Fancy winning £1m? Of course you do! Simply predict the weekly football scores at Soccer Millionaire, and you could be moving in next door to Harry Redknapp at Sandbanks in no time.

There are guaranteed winners every week, and a huge cash pool to be dished out. Head over to soccermillioniare.com and start predicting.

If Manchester City are looking for someone who can compete with Robinho in terms of inconsistency, they may have found their man.

The Citizens are reported to be targeting Diego Forlan, who has banged in nineteen goals for Ateltico Madrid this season - almost twice his tally in two-and-a-half years at Manchester Utd.

Ateltico Madrid are said to be ready to ‘cash in’ on Forlan at the end of the season if someone offers the right price, and have already received interest from Tottenham and Sunderland.

The Uruguayan striker’s agent Daniel Bolotnikoff told Sky Sports:

“I have received calls from big European clubs requesting information about the situation, but I am not authorised to give their names.

“Forlan could have a big role in England.”

Spoiler bonus: We find it impossible to write a post about Diego Forlan without including video of the greatest moment in his career… (more…)

Benfica and Sporting Club locked horns in the Portuguese Carlsberg Cup Final over the weekend, and the former clinched a controversial win 3-2 on penalties. Sporting right-back Pedro Alves was so incensed by his side’s loss, that he refused to be presented with the runners-up medal, choosing to hurl it across the pitch.

On the surface, Alves’ petulant act looks a tad disrespectful. However, the nature of Sporting’s loss makes his toys-out-of-the-pram reaction a little more understandable.

The Lisbon side took the lead after five minutes, but the referee suffered from an acute case of Stuart Attwell-itis when he awarded a penalty against Alves for handball. As you can see in the video above at [0.40], the ball clearly strikes his chest. To make matters worse, Alves then received a second yellow and was forced to hit the showers.

Alves said:

“Why did I throw my loser’s medal away? Because why should I keep it? I tell you if that was a penalty I’m willing for my son to die!”

[101GG]

England will be wearing a brand new kit at the weekend, and it’s got a new crest
[Off The Post]

David Beckham’s temporary Milan home comes with a prostitute seal of approval
[Dirty Tackle]

Carly Zucker and Alex Curran hit the gym
[Kickette]

Martin Keown believes Liverpool’s success is due to their lack of Robbie Keane
[Daily Mail]

The top ten ‘tricked out athlete’s cars
[The Angry T]

Sticks and stones may break his bones, But Gareth Southgate won’t get a haircut
[Sky Sports]

WAG Giorgia Palmas is not unattractive
[On205th]

Along with Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington, supermodel Linda Evangelista dominated the world of fashion in the 1980s and 1990s. The infamous quote “We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day” fell from the Canadian’s lips in 1990, and she has been absolutely raking it for throwing fierce poses ever since.

She has romanced former Formula One star Paolo Barilla and Kyle MacLachlan, but earns WAG of the Day status for her tryst with former Manchester Utd shot stopper Fabien Barthes. (more…)

Everton’s Leighton Baines and Manchester Utd’s Ben Foster made the cut in Fabio’s squad for the England friendly against Slovakia on Saturday and World Cup qualifier against the Ukraine next Wednesday, but the biggest shock came in the inclusion of Ledley King.

We at The Spoiler are inclined to disagree with the selection of the man who believes Spurs can challenge the Big Four next season. Here’s some terribly constructive reasons why:

1. There are already five other centre-backs in the squad whereas there is only one recognised right-back. Therefore it would have made more sense to include another full-back like Luke Young.

2. Ledley King is supposedly incapable of playing two matches in a week, which means he won’t be much use at the World Cup.

3. Harry Redknapp said that King doesn’t even train between Monday and Friday at Spurs because of his problems. So either there won’t be much chance for the coaches to assess King in training, or he will get heavily involved in training and risk an injury that could jeopardise Spurs’ European hopes.

4. There is a perfectly fit and in-form Spurs centre-back who has been ignored in favour of King - Jonathan Woodgate.

5. England perform better when Matthew Upson plays, meaning he should be comfortably established as Capello’s third-choice. The West Ham defender’s England win percentage is 77% compared to King’s 58%*.

*We may or may not have been scrapping the barrel a bit for reason number five.

[See the full squad here]

[The Sun]

Despite smashing Fulham 4-0 a couple of weeks ago, Manchester Utd were unable to escape from Craven Cottage with any points or dignity at the weekend. This - coupled with the fact that Liverpool maintained their ‘four goals or more’ policy when Aston Villa visited Anfield yesterday - means a title race that looked sewn up a few weeks ago has been blown wide open.

With a game in hand and an extra point in the bag, Manchester Utd are still in the driving seat, but after a weekend of crazy results, it seems as if anything could happen in the run-in.

So, will Liverpool nab their first ever Premier League title, or will Manchester Utd rediscover their awesome form? Let us know with a vote and comment below…

At a time when keeping vast sums of money in a bank account is a relatively fruitless endeavour, the Premier League’s wealthiest are looking for new ways to invest their assets.

Cristiano Ronaldo has spent some of his cash well (his Robbie Fowler-esquer property investment) and some rather poorly (the legions of prostitutes, sports cars that he manages to write off in tunnels), but according to The Sun, his latest money making scheme involves watches. The Manchester Utd star reportedly owns several luxury timepieces, including a £70,000 Franck Muller design, and will invest in various other brands that promise to increase in value.

Spoiler cynicism alert: Cristiano Ronaldo announces an interest in collecting luxury watches in the same season that luxury Swiss watch manufacturer Hublot sign a £4m sponsorship deal with Manchester Utd. How very coincidental.

Brazil is famous for many things - beautiful beaches, colourful street parades, slightly gay-looking currency - but if the claims of Pele are to be believed, the South American nation may soon gain a reputation for footballers who dabble with naughty substances.

During a private tourism event, the legendary erectile dysfunction solution advocate claimed (Fat) Ronaldo and Robinho had been on the cocaine while attending a private party in Sao Paolo:

“It is unfair to talk about drugs in football because of just one or two cases, like Ronaldo and Robinho, who have that problem.”

Pele may have been caught out revealing an unspoken truth about Brazilian football, but it is more likely he was trying to divert attention away from the curious case of his son Edinho, who was a known cocaine user and suspected drug trafficker.

After Robinho’s hilariously bad penalty kick yesterday (3.15 above), a spokesman for the Brazilian pooh-poohed his accusation:

“We strenuously refute any such suggestions. The notion of him taking drugs is absurd and we completely deny it.”We are trying at this moment to get Pele to clarify the situation.

“We think these comments have been genuinely misunderstood or got lost in translation.”

At the start of the season, morale at Derby County was so low that players were willing to sneak through windows if it meant escaping Paul Jewell’s regime. That’s all changed under Nigel Clough though. Robbie Savage is a first-team regular again having been sent to Brighton on loan earlier this season and his teammates are delighted to have him back. Stephen Bywater decided to show his love for the Welshman by showering him with drink live on Sky Sports News. Be sure to check out Savage’s face as he realises what’s about to happen but has nowhere to run.

[Credit: 101GG]

Liverpool are enjoying one of their best spells of the season after emphatic wins over Real Madrid and Manchester United. In contrast, Aston Villa have managed to squander a six-point advantage over Arsenal in the space of two games.

If you fancy betting on Sunday’s game or just have an unhealthy obsession with statistics then check out the Liverpool/Villa Wizard we produced with Betfair. You can discover what impact each player should have on proceedings and there are superfacts relating to past meetings between the two sides. Click here to check it out now.

Fulham are the latest club hoping to make money from West Ham’s decision to compensate Sheffield United. According to The Independent. they will launch a legal claim on the basis that were it not for Carlos Tevez, they would have finished above the Hammers and would therefore have made an extra £700,000 in prize money.

Here are five flaws that The Spoiler has found in Fulham’s argument:

1) Fellow compensation-seeker Neil Warnock believes Fulham would have been relegated that season if Rafael Benitez hadn’t fielded reserves against them in the penultimate game of the season. Warnock has said since: “Maybe Rafa gets a yearly hamper from Harrods for his team selections.” That was Fulham’s only win from their final twelve games.

