Soccer Buzz | Football Talk | Betting Tips

Manchester United agree to sell Mame Biram Diouf to Hannover

2012-01-28T19:00:00Z

Manchester United have agreed to sell striker Mame Biram Diouf to Hannover 96 for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Diouf was undergoing a medical with the German club on Saturday, which should signal the end of his short-lived United career.

Signed from Norwegian club Molde in July 2009, Diouf has made only nine senior appearances for the Reds and his only three outings this term came in the Carling Cup.

FA agrees to skip team handshakes before QPR-Chelsea FA Cup tie

2012-01-28T14:00:00Z

When pre-match handshakes become the subject of fervent debate and garner more analysis and predictions than the actual football match that tends to follow them, something has gone wrong. So in an attempt to help sidestep half the day's racial tensions, the FA decided that QPR and Chelsea should just avoid hand shaking situations at all costs. Said the FA:

Following discussions on Friday evening and Saturday morning involving senior officials from QPR, Chelsea and The FA, it has been agreed there will not be the usual team handshake before today's FA Cup with Budweiser Fourth Round Propertie at Loftus Road.
The FA agreed to the request by both clubs in an attempt to further diffuse tensions before the match.

In addition to moving kickoff up three hours to a noon start and increasing matchday security with more stewards and full searches on fans, the handshake skipping was all part of a design to avoid any trouble relating to the ongoing criminal case brought against Chelsea's John Terry brought on by an anonymous QPR fan that decided they heard him use a racial slur against QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, who was sent a bullet Friday as some sort of threat.

The only handshake that did take place before the match was b! etween t he two captains -- Terry and Joey Barton. The two clubs then diffused the situation further by playing a dire first half that would crush anyone's will to live, let alone commit violence over alleged racial slurs supposedly uttered between footballers.

Euro star: Manchester United ace Danny Welbeck can by England's secret weapon says Cole

2012-01-28T13:00:00Z

Danny Welbeck

Andy Cole believes Danny Welbeck is the man to fire England to glory in this summers European Championships.

And the former Manchester United frontman has urged Fabio Capello to change his stale system to give the Reds ace a licence to thrill.

Longsight-born Welbeck is compiling an irresistible case to be included in Capellos side to take on France in the championships Group D opener in Donetsk on June 11, with Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two games.

The 21-year-old went into the FA Cup fourth round tie at Liverpool having scored three goals in the last three matches, including the winner at Arsenal last Sunday, beefing up his season tally to nine.

And United boss Sir Alex Fergusonhas warned that his striker is only going to get better.

People are talking about Bobby Zamora at Fulham and strikers like that, said Cole, who was part of Uniteds 1999 Treble-winning team. But football has moved on and target men are a thing of the past.

Danny has got great pace to get in behind defences. He should be given the opportunity to go there in the summer and be something a bit different.

I watch modern day football and a lot of strikers these days have become obsessed with coming short and wanting to get involved. But the goal is always in there behind you. If you are not going to stretch defenders they are going to have the comfiest afternoon in the world.

You have to run in behind to hurt people.

People say Javier Hernandezs success last season was down to his movement, but the main thing was he wanted to run in behind opponents. If you do that you cause problems and you get chances and score goals that way. Danny does that.

I think England have become stale. The team is alwa! ys XYZ, tried and tested and lets get on with it. Its 4-4-1-1 and if you dont fit into that then you dont get a chance.

Danny is different. We need to shake things up a bit. Now he is giving Capello a nudge. If he has a chance like a lot of people are saying then he needs to be given that chance and not just be given two matches.

Players are given a couple of games and then all the media experts turn round and say he is not good enough for England because they havent been an instant success.

What is good enough for England if you dont give someone time and a run to try and freshen things up?

I really do think he would be good enough and cope. I used to say when I was playing that if you are playing European Cup football every week you are playing the best defenders in the world and some of the best teams in the world.

If you could do that you should be good enough for the international stage.

If you play for England, how many teams are what you could class top six? It is rare you face those teams but if you can play Champions League or Europa League then you are proving you can do it regularly.

There is no reason why, if you are playing European football and doing well, then you couldnt do it at international level. Danny has had games in the Champions League this season and done well and should get some in the Europa League. Thats a big enough base to prove you can do it for England.

Cole, who played 15 games for England over seven years, describes playing for his country as mentally draining but insists that Welbeck has the capacity to take the strain.

