
That amounts to a collective tally of only 26 points from a possible 219, scoring just 33 goals between them and shipping in 185.
Not one of the victories recorded by the intrepid bottom nine has come over a team ranked in Europe's top 30 and only Moldova have clocked up more than four points during qualifying - that coming courtesy of being paired with the hapless San Marino. Everyone's favourite Italian principality have not even scored yet, whilst picking the ball out 49 times in seven ties as they and fellow sitting-ducks Andorra remain quite literally pointless.
Given the damning statistics that highlight the futility of the theoretical qualification attempts of these lesser lights, it once again raises the issue of quite why UEFA feel the need to continuously torment these minnows by allowing them to get trampled on by vastly superior sides.
The Netherlands hammering 11 goals past San Marino and Spain tormenting Liechtenstein is akin to a champion boxer pounding an unfit amateur. It's just not sport, and nobody can be getting much out of it.
One of UEFA's remits is to promote and develop football in Europe, and it's difficult to see any benefit for these countries to be part of the current qualifying process. For the good of all, change is needed.
FIFA's world rankings have long lost any semblance of reason or meaning even before England were bestowed as the fourth best team in the world, but a method could and should be devised whereby the eight worst sides in Europe are partitioned off into their own event, similar to that used in cricket where associated nations compete for the honour of appearing at the various ICC championships.
This 'development' group could see the weakest nations playing one other during one qualifying period, to enable the top two to be 'promoted' to the main qualifying stage for the next tournament.
Far from being elitist to the top dogs, it gives those lesser countries the opportunity to have an achievable goal rather than the fruitless pursuit of trying to reach a tournament they have no hope of appearing at. Their players and fans wouldn't have to simply make up the numbers and endure the indignity of being routinely humiliated. Across a condensed period, nations who see tangible improvements over a short-to-medium term would earn the right to then participate in the prestigious fixtures against the continent's best sides at the top stadiums.
A promotion-relegation system would also create accountability towards those who have found themselves slipping down the rankings. Amongst those sides lingering around the cut-off point are Wales and Austria and the threat of demotion should kick-start them and others into retaliatory action to stave off the drop.
The present all-in qualification process is old and uninspiring but more to the point, there are virtually no barometers of success for the sides who are frankly inferior to be competing at this level.
There would be few losers with the introduction of a 'development' group and certainly fewer losers than there are now. It's a simple call, Mr Platini.
Follow John on Twitter at @bainesyDiego10 and check out his blog at Blue Menace.
Back Spain to make it a perfect seven
The undisputed kings of international football will conclude their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign over the next week – beginning with a victory over the Czech Republic in Prague.
Spain will defend their European Championship crown in Poland and Ukraine next summer after arriving at the tournament in ominous fashion.
Vicente del Bosque’s men have won all six of their Group I games so far and bwin’s 3Way football betting market has them at 18/25 to reach seventh heaven against Petr Cech and co.
What’s more, if you think the Spaniards will go on to wrap up the group blemish free then you can double up the Czech win with the almost inevitable slaughter of Scotland next Tuesday.
Spain to beat both the Czech Republic and the Scots is priced at a very healthy 93/100.
As is customary from the originators of tiki-taka football, Spain have not just been winning, but winning in style and with plenty of goals.
La Roja have struck 21 times in their six qualifiers, scoring less than three on just one occasion.
If you fancy Spain to comfortably beat the Czechs, back them to win with more than 2.5 goals in the game at 9/5 or more than 3.5 at 4/1.
New recruits who sign up for a bwin account are entitled to a £25 free bet and utilising that on Spain to win with over 3.5 goals in the game at 4/1 will pocket you £125.
But before you go lumping all your hard earned on the Spanish, it may be worth considering the standings in Group I.
Spain have boxed off top spot and could be forgiven for going through the motions but the Czech’s qualification is still in the balance.
They lie in second place just two points ahead of Scotland so will need to up the ante to fend off the Tartan Army.