2) Carlos Tevez lasted only 13 minutes against them that season before getting injured at Craven Cottage. His replacement Bobby Zamora, West Ham’s top scorer that season, scored. Using Lord Griffiths magic calculator, it could be argued that the game may have finished 3-2 to the hosts had Zamora not replaced Tevez, a result which would have seen Fulham finish above West Ham

(more…)

Representatives of all eight Champions League semi-finalists are gathered in Nyon for the draw, which was scheduled to start at 11am. You haven’t missed anything yet though - just UEFA general secretary David Taylor explaining how they manage to make such a simple process so complicated and a few video packages being shown to drag things out. The full draw will be published below as soon as the serious business begins:

Quarter-final draw:

Villarreal v Arsenal

Manchester United v Porto

Liverpool v Chelsea

Barcelona v Bayern Munich

Semi-final draw:

Manchester United/Porto v Villarreal/Arsenal

Barcelona/Bayern Munich v Liverpool/Chelsea

Interesting stats:

» The side drawn to play the second-leg at home have won the previous three Chelsea/Liverpool Champions League clashes - handing the Blues the advantage.

» Porto eliminated Manchester United the last time they met them in the knockout stages.

» Last season every single quarter-final and semi-final was won by the team drawn to play the first leg away. If that happens again we will have an Arsenal/Chelsea final

Steven Gerrard spent last night livin’ it up at Jamie Carragher’s Cafe Sport England bar, and it proved to be adequate preparation for his court date this morning.

Appearing before North Sefton magistrates court with six other men, the Liverpool captain was accused of assault and affray following a cerrazzy night of drinking and punching in December.

The assault charge against him was dropped, but he will face a charge of affray at Liverpool crown court on 3 April. Hopefully by then, he will be able to cover the legal fees with money earned from the sale of his fancy Range Rover.

As part of her quest to become the next Jordan or Keeley Hazell, 23-year-old Keira Jones has flaunted her wares on the pages of FHM, Loaded, Zoo and The Daily Sport. The London beauty has also managed to achieve the glamour model badge of honour that is a relationship with a footballer - the lucky chap in question is Barnet midfielder Nicky Nicolau. (more…)

If the outcome recent Manchester City debacle is to be believed, wild horses couldn’t drag Kaka away from his beloved Milan.

Despite his obvious reticence to depart the Rossoneri, the Spanish press believe the Brazilian - pictured doing his famous Spider-Man impression - is subject to another bid from Real Madrid.

Spanish paper Sport says that prospective Madrid president Florentino Perez will sanction a €70m bid for the one who belongs to Jesus, and will line his pockets with a €12m annual contract.

Once again, it’s worth noting that this is the claim of a man mounting a campaign to regain his position as Real Madrid president. It is customary for such gentlemen to make outlandish promises of intent: yesterday, Perez claimed he would re-sign David Beckham and bring in Cristiano Ronaldo, and has already claimed to have reached a verbal agreement with the Portuguese star’s agent.

Having already conquered the world’s of football and super sexy hotpants, Cristiano Ronaldo has set himself some new goals. According to this morning’s Sun, the tricky winger is entertaining the idea of forming a popular beat combo with (Fat) Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Oh dear:

“Somebody mentioned to me a few years ago that it would be a great idea if myself, the Brazilian Ronaldo and Ronaldinho made a band called The Three Rs.

“I loved the idea, it was so funny. I’ll mention it to them when I retire, we might even have a No1.”

Ronaldo hasn’t mentioned his slightly ridiculous plan to the King of Nightclubs or the King of Transvestite Prostitutes, but he has made it clear he will be the leader of the triumvirate:

“I don’t know what the other two would like to do but it would be brilliant if I was lead singer.

“You never know, I will have to do something after football.”

We think the pop band make a great post-football career, and a much more interesting alternative to punditry. If C-Ron wishes to get a head start, he would do well to consult the Premier League’s greatest vocalist, Andrei Arshavin.

Pilot Pablo Mason is a hero. Not only has he grown a moustache that most men could only dream of owning, but he led Tornado jets on 23 bombing missions over Iraq during the Gulf War, sticking it to Saddam on each occasion. However, thanks to his decision to accommodate the whims of Robbie Savage, the 57-year-old has lost his £90k a year pilot job:

Captain Mason, who became an airline pilot after leaving the RAF, lost his job after taking Blackburn Rovers home on a private charter flight following a match in Finland in August.

His crime was to allow one of the players, Robbie Savage, to spend most of the three-hour journey on the Airbus A320’s flight deck to help allay his fear of flying.

Flight deck visits have been banned since 9/11, but Mason protested during his employment tribunal with “bureaucratic nincompoops” MyTravel Thomas Cook that a Premiership footballer did not pose a terrorist threat.

[The Telegraph]

The handsome devil above is Joaquín Bilbao, the president of Spanish second division side Xerez. If you think he looks like the kind of chap who wouldn’t be arrested for his involvement in a shootout in a brothel, you’re quite wrong.

According to Spanish paper Marca, Bilbao and his driver have been arrested for some Wild West antics that occurred last week at a Jerez brothel. The two men are alleged to have shot at the sex establishment in the early hours of Tuesday morning from a car, hitting the door and one of the windows. The shots were said to have woken the neighbours, but no one was hurt as the brothel was closed at the time.

Last season Liverpool fans were able to seize hope from their side’s fourth-placed finish by stating that if they had won both of their matches with Manchester United, they would have finished level on points with them.

This year however they have done the double over Manchester United and Chelsea but still find themselves trailing because of failure to to turn draws into wins against clubs outside the Big Four.

The Spoiler finds Liverpool far more entertaining and effective when forced into a position where they have to go on the offensive - whether that has been to come from behind against Middlesbrough, Man City, Wigan and Portsmouth or having to attack in must-win games like at Old Trafford last week.

Emphatic wins in their last two games suggest that Benitez may have decided he has been too cautious too often this year but is that the case or is he only taking more risks now because there is no alternative?

Let us know whether you think Rafa will end Liverpool’s long wait for a 19th league title with a vote and comment below:

If you type “Neil Warnock takes the blame” into Google, about 90% of the results are examples of the former Sheffield United manager passing the buck to either his players, the referee, an authority or the biased Southern media.

This week the Crystal Palace boss was again pointing the finger by claiming that he would still be a Premier League manager right now if it wasn’t for Carlos Tevez, meaning he should be entitled to compensation.

The Spoiler was certain though that at some point Warnock must have accepted that he and his team’s own shortcomings had led to their relegation and eventually we tracked down an acknowledgement of blame in his interview with BBC South Yorkshire on the final day of the 2006-07 season.

While you may require Real Player to listen, Warnock’s key comments were:

• “Everybody’s played their part this season in giving goals away and (more…)
  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/neil-warnock-takes-the-blame-for-sheffield-utds-relegation/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/phil-brown-shows-how-defeat-can-affect-your-point-of-view http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/phil-brown-shows-how-defeat-can-affect-your-point-of-view#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:15:07 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/phil-brown-shows-how-defeat-can-affect-your-point-of-view Hull boss wrote glowingly about his nemesis just four months ago

  

  Last November Phil Brown wrote an article in the Daily Telegraph defending Arsene Wenger, who at the time was being criticised by Arsenal fans after the club’s disappointing start to the season.

  In a story headlined “How can you criticise Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger?” the Hull manager spoke of how a long conversation with Frenchman inspired him when he first entered coaching and also stated:

  “Nobody in the game of football, certainly not at my level, can criticise him for what he has done for Arsenal over the past 10 years. He is a model for any young coach, manager or chairman who want to achieve.”

  So surely the same Phil Brown who has no right to criticise Wenger’s work (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/phil-brown-shows-how-defeat-can-affect-your-point-of-view/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/michael-tonge-is-considering-legal-action-over-tevezgate http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/michael-tonge-is-considering-legal-action-over-tevezgate#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:03:04 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/michael-tonge-is-considering-legal-action-over-tevezgate Stoke reserve admits he will chase compensation if others do

  Former Sheffield United player Michael Tonge has revealed he would contemplate joining a legal claim against West Ham if some of his ex-teammates hold his hand. He said:

  “I’m just waiting to see what comes of it. I’m not taking it upon myself to make a claim, but might consider joining one.”

  The midfielder is back in the Premier League now with Stoke - and one has to wonder who he will blame if the Potters go down this summer - but Tony Pulis obviously doesn’t rate him too highly as he has started just one league game.