I have seen and talked to him a lot in the last few years and he has always believed he could do it at United, said Cole.

Going to Sunderland was a big plus. He scored goals there in an average team and now he has shown he can do it for United.

To go away as a young man and do what he did at Sunderland and ! then com e back and do what he has done for United, it shows he has got it mentally.

I was more than good enough to play for England but you need about 10-15 games on the bounce to play well for them.

I scored goals in the European Cup against the best teams and defenders in the world and yet people say I wasnt good enough to play for England. I look back and have a chuckle now about that.

Whatever happened to me, happened to me, but that doesnt mean I dont want a player like Danny Welbeck to be given a go and see how he does.

I want him to get a chance and win 50 caps or so and not just one or two games here and there and not be handed a proper opportunity. Danny is as good as anyone out there.

Artur Borucs Friday Rage List

2012-01-28T07:00:00Z

AAAAHHHHHHHH I AM ARTUR BORUC AND THIS IS A LIST OF THINGS THAT MADE ME ANGRY THIS WEEK:

1. WHAT'S GOING ON -- THERE'S SOMETHING GOING ON OVER THERE BUT I CAN'T SEE IT?!?!??!??!?! WHAT IS IT?!?!??!?!??! WHAT IS GOING ON!?!??!!??!?!?!??! AHHHHHHHH I HOPE IT'S ON THE NEWS LATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. KEVIN-PRINCE BOATENG'S SEX INJURY -- PEOPLE THINK THIS IS RIDICULOUS BUT IT CAN DEFINITELY HAPPEN!!!!!!!! SINCE SEX INVOLVES SO MANY PYROTECHNICS AND TOASTER OVENS IT CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!! PLUS I IMAGINE THAT COMMITTING THE SIN OF PREMARITAL SEX WOULD ONLY MAKE IT WORSE WITH THE SMITING AND EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3. PAOLO DI CANIO'S RANT -- WHY CAN'T YOU BE MY UNCLE?!?!?!?!?!?

4. CORN -- THE CORN NOW HAS FUTURE WOMEN UNDER ITS KERNELED CONTROL!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW WILL WE EVER DEFEAT THIS OVERWHELMING THREAT TO OUR EXISTENCE WHEN IT HAS FUTURISTIC WOMEN WHO WEAR GEORDI LA FORGE GLASSES AND SILVER BODYSUITS THAT I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO WEAR!?!?!!?!?!?!??!!? AHHHHHHHHHHH THE CORN IS NOT PLAYING FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5. RAY HUDSON'S REACTION TO LIONEL MESSI'S GOAL -- THIS MAN SCREAMS WAY TOO MUCH FOR MY LIKING!!!!!!!!!!! HE SCREAMS WAY TOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!

6. TEAMMATES FIGHTING OVER WHO TAKES A PENALTY -- HAHAHAHAHA AS A GOALKEEPER THIS IS THE MOST ENJO! YABLE SI GHT I CAN SEE!!!!!!!!!! AND IT MAKES ME ANGRY THAT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN MORE OFTEN!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH I CAN'T FIND THE BOOKLET THAT GOES WITH MY LITTLE MERMAID SPECIAL EDITION DVD SET!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHERE IS IT?!?!!??!??!