Czech Republic can be found at 15/4 to win with the draw at 13/5. However, the best bit of business if you fancy anything other than a Spain win would be to use bwin’s double chance market to select the Czech win or a draw at a generous 11/10.
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La Liga weekend betting preview
John Baines casts his eye over this weekend's La Liga action.
Saturday 1st October
Osasuna v Mallorca
Home win: 39/50 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 18/5
Betting Tip: If you want to see an end-to-end game of attacking football this weekend then Osasuna-Mallorca is better left avoided. The un-dynamic duo have only scored three goals a piece in their five league games and if you forget about the eight that Barcelona stuck past Osasuna, they’ve only conceded seven between them too. Get on the draw at 12/5.
Racing Santander v Rayo Vallecano
Home win: 23/20 Draw: 21/10 Away win: 39/20
Betting Tip: Santander were the headline act of the first round after snatching defeat from the draws of victory at Valencia. Racing were 3-1 up before losing 4-3 and since then they’ve failed to find the target in four games. Having said that, Racing are the better side and they could easily nick this one. 4/1 for a home win with under 2.5 goals looks like a steal.
Villarreal v Real Zaragoza
Home win: 3/5 Draw: 14/5 Away win: 19/4
Betting Tip: The Yellow Submarines have been submerged below the surface since the start of the season having won just one of their last five outings. A pair of defeats in the champions league will have done little to ease matters and Zaragoza will fancy their chances of coming away from El Madrigal with at least the 14/5 draw.
Valencia v Granada
Home win: 3/10 Draw: 4/1 Away win: 9/1
Betting Tip: Granada are going to have a job on their hands to stay in La Liga and Valencia will expose the gulf in class on Saturday. Los Che have deservedly held Barcelona and Chelsea to draws in their last two games at the Mestalla but will convert one point into three against the Andalusian minnows. Red hot Roberto Soldado could fill his boots so 11/4 looks long for him to score at least twice.
Malaga v Getafe
Home win: 3/5 Draw: 14/5 Away win: 9/2
Betting Tip: Big spending Malaga have got into the swing of things after an opening day defeat. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have won three of their last four and they will chalk up another victory on home turf against Getafe who last time out shocked league leaders Real Betis. There’s no value in the home win at 11/20 but Santi Cazorla looks tempting at 9/5 to score at any time.
Saturday 2nd October
Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao
Home win: 7/5 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 9/5
Betting Tip: Bilbao are suffering from the hangover of last year’s lofty sixth place finish and have yet to record a league victory so far this term. However, a morale boosting win over PSG in the Europa League could help kick start their La Liga campaign. Sociedad are unbeaten at home so far including a spirited draw with Barca. That record will stay intact but they’ll have to make do with a share of the spoils at 12/5.
Real Betis v Levante
Home win: 3/4 Draw: 13/5 Away win: 7/2
Betting Tip: You would have got long odds on these two being in first and third place at this stage of the season, and both are there on merit. Betis’ blistering start to life back in La Liga was slightly curtailed last weekend by Getafe and Levante are one of only three teams still unbeaten. Betis can end that record here but it will be close. Betis to win with over 2.5 goals in the game is available at a tasty 9/5.
Atletico Madrid v Sevilla
Home win: 19/20 Draw: 5/2 Away win: 27/10
Betting Tip: You never know what you’re going to get from Atletico – even if their annual drubbing at Barcelona came as no surprise. At home Atletico have been solid, winning five of six and scoring ten in their last three outings at the Vicente Calderon. Sevilla are still unbeaten but have only chalked up a pair of draws on their travels. Back the prolific Radamel Falcao to open the scoring at 4/1 to set up an Atletico win.
Sporting Gijon v Barcelona
Home win: 13/1 Draw: 13/2 Away win: 3/20
Betting Tip: Barcelona will walk this so it’s all about who scores and how many. The world’s best team have knocked in ten goals in their last two games and Lionel Messi has scored five of them. The little Argentine is preposterously overpriced at 17/10 to score two or more against La Liga’s basement boys.
