A Game Of Two Halves

SUGGESTIONS have been made to change fixtures at the 2022 Qatar World Cup to games of THREE thirty minute periods - if the heat conditions become too much for players.

Michael Beavon, director of Arup Associates, said: "There is a moderate risk of heat injury to the players between 24C-29C. But if you go above that you have high and extreme risk of injury.

"The one thing FIFA do say, although it is for guidance, is if it's 32C they will stop a match and play three 30-minute thirds rather than two 45-minute halves."

Temperatures can soar to over 40C in the summer, so the risk to players' health is clearly substantial. But, there is another way to get around this problem.

Do not have the World Cup in Qatar.

It is probably the most obvious solution.

What is the point in having three period football matches? It goes against the entire history of football. Not only will the idea of three periods play havoc with television scheduling, but the games will take even longer to complete.

No one wants to go to a football match and be disturbed by regular intervals. This is not American football where it takes four hours to complete a game because of the different plays and advertisement breaks.

Naturally, FIFA have distanced themselves from the claims. A spokesman said: "The possibility has not been discussed." Trust Sepp Blatter and his cronies to attempt to sweep another scandal under the rug.

The problem with Blatter is that he wants to leave a legacy. This is why we are facing the problematic World Cup in Qatar in the middle of summer, because of his 'legacy'. The only thing he is going to be remembered for is a series of cock-ups and a bribery scandal - not to mention his stubborn stance on goal-line technology, which I am not even going to get into.

Qatar was not a popular choice to host a World Cup, and this will do nothing to change anyone's views on the matter. Should three thirty minute periods be introduced, Blatter will be the laughing stock of the planet and the beautiful game will be a mockery.

The Nation Has Hope

ENGLAND Women qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup after beating Japan 2-0 on Tuesday.

A sensational chip from Ellen White and a neat finish from substitute Rachel Yankey were enough to see England top the group ahead of Japan, who are ranked fourth in the world.

Hope Powell's team now face France for a place in the semi-finals on Saturday in Leverkusen, and prove to the nation that not all World Cups can end in premature disappointment.

Following the men's humiliation at the hands of Germany last summer in Bloemfontein, the nation have come to expect nothing from those who pull on the coveted Three Lions jersey.

But now, after a draw against Mexico, victory from a goal down against New Zealand and Tuesday's win over Japan, there is light at the end of the tunnel for a country that is starving for success.

Women's football has been said to be lightyears behind the men's game, but the fact that more people care about the current World Cup going on in Germany than the Euro 2012 qualifiers explains the situation clearly.

Fabio Capello's flops fail to put on a display to get the crowd going on a regular basis, whereas Powell's team are some of the most consistent performers at every tournament. Could it be argued that the women's game is now more entertaining that the men's game? Or is it the same debate of lack of passion in the men's game?

Watching the goal celebrations every time the ladies scored, I got a real sense of togetherness. They are a close-knit unit - a family, even - rather than a team, whereas Capello's lads play as strangers.

It would be great to see the women bring the World Cup hope. Maybe it will not be as satisfying for a nation as a men's World Cup triumph, but you will not be able to take anything away from Powell's girls should they be victorious in Germany.

The Mann For The Job

DIETMAR Hamann's appointment as Stockport County manager is just the boost the club need to help steer them into the football league once more.

Hamann has a CV that boasts experience after a lengthy career which saw him lift two Bundesliga titles and a UEFA Cup with Bayern Munich, before a second UEFA Cup, two League Cups, two FA Cups and a Champions League triumph with Liverpool.

The Istanbul success under Rafa Benitez in 2005 was the icing on a fantastic career for the German who was capped 59 times by his country and scored the final goal at the old Wembley as the Germans ran out 1-0 winners over Kevin Keegan's England team.

The Hatters had a miserable campaign last season as they tumbled out of the football league for the first time in 106 years.

Under the charge of Dave Jones in 1996-97, County finished second in Division Two and also reached the semi-finals of the League Cup - beating three Premier League teams en route.

After five seasons in the second tier of English football, the Hatters were eventually relegated back to Division Two and then, not long after, to the fourth tier of English football.

In 2007-08, a 3-2 Play-Off Final victory over Rochdale saw Stockport return to League-One. However, financial trouble soon followed and after entering administration the club was taken over by the '2015 Group'.

Five wins from 46 matches saw the Hatters return to League Two in 2010, before toppling into the fifth tier after finishing bottom of the football league.

Now Hamann takes over the reigns of Ray Mathias in his first management job since retiring from professional football. The former Newcastle United midfielder was a coach at final club Milton Keynes Dons before he accepted the role of manager at Edgeley Park.

It is a shrewd appointment by Lord Snape who must surely believe that the experience Hamann will bring to the club will be invaluable. With a variety of contacts in England and across the continent, it will be interesting to see if those could be put into effect by securing the loan signings of talented young players that would surely help the Hatters back into the football league.

Knock-Out Football

WHEN I heard that a Sunderland fan was suing their own club I was shocked. The Mackems are amongst some of the most passionate and loyal in the land, surely it is a hoax I thought.