7. BUBBLE FOOTBALL -- IT WOULD BE SO MUCH BETTER IF THEY WORE BOA CONSTRICTORS INSTEAD OF THOSE STUPID BUBBLES!!!!!!!!!!! ONE TIME I WRESTLED A GIANT BOA CONSTRICTOR NAMED LEON FOR 17 HOURS BEFORE WE BOTH GOT TIRED OF FIGHTING AND DECIDED TO WATCH THE MOVIE ANACONDA STARING JLO INSTEAD!!!!!!!! THAT MOVIE IS TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!! LEON FELL ASLEEP HALFWAY THROUGH!!!!!!!!!!! AND THEN I HEADBUTTED HIM INTO JUPITER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8. THE COPA DEL REY'S LEADING SCORER ALSO BEING A BANK CLERK -- THIS IS A TERRIBLE DAY JOB!!!!!!!!!! IF I EVER HAD TO GET A SECOND JOB IT WOULD NOT BE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WOULD PROBABLY BE AN ACCOUNTANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9. MY IDIOT NEIGHBOR DAN WYKOWSKI -- SO I WAS AT THE MARKET HEADBUTTING A MELON DISPLAY TO TEST THEIR RIPENESS WHEN I FELT A TAP ON MY SHOULDER!!!!!!!! BEFORE I TURNED AROUND I WIPED THE MELON JUICES OFF MY FOREHEAD AND THOUGHT "AHHHHH I HOPE THAT ISN'T MY IDIOT NEIGHBOR DAN WYKOWSKI!!!!!!!!!!!!" BUT GUESS WHAT?!?!?!??!?! IT WAS ACTUALLY A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN NAMED ARTURA!!!!!!! NO IT WAS MY IDIOT NEIGHBOR DAN WYKOWSKI AND I ALMOST BLUDGEONED MYSELF WITH AN EGGPLANT RIGHT THEN AND THERE EXCEPT THE PRODUCE GUY JUST TOLD ME THEY WERE ALL SOLD OUT OF EGGPLANTS FOR SOME REASON!!!!!!!!!! ANYWAY DAN SAID "HEY ARTUR FUNNY SEEING YOU HERE" IN AN EFFORT TO BE FUNNY BECAUSE WE BOTH KNOW THAT IT WASN'T FUNNY TO SEE EACH OTHER AT A PLACE WE KNOW WE BOTH SHOP!!!!!!!!! SO I SAID "YES!!!!!! IT IS!!!!!!!" EXCEPT I SAID IT IN A WAY SO HE WOULD KNOW THAT IF OUR ENCOUNTERED HAPPENED IN THE CONDI! MENT SEC TION HE WOULD KNOW BE DROWNING IN THE MOST EXPENSIVE MUSTARD THEY HAVE!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHH I HOPE HE USED ALL THOSE COUPONS I GAVE HIM WHEN HE WENT TO PAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I AM ARTUR BORUC AND THIS HAS BEEN MY RAGE LIST. SEE YOU NEXT WEEK! GOD BLESS!!!!!!

Off the post and into Shaun Wright-Phillips face

2012-01-28T03:00:00Z

There's a very popular YouTube video that shows one kid smashing a shot off the post that then hits his friend playing goalkeeper square in the face. Well, back in 2009, when Shaun Wright-Phillips was still with Man City, they recreated that Internet classic at the expense of the diminutive winger's face.

Wright-Phillips was messing around in goal during a training session when one of his teammates took a shot from outside the box that careened off the post and into SWP's unsuspecting noggin. Everyone laughed and then a gentle breeze blew him away.

Wayne Rooney, Petr Cech, Theo Walcott are downloadable golfers in Tiger Woods game

2012-01-28T01:00:00Z

We know that Wayne Rooney and Tiger Woods have a favored activity in common, but instead of making a game about that, EA Sports have once again digitally united the pair in the latest edition of Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf. Rooney was an unlockable golfer in the 2008 version of the game and in Tiger Woods 13, Rooney will be a part of a downloadable footballer foursome that also includes Chelsea's Petr Cech, Arsenal's Theo Walcott, and Man City's James Milner.

Judging by the photos EA released, all four footballers look pretty realistic. Except for Petr Cech, who is wearing a trucker cap instead of his usual protective headgear. Thus making the whole thing worthless. What a shame.

Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy sadly did not make the cut.

Liverpool v Manchester United: FA Cup preview

2012-01-27T17:00:00Z

DOUBT: Wayne Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson will take a late check on his squad before finalising his line-up forSaturday's FA Cup fourth round tie at Liverpool.

Wayne Rooney and Phil Jones (both ankle) and Rio Ferdinand (back) are amongst those who are thought to be causing concern.

Nani (foot) is expected to miss out, although there has been no official update on the winger's fitness since he limped out of last Sunday's win at Arsenal.

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful the afternoon will pass off peacefully despite what will no doubt be a highly charged atmosphere.

"I am confident enough," he said.

"We want to be talking about a game of football.

"It is a big FA Cup tie. In my time there have not been many FA Cup ties between the clubs.

"It is something you want to look forward to. That is what I intend to do and the players should follow that."

If there was an attempt at mind games, it came through Ferguson's refusal to offer any injury updates, meaning Kenny Dalglish cannot know for certain whether Rooney, Jones, Ferdinand and Nani, whom it has been suggested could be out for a couple of months with the foot injury he picked up at Arsenal, will be involved or not.

Ferguson also declared that Liverpool's status as the home team makes them favourites.

However, United have beaten Manchester City and Arsenal in their last two away games, so have every reason for confidence themselves.