Espanyol v Real Madrid
Home win: 19/2 Draw: 9/2 Away win: 13/50
Betting Tip: Real Madrid look to have overcome the wobble of a few weeks back when they were beaten by Levante and held by Santander without scoring in either. Los Blancos have plundered nine in successive wins over Rayo Vallecano and Ajax and they will be on the goal trail once again at Espanyol. Mourinho’s men are 29/20 to win with over 3.5 goals in the game.
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Leeds v Portsmouth betting tips
In a game involving Leeds United and Portsmouth it seems cruelly ironic to be talking about sensible investments, but unlike these two fiscal disasters you won’t end up in administration if you back Leeds to win with goals galore.
Simon Grayson’s side are only loitering in 13th because of patchy away form but on home turf it’s been a different ball game.
The Whites have won their last three Championship games at Elland Road, scoring nine times in the process, and bwin’s 3Way football betting market has them at a generous 17/20 to keep that run going against poor old Pompey.
The south-coast crisis club won the FA Cup a little over three years ago so it shows the depths they’ve plummeted to that you can now have them at 3/1 to beat a side who were two leagues below them during happy Harry Redknapp’s opulent reign. The draw is at 12/5.
Leeds score and concede in equal measure and so far their eight league fixtures have thrown up an unfeasibly high 31 goals – with 13 coming in their last three home games.
Portsmouth’s ties are also averaging close to three per game so it seems silly not to go for over 3.5 goals in this one at 33/20.
Moreover, these two also have a proclivity for saving the strikes until after the interval. Leeds have scored 16 times in their eight second halves so far and eight out of ten Pompey goals have come following boss Steve Cotterill’s half-time recommendations.
You can more than double your money at 21/20 that the second half will contain the most goals, with good returns to be had on over 1.5 goals at 83/100 and over 2.5 goals at 13/5 to be scored after they’ve swapped ends.
Spending £7m on Seth Johnson may not have been the best bit of business but putting a couple of quid on a Leeds win with goals would be.
Football betting fans can receive a £25 free bet when they join bwin.com and putting that on a Leeds win with over 3.5 goals in the game at 13/4 would return an impressive £106.25.
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La Liga weekend betting preview
John Baines takes a look at this week's Spanish league action for bwinbetting.com.
Real Sociedad v Barcelona
Home win: 15/1 Draw: 25/4 Away win: 3/20
Betting Tip: Barca got the defence of their La Liga crown underway in ominous fashion with a 5-0 rout of Villarreal. Although Sociedad recorded an impressive 2-1 win at Gijon, they will be no match for Pep Guardiola’s superstars. Back Barca to win with over 3.5 combined goals in the game at 13/10.
Villarreal v Sevilla
Home win: 23/20 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 9/4
Betting Tip: The yellow submarines were sunk by Barca on the opening day but now face a more realistic test against Sevilla. Los Nervionenses got up and running with an impressive victory over big spending Malaga, but with Villarreal solid on home turf a draw seems the best bet at 12/5.
Real Madrid v Getafe
Home win: 7/100 Draw: 35/4 Away win: 22/1
Betting Tip: Real scored six last week to trump Barca’s five to prove this seasons La Liga will be another two team precession. Getafe could only draw at home to Levante and the sooner they get this game out of the way the better. Give Getafe a 2-0 start and Real will still win at 31/50.
Valencia v Atletico Madrid
Home win: 17/20 Draw: 27/10 Away win: 14/5
Betting Tip: Valencia are arguably La Liga’s ‘best of the rest’ but had to come from 3-1 down to eventually beat Racing Santander 4-3 last weekend. Atletico have undergone yet another summer overhaul and the unfamiliarity showed in a tepid 0-0 draw with Osasuna. Punt on Valencia to win with over 2.5 goals in the game at 17/10.
Sunday September 11th
Real Betis v Mallorca
Home win: 17/20 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 13/4
Betting Tip: Betis and Mallorca are expected to be fighting for survival but both got their campaigns underway with narrow 1-0 wins over Granada and Espanyol respectively. The draw at 12/5 looks good value and with not many goals likely, you might want to predict a 1-1 at 21/4.