  Tonge also showed ignorance of the situation by stating that Carlos Tevez’ goal on the final day at Old Trafford kept West Ham up (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/michael-tonge-is-considering-legal-action-over-tevezgate/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/revealed-the-real-reason-why-klaas-jan-huntelaar-is-unhappy-at-real-madrid http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/revealed-the-real-reason-why-klaas-jan-huntelaar-is-unhappy-at-real-madrid#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:17:39 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/revealed-the-real-reason-why-klaas-jan-huntelaar-is-unhappy-at-real-madrid Dutchman forced to participate in over zealous goal celebrations

  

  Since moving to Spain in January, Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has felt a little unsettled. Perhaps it has something to do with the manner in which his team mates celebrate goals. He scored twice at the San Mames stadium last week - lord only knows what Christoph Metzelder and Wesley Sneijder would have done if he had bagged a hat-trick.

  Thanks to Mo for the submission - if you have seen any great sport/ porn hybrids of late, send them here and earn ten English pounds.

  
  Click here to see the full Sporno gallery

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/revealed-the-real-reason-why-klaas-jan-huntelaar-is-unhappy-at-real-madrid/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/walcotts-war-cry-drogbas-bundesliga-move-and-kanoutes-premiership-return http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/walcotts-war-cry-drogbas-bundesliga-move-and-kanoutes-premiership-return#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:57:15 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/walcotts-war-cry-drogbas-bundesliga-move-and-kanoutes-premiership-return Also appearing on a computer near you…

  The Spoiler politely reminds rMike Riley of the correct way to referee a game

  Video: A Paraguayan midfielder faint on the pitch
  [101GG]

  Fredi Kanoute is getting attention from English clubs
  [The Mirror]

  Sexy time with Oliver Kahn
  [Dirty Tackle]

  Drogba moves to the Bundesliga. Didier’s brother Joel Drogba, that is
  [Sporting Life]

  Egotistical News: Dave Whelan is changing the name of the JJB Stadium to…
  [Daily Mail]

  Theo Walcott says we should all fear the Gunners
  [Football365]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/walcotts-war-cry-drogbas-bundesliga-move-and-kanoutes-premiership-return/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/wag-no-301-monika-puchalski http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/wag-no-301-monika-puchalski#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:17:33 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/wag-no-301-monika-puchalski One of the Bundesliga’s better known supporting ladies

  

  Polish-born striker Lukas Podolski is hugely popular in Germany, but he hasn’t been having such a great time at Bayern Munich. He has already agreed to move back to FC Köln at the end of the season, which means Colgne will also be welcoming back his long-term girlfriend, Monika Puchalski. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/wag-no-301-monika-puchalski/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/harry-redknapp-tottenham-can-control-the-destiny-of-the-title-race http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/harry-redknapp-tottenham-can-control-the-destiny-of-the-title-race#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:43:39 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/harry-redknapp-tottenham-can-control-the-destiny-of-the-title-race Spurs will be “involved”, claims manager

  

  As Tottenham slowly claw themselves away from the danger zone, some are concerned by a run in that includes Chelsea at home and visits to Old Trafford and Anfield. Harry Redknapp, however, argues that it is good to be playing the title chasers:

  Think about it. We have to play Liverpool at Anfield on the last day of the season, Sunday May 24.It might be the stuff of nightmares for fans but a look at my calendar and I see the Champions League final is three days later.

  We have to go to Old Trafford next month and, luckily, the following week are the Champions League semi-finals.

  Alex Ferguson might not fancy (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/harry-redknapp-tottenham-can-control-the-destiny-of-the-title-race/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/for-sale-steven-gerrards-modified-range-rover http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/for-sale-steven-gerrards-modified-range-rover#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:12:47 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/for-sale-steven-gerrards-modified-range-rover Liverpool captain puts his motor on Auto Trader

  

  We were under the impression that Premier League footballers throw their cars in the bin when they grow tired of them, but apparently some try to sell them too. Last year, Steven Gerrard sold his Range Rover Sport on Auto Trader like some sort of common person, and he’s been at again.

  The Liverpool captain’s Overfinch Vogue GT (a heavily modified version of the Range Rover Vogue) has been put up for sale on Auto Trader for £52,900 - £30,000 less than he paid for it last year.

  Stevie G has customised the gas guzzler with £4,000 alloy wheels, an £1,800 DVD entertainment system, £700 wool carpets and the number eight etched into the armrests.

  Should you wish to purchase this car, you will join a list of Overfinch owners that includes Shaun Wright-Phillips, John Terry, Jermaine Jenas, Jermaine Defoe and Peter Lovenkrands.

  Unfortunately, the luxury re-styling company are also responsible for Stephen Ireland’s pink wheels.

  [Auto Trader]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/for-sale-steven-gerrards-modified-range-rover/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/revealed-gary-nevilles-manchester-utd-flower-bed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/revealed-gary-nevilles-manchester-utd-flower-bed#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:52:03 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/revealed-gary-nevilles-manchester-utd-flower-bed Defender gives thieves assistance in locating his home

  

  Last summer, we told you pesky builders had cursed the swimming pool in Gary Neville’s £7m mansion by burying Liverpool memorabilia underneath it.

  In order to redress the balance towards his beloved Manchester Utd, the right back has planted an 18ftx10ft shrubbery dedication. Neighbours have dismissed the design as “self indulgent”, but they should be glad they don’t live next to the other Neville brother, who has a very tacky unique approach to appointing his homes.

  [The Mirror]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/19/revealed-gary-nevilles-manchester-utd-flower-bed/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-phil-brownalan-pardew-comparisons-gain-substance http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-phil-brownalan-pardew-comparisons-gain-substance#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:03:15 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-phil-brownalan-pardew-comparisons-gain-substance The two bosses have now shown a similar taste in enemies

  

  Those who have noted similarities between Alan Pardew and Phil Brown were provided with even more ammunition last night when the Hull boss followed in Pardew’s footsteps by falling out with Arsene Wenger.

  Obvious comparisons between the two include that both enjoyed an initial period of fantastic overachievement after winning promotion to the Premier League and went on strong FA Cup runs. Both managers made their clubs’ record signing in their first January in the top-flight (Dean Ashton and Jimmy Bullard) and both men suffered long-term injuries at a crucial time.

  Negatively, both managers have received criticism for some of their methods: Pardew for his sloganed T-shirts and training complex revamps and Brown for (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-phil-brownalan-pardew-comparisons-gain-substance/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-spoiler-vs-stan-collymore-the-aftermath http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-spoiler-vs-stan-collymore-the-aftermath#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:11:39 +0000 Ed Needham http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-spoiler-vs-stan-collymore-the-aftermath After The Spoiler’s visit to Stan’s talkSPORT studio, the gulf between blogs and former players is wider than ever.
  

  Dear Stan,

  Oh dear. That didn’t go too well, did it? Not radio’s finest half hour. Still, thanks for having me.

  There seems to be some confusion over my comment that players can’t be fans, not least because it was so poorly articulated, so let’s clear that one up. You say that fans cannot have the same appreciation of the game that players have. “Have you ever been in a professional dressing room?” you asked. (Of course I haven’t - why would I?) And only an imbecile would attempt to argue that this doesn’t give you an exclusive perspective on the game. So I agree - as players you have direct, first hand knowledge of situations that spectators can only watch and speculate about.

  My point was that by the same standard, players cannot have the same experience of the game that fans have. Yes you can have supported a team since childhood, yes you can still put your scarf on and go and watch them. But the fans’ experience is one of identifying with their team at one remove - we don’t score the goals ourselves, you do it on our behalf. We don’t save the penalties with your own hands, you do it for us. Fans spend years of their lives meditating on football and develop immensely sophisticated and emotional theories about the game, but we don’t know first hand what the pressures and personalities are that shape play - we can only guess. So you can either know what it’s like to play professional football or wonder what it’s like to play professional football, but not both. (And this is not to mention players being unable to physically participate in the fans’ experience of following the team, week in, week out or the contradiction of having to wear the colours of one team while supporting another.)