"We had quite a daunting programme, City, Arsenal, two games against Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham away, Stoke at home.

"But we're progressing through it and hopefully we get to the end of it and we've done well."

Dalglish has to assess the fitness of his players after their Carling Cup exploits again! st City in midweek, with forward Craig Bellamy seemingly the most unlikely to play three games in a week.

Midfielder Jay Spearing could be recalled to Liverpool.

Striker Luis Suarez, suspended for racially abusing Patrice Evra in the two club's league encounter in October, serves the seventh game of his eight-match ban.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Enrique, Adam, Gerrard, Downing, Henderson, Kuyt, Rodriguez, Doni, Kelly, Carragher, Coates, Aurelio, Spearing, Shelvey, Bellamy, Carroll.

Manchester United (from): De Gea, Lindegaard, Amos, Smalling, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evra, Jones, Evans, Fabio, Fryers, Cole, Carrick, Scholes, Valencia, Park, Nani, Giggs, Rooney, Welbeck, Berbatov, Hernandez, Diouf.

Key opponent: Bellamy - winger in fine form and has the pace and skill to hurt any defence

Prediction: Liverpool 1 Manchester United 1 - both sides in decent form and always tough at Anfield, so a draw could be the outcome

Click here for all the latest odds from Betfred.
Tweet

Sir Alex Ferguson: Battling against all odds

2012-01-27T10:00:00Z

Sir Alex Fergusons hand looks to be forced over skipper Patrice Evra despite the race row

It certainly wasnt anything to do with mind games and more a statement of fact when United No 2 Mike Phelan admitted: Were not in the greatest state that we could possibly be in.

But for Sir Alex Ferguson, preparing for the undisputed tie of the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield tomorrow against Uniteds biggest inter-city rivals Liverpool, its a backs-to-the-wall situation that hell relish.

The Reds boss will be keeping his selection options even closer to his chest than normal but his hand looks to be forced over skipper Patrice Evra.

Fergie, who last season revealed he didnt play Wayne Rooney at Goodison because of the abuse he feared he would have endured, isnt likely to further weaken his injury-ravaged team.

Liverpools hierarchy wanted a joint approach with potentially an unprecedented combined United-Liverpool statement calling for calm in the wake of the now infamous Patrice Evra Luis Suarez race row that led to the FA banning the Liverpool talisman for eight games.

Casualty

Fergie opted instead to directly address Uniteds 5,000-plus travelling army, pleading for them to be calm although, of course, provide maximum support.

That is guaranteed with the tie being given additional spice as if any was needed with Liverpool looking for a unique double over Manchester after knocking City out of the Carling Cup on Wednesday at the semi-final stage.

As he surveyed their selection options, Phelan went on to say the Reds will summon up all their vast experience and resources.

And that is exactly what will be needed with Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic already ruled out for the season ! with Nan i, Anderson, Tom Cleverley and Michael Owen highly unlikely to figure with late tests due on Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand.

Despite that lengthy casualty list, Fergie has resisted plunging into the January transfer market in a bid to beef up his resources.

And former United firebrand Gary Neville, infamous for his baiting of all things Scouse before he switched the pitch for the TV analysts booth, has praised Fergie for not panicking and splashing out in order to boost his depleted squad.

Ive never seen it work where a player comes in January, signs for big money and settles before the start of next season, insisted Red Nev.

To go into the market in January you never get full value, people think youre desperate so ask for more. Sir Alex has never been one to panic. Youre signing a player now and he needs to get used to the club.

Potentially if hes coming from abroad you need to get used to a new league.

You never quite get the players you want as all the top teams want to keep the best players.

Theyve had a lot of injuries, but thats not an excuse because the reason you have a big squad at a big club is youre able to cope with it.

Massive

They need to get some players back to get a consistent back four because I think problems at times have been caused by not having a consistent back four and a bit of uncertainty at the back.

Meanwhile, Liverpools in-form captain Steven Gerrard is starting to dream of a second Wembley final appearance this season.

After their 3-2 aggregate Carling Cup semi-final success over the Blue half of Manchester, Gerrard said: Weve got to dust ourselves down and get our recovery in.

In just over 48 hours weve got a massive game in the FA Cup and we want to do the same in that competition we want to go a long way.

Tomorrows rivals have won the FA Cup 18 times between them, an! d United hold the edge in meetings between these teams in this competition, having won nine of the 16 previous encounters.

