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 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?