  So when you set out your credentials as a fan - you mentioned the time when your drove to see England with your home made flag - I don’t doubt your passion for the occasion, but when you sit in the stands, you are Stan the ex-pro, not Stan the fan. People want to talk (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-spoiler-vs-stan-collymore-the-aftermath/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-spoilers-top-ten-divers http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-spoilers-top-ten-divers#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:41:29 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-spoilers-top-ten-divers The players who go down quicker than Danielle Lloyd at a Manchester Utd Christmas party

  Morten Gamst Pedersen - who we hear has taken his phone off the hook and barricaded himself into his house in an attempt to stop the ridicule - threw his hat into the ring for worst dive of the century against Arsenal on Saturday. But who has been responsible for the most unsporting pratfalls in football history? The Spoiler’s Richard Gilzene considers the top ten divers in the history of the beautiful game…

  Didier Drogba
  Jose Mourinho aside, Jens Lehmann’s is the most galling departure from the Premiership in recent years, if only for the massive entertainment void he left behind. Pitted against another big character in Didier Drogba during his acrobatic pomp, it made sense the pair would team up midway through a tense London derby clash in the 06/07 season, to resurrect the spirit of a 1920s slapstick vaudeville act. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-spoilers-top-ten-divers/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/sam-allardyce-is-unhappy-with-the-amount-of-foul-play-in-the-premier-league http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/sam-allardyce-is-unhappy-with-the-amount-of-foul-play-in-the-premier-league#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:34:09 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/sam-allardyce-is-unhappy-with-the-amount-of-foul-play-in-the-premier-league Big Sam gives us the chance to throw stones at his glass house

  

  Morten Gamst Pedersen was guilty of one of the most laughably bad dives the Premier League has ever seen last weekend at the Emirates. But while Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce admits that his winger’s stumble was worthy of a booking, he claims players are forced to dive because of referees’ reluctance to punish foulers:

  “But what about players who are dishing out fouls all the time? I would like to see them being punished, not least because it would mean those on the receiving end would not need to resort to diving.”

  A huge irony about Allardyce’s stance is that the same lack of punishment allowed El-Hadji Diouf to escape with just a yellow for a horrendous lunge on Manuel Almunia in the very same game. It’s also worth noting that innocent victim Gamst Pedersen was sent off himself earlier this month against Hull, receiving a second yellow for a late challenge on Kamil Zayatte.

  It is also perhaps a little odd for Allardyce to slam the level of fouling in the Premier League when Blackburn are bottom of the disciplinary table for the fifth season running, while Kevin Davies committed more fouls than any other player in each of Allardyce’s last three seasons at Bolton.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/sam-allardyce-is-unhappy-with-the-amount-of-foul-play-in-the-premier-league/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/elano-labels-robinho-shameless-nicola-mclean-has-a-workout http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/elano-labels-robinho-shameless-nicola-mclean-has-a-workout#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:50:05 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/elano-labels-robinho-shameless-nicola-mclean-has-a-workout Also appearing on a computer near you…

  Boudewijn Zenden perfects the ‘disappear into a box’ goal celebration
  [Off The Post]

  Elano left Robinho a secret message on his Lamborghini
  [Daily Mail]

  Nicky Butt thinks Newcastle are going backwards
  [Sky Sports]

  Is this Manchester City’s new home shirt for 09/10?
  [EPL Talk]

  WAG Nicola McLean and her giant chest enjoy some exercise
  [On205th]

  Hull assistant manager Brian Horton is making an official complaint about Cesc Fabregas
  [BBC]

  Sunderland have been ‘alerted’ to Diego Forlan’s imminent availability
  [Tribal Football]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/elano-labels-robinho-shameless-nicola-mclean-has-a-workout/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/wag-no-300-lindsey-strutt http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/wag-no-300-lindsey-strutt#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:00:29 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/wag-no-300-lindsey-strutt ‘The Strutter’ battles a serious clothes phobia
  

  

  It may have taken us 300 days to get to her, but this is by no means a reflection of our opinion on Page Three model Lindsey Strutt. The 21-year-old from Doncaster is well known among Nuts, Loaded and Maxim readers for her inclination to bare her 32E chest, a habit that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the nation’s footballers. The lucky chap she selected to squire her about town is Ipswich’s Alex Bruce, also known as Steve Bruce’s son. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/wag-no-300-lindsey-strutt/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/revealed-the-film-that-has-inspired-liverpool-to-victory http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/revealed-the-film-that-has-inspired-liverpool-to-victory#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:10:04 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/revealed-the-film-that-has-inspired-liverpool-to-victory Xabi Alonso hosts a classic film night for his teammates

  

  Along with The Godfather, Citizen Kane and Speed 2: Cruise Control, Casablanca is considered one of the greatest films of all time. According to sources at Liverpool, Humphrey Bogart’s highly romanticised battle between love and the Nazis has inspired Liverpool’s resurgence in form.

  Xabi Alonso - who has gained acting experience from starring roles in Juno and Arrested Development - has been encouraging his teammates to bond by hosting classic film nights at his home. Alonso, Pepe Reina and Albert Reira are said to favour the 1942 romantic drama.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/revealed-the-film-that-has-inspired-liverpool-to-victory/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/beckham-to-join-ronaldo-at-real-madrid-next-season http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/beckham-to-join-ronaldo-at-real-madrid-next-season#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:33:32 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/beckham-to-join-ronaldo-at-real-madrid-next-season La Liga side confident on landing Manchester Utd star, interested in resigning Becks

  

  Last summer, Real Madrid made absolutely no secret of their desire to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, and equally, the player made no secret of his desire to leave the World Club Cup holders and join the second best team in Spain. Former Madrid president Ramon Calderon has added more fuel to the transfer fire, by claiming the Portuguese star will make the move this summer. In a self-congratulatory statement, he said: “Thanks to the work I’ve done, he’ll join when this season ends.”

  In more surprising news, it has been reported that Los Blancos will hijack AC Milan’s attempts to rescue David Beckham from Los Angeles. According to a ‘top Madrid source’ in The Sun, prospective Real president Florento Perez will spend £10m to bring Beckham back to the Bernebeu if he is elected in the summer.

  (It’s worth noting that Real Madrid presidential candidates will say absolutely anything if they think it will help them get elected. Calderon, for example, promised Kaka, Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo in his re-election campaign.)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/beckham-to-join-ronaldo-at-real-madrid-next-season/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/video-fa-cup-controversy-at-the-emirates http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/video-fa-cup-controversy-at-the-emirates#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:49:30 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/video-fa-cup-controversy-at-the-emirates Cesc Fabregas’ spitting games, Mike Riley’s green day and William Gallas’ massively offside winner anger defeated Hull
  

  During last night’s FA Cup quarter-final between Arsenal and Hull, referee Mike Riley decided it would be appropriate for both goalkeepers to wear green - the same colour as the officials. This contravenes the laws of the game, but Mike Riley will undoubtedly use the St Patrick’s Day defence to escape punishment.

  This colour confusion, however, was the least of the controversial incidents last night at the Emirates. Perma-tanned Hull manager Phil Brown was incensed by William Gallas’ 84th minute winner, which was clearly offside. “We lost the game unfairly. But I didn’t use the word cheat, you did,” said Brown to a reporter, clearly using the word “cheat”.

  PB was also angered by the actions of Cesc Fabregas, who allegedly spat at the feet of Hull assistant manager Brian Horton after the game. It’s unclear what the Spaniard was doing on the pitch in his civvies in the first place, but he has thus far vehemently denied parting with any saliva.

  [Video: 101GG]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/video-fa-cup-controversy-at-the-emirates/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-spoiler-on-talksport http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-spoiler-on-talksport#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:28:44 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-spoiler-on-talksport Have your say on the Bendtner issue

  

  Thanks to everybody who tuned in to talkSPORT last night to hear Stan Collymore shout at us every time we tried to answer a question defend his view on Nicklas Bendtner’s ‘Hero of the Weekend’ status. If you have an opinion on the subject, why not cast a vote at the talkSPORT website?

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/18/the-spoiler-on-talksport/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/the-spoiler-will-be-live-on-talksport-tonight http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/the-spoiler-will-be-live-on-talksport-tonight#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:21:57 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/the-spoiler-will-be-live-on-talksport-tonight Click here to listen to talkSPORT live online

  The Spoiler have accepted Stan Collymore’s invitation to appear on his talkSPORT radio show tonight. Tune in from 9pm to catch Ed Needham argue with the former Aston Villa and Liverpool striker over his decision to name Nicklas Bendtner his “hero of the weekend”.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/the-spoiler-will-be-live-on-talksport-tonight/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/leeds-are-looking-to-cash-in-on-the-latest-tevezgate-twist http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/leeds-are-looking-to-cash-in-on-the-latest-tevezgate-twist#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:25:40 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/leeds-are-looking-to-cash-in-on-the-latest-tevezgate-twist There’s more proof that the Carlos Tevez affair will never end

  

  West Ham hoped to finally draw a line under the Carlos Tevez saga by paying Sheffield United compensation but that only appears to have made matters worse. Leeds chairman Ken Bates has today confirmed that they are seeking advice because they sold the Blades Rob Hulse, Matthew Kilgallon and Ian Bennett and would have been due additional payments if they had survived.