Keep up to date with all the latest Manchester United news here.

DT Exclusive: Arsene Wenger shows Harry Redknapp how to send an email

2012-01-27T09:00:00Z

The tax evasion trial of Harry Redknapp has revealed the Spurs manager's admission that he can't work a computer, doesn't "know what an email is" and "couldn't even fill in a team sheet." He also said, "I've never wrote a letter in my life. I couldn't write a letter. I write like a two-year-old and I can't spell." The following is a transcript of Arsenal manager Arsene "The Professor" Wenger's generous attempt to teach Harry how to send an email.

Wenger: OK, Harry. I've shown you how to turn the computer on and we've signed you up for a free email account. Now, we will try sending an email.

Redknapp: What's an email?

Wenger: It is like an electronic letter.

Redknapp: And the elves inside that picture piano deliver it to whoever you want?

Wenger: Well, there are no elves inside the computer, but yes, it will go to whoever you want.

Redknapp: What if I want to send something to Ted in Liverpool. Do them elves know how to get to Liverpool?

Wenger: There are no elves, Harry. None at all. But yes, you can send a message to anyone, anywhere in the world. Here, try typing one to me.

Redknapp: Right. How do you know which button is which?

Wenger: Just look at them. Each one has a letter, number or symbol on it. Press the ones you need.

Redknapp: Nice try, Arsene. But I ain't falling for that one. Them's all French letters. Where's the English ones?

Wenger: Those are English letters, Harry. Just type "Hello." That's all.

[Harry randomly presses all the keys as fast as he can]

Wenger: You just pressed random keys, Harry. That didn't spell any words.

Redknapp: Stupid computer. I'll sell yo! u to Ast on Villa, computer!

Wenger: It's an inanimate object, Harry. It can't hear you.

Redknapp: Them elves inside it can! I bet it's Jermain Defoe in there. He never listens.

Wenger: There are no elves! How do you possibly make it through the day?

Redknapp: My accountant. He writes all my checks, pays my bills. He runs my life. Looks like I'm going to need a new one with this tax mess I'm in, though.

Wenger: So you need someone to run all your finances, which you have absolutely no knowledge of?

Redknapp: Pretty much.

Wenger: I will spend your money for you. I mean...I will be your accountant.

Redknapp: That's triffic, Arsene! You're a top man.

Wenger: [laughs maniacally]

Redknapp: It's funny. You know all these things about tactics, computer elves paying bills and spelling words. Yet, my side is 10 points ahead of yours in the table and in position to qualify for the Champions League. Football's weird, innit?

Wenger: Yes. Yes it is.

Lionel Messi becomes first male footballer to get own Time Magazine cover (except in the U.S.)

2012-01-27T02:00:00Z

Recently winning his third consecutive Ballon d'Or award has earned Lionel Messi a headshot and the title of "King Leo" on the cover of the latest edition of Time Magazine. Well, every cover except the United States version, where a story about "The Power of (shyness)" was deemed more marketable. Then again, it's not entirely clear that this isn't just a more subtle portrayal of Messi.

Barcelona's official website claims that Messi is the first footballer to ever claim the cover of Time, but this isn't true. The 1999 Women's World Cup winning U.S. team became the first ever footballers to be featured on the cover that year. In 2010, the magazine's World Cup guide cover story had a drawing of a generic, faceless player, though Didier Drogba was featured along with Lady Gaga and Bill Clinton for that year's "100 most influential people in the world" issue. Still, the cover has never been wholly devoted to a male footballer before Messi, which is something of a feat, even though pictures on magazine covers are increasingly irrelevant.

This is far from the first instance of Time using a cover for the U.S. that is different from the rest of the world, though. Previously, the U.S. has gotten covers about the division of domestic chores, "the silent majority," and "the China bubble" instead of the rest of the world's covers on Islam, "why the U.S. will never save Afghanistan," and Tintin, respectively.

As for the magazine's actual interview with Messi, the topic of media-enforced rival Cristiano Ronaldo proved to be a prime subject of discussion. And, unsurprisingly, it once again proved how little of a rivalry there is between Spain's top two scorers.

On whether his rivalry with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo makes him a better player:
I don't think so. I never really fixated on him, or compared myself with another player. My mentality is just to achieve more each year, to grow both as an individual and as a team, and if he wasn't there, I'd be doing the same thing.
On what he thinks of Ronaldo:
I think he's a good person. I think he's a good player, who brings a lot to Madrid, and who, in any moment, can decide a game.