Then I saw the reason why the Black Cats were being sued, which is absolutely preposterous.

Why on earth would anyone sue the club they love after being knocked out by a stray Djibril Cisse shot at the training ground? Has the world gone completely mad?

So you got hit by the ball? Big deal.

Chairman Niall Quinn should ban this lunatic from coming within 100 yards of the Stadium of Light after this fiasco, but instead he is answering questions on BBC Radio Newcastle about the legal action being taken against the club.

"That supporter is in the process of suing us right now," said the Irishman.

Incredible.

This one supporter will probably end up ruining it for every other Sunderland fan. The effects this will now have on supporter and training ground regulations could be catastrophic.

Young Mackems lining up to get a glimpse of their heroes will be turned by the club for fear of having another lawsuit filed against them. It is completely ridiculous.

It could also start a new craze in the football stadiums now. Should a fan get hit by the ball when a player clears it into touch, what is to stop them from suing the club too?

'Where there's a blame there's a claim'...Try blaming yourself for not moving out of the way of a ball you moron!

If this fan wins the case then there is something seriously wrong with the world we are living in today.

Does the Punishment Fit the Crime?

PASSION. One of many words associated with football. Unfortunately idiocy is another one that fits the bill perfectly. The mind boggles to come to terms with why Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been slapped with a two match ban for merely showing his enthusiasm.

The England man said that the automatic two-match ban was "clearly excessive" and I completely agree.

There is always going to be swearing in modern day football, it is part and parcel of the game, it is the culture that we live in. Tempers are running high and emotions are boiling over, and showing your passion is a crime now...apparently.

It seems that, lately, the FA are doing all they can to undermine United. First by hitting Sir Alex Ferguson with a five game touchline ban for improper conduct after his rant at Martin Atkinson, and now the ban dished out to Rooney for foul and abusive language. This means both will be in the stands for the crucial FA Cup semi-final tie against local rivals Manchester City.

It is such a harsh and petty punishment for Rooney, who has done worse things in his life than swear down a television camera. Yes, there would probably be children watching at home, but it is nothing that they will not hear in the playground in a few years time anyway.

Live matches always have abusive chants coming from the stands that cannot be edited out. Is this just the FA trying to even out the law for when Rooney should have been suspended for elbowing James McCarthy in the fixture against Wigan Athletic?

If so, it is a terrible way to go about it.

The absence of the former Everton man in the semi-final clash will have a drastic impact on moral in the City dressing room. Although Rooney has not hit top form at all this season, he still has all the capabilities to cause problems, and Roberto Mancini will no doubt be relieved that his name will not be on the team sheet.

I do not think that anyone particularly cares that he swore down the lens of a camera. It was certainly inappropriate, but there are much worse things in life at the moment.

So does the punishment fit the crime? Not one bit.

The English game is becoming a complete farce. It is high time the FA took a long hard look at some of their actions and realised how truly pathetic they are.

The Pressure is Real

AHEAD of this evenings Champions League clash at the Bernabeu, all the pressure is on Jose Mourinho's team of superstars.

Champions League new comers Tottenham Hotspur are not going to disgrace themselves, even with a 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Galacticos, which is why I think the Spanish giants may struggle tonight.

If Spurs are able to keep their heads and defend properly they will have a fantastic opportunity to get a positive result. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both out of the clash, the visiting defence will really fancy their chances in the Spanish capital.

Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon will be the key men for the Harry Redkapp's men as they will be looking to provide the service for Milan hero Peter Crouch and the prolific Jermaine Defoe.

Rafael van der Vaart is a man on a mission tonight. The former Ajax and Hamburg midfielder was signed by Spurs for £8m from Madrid on January deadline day, and has been a key figure in the North London club's bid to secure a second successive Champions League spot.

The expectations are high for a club drenched in European glory with no less than nine Champions League triumphs, the last of which, however, was in 2002 - a game which will always be remembered for a tremendous volley from undoubtedly the best player at the time...Zinedine Zidane.

With the likes of Zidane and Luis Figo now well and truly moved on, it is up to new boys Mezut Ozil and Angel di Maria to step up to the plate and show their true qualities.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Vedran Corluka will have their work cut out to deal with the movement of the tricky forwards, and may face familiar foe in the shape of on-loan Manchester City star Emmanuel Adebayor, who played for fierce rivals Arsenal for four seasons.

Gonzalo Higuain will also have to be watched carefully by the depleted visiting defence. No Ledley King or Youness Kaboul has left the back line looking very thin, but Michael Dawson has been in inspirational form at the heart of the defence this season.

It is up to Spurs to go out there and do what they do best - play free-flowing attacking football. If Redknapp's men sit back and attempt to defend, there will only be one outcome.

Both AC and Inter Milan have come undone at the hands of Tottenham's explosive attacking football, so it is time now for Harry's lads to show the world that it was no fluke by causing another European upset.

Making A Stand

WHY is the Premier League so against having terraces? Everyone knows a standing section is great for atmosphere - and that is what fans want.

I would be delighted to go and stand on the terraces and cheer my team on because I rarely use my seat when I am at a game.