  The three players in question obviously didn’t do enough that season to convince anyone of their top-flight credentials because like Neil Warnock, who insists he would still be in the Premier League now if it wasn’t for Tevez, they currently ply their trade in the Championship.

  The Hammers’ decision to risk upsetting fans by changing tact and settling with Sheffield United was motivated by the belief it would make it easier to sell the club. However, with Leeds and Warnock already looking to make money from yesterday’s development, it looks like the gamble may backfire spectacularly.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/leeds-are-looking-to-cash-in-on-the-latest-tevezgate-twist/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/ledley-king-believes-tottenham-can-challenge-the-big-four-next-season http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/ledley-king-believes-tottenham-can-challenge-the-big-four-next-season#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:20:56 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/ledley-king-believes-tottenham-can-challenge-the-big-four-next-season Centre back posseses hilarious delusions of grandeur

  

  In life, there are only three certainties: death, taxes and the Tottenham fans’ unfaltering belief that next season will “be their season.”

  Club captain Ledley King has started building false hope at the club, by claiming Spurs can challenge the Big Four next season. He has told The Daily Mail a fifth place finish is within their capabilities:

  ‘With the players we have, I don’t see why we can’t do that. We haven’t lost to Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea in the League this season.

  ‘That proves we can compete and perform, it is just the consistency. If we can get consistency, win games and pick up points away from home on a regular basis, we can be a top side.’

  Can Tottenham seriously bounce back from a season of flirting with relegation to challenge the Big Four next term? Frankly, we think there’s more chance of Carlos Tevez winning a beauty contest, but let us know what you think below….

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/ledley-king-believes-tottenham-can-challenge-the-big-four-next-season/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/the-spoilers-response-to-stan-collymore http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/the-spoilers-response-to-stan-collymore#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:15:12 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/the-spoilers-response-to-stan-collymore Yesterday Stan Collymore commented on a Spoiler story and requested a response. Here it is:

  Dear Stan,

  First, thanks for writing.

  Second, The Spoiler very much enjoys your work on talkSPORT, although if you could occasionally let callers finish their remarks before reaching for the megaphone, you would be an even better broadcaster.

  Third, the hat-trick you scored for Leicester against Sunderland was one of the finest three-goal efforts ever assembled, and one I’m not sure Sunderland have ever recovered from. Leicester certainly haven’t.

  But that’s enough flattery. Let’s move on to your observations.

  Just a small point, but you’re wrong about this being an anonymous blog. Every post has the name of the poster beneath it, right underneath all those mysterious hieroglyphics and after the date the story was posted. Furthermore, if you go to the very bottom of the site and click on “About Us” you can also see the names and contact details for the names of the people who run the site.

  As for “The notion that you cannot be man of the match because one misses several chances is probably the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard,” well, where to begin? In your Mirror column you didn’t call Bendtner man of the match but “Hero of the weekend,” a weekend on which Steven Gerrard orchestrated an historic evisceration of Man United. Even within the Arsenal game, you would struggle to find anyone to agree that Bendtner played better than Arshavin. The Spoiler probably also suspects that if you took a moment to reflect, you’d have to admit that you have heard more ludicrous things before.

  The Spoiler agrees that you (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/the-spoilers-response-to-stan-collymore/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/eric-cantonas-return-robinhos-bleak-future-and-cheryl-coles-hotness http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/eric-cantonas-return-robinhos-bleak-future-and-cheryl-coles-hotness#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:08:50 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/eric-cantonas-return-robinhos-bleak-future-and-cheryl-coles-hotness Also appearing on a computer near you…

  Eric Cantona is back! And he wants to sell you a car!
  [101GG]

  Are Crystal Palace top of Serie A?
  [The Offside]

  Mark Hughes is running out of patience with Robinho
  [The Guardian]

  Video: Some fans catch David Beckham at the wrong time
  [Dirty Tackle]

  Cheryl Cole looks good
  [Kickette]

  Cheryl Cole looks even better
  [On205th]

  Interestment’s Football Eleven #3
  [Interestment]

  Michael Ballack hasn’t given up on the title race
  [Sky Sports]

  Nottingham rugby are unpopular, but willing to improvise
  [FanIQ]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/eric-cantonas-return-robinhos-bleak-future-and-cheryl-coles-hotness/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/wag-no-299-carrie-underwood http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/wag-no-299-carrie-underwood#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:39:00 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/wag-no-299-carrie-underwood Country singer who has Wagged her way across two sports

  

  As bastions of popular culture, we’re well aware that Taylor Swift is so hot right now, but she isn’t the first young blonde American to take the world of country-tinged pop by storm. Carrie Underwood has been impressing stetson hat-wearing folk since she won American Idol in 2005, and her influence has spread across the world of American football and ice hockey.

  Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo - who currently boffs Jessica Simpson - fuelled rumours of a romance in 2007 when he subtly wrote “I’m dating Carrie Underwood” on his website. At present, she steps out with NHL star Mike Fisher. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/wag-no-299-carrie-underwood/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/hamburg-striker-gets-the-service-he-needs http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/hamburg-striker-gets-the-service-he-needs#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:38:15 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/hamburg-striker-gets-the-service-he-needs José Paolo Guerrero has fun in the UEFA Cup

  

  Sporno fan Chris spotted some fantastic Sporno during the recent Hamburg/ Galatasaray UEFA Cup clash. If you’ve seen any great sport/ porn hybrids, send them here and earn yourself one thousand pennies if we use it.

  
  Click here to see the full Sporno gallery

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/hamburg-striker-gets-the-service-he-needs/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/chelsea-transfer-news-florent-malouda-out-25m-brazilian-sensation-in http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/chelsea-transfer-news-florent-malouda-out-25m-brazilian-sensation-in#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:37:54 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/chelsea-transfer-news-florent-malouda-out-25m-brazilian-sensation-in That’ll be Dani Alves, not Robinho

  

  In August 2007, Chelsea attempted to acquire the services of Brazilian defender Daniel Alves from Seville. The Spanish club were insulted by the Blues’ low offer (£13.5m), and Alves made a €29m move to Barcelona the following summer, becoming the world’s most expensive right back.

  The Mirror today claim the West London club are chasing the Brazilian once again, but The Spoiler has detected three obstacles for the deal: Barcelona do not need to sell, he has a whopping £90m price clause in his four-year contract, and Manchester City are also said to be sniffing around.

  Meanwhile, reports are surfacing concerning the future of Florent Malouda. According to The Sun, Juventus have made contact with the Frenchman’s representatives, and are preparing an £11m summer bid.
  
  Spoiler bonus: Check out some Dani Alves video highlights after the jump… (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/chelsea-transfer-news-florent-malouda-out-25m-brazilian-sensation-in/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/stephen-ireland-denies-ownership-of-rubbish-car http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/stephen-ireland-denies-ownership-of-rubbish-car#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:04:06 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/stephen-ireland-denies-ownership-of-rubbish-car Republic of Ireland star finally explains the sexy pink 4×4

  

  In order to publicise his “journey from ridicule to respect,” The Daily Mail have published a feature on allegedly respectable Manchester City star Stephen Ireland.

  Lead by a picture of the midfielder leaning against a stained glass window while looking all thoughtful, the puffy piece sets out to distance the player from the world of fictional deceased grandmothers, ‘Daddy Dick’ and the rest of the tomfoolery that has defined his career.

  Within the interview feature, Ireland answered a question that has plagued Spoiler readers since February 26th 2008 - why the heck did he think a Range Rover with pink wheels and trim was a good idea?

  ‘The car was [Ireland’s girlfriend] Jessica’s,’ he said with a huge grin. ‘I only drove it once. Just my luck it was photographed and ended up in the News of the World. We sold it soon after as someone scraped a key down it.