If Time really wanted to push this imaginary rivalry, they should've put Ronaldo on that U.S. cover.

Lionel Messi becomes first male footballer on Time Magazine cover (except in the U.S.)

2012-01-27T01:00:00Z

According to Barcelona's official website, Messi is now the first male footballer to ever claim the cover of Time -- an impressive feat consider the American-based publication has been around since 1923 (and that Pele played in New York for two years and David Beckham still does). The 1999 Women's World Cup winning U.S. team became the first ever footballers to be featured on the cover that year. Still, that U.S. cover remains elusive for male players, even if pictures on magazine covers are increasingly irrelevant. In 2010, the magazine's World Cup guide cover story had a drawing of a generic, faceless player.

As for the magazine's actual interview with Messi, the topic of media-en! forced r ival Cristiano Ronaldo proved to be a prime subject of discussion. And, unsurprisingly, it once again proved how little of a rivalry there is between Spain's top two scorers.

On whether his rivalry with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo makes him a better player:
I don't think so. I never really fixated on him, or compared myself with another player. My mentality is just to achieve more each year, to grow both as an individual and as a team, and if he wasn't there, I'd be doing the same thing.
On what he thinks of Ronaldo:
I think he's a good person. I think he's a good player, who brings a lot to Madrid, and who, in any moment, can decide a game.

If Time really wanted to push this imaginary rivalry, they should've put Ronaldo on that U.S. cover.

DTotD: Vincent Kompany and the perils of running backwards

2012-01-26T21:00:00Z

Is there any doubt that is Mario Balotelli's bag that Vincent Kompany trips over while running backwards?

Anyway, this is how the doomsday device that leads us to the apocalypse foretold by the Mayans was triggered.

Bayern Munich learn not to fake a major signing to get more Facebook fans

2012-01-26T20:00:00Z

When a club as big as Bayern Munich promises to announce a major signing near the end of dreadfully slow transfer window, it's going to attract a frenzy of attention. And when a club as big as Bayern Munich announce that that promise was just a fake-out so they could pitch you on a new Facebook application, it's going to go over about as well as giving adult diapers as a birthday present.

From the AP:

Bayern had said on its website that it would present a new striker at 2 p.m. local time, and directed fans to go Facebook to watch it live. Once they were logged in, the fans were made to "like" Bayern's page in order to view the proceedings.
But instead of learning who would be striker Mario Gomez's backup, they were instead presented with a promotion entitled "The New FCB Star."
"Dear fans, you probably already noticed that we did not sign a new player. This app is for our fans to show the importance of you for our club," Bayern said.

And that unleashed the backlash as thousands left messages of furious disapproval. This prompted Bayern to post an apology on their Facebook page a mere three hours later.

Sorry dear fans, as we see from your numerous comments, you are very upset about the today's action.
It was not our intention to disappoint you with the new app. Rather, we wanted to provide you with this action in the Center and thus show how important is each fan for Bayern Munich. In several following video clips on the app, the fan should be part of the team by for example the last name of fans on the Jersey is visible and the fan in the media is represented as a star. These personal videos to prepare you and your frien! ds fun a nd joy.

It wasn't their intention to disappoint? Then why get fans' hopes up about a new addition to their beloved football club and then deliver a useless Facebook app that no one asked for? They Bayern marketing department really needs to talk to Franck Ribery about how to pull off an enjoyable prank.

Harry Redknapp cant write, spell and doesnt know what an email is

2012-01-26T19:00:00Z

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp isn't having a fun time at the moment as the subject of an ongoing trial into tax evasion at London's Southwark Crown Court. If you're not up to speed with English legal wranglings, 'Arry's arsenal of lawyers (no pun intended) are working hard to clear his name as the prosecution demands an explanation for payments made into a Monaco bank account, which they deem to be 'tax-free bungs'.

One would expect a person to possess a certain amount of savvy and adroitness to be involved in offshore banking let alone managing a high profile Premier League team but apparently this isn't the case. Redknapp has been pleading ignorance throughout the trial, and today jurors were informed that the cockney gaffer can't write or spell, and lacks the kind the organizational skills he might preach to his Spurs defence. The Sun reports:

Redknapp, 64, said: "I am completely and utterly disorganised. I am not going to fiddle taxes, I pay my accountant a fortune to look after me."
He added: "My accountant runs my life. I do not receive my wage slips, they go straight to him. I do not see bank statements. I've a big problem - I can't write."
He added: "I write like a two-year-old and I can't spell".