The fear is that there will be a repeat of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, but what Premier League bigwigs need to consider in their calculations is that metal fences are no longer present in the English game.

A spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: "Football grounds are safer and more comfortable than they were 20 years ago." Though this is true, football is not about comfort, it is about entertainment and togetherness - the fans as one, being the twelfth man.

The Premier League's main argument for having all-seater stadia is so that more women and children will be encouraged to attend the games. Well, hold on a minute. No one suggested getting rid of the family stands. We want more people to get involved. All we want is a section of terraces for those who want to stand and bring back the atmospheres that football had decades ago.

The Football Supporters' Federation (FSF), who are leading the campaign to bring back the terraces to the top two divisions in England, are using the German Bundesliga as their prime example as to why standing areas should be reintroduced to the English league.

German stadium expert Professor Gunter Pilz said: "You can't sing and make a good atmosphere when you are sitting." He also believes that the chances of another disaster like Hillsborough is very unlikely. "We have never had safety problems with standing in Germany."

There are plenty of stadiums in the lower tiers of English football that still have terraced areas, and there are no health and safety issues whatsoever. There might not be as many fans, but even so this is evidence enough for the Premier League to reintroduce standing areas for supporters who want it.

Football is for everyone, not just for prawn sandwich eaters who take flasks and blankets.

Look at the German example. The Bundesliga is becoming bigger and better than ever and fans are enjoying the atmosphere. Maybe the Premier League should take a leaf out of their book and stop worrying about health and safety and start worrying about the decay of fans' enjoyment.

It is time to give something back to the supporters.

Twinning Mentality the Future Foundations

THE FA CUP quarter final gave the nation a glimpse at Manchester United's future. Rafael and Fabio da Silva. At just 20-years-old, the Brazilian twins are two of the most exciting prospects in the Premier League. But it feels like they have been around for years.

Scouted from Fluminense, who also produced Real Madrid left-back Marcelo, the twins have made a name for themselves at one of the highest levels of football, with both claiming honours in their three years at Old Trafford.

The watchful eye of Sir Alex Ferguson has enabled the nimble full-backs to be nurtured by senior squad members, with Gary Neville and Patrice Evra the perfect role models for aspiring, young footballers.

Ferguson is building the foundations for another fantastic squad - just like he had during the days of Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce and David Beckham.

Chris Smalling is another rising young star. His performances in his last few games have been fantastic, he too is being nurtured by senior squad members Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

We all know that Fergie is no mug when it comes to transfers - Eric Djemba-Djemba and Kleberson aside - and he has unearthed some real gems in the shape of Smalling, the Silva twins and fellow South American Javier Hernandez, who has been a revelation for the Red Devils this season.

England striker Wayne Rooney's constant misfiring this term has meant that Chicharito has been the main man for United this and boy has he stepped up to the plate. I have lost count of the amount of crucial goals the Mexican has popped up with this season.

Lots of people are saying that there is no future for United, but I have to disagree. Yes, the veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes will soon be leaving the Premier League. The only question is whether it will be at the end of this season like Edwin van der Sar.

But despite the spine of the team being ripped out through old age, there is some incredibly bright talent waiting in the wings to become the new Stretford End heroes.

There have been rumours floating around for months that there will be a huge clear out at Old Trafford, with Fergie getting rid of anyone he considers to be 'dead wood'. The Scot needs some talent in the engine room if they are going to continue to challenge for major honours. It is quite clear that Darron Gibson, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher are not the key to success.

If van der Sar can be replaced, Sir Alex needs to secure the signatures of exciting, young midfielders. If he can do this, the Red Devils will continue challenging at the highest levels.

So He's Gay? Big Deal

I REALLY want to know what everyone is making such a big fuss about. So a footballer has come out as being gay...and? We are in the 21st Century here, not back in medieval times when you would be burnt at the stake.

OK, yes, it is a tough thing for anyone to openly admit that they are gay, but for a professional sportsperson who is constantly in the public spot light being scrutinised for every move they make takes a lot of courage.

Just look at Justin Fashanu.

Although it ended in tragic circumstances for Fashanu, it does not mean it will be the same for Anton Hysen, who came out on Thursday.

"I really don't care," said the 20-year-old. "If you respect me for the person who I am and how good I am at my sport, you shouldn't care."

Truer words never spoken.

Why should we care? In a society where everyone is striving to be accepted, why should professional sportsmen and women be afraid of coming out and admitting to who they are?

A survey by Staffordshire University showed that 90% of fans would not care if a footballer openly admitted that he were gay. I wonder how many of those fans would still join in with homophobic chants if said player was up against their team.

"They can say what they want," continued the Swede, son of former Liverpool defender Glenn, "I am who I am, I don't really care. Maybe I should just go dance with them - I don't know."

The important thing for a gay professional is to have the support of their teammates, not to be shunned or cast aside because they are different. Just look at the support that cricketer Steven Davies had when he announced his homosexuality on February 27. He received the full backing of the England team, and that is what professionals need if they are going to take that final step and announce who they really are.