Racing Santander v Levante
Home win: 11/10 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 12/5
Betting Tip: Racing had threatened to pull off the shock of the weekend when leading Valencia 3-1 at the Mestalla but they eventually crumbled 4-3. Levante gained a creditable draw away at Getafe and are unbeaten on their last four trips to the Estadio El Sardinero. More than double your money on the draw at 23/10.
Osasuna v Sporting Gijon
Home win: 4/5 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 7/2
Betting Tip: Gijon won just twice on the road last season and they’ll have a job getting off the mark against an Osasuna side who are notoriously difficult to beat on their own patch. Osasuna held Atletico to a goalless draw in week one and have won this fixture 1-0 in the previous two encounters. Lump on Osasuna to win with less than 2.5 combined goals in the game at 5/2.
Rayo Vallecano v Real Zaragoza
Home win: 23/20 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 23/10
Betting Tip: Zaragoza got spanked 6-0 at home to Real Madrid last weekend but little can be gleaned from results against La Liga’s two super clubs. Rayo marked their return to the top flight with a solid 1-1 draw in Bilbao but seem too short to back at 23/20. Games between promoted sides and those who finished in the bottom half are difficult to call. Play safe by backing any side to win by a one goal margin at 5/4.
Espanyol v Athletic Bilbao
Home win: 7/5 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 37/20
Betting Tip: Espanyol got off to a disappointing start with a 1-0 defeat in Mallorca but can now fall back on their strong home form against Bilbao. The men from the Basque country could only muster a 1-1 draw against newly promoted Rayo and have an awful record away to the Blanquiblaus – losing on their last five visits. Have three guesses at a correct Espanyol winning scoreline by backing them to triumph 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0 at 3/1.
Monday September 12th
Malaga v Granada
Home win: 21/50 Draw: 333/100 Away win: 13/2
Betting Tip: The multi-million pound Qatari investment into Malaga has made them one of the most talked about teams in La Liga since the end of last season, but they failed to live up to the hype on the opening day going down 2-1 at Sevilla. Promoted Granada are likely to struggle all year and will prove to be the type of fodder Malaga need to get themselves up and running. Bet on new signing Ruud van Nistelrooy to score at any time at 11/10.
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Home win: 15/1 Draw: 25/4 Away win: 3/20
Betting Tip: Barca got the defence of their La Liga crown underway in ominous fashion with a 5-0 rout of Villarreal. Although Sociedad recorded an impressive 2-1 win at Gijon, they will be no match for Pep Guardiola’s superstars. Back Barca to win with over 3.5 combined goals in the game at 13/10.
Villarreal v Sevilla
Home win: 23/20 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 9/4
Betting Tip: The yellow submarines were sunk by Barca on the opening day but now face a more realistic test against Sevilla. Los Nervionenses got up and running with an impressive victory over big spending Malaga, but with Villarreal solid on home turf a draw seems the best bet at 12/5.
Real Madrid v Getafe
Home win: 7/100 Draw: 35/4 Away win: 22/1
Betting Tip: Real scored six last week to trump Barca’s five to prove this seasons La Liga will be another two team precession. Getafe could only draw at home to Levante and the sooner they get this game out of the way the better. Give Getafe a 2-0 start and Real will still win at 31/50.
Valencia v Atletico Madrid
Home win: 17/20 Draw: 27/10 Away win: 14/5
Betting Tip: Valencia are arguably La Liga’s ‘best of the rest’ but had to come from 3-1 down to eventually beat Racing Santander 4-3 last weekend. Atletico have undergone yet another summer overhaul and the unfamiliarity showed in a tepid 0-0 draw with Osasuna. Punt on Valencia to win with over 2.5 goals in the game at 17/10.