Dirty Tackle's Irony Detector recorded off-the-chart readings when the man who writes a regular column for The Sun was revealed to be almost illiterate by the very same paper. Yet the UK's favorite tabloid newspaper conveniently failed to report the part where he told the court he "hadn't been paid in 18 months" for his editorial services. Funny, that.

In addition to revealing that he can't even fill in the team sheet before matches, Redknapp also pointed out confused relationship with technology, reports FourFourTwo:

In tape recordings played at Southwark Crown Court, Redknapp said: "I can't work a computer, I don't know what an email is, I have never sent a fax and I've never even sent a text message.

Of course it's cruel to mock someone for poor literacy skills, but the jurors might have had trouble keeping straight faces when he said "I don't know what an email is" in a recording that he knew other humans would hear. (Either he's astoundingly out of touch with modern communication techniques, or he's confusing knowing what something is and how to use it. He probably knows what a Hadron Collider is, but that doesn't mean he knows how to work one.)

Whether disorganization, illiteracy and technophobia are deemed to be legitimate grounds for massive tax avoidance will remain to be seen as the trial continues.

This is Jose Mourinho waiting to insult the ref next to his car

2012-01-26T18:00:00Z

Barcelona-happy paper Mundo Deportivo has published the photo above along with an account claiming that Jose Mourinho waited at match referee Fernando Teixeira Vitienes' car after Barca knocked Real Madrid out of the Copa del Rey at the Camp Nou.

Real Madrid were shown seven yellow cards and a red compared to Barcelona's one yellow during the second leg, which ended 2-2 to give Barca a 4-3 aggregate advantage.

So what did Mourinho allegedly say once the referee showed up? "Go artist -- how do you like to f*** with professionals?!" That's just his way of asking for a ride home without seeming too needy, though.

Ryan Giggs: Ill keep on as long as Im enjoying it

2012-01-26T14:00:00Z

Ryan Giggs

United winger Ryan Giggs will carry on playing as long as he isnt making a fool of himself.

And the United legend believes there will be more Premier League players extending their careers into the late-30s and beyond due to the rapid advancement in sports science.

A long-time practitioner of yoga, Giggs is heading rapidly towards his 900th United appearance and, even though he has already passed his 38th birthday, there is an increasing likelihood he will sign another contract extension for next season.

Currently, Giggs former United team-mate Teddy Sheringham holds the record for the oldest outfield player in Premier League history, having made his final appearance for West Ham in December 2006, 95 days short of his 41st birthday.

And, a bit like manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Giggs gets that from the challenge presented by an ever-growing list of younger team-mates.

You have to remain motivated, otherwise you get swept away, he said. You have to raise your game or you are not contributing and become a waste of time. Its not just about performing in games but also in training.

Retirement

You have to keep going up a level, no matter what age you are.

It is one of the reasons why Giggs cannot put a date on his retirement, especially now Paul Scholes has returned to the fray, having decided coaching does not fulfil him in anything like the same manner as being on the pitch for real.

I dont know how long I can keep playing for, added Giggs.

As long as I am enjoying it and still contributing to the team, not making a fool of myself in training or games.

I still want to perform and I still want to enjoy it.

If you are not playing ! well or feel you are coming up short in training, that is the time to hang up your boots.

Additional research into nutrition, better management of injuries and greater emphasis on the quality of training all help to prolong careers.

I dont think 50 but you will probably find a lot more players in their late-30s or even their 40s if they look after themselves, the veteran Welshman said.

Fergie is to receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Ulster for services to football.

US Open champion Rory McIlroy, the youngest winner of the competition for almost 90 years, will also be honoured.

Check out our other Manchester United stories here.

If it continued (Barcelona v Real Madrid, Copa del Rey quarterfinal)

2012-01-26T08:00:00Z

Despite a valiant second-half comeback, Real Madrid could only manage a 2-2 draw in the second leg of their Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Barcelona, who advanced on a 4-3 aggregate score. The hot-tempered match was truly a clasico and leaves us to once again ask, "What if it continued?"

97' -- The ball takes an odd bounce off a Sergio Busquets shaped imprint in the pitch.