Why should a sportsperson be afraid or ashamed to come out for fear of being slandered and ridiculed? Just because some fat mess eating a pie on the terraces is going to hurl homophobic abuse at them. Fans who cannot accept homosexuality in sport need to take a good look at their sad, pathetic lives and realise that this is the way people choose to live their lives. They do not want to be forced into hiding because of another person's insecurity.

"I've had players over the years who were single and read books and so others [other players] said they must be gay," said former Crystal Palace manager Alan Smith. "I think being openly gay would be something very difficult to live with in football. You can get drunk and beat up your wife and that's quite acceptable, but if someone were to say 'I'm gay', it's considered awful. It's ridiculous."

Smith makes an excellent point. Why should it be considered awful when there are far more worse things going on in the game. Players cheating on their wives with hookers, international footballers shooting people on work experience with an air rifle.

It is about time the world of football - and any other sport for that matter - embraced the fact that homosexuality is a way of life.

Lion Hart

YOU know your club is struggling when Paul Hart is appointed as manager. But, it is fair to say that the 57-year-old is one of the most underrated coach in the game.

His success at Nottingham Forest as youth coach is clear to see, bringing through some of the finest talent England has to offer in the shape of Jermaine Jenas and Michael Dawson - who are both playing Champions League football with Tottenham Hotspur.

Hart was given the managerial position at the City Ground in 2001, taking over from David Platt who had left the club with spiraling debt and led Forest to the Division One Play-Off semi-finals, only to lose to Sheffield United.

Following spells at Barnsley and then Rushden and Diamonds, Hart was appointed Director of Youth Operations at Portsmouth in 2007, before taking over the reins at Fratton Park on February 9 2009 when Tony Adams was dismissed.

The following season, seven consecutive league defeats saw Pompey rooted to the foot of the Premier League and Hart's spell came to an end on November 24 with just two wins from 13, leaving the south coast club stranded and battling for relegation.

A one month stint at Queens Park Rangers was to follow before he took the managerial post at relegation stricken Crystal Palace on March 2 2010, after Neil Warnock took the Queens Park Rangers job.

With the Eagles in administration and League-Two looming, three draws from the last three games were enough to keep the south-London club up - including a dramatic last day of the season point at fellow strugglers Sheffield Wendesday, who were relegated following a 2-2 draw at Hillsborough.

Now, the former Stockport County, Blackpool, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham City and Notts County defender has taken charge at Npower League-One side Swindon Town, who are lurking precariously in the drop zone following the departure of Danny Wilson.

The club have been struggling since losing strikers Billy Paynter and Charlie Austin to Leeds and Burnley respectively.

Now, although Hart's managerial record is not one to be admired too much, we cannot deny his abilities as a coach to get the best out of young players. While a youth coach at Leeds, he produce much of the team that led the Whites to the Champions League semi-finals in 2001.

United were regarded as one of the finest teams in Europe at the time, and although players such as the prolific Mark Viduka, Rio Ferdinand and Olivier Dacourt were the spine of the team, players such as Ian Harte, Harry Kewell, Alan Smith, Paul Robinson and Stephen McPhail all had a major part to play in Leeds' bid for glory.

All of those players came through under Hart's watchful eye, so, although his managerial track record does not scream success, what he has achieved as a coach is something that deserves recognition.

He could be the man to save the Robins from relegation, but only time will tell.

Kolo's Drug Disgrace

WHY do football players feel the need to take drugs? As if they do not have everything already, they feel the need to have even more and even find themselves above the law. Manchester City's Kolo Toure is the latest example to be disgraced after the FA informed him that he tested positive when he gave an A sample.

The Ivory Coast international, who was not involved in last night's 3-0 FA Cup fifth round victory over Aston Villa, has been suspended by the club. And quite rightly so.

Why should any player be treated differently? We saw former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu test positive for cocaine in 2004, which led to the Romanian being sacked and fined £20,000 by the FA, along with a seven month ban. Mutu still has to pay his transfer fee back to the Stamford Bridge outfit.

In 2006, former West Ham United midfielder Shaun Newton also tested positive for cocaine and, like Mutu, was banned for seven months, while in the same year Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Chris Cornes was banned for six months for the same indiscretion.

Surely the former Arsenal man should receive the same treatment, even if it is not cocaine. Drug use is the same, no matter what language you speak, and anyone who abuses the system should be handed a fine and a ban.

Dwain Chambers was banned from athletics for two years after testing positive for tetrahydrogestrinone (THG). Many believe that the British track star should have been handed a lifetime ban, but he returned to the athletics scene in 2005.

He is not the first City player to be involved in a drugs scandal. In 2003, Christian Negouai was fined £2,000 by the FA after missing a drugs test, although the man signed from Charleroi for £1.5m was stuck in traffic but was willing to take the test.

This case was used by rivals Manchester United who tried to appeal against Rio Ferdinand's eight month ban, but FIFA President Sepp Blatter claimed that there were distinct differences between the cases, stating that Ferdinand was unwilling to take the test.

Should Toure be found guilty, the FA should hand out the strictest punishment possible in order to get the message out that drugs are completely unacceptable in sport.