Sunday September 11th
Real Betis v Mallorca
Home win: 17/20 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 13/4
Betting Tip: Betis and Mallorca are expected to be fighting for survival but both got their campaigns underway with narrow 1-0 wins over Granada and Espanyol respectively. The draw at 12/5 looks good value and with not many goals likely, you might want to predict a 1-1 at 21/4.
Racing Santander v Levante
Home win: 11/10 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 12/5
Betting Tip: Racing had threatened to pull off the shock of the weekend when leading Valencia 3-1 at the Mestalla but they eventually crumbled 4-3. Levante gained a creditable draw away at Getafe and are unbeaten on their last four trips to the Estadio El Sardinero. More than double your money on the draw at 23/10.
Osasuna v Sporting Gijon
Home win: 4/5 Draw: 12/5 Away win: 7/2
Betting Tip: Gijon won just twice on the road last season and they’ll have a job getting off the mark against an Osasuna side who are notoriously difficult to beat on their own patch. Osasuna held Atletico to a goalless draw in week one and have won this fixture 1-0 in the previous two encounters. Lump on Osasuna to win with less than 2.5 combined goals in the game at 5/2.
Rayo Vallecano v Real Zaragoza
Home win: 23/20 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 23/10
Betting Tip: Zaragoza got spanked 6-0 at home to Real Madrid last weekend but little can be gleaned from results against La Liga’s two super clubs. Rayo marked their return to the top flight with a solid 1-1 draw in Bilbao but seem too short to back at 23/20. Games between promoted sides and those who finished in the bottom half are difficult to call. Play safe by backing any side to win by a one goal margin at 5/4.
Espanyol v Athletic Bilbao
Home win: 7/5 Draw: 23/10 Away win: 37/20
Betting Tip: Espanyol got off to a disappointing start with a 1-0 defeat in Mallorca but can now fall back on their strong home form against Bilbao. The men from the Basque country could only muster a 1-1 draw against newly promoted Rayo and have an awful record away to the Blanquiblaus – losing on their last five visits. Have three guesses at a correct Espanyol winning scoreline by backing them to triumph 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0 at 3/1.
Monday September 12th
Malaga v Granada
Home win: 21/50 Draw: 333/100 Away win: 13/2
Betting Tip: The multi-million pound Qatari investment into Malaga has made them one of the most talked about teams in La Liga since the end of last season, but they failed to live up to the hype on the opening day going down 2-1 at Sevilla. Promoted Granada are likely to struggle all year and will prove to be the type of fodder Malaga need to get themselves up and running. Bet on new signing Ruud van Nistelrooy to score at any time at 11/10.
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Get on both teams to score in Leeds-Palace clash
The Elland Road natives are restless and it’s not just with Chairman Ken. Leeds are perched at the wrong end of the Championship table and Crystal Palace will fancy their chances of taking the points on Saturday.
Dougie Freedman’s men are unbeaten since the first day of the campaign, winning three and drawing one of their last four outings.
In contrast, Leeds have won just once and lost three, so given the contradictions in form bwin’s 3Way football betting market have the Eagles at a very generous 33/10 to swoop to victory in West Yorkshire.
However, traditionally this fixture has been a home banker, with the hosts sending the visitors packing the last five times the sides have met.
Leeds’ previous match at Elland Road saw them rout Hull City 4-1 and the other tie in front of their own fans was more than influenced by the hapless refereeing of Anthony Taylor against Middlesbrough.
If you fancy Leeds to carry on the trend of whipping the welcome mat away, they can be backed at 4/5, with the draw an enticing 12/5.
In a league where you expect the unexpected, about as close as you can come to a certainty is that there will be goals between these two.
Last year, Leeds’ porous defence conceded 70 times despite them finishing seventh and those frailties have seen them ship in another nine in five games this time around.
Palace have scored at least once in every game so far and Leeds have scored in all bar one. You can boost your bank balance by betting on both teams to score at 18/25 or over 2.5 goals in the match at 7/10.
Punters who sign up for a bwin account are entitled to a £25 free bet and utilising that on both teams to score in the first half will return you a cool £102.50.
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