101' -- Inspired by Paul Scholes coming out of retirement to help Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo attempts to convince Zidane to do the same for Real Madrid. Ronaldo's offer of a lifetime supply of hair gel does nothing to sway the Frenchman.

106' -- Pedro's mustache is found to be in violation of several local indecency laws, yet no one has the balls to go after it.

112' -- Having scored in both legs, Ronaldo vows that anyone who accuses him of not performing in big games will get "Pepe'd into an ugliness coma."

118' -- Sitting on the bench after coming off in the 61st minute for Jose Callejon, Kaka realizes that he actually started in this match. He fears he is stuck in a dream state and is actually very late for a rehab session.

123' -- Eric Abidal gives his wallet to a child in the crowd. "But I didn't ask for this," the child says. Abidal gives him a second wallet.

129' -- Pepe gives his shirt to a different child in the crowd. "But I didn't want this, you #%@!," the child says. Pepe gives him a boot to the baby teeth.

134' -- To celebrate Xavi's 32nd birthday, Cesc Fabregas holds up a sign that reads: "I am not suffering." Xavi considers this the best birthday present he has ever received.

140' -- Confident that Real will not win, the Copa del Rey trophy weeps tears of joy, knowing that it is safe from the sadistic abuse of Sergio Ramos.

145' -- The match is abandoned when referee Fernando Teixeira Vitienes suffers a severe panic attack upon bein! g swarme d by both teams looking to get their opponents booked.

146' -- Jose Mourinho decides that winning La Liga and the Champions League combined with last year's Copa del Rey still counts as a treble.

Kenny Dalglish jokes about Man City rejects and forgetting route to Wembley

2012-01-26T01:00:00Z

Two years ago, Manchester City paid 14 million for Craig Bellamy before loaning him out to Cardiff after a season and a half then letting him return to Liverpool on a free transfer last summer. Naturally, the fact that Bellamy was the one to score the decisive 74th minute goal to send Liverpool to the Carling Cup final at City's expense was quite pleasing to Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish and turned him into a post-match press conference comedian.

From Sky Sports:

"He [Bellamy] was unbelievable. If Man City have anyone else like Craig that they don't want to keep, they know where we are," Dalglish said.

His humor wasn't just at Man City's expense, though. He also had some Liverpool material, as well. On the subject of Liverpool making their first trip to Wembley since 1996 (via LiverpoolFC.tv):

"I don't know when the last time (we were there) was, but we know where we are going. We've maybe forgotten the route because we've not been there for a while, but I'm sure the driver will remember!"

And finally, not wanting to leave his audience out of the fun, he zinged one of the congregated journalists when asked about the questionable handball penalty that led to Steven Gerrard's second successful penalty of the tie. Via @OliverKayTimes:

Reporter: "What did you think of the penalty decision?"
Dalglish: "What do you mean?"
Reporter: "The handball."
Dalglish: "Exactly."

That's it for Kenny, folks. He'll be appearing at the Ha-Ha Hut on January 27 and the Old Trafford Comedy Club in Manchester on the 28th. Goodnight!

Cristiano Ronaldo shows his frustration after yet another Barca goal

2012-01-25T23:00:00Z

Though Real Madrid looked as if they might turn things around early in the second leg of their Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Barcelona, it was Barca who scored first (and second) to add to their lead. Lionel Messi slipped a pass to a wide open Pedro as the Real defenders converged on him, setting up a relatively easy goal.

Even as an observer, it felt like a crushing moment for Real -- a theory that Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed with his stompy show of frustration in response to the goal.

Then, just two minutes later, Dani Alves made it a 4-1 lead on aggregate with this absolute blast into the far corner of Iker Casillas' net...

Alves and Eric Abidal do need to work on that "Ai Se Eu Te Pego" dance, though.

DTotD: Erik Lamela sent off for kicking Giorgio Chiellini in the crotch

2012-01-25T18:00:00Z

In an off the ball incident 69 minutes into Juventus' 3-0 Coppa Italia win over Roma, Giorgio Chiellini dragged Erik Lamela down to the ground. To Chiellini's surprise, this actually put Lamela in position to retaliate. And he did in the form of a boot to the crotch.

Lamela tried to run away while Chiellini rolled around, but the referee apparently spotted the young Argentine's retaliation and showed him a straight red. And 20 minutes after that, Simon Kjaer topped off Roma's miserable night with an own goal.

Counterbalancing that ugliness was Alessandro Del Piero's beautiful goal in the 30th minute, however. I suggest you watch it.