Sheridan Doing it the Rite Way

AFTER failing to secure promotion from Npower League-One with Oldham Athletic during his two year spell, John Sheridan is looking to secure his first managerial honour with League-Two outfit Chesterfield.

The Spireites currently sit top of the league, nine points clear of Wycombe Wanderers - who they thumped 4-1 in midweek - but having played a game more. Even so, there is a substantial gap for the Chairboys to make up.

With just two defeats in their last 16 league games, the Derbyshire club are on course for a return to the third tier of English football after a four year exile.

The Spireites stunned English football when they made it to the FA Cup semi-final in 1997 - taking Premier League side Middlesbrough to a replay having draw the initial tie 3-3 at the Riverside. That season, they overcame Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest before the Division Two (now League One) side were finally seen off by the eventual runners-up.

Chesterfield came close to sealing a Play-Off spot last year but were pipped to seventh place by eventual Play-Off winners Dagenham and Redbridge, who beat already relegated Darlington 2-0, despite their 2-1 win against second place Bournmouth in Sheridan's first season at the helm.

It turned out to be the last game played at Saltergate, the Spireites home since 1884, and what a send off it was with Derek Niven netting a 96th minute winner to spark a pitch invasion.

In their new home the b2net Stadium, Chesterfield have won eleven out of 16 games scoring 43 goals along the way - more than any other League Two side. The most noticeable victory being a dramatic 5-5 draw with Crewe Alexandra on October 2 2010.

46-year-old Sheridan has transformed a club used to losing to one that never gives in, and has attracted high quality players to the b2net,with former Brighton and Hove Albion striker Craig Davies, who leads the club's goalscoring chart with 19 goals in all competitions, the perfect example.

Add to that the loan signings of Scunthorpe United's Ian Morris, Crystal Palace's Kieran Djilali, Manchester City's Javan Vidal and Deane Smalley whom he worked with during his time at Boundary Park.

But, there is also a vast amount of experience in the Spireites squad, namely the shape of veteran striker Jack Lester, who has netted ten league goals this season. With players such as Danny Whitaker, Mark Allott, Robert Page and Ian Breckin all over the 30 barrier, it is the guidance young stars such as Scott Boden need to develop into quality players.

It is the right formula for success that Spireites fans deserve, and what they have been craving since they were last promoted in 2001 - after overcoming a nine point deduction.

All-Hate Diouf

CONTROVERSY seems to follow Senegal striker El-Hadji Diouf around like flies round...well, you get the picture. Last night's Old Firm derby in the Scottish FA Cup fifth round replay at Celtic Park was always going to be a fiery encounter, and it did not disappoint the neutrals.

Three red cards for visiting Rangers summed up their weak performance, but the most ridiculous one was that of Diouf, who was booked twice for dissent. First for confronting the Celtic bench, secondly for confronting centre of attention referee Calum Murray after the full-time whistle was blown.

You may recall that Diouf has had previous with Hoops fans after spitting at them during a UEFA Cup quarter-final tie in his time with Liverpool on March 13 2003. Anyone with any sort of morals in the game will agree that spitting at someone is possibly the most disgusting act a player can commit.

The 30-year old was given a two match ban by UEFA and fined just £5,000.

But, the man on loan at Ibrox from Blackburn Rovers did not learn his lesson there. Just a year later in November 2004 as a Bolton Wanderers player he spat at an 11-year-old Middlesbrough fan and even in the face of fellow professional and Portsmouth player Arjan de Zeeuw. This resulted in a three match ban from the FA and a fine of two weeks' wages by the Trotters.

Even in his time in France he was given community service after being found guilty of driving without a licence when he was at Rennes.

Queens Park Rangers manager Neil Warnock referred to Diouf as being "lower than a sewer rat" after he alledgedly taunted Rangers' forward Jamie Mackie, who was injured on the pitch with a broken leg.

Who actually wants a player like Diouf at their club?

Everywhere he goes he causes trouble and gives the club negative publicity. Surely a player like that must have a poor effect on morale in the dressing room. To know that your club is at the centre of attention for such ridiculous, foul behaviour must make you feel ashamed.

It is no wonder the Senegal striker has had more clubs than hot meals in his time in Britain. Only one season was spent at Sunderland, while Rovers shipped him out on loan following his FA Cup discression against QPR.

A player with an attitude as poor as his will never learn because his ego is bigger than his brain.

The Incompetence of Officials

THIS season, the standard of officials has dropped dramatically. Games are won and lost in the split second that a blatant offside is not flagged, or penalties for virtually nothing are awarded.

Chelsea collected three points last night in a 2-1 victory over Premier League leaders Manchester United and, although referee Martin Atkinson got the penalty decision spot on, Blues defender (and scorer of the first goal) David Luiz should have been dismissed for a second bookable offence after upending Wayne Rooney off the ball.

I criticised referee Mark Clattenburg for his decision not to send off Rooney after the England striker savagely elbowed Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy at the weekend, so I think it is only fair to tar everyone with the same brush.

Although there was no malice in Luiz's challenge, there was certainly intent, as there was in an earlier altercation with Mexican Javier Hernandez. We saw Nemanja Vidic sent off for two bookable offences that were no where near as bad as what Chelsea's £21.3m Portuguese defender committed.

"When I saw who the referee was I feared the worst," said Red Devils' manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has had previous run-ins with Atkinson. Just last season he awarded a dubious free-kick in this encounter, which lead to Chelsea skipper John Terry nodding home the only goal.

"That's three years in a row now. It's hard to take," added the furious Scot.

Now, as a Manchester City fan, watching United lose last night gave me a great sense of pleasure, but as a football fan, watching some of the incompetent decisions being made took a bit of gloss off the occasion. I would suggest demoting Atkinson for his performance, but that would only mean some poor Championship clubs being lumbered with his horrific errors.

But the FA do not seem to work that way. Remember the curious case of Stuart Attwell? His unbelievable decision to award Reading with a goal at Watford when the ball had gone out of play and hooked back in by Royals player Noel Hunt on September 20 2008. Yet, the man who graduated from Staffordshire University in 2004 was awarded with promotion to the Premier League. Marvellous.

But, that is not the most shocking decision we have seen. Attwell is merely the tip of the dung heap. Does the name Robert Shoebridge spring to mind? It should do if your are a Crystal Palace fan. His decision to award a goal kick when Freddie Sears shot bounced out of the net after hitting the stanchion at Bristol City on August 15 2009 is one of the worst decisions in refereeing history, and all he got was a two week suspension.

And do not even get me started on Graham Poll after his horrendous display at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It is amazing how one man can humiliate a nation even more than the terrible performance of the national team.

The list goes on, so surely the element of human error is enough evidence for FIFA President Sepp Blatter to introduce some sort of technology into the game that gives officials the help they so desperately need. Especially after the farce at the 2010 World Cup where Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda controversially ruled that Frank Lampard's shot had not crossed the line in the last 16 tie with Germany.

UEFA are experimenting with two officials at either end of the pitch to give extra support, but again, these officials are susceptible to errors.

We have seen the effect of technology in cricket, tennis and rugby, so why is football still living in the dark ages when so much is at stake for a club that is on the wrong side of an atrocious officiating decision?

If any technology is introduced, it would be better than the sorry state we are in now.

Feather-Light Bantams' Weak Punch

BRADFORD City, always remembered for the fire that tragically claimed the lives of 56 people on May 11 1985, on a day that the Bantams were supposed to be celebrating promotion from Division Three as champions.

But, that is not the focus here.

Bradford play their home games at Valley Parade, their home since they were founded in 1903 and a crowd of 11,000 watched the first game against Gainsborough Trinity on September 5 1903.

Since beating Newcastle United in the FA Cup final replay 1-0 at Old Trafford courtesy of a Jimmy Speirs goal in 1911, the club has failed to win a major honour. The highlights of a desolate existence are two promotions to the English top flight, first in 1908 where City had a 14-year spell, and then in 1999 after a 77-year exile.

Sadly, it was a short stay of just two years for Bradford, who finished 17th in their first season, at the expense of Wimbledon, having beaten Liverpool at Valley Parade in front of more than 18,000 people thanks to a David Wetherall goal just twelve minutes into the tie. The Dons were beaten 2-0 by Southampton at the Dell to compound them to relegation from the top flight.

However, the following season would prove to be a torrid term for the Bantams who finished bottom of the pile with 26 points, their misery made even worse by a 6-1 thrashing in the Yorkshire derby at Elland Road on the penultimate game of the season. An Ashley Ward goal was the only saving grace for already relegated City as Mark Viduka, Ian Harte, Eirik Bakke, Alan Smith, Harry Kewell and Lee Bowyer all netted for United.

Bradford continued to slip down the Division One table through the seasons, and in 2004 they were relegated to the third tier of English football, 15 points from safety, along with Walsall and Wimbledon, who finished bottom with 29 points.

The following season, City finished six points outside the Play-Offs in a mediocre season in the newly reformed Coca-Cola League One, before a second consecutive 11th place finish saw no progress for the Bantams.

But, the next campaign would bring about one of the darkest hours in the club's history. A 3-0 defeat at already relegated Chesterfield on the penultimate game of the season condemned Bradford to the fourth tier of English football, finishing four points from safety after a 2-2 draw with Milwall on the final day of the season.

David Wetherall, who took the reigns after Colin Todd was sacked, was too shown the door at Valley Parade before fans favourite Stuart McCall was given the managerial job to try and lift the club out of its slump.

But two successive mid-table finishes saw the dismissal of McCall and the introduction of Peter Taylor midway through McCall's third season at the helm.

The Bantams are now hovering precariously above the relegation zone, with fear of dropping out of the football league. That would be a great shame for one of England's, perhaps not historic clubs, but certainly a club with such character.

It is always a sorry state of affairs to see a club topple like Bradford have done. They are not the first, and they will not be the last. But hopefully, like MK Dons and rivals Leeds, they will find their feet once more and push their way up through the football league - under the charge of interim manager Peter Jackson, or anyone else for that matter.

Premier League In Roo-in

AFTER hearing that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has escaped FA punishment for his sickening elbow on Wigan Athletic's James McCarthy at the weekend, I can frankly say that I am appalled. What he did was no more than a vicious assault. If that happened in the middle of a town centre, police would have had the 25-year-old arrested.

But no. Because Sir Alex Ferguson has the FA sat snugly in his top pocket, the former Everton man has had a major let off. Where is the justice in that?

I can only agree with what John Hartson said on Match of the Day 2 last night. While arguing that Rooney is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the world, we have to take into account that if it were any other player - for any other club, might I add - the FA would more than likely have taken action.

"How on earth you can defend that?" stated the former West Ham United striker. "Having seen those pictures, I do not know. We like the fact that Rooney gets stuck in, he's a really good footballer. But it's not about him. We are not singling him out here."

The FA are far to scared to persecute players who are perched alongside Fergie and his crony Mike Phelan, who said; "We can't dispute the referee's decision. He's kept the game flowing and we're happy with that."

Reading between the lines, to me that sounds as though Phelan is relieved that referee Mark Clattenburg did not see the incident - not that it is the first time an official has shown signs of blatant incompetence to show a red card to a Red Devils' player. I distinctly remember a certain Gary Neville getting away with what should have been a second yellow card at the Britannia Stadium on October 24 2010, but Andre Marriner bottled the decision and United went on to win 2-1.

Just earlier this season, Ryan Babel was strung up and charged with improper conduct for posting a picture of referee Howard Webb in a United shirt on his Twitter page following the FA Cup 3rd round tie at Old Trafford.

What the Dutchman did was a matter of opinion. Yes, it was ridiculously idiotic, but passions were running high. It is not as if he walked up to Webb and cracked him round the skull with a baseball bat or kneecapped him. If the boot was on the other foot and Rio Ferdinand had posted an image of Webb in a Liverpool shirt, would the FA have took action, or would they have cowered, scared of United's Scottish leader?

I am not saying that it is United's fault that referees are more inclined to give decisions their way, I am saying that the FA are scared of Sir Alex and the power he seems to have at the club.

It is about time that our football governing body strapped on a pair and dished out a hefty fine for what was nothing more than a brutal, thuggish attack by a stupid, moronic imbecile.

The Divine Right To Win

THE Carling Cup final between Arsenal and Birmingham City is being hailed as one of the most important games for Arsenal this season as they look to win a trophy for the first time in six years.

But, what most people seem to forget, unless you are a Blues fan, is that there are two teams contesting this competition. What gives the Gunners the divine right to win?

Sure, the quality of football that Arsene Wenger's team play is simply fantastic. But, if it is that good, then why have the North London club failed to win a trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 2005?

People seem to forget that, despite the hoards of flair players at their disposal, Arsenal are indeed human, as many teams prove time and time again.

The win against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions' League last week was nothing more than steely determination mixed with an element of fortune that allowed Robin van Persie's equaliser to squeeze in at the near post.

So why are Birmingham not in with a shout? Alex McLeish had a terrific track record as Rangers manager before moving to St. Andrews after a stint as Scotland manager. "Big 'Eck" won seven trophies with the Glasgow club and even guided City back to the Premier League, so he knows how to win a competition.

Birmingham have just as much chance as Arsenal do to win their first major trophy for over four decades. The Carling Cup remains the only trophy they have won, courtesy of a 3-1 against fierce rivals Aston Villa in 1963.

The Gunners are without talisman Cesc Fabregas and quick silver Theo Walcott for the Wembley showdown, which will be a huge boost to the Blues' dressing room.

Arsenal are the only team who are still in with a shout of winning every competition they have entered, and City will be looking to end their dream of lifting four trophies by putting in a performance worthy of victory.

It would be ironic if Alexander Hleb were to score the winning goal, or even Sebastian Larsson or David Bentley. The three former Arsenal men will be relishing the opportunity for a crack at the whip against their ex-employers.

Or maybe it will all boil down to the enigmatic Kevin Phillips. The former England striker and one time Golden Boot winner with Sunderland is always capable of chipping in with a goal here and there and will no doubt be called upon if a late equaliser in needed.

The Blues will have to exploit the fragile Arsenal back line with the giant Serb Nikola Zigic looking to cause havoc from dead ball situations with his ability to find the net with his head, something which has caused the Gunners many problems over the course of the season.

Yes, Arsenal are more than capable of playing Birmingham off the park. But this is a cup final and no matter how hard Andrey Arshavin and Samir Nasri try, the Blues will be trying just as hard, and anything can happen.

Anyone for a cup upset?

The Future's Bright

LOOKING at the Npower League One table, it is hard not to feel a sense of joy for Brighton and Hove Albion, unless you are a die hard Crystal Palace fan, of course. But it just goes to show what can be gained by giving a young manager the chance to make an impact.

Gustavo Augusto Poyet Domínguez, or 'Gus' as he is better known to us, made his name in England when Ruud Gullit snapped up the Uruguayan in 1997 on a free transfer from Real Zaragoza, where the mercurial midfielder had netted 63 goals in 239 league appearances.

