When,last month,Wayne Rooney scored a hugely important goal for Manchester United in a game against West Ham,he shouted 'f***' on the camera,out of joyous emotion.Realising his mistake after the match,he issued an apology.He was nonetheless slapped with a two-match ban for 'being a bad example to the kids'. If that,however,is what football strives to clamp down on,then Rooney's attitude is just a smokescreen.
Last week's el-classico between Real Madrid and Barcelona was everything negative,save for Lionel Messi's moment of magic.Jose Mourinho's mind games before that ill-fated champions' league match was a prelude.In the match itself,the players fought with themselves rather than for the ball.Barcelona players dived at every challenge.Irritating players like Dani Alves and Sergio Busquet were so childish.So were others.
After the match,Mourinho cried foul.Barcelona responded.Both reported each other to UEFA.Madrid released evidence to prove Busquet called Marcelo 'mano mano'(monkey).Even respected managers like Guus Hiddink and Steven Seagal look-alike Ottmar Hitzfeld have had a say.In all,Madrid now look like devils.
While I condemn the actions of both teams,I cannot understand why Barcelona seem to do no wrong.They play attractive football,yes.But that doesn't make them saints.Whenever they have issues with opposing teams,everyone(including the football authorities) jumps to support them.Unbelievable! But then,what is worse than both players' attitudes to the kids at home?Surely,Rooney's case is such a 'none issue'.
Talking about Rooney,everyone feels Man United's loss to Arsenal means they would be toppled by Chelsea.Really?For God's sake,United hold a 3-point advantage.Chelsea beating them is a possibility,but never a certainty.The EPL remains United's to lose,in my opinion.