  Realistically, Ireland and his WAG had no choice but to sell the car after someone vandalised it. After all, it would have looked completely ridiculous with a key scrape down the side.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/stephen-ireland-denies-ownership-of-rubbish-car/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/cristiano-ronaldo-and-his-bentley-receive-some-hatred http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/cristiano-ronaldo-and-his-bentley-receive-some-hatred#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:43:23 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/cristiano-ronaldo-and-his-bentley-receive-some-hatred Liverpool fans and gobby tramps give C-Ron a rough ride

  The video above, spotted by the handsome devils at Dirty Tackle, shows Cristiano Ronaldo returning home from the Liverpool game in his Bentley Continental GT. The tricky winger was obviously in need of some time to contemplate who he would have sex with that night the heavy defeat, but instead received some rather sweary insults from some travelling Liverpool fans.

  As if this incident wasn’t traumatic enough, the Portuguese star received more abuse yesterday while out and about in his sexy motor. According to The Sun, the millionaire footballer ignored a Big Issue seller while hopping into his £150,000 car. Said vagrant obviously believed it was his god given right to receive money from Ronaldo, and acted accordingly:

  The vendor swore at the Man United star, 24 - challenging him to get out and fight.

  A witness in Manchester city centre said: “He gobbed all over the windscreen. Ronaldo was obviously seething.

  “He had a face like thunder as he drove off.”

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/17/cristiano-ronaldo-and-his-bentley-receive-some-hatred/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/meet-nicklas-bendtners-new-number-one-fan http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/meet-nicklas-bendtners-new-number-one-fan#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:30:46 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/meet-nicklas-bendtners-new-number-one-fan No it’s not Emmanuel Adebayor, it’s this man…

  

  Stan Collymore has started a one man mission to convince the world that Nicklas Bendtner is going to become a top quality striker.

  Anyone who tuned in to talkSPORT on Saturday evening will have heard the former Liverpool striker condemn the nasty Arsenal fans for a barracking that never actually took place. Indeed The Spoiler’s booing expert watched the game in eager anticipation of some top quality jeering and was left disappointed as the majority of supporters instead got behind the Dane after every miss, chanting “Super Nicklas Bendtner”.

  The controversial pundit wasn’t prepared to end his campaign there though and today named the striker “Hero of the Weekend” (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/meet-nicklas-bendtners-new-number-one-fan/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/chris-kirkland-tips-titus-bramble-for-an-england-call-up http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/chris-kirkland-tips-titus-bramble-for-an-england-call-up#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:57:51 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/chris-kirkland-tips-titus-bramble-for-an-england-call-up Wigan staff try to help one another win Fabio Capello over

  Fabio Capello has named a number of unlikely candidates in his England squads over the last twelve months: Joe Lewis, Michael Mancienne, Jimmy Bullard and Carlton Cole to name a few. However, Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has pushed the boundaries even further by tipping Titus Bramble for a call-up.

  The Wigan defender, famed for screw-ups like the ones in the video above, has had a good season but surely still has some way to go before he can justify the label “international standard”, especially considering many other English centre-backs like Phil Jagielka, Matthew Upson and Gary Cahill have impressed this year.

  However, talking up one another’s England prospects appears to be in vogue right now at the JJB, as Steve Bruce, who was famously never capped, has put in a good word for Kirkland, labelling him “the best goalkeeper in England”. All that remains now is for Bramble to point out that Bruce should be the next England manager and a perfect triangle will be complete.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/chris-kirkland-tips-titus-bramble-for-an-england-call-up/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/the-many-sex-faces-of-andrei-arshavin http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/the-many-sex-faces-of-andrei-arshavin#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:27:14 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/the-many-sex-faces-of-andrei-arshavin Russian striker steals Most Animated Face in the Premier League award away from Robinho
  

  

  The song Crossroads explains the legend of Robert Johnson, and how he met the devil and exchanged his soul in order to become a great blues musician. We at The Spoiler believe Andrei Arshavin has made a similar deal with the man below, trading his ability to pull a straight face for his impressive football abilities.

  If there’s any other way of explaining why the Russian permanently shows us his range of ‘O’ faces, we’d like to hear it.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/the-many-sex-faces-of-andrei-arshavin/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/video-is-this-the-worst-dive-of-all-time-2 http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/video-is-this-the-worst-dive-of-all-time-2#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:49:53 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/video-is-this-the-worst-dive-of-all-time-2 Pedersen could do with some work on his play acting

  Aside from the fact that Andrei Arshavin braved the positively non-Siberian North London climate without gloves in the second half, the most astounding thing about Saturday’s Arsenal/ Blackburn match was Morten Gamst Pedersen’s ridiculous dive.

  MOTD pundit Alan Shearer does a superb job of describing exactly what happens in the video above, so we won’t retell it here, but suffice to say, the Norwegian should have been punished.

  Have you ever seen a less convincing dive than this? Let us know below.

  Thanks to Rob@OTP for tracking down the video

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/video-is-this-the-worst-dive-of-all-time-2/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/liverpool-linked-to-madrid-star-iraqi-footballer-killed-gallas-ridiculous-sports-car http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/liverpool-linked-to-madrid-star-iraqi-footballer-killed-gallas-ridiculous-sports-car#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:34:04 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/liverpool-linked-to-madrid-star-iraqi-footballer-killed-gallas-ridiculous-sports-car Also appearing on a computer near you…

  Barnet show us how to celebrate a goal

  William Gallas’ huge chrome penis-shaped car
  [The Sun]

  Come Twitter with us
  [Twitter]

  The West Ham/ Sheffield Utd Carlos Tevez affair appears to have been resolved
  [Sky Sports]

  (Fat) Ronaldo will try to promise to try to think about giving up transsexual prostitutes
  [Off The Post]

  An Italian side had their kit stolen, so had to improvise
  [Dirty Tackle]

  An Iraqi footballer has been shot dead as he was about to score an equalising goal
  [BBC]

  Liverpool linked with Gabriel Heinze
  [Caught Offside]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/liverpool-linked-to-madrid-star-iraqi-footballer-killed-gallas-ridiculous-sports-car/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/wag-no-298-chelsea-white http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/wag-no-298-chelsea-white#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:59:15 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/wag-no-298-chelsea-white The only Chelsea that’s welcome at Fratton Park
  

  

  Portsmouth’s Marc Wilson was born in Northern Ireland and played for Northern Ireland U-15s, but made the switch to the Republic side at U-18s level. Not only has he had the fortune to represent two nations at his chosen sport, but he has also managed to persuade extremely good looking Page Three girl and glamour model Chelsea White to go out with him. Luck of the Irish, we suppose. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/wag-no-298-chelsea-white/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/david-beckham-to-be-coached-by-community-support-officer http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/david-beckham-to-be-coached-by-community-support-officer#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:19:04 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/david-beckham-to-be-coached-by-community-support-officer This Surrey law man has accepted a role at LA Galaxy

  

  Andy Bridgman has been a community support officer in Surrey commuter town Horley for the past six years, during which he has successfully established No Cold Calling Zone, a Pubwatch scheme and Shopwatch. However, the PCSO and qualified coach is set to give up this glamorous lifestyle to take a position at the LA Galaxy, where he will coach David Beckham, Landon Donovan and loads of people you’ve never heard of:

  A coaching scout for Major League Soccer called him late last year to offer him the job and he is taking a 12-month career break to accept it.”How many people get this kind of opportunity?” he said.

  “Not only to play football full-time but also to work alongside the top teams in America?

  “It’s fantastic. At first I thought, it’s not real.”

  Bridgman is planning to stay in Los Angeles for just twelve months, but whether he will try and extend this loan spell, or spend his own cash to make the move permanent remains to be seen.

  [Big British Castle]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/david-beckham-to-be-coached-by-community-support-officer/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/video-don-king-is-a-manchester-utd-fan http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/video-don-king-is-a-manchester-utd-fan#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:43:48 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/video-don-king-is-a-manchester-utd-fan Well-coiffed boxing promoter loves the Red Devils

  Last Thursday, legendary American boxing promoter Don King took time out of his busy schedule of searching for terrible tie and jacket combinations to tell us his favourite football team.

  When quizzed on his soccer allegiance, the 76-year-old looks away from the camera, as if to read a cue card with the word ‘Manchester’ written on it, then correctly states that his beloved Red Devils had won “two and nothing” the previous night. Unfortunately, his prediction that Manchester Utd would beat Liverpool wasn’t quite so accurate.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/video-don-king-is-a-manchester-utd-fan/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/vote-can-liverpool-or-chelsea-catch-man-utd-in-the-title-race http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/vote-can-liverpool-or-chelsea-catch-man-utd-in-the-title-race#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:20:29 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/vote-can-liverpool-or-chelsea-catch-man-utd-in-the-title-race It’s squeaky bum time - will Fergie’s men hold on at the top?