Poyet had a good track record of success before joining the Stamford Bridge outfit having won the Copa del Rey in 1994, then helping Zaragoza beat Arsenal in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in a year later.

His line of honours would not stop there after his move to the capital as he again won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1998 along with the European Super Cup, before lifting one of the greatest prizes in English football, the FA Cup in 2000.

Unfortunately for Poyet, the arrival of Claudio Ranieri at Chelsea meant that the one-time Copa America winner was surplus to requirements and Tottenham Hotspur gladly snapped up the deadly play maker for £2.2m.

He retired from football in 2004 after his time at White Hart Lane was blighted by injury, with a reoccurring cruciate knee ligament problem that saw much of his time at Stamford Bridge spent on the sidelines.

In 2006, Poyet was reunited with former Chelsea teammate Dennis Wise as his assistant at Swindon Town before the pair moved to Leeds United where Poyet was to make his name as a coach, despite being unable to lead the Elland Road side to the Championship.

The next season, Poyet was appointed as Juande Ramos' number two as he returned to White Hart Lane where he picked up his first trophy as a coach with Spurs beating Chelsea, of all teams, 2-1 in the Carling Cup.

It was in on November 10 2009 that the Uruguayan was made Seagulls manager after Russell Slade made a poor start to the campaign. Poyet helped steer the struggling club clear of relegation, finishing in a respectable 13th place.

And so began his first full season, and what a way to start it with seven consecutive wins, which saw Albion top the league - and the Seagulls are still there, one point clear of second place Bournmouth with three games in hand. A fine job by Poyet.

It shows what is to be gained by giving young managers a chance. We all saw Paul Ince do a fantastic job at MK Dons, leading them to promotion in his first season, and also to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. However, it seemed that the Blackburn Rovers job, as many predicted, was a step too far for a rookie manager and Ince was sacked on December 16 2008.

Another fine example of the value of youth is none other than Eddie Howe, who led Bournmouth to promotion from League Two in his first full season, having saved the Cherries from relegation the previous season - much like Poyet at Brighton.

Now, Howe's managerial skills have been acknowledged by Burnley who are currently battling for the Play-Offs in the Championship - what a year this could be for the 33-year-old.

Surely it will not be long before more managerial gems are unearthed, like Poyet, Ince, Howe and even John Sheridan at League Two leaders Chesterfield.

Young managers should always be given a chance, perhaps not at the top level of English football where the pressure to succeed is far greater, but in the lower leagues where the margin for error is not as extreme and the learning curve is more valuable.

The future is bright for young managers, they need to be given the chance.

Trials and Tribulations

FOLLOWING defeat in the Lancashire Derby on Saturday, Preston North End are staring relegation to Npower League One right in the face having failed to register three points since December 11.

It has been very gloomy days for North End since Iain Hume hit the winner at Deepdale in a 1-0 win against Ipswich 12 games ago, with respectable draws against high flying Queens Park Rangers and more recently Nottingham Forest the scant consolation amidst a run of terrible results.

The Lilywhites set out to avenge the 4-3 defeat suffered at Turf Moor earlier in the season where the Clarets came from 3-1 down to seal victory with three goals in six minutes following Billy Jones' red card for the visitors.

But with just three clean sheets in the league all season, the writing was on the wall for Phil Brown's men who were unable to keep their local rivals at bay.

North End are having the same problem under Brown that they had under Darren Ferguson - inability to defend. The standout result for the season has to be the 6-4 win against Leeds United at Elland Road on September 28.

Although the result was a great attacking display, it showed just how frail they are at the back. One of the more important results that Preston have had all season is a battling 4-3 win over fellow strugglers Crystal Palace on October 23.

It is a team capable of scoring goals, but the desperate need to stiffen up at the back is plain to see, as reinforced by the 4-0 defeat at home to Bristol City earlier this month.

Just two seasons ago North End made it into the Play-Offs, only to lose 2-1 on aggreagate to Sheffield United in the semi-finals. It is amazing just how much the club has fallen into ruin in such a short space of time.

After breaking into the Division One (as it was back in the day) in 2000 following a 95 point haul in Division Two - securing promotion along with Burnley, as chance would have it - the Lilywhites have failed to live up to many peoples' expectations that they would reach the Premier League.

Under the charge of the inspirational David Moyes, Preston made it to the Division One Play-Offs at the first attempt but lost out to Bolton Wanderers in the final after overcoming Birmingham City.

Three points separated Preston from the Play-Offs the following season before Moyes was appointed as Everton manager and a combination of first Kelham O'Hanlon and Craig Brown suffered two mediocre seasons with the Lancashire club.

It was to be Play-Off heartache again for the Lilywhites as Billy Davies led them to fifth place, only to be thwarted by West Ham United in 2005, as the Hammers made an instant return to the Premier League.

Sadly, it was the same old story the following season for poor Preston as this time Leeds United saw them off at the semi-final stage of the Play-Offs, in what would prove to be Davies' last game in charge of the club.

Now the club that boasted the talents of Sir Tom Finney back in the 40s is set to fall into decline after four failed attempts in the Championship Play-Offs, and tougher times are ahead you fear.