  Highlights: Manchester Utd 1/ Liverpool 4

  Just a few days ago, it looked as if no team in the world could stop Manchester United from taking every trophy in sight, but this weekend on-form Liverpool highlighted their fallibility, handing them their heaviest home defeat in seventeen years (Alex Ferguson still had the gall to claim his side were the better team though).

  United remain four points clear with a game in hand, and are the clear favourites with the bookies, but Chelsea and Liverpool are doing everything they can to make the run in as uncomfortable as possible for Fergie’s men.

  So, will the Red Devils recover from this glitch to display their trademark end-of-season prowess, or will the Premier League trophy be heading to West London or Merseyside in May?

  Votes and comments below, please…

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/vote-can-liverpool-or-chelsea-catch-man-utd-in-the-title-race/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/video-alan-pardew-accuses-michael-essien-of-rape http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/video-alan-pardew-accuses-michael-essien-of-rape#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:48:49 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/video-alan-pardew-accuses-michael-essien-of-rape Ex-Charlton manager unlikely to be asked back on MOTD2

  Operating under the proviso “if Alan Shearer can do it, anyone can do it,” a jobless man named Alan Pardew was invited to display his punditry skills on Match of the Day 2 last night. If you watched it, and you thought you heard Pardew say Michael Essien “absolutely raped” Ched Evans, your ears did not deceive you.

  Afterwards, no attempt was of an apology was made, so presumably such comments are deemed acceptable at the new transparent BBC.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/16/video-alan-pardew-accuses-michael-essien-of-rape/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/candid-pictures-suggest-newcastle-utd-striker-has-plenty-of-close-male-friends http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/candid-pictures-suggest-newcastle-utd-striker-has-plenty-of-close-male-friends#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:53:29 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/candid-pictures-suggest-newcastle-utd-striker-has-plenty-of-close-male-friends It looks like Marcello Lippi is wrong

  

  Everyone agrees that Dennis Wise has done a super job as Executive Director of Football at Newcastle Utd, and one of his greatest achievements is the signing of extremely popular Spanish striker Francisco Jiménez Tejada, better known as Xisco.

  Our friends at Kickette stumbled upon a site named Football Boners (we didn’t ask), where they discovered pictures of the 22-year-old having fun on the beach.

  Check out more reasons why Xisco won’t be next on Danielle Lloyd’s hitlist after the jump… (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/candid-pictures-suggest-newcastle-utd-striker-has-plenty-of-close-male-friends/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/video-argentinean-midfielder-suffers-painful-collision-with-linesmans-flag http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/video-argentinean-midfielder-suffers-painful-collision-with-linesmans-flag#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:09:40 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/video-argentinean-midfielder-suffers-painful-collision-with-linesmans-flag Of all the ways of winning a free kick, pretending to be floored by a piece of cloth has to be the worst

  In a recent  match between Corinthians and Palmeiras, (fat) Ronaldo managed to score his first Campeonato Brasileiro Série A goal in over 15 years.

  This wasn’t the only historic event to take place during the game, however, as Argentinean midfielder Sergio Escudero became the first player stupid enough to pretend to be struck by a linesman’s flag. Quite what was going through his mind when he attempted this crappy bit of play-acting is anyone’s guess.

  [The Offside]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/video-argentinean-midfielder-suffers-painful-collision-with-linesmans-flag/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/if-you-thought-premiership-managers-were-tough-on-their-players http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/if-you-thought-premiership-managers-were-tough-on-their-players#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:43:58 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/if-you-thought-premiership-managers-were-tough-on-their-players … you should see what they do in the NBA

  

  Here’s some Sporno-tastic action from Americaland, spotted on the Popbitch message board.

  First person to name the player involved wins a Fruit & Nut Yorkie bar*. Go!

  
  Click here to see the full Sporno gallery

  *Sorry, someone just ate the Yorkie bar. We could send the wrapper?

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/if-you-thought-premiership-managers-were-tough-on-their-players/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/david-villa-is-the-latest-star-to-snub-a-move-to-man-city http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/david-villa-is-the-latest-star-to-snub-a-move-to-man-city#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:14:39 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/david-villa-is-the-latest-star-to-snub-a-move-to-man-city Valencia striker’s agent rebuffs transfer speculation

  

  Yesterday, the hills were alive with the sound of Manchester City actually landing one of their high profile transfer targets, Valencia’s David Villa.

  The financially unstable Spanish club must raise €75m before July, and the best way of raising a large amount of cash is to sell an asset to someone who is willing to pay well above market value.

  Today, however, it has been revealed that neither David Villa nor his incredibly small beard will be gracing Eastlands in the near future. His agent Jose Luis Tamargo has told El Mundo Deportivo:

  “My client does not want to leave Spain. He was very clear on that.

  “I do not know what kind of contacts or talks Valencia have had with Manchester City, or if there has been any agreement yet.

  “But my client’s future will remain in Spain, not abroad.

  “It is not a question of money.”

  The Spanish press believe Villa’s preferred at the end of the season is Barcelona, with whom he has reportedly made a verbal agreement.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/david-villa-is-the-latest-star-to-snub-a-move-to-man-city/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/mourinho-to-quit-inter-robinhos-showboating-and-ronaldos-new-playboy-wag http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/mourinho-to-quit-inter-robinhos-showboating-and-ronaldos-new-playboy-wag#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:51:21 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/mourinho-to-quit-inter-robinhos-showboating-and-ronaldos-new-playboy-wag Also appearing on a computer near you…

  Robinho showboating: Why do one step-over when six will suffice?
  [101GG]

  A fascinating photographic study of Cristiano Ronaldo’s new Playboy WAG, Karina Bacchi
  [Soccerlens]

  The Special One will quit Inter at the end of the season, and favours a move to Spain
  [Daily Mail]

  Zidane suggests Stevie G may be the best player in the world
  [Dirty Tackle]

  Wayne Rooney is a little drummer boy
  [Channel Bee]

  Abbey Clancy provides further proof that she is attractive
  [Kickette]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/mourinho-to-quit-inter-robinhos-showboating-and-ronaldos-new-playboy-wag/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/wag-no-297-jo-guest http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/wag-no-297-jo-guest#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:20:13 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/wag-no-297-jo-guest Lads mag icon with a soft spot for Liverpool defenders

  

  Anyone who picked up a copy of Loaded magazine in the 1990s will be intimately acquainted with Jo Guest. Thanks to her ‘ladette’ personality and a strong inclination to remove her clothes at any given opportunity, the Derbyshire-born model became a bastion of lads mag culture.

  Towards the end of last century, she caught the attention of Liverpool’s Phil Babb. When their relationship ended, she told all to the News of the World, who ran the headline “My Extra-Time Loving Ruined Phil’s Ball Control.” We don’t remember Babb having particularly good ball control in the first place… (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/wag-no-297-jo-guest/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/boro-striker-shows-how-not-to-repay-your-managers-loyalty http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/boro-striker-shows-how-not-to-repay-your-managers-loyalty#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:51:49 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/boro-striker-shows-how-not-to-repay-your-managers-loyalty Southgate backs Alves, Alves talks about moving clubs

  

  When Middlesbrough decided to make Afonso Alves the most expensive signing in their history by splashing out over £12 million on him, they were probably expecting more than four league goals in his first full season.

  But rather than blaming the misfiring Brazilian for the fact they are stuck in the relegation zone, Gareth Southgate decided to publicly support the 28-year-old:

  “I still believe he can score goals between now and the end of the season.”

  Alves’ response was not to knuckle down and strive to repay his manager’s faith. Instead, he decided that it was the perfect time to talk up his interest in jumping ship this summer:

  “Benfica is a great club. It’s a kind of club that any player would want to play for.”

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/boro-striker-shows-how-not-to-repay-your-managers-loyalty/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/our-gold-cup-tip-back-the-queens-horse http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/our-gold-cup-tip-back-the-queens-horse#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:36:14 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/our-gold-cup-tip-back-the-queens-horse Barbers Shop could be a Gold Cup King

  Click here to claim a free £25 bet with Paddy Power

  We’ve already revealed why we think Neptune Collonges offers good value tomorrow (check the Best Bets panel on your right) but here’s why Barbers Shop is the best of the non Paul Nicholls-trained horses:

  BAD NEWS FOR KAUTO STAR!
  Four of the last six Gold Cups were won by the favourite but ahead of the final day of the Cheltenham Festival nine successive races have passed without one winning, while two of the three feature race frontrunners have underperformed.

  Good omens for Barbers Shop:
  » He’s a seven-year-old, as were three of the last four winners.
  » His jockey Barry Geraghty won the Champion Hurdle on 22/1 Punjabi.
  » He’s won in various conditions so the weather shouldn’t affect him.
  » He was placed at last year’s Festival, as were 9 of the last 11 winners.
  » Nicky Henderson has had more Cheltenham winners than any other current trainer.

  Paddy Power are paying FOUR PLACES each-way on Friday’s 1.30pm race and FIVE PLACES each-way on the 2.05pm!

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/our-gold-cup-tip-back-the-queens-horse/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/revealed-jamie-carraghers-secret-passion http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/revealed-jamie-carraghers-secret-passion#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:09:58 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/revealed-jamie-carraghers-secret-passion Liverpool star loves him some performing arts

  

  Jamie Carragher occupies his time by throwing coins, making xenophobic comments and planning assaults on Lucas Neill, but he also makes room in his schedule for the arts.

  While team mates after fighting with local DJs, Jamie likes to spend his evenings absorbing some culture at the theatre:

  “A good night out doesn’t mean getting drunk any more.

  “I enjoy a trip to the theatre with my missus. I went to the Everyman and my mate Dave Kirby, a local writer, has had a few shows on recently. Liverpool was European Capital Of Culture in 2008 and the Carraghers have embraced it.”

  “The Carraghers” have embraced it? Have we become so sophisticated that we refer to ourselves in the third person now? The Spoiler would never do such a thing.

  (The Sun suspect Mr Carragher attends the theatre thanks to feed love of Shakespeare. Unfortunately, the truth isn’t quite so refined - Dave Kirby is a football poet)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/revealed-jamie-carraghers-secret-passion/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/victor-anichebe-is-deeply-upset-and-very-angry http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/victor-anichebe-is-deeply-upset-and-very-angry#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:15:07 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/victor-anichebe-is-deeply-upset-and-very-angry Everton star not willing to forgive police for jewellery shop mix-up

  

  A statement on the Everton club website, Thursday March 12:

  “We would now expect [Victor Anichebe] to receive a full and unreserved apology from the police - and then both he and the club would then consider the matter closed.”

  A statement on the Everton club website, a bit later on Thursday March 12, after the police issue the apology Anichebe requested:

  “Whilst I do fully understand Cheshire Police’s desire to tackle the problem of robberies on jewellery shops in the Knutsford area, I remain deeply upset and very angry about the treatment which was meted out to myself and a friend yesterday (Wednesday).”

  We can’t figure out what is more shocking - Anichebe’s reticence to forgive the police despite receiving the apology he desired, or the fact that a footballer used the word “meted” in a statement. Did you swallow a dictionary, Victor?

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/victor-anichebe-is-deeply-upset-and-very-angry/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/roman-abramovich-set-to-invest-60m http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/roman-abramovich-set-to-invest-60m#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:56:15 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/roman-abramovich-set-to-invest-60m … but not into Chelsea

  

  One of the only Premier League club owners to suffer more than Mike Ashley during the current economic crisis is Roman Abramovich: reports suggest he has lost up to a third of his £15bn fortune. The Russian tycoon is clearly unfazed by his rapidly decreasing wealth, as he is all set to invest in a £60m Caribbean estate:

  Chelsea’s owner, who is estimated to have lost two thirds of his £15billion fortune, has “fallen in love” with the two-acre plot on St Barts.

  The idyllic spot boasts a deep-water mooring with enough space for his three superyachts.

  Over Christmas, Abramovich anchored his ridiculously-named super-yacht ‘Ecstasea’ on the millionaire’s playground of St Barths, and it is said that he and 27-year-old model girlfriend Daria Zhukova fell in love it.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/13/roman-abramovich-set-to-invest-60m/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/juventus-defender-criticises-chelseas-unpleasant-behaviour http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/juventus-defender-criticises-chelseas-unpleasant-behaviour#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:39:25 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/juventus-defender-criticises-chelseas-unpleasant-behaviour Olof Mellberg thinks the Blues are back to their ref-chasing best

  

  Former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg has criticised Chelsea for intimidating the referee throughout their Champions League match against Juventus.

  Despite spending seven years in the Premier League, the Swede was apparently shocked to see almost every Chelsea player march towards the officials the second a whistle was blown. Mellberg was also presumably surprised to find John Terry breathing down his neck in the second-half when the referee correctly awarded a penalty in Juventus’ favour. He said:

  “Chelsea tried to influence the referee’s decisions throughout the game. Six or seven of their players surrounded him and it was something of a personal attack. In my opinion, it was very unpleasant and anti-sporting behaviour.

  (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/juventus-defender-criticises-chelseas-unpleasant-behaviour/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/video-brazilian-pulls-off-an-incredible-triple-miss http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/video-brazilian-pulls-off-an-incredible-triple-miss#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:58:10 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/video-brazilian-pulls-off-an-incredible-triple-miss The words “banjo” and “cow’s backside” spring to mind

  Last night’s Copa Libertadores clash between Brazilian side Gremio and Colombia’s Boyaca Chico will be remembered for nothing else except the devastatingly bad triple miss of Gremio attacking midfielder Jonas. Even Nicklas Bendtner would have put one of those away!

  Spoiler bonus: Jonas may be feeling pretty sorry for himself, but he can always bask in the glory of getting a shout out at every single Weezer concert… (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/video-brazilian-pulls-off-an-incredible-triple-miss/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/jose-mourinho-punched-a-fan-in-the-face-last-night http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/jose-mourinho-punched-a-fan-in-the-face-last-night#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:19:39 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/jose-mourinho-punched-a-fan-in-the-face-last-night Inter manager didn’t take defeat at Old Trafford very well

  

  When the final whistle blew at Old Trafford last night, Jose Mourinho conceded that his Inter side were defeated by a “perfect team”, and even gave fierce rival Alex Ferguson a friendly cuddle.

  After leaving the dugout, something roused the Portuguese from his calm demeanour, as he is alleged to have clocked a fan in the face while boarding the team coach:

  Police have contacted Manchester United to request CCTV footage of the area, and a police spokesperson was quoted by Sky Sports as saying, “Shortly before midnight last night a man reported that he had been punched in the face outside Old Trafford.

  “We are investigating an allegation of common assault,” the statement concluded.

  If The Special One wishes to avoid brushes with the law in the future, perhaps he should stop taking coach-boarding tips from Jason Roberts.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/jose-mourinho-punched-a-fan-in-the-face-last-night/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/video-gary-pallister-receives-a-huge-compliment-on-mutv http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/video-gary-pallister-receives-a-huge-compliment-on-mutv#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:50:01 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/video-gary-pallister-receives-a-huge-compliment-on-mutv Simon from Leicester knows a good wang when he sees one

  The six or seven people who subscribe to MUTV received a shock last night, when a caller turned the topic of discussion towards Gary Pallister’s oversized junk. “Perhaps it’s the angle,” reasoned the hostess, while giving GP a knowing glance.

  Thanks to Eliot and J-Bone at Interestment for the tip

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/video-gary-pallister-receives-a-huge-compliment-on-mutv/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/valencia-confirm-holding-talks-with-manchester-city-about-selling-david-villa http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/valencia-confirm-holding-talks-with-manchester-city-about-selling-david-villa#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:47:19 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/valencia-confirm-holding-talks-with-manchester-city-about-selling-david-villa Europe’s most in-demand striker could be heading to Eastlands

  

  Financially-troubled Valencia’s vice-president Fernando Gomez has revealed that they met with Manchester City representatives to discuss the possibility of selling David Villa this summer.

  City balked at the asking price quoted by the Spanish side and are yet to have made an offer. Valencia reportedly faces debts of £400 million but Gomez is adamant they won’t be short-changed for their top-scorer. He said:

  “Yes, it’s true [that the clubs met] but they didn’t make us an any offer. The president Vicente Soriano asked for a significant amount and they didn’t agree.

  “I think they are two very important players, with a lot of quality and if we sell them, we are not going to sell them on the cheap.”

  After being publicly rejection by Kaka in January, Manchester City were probably trying to go about their business more discreetly so are unlikely to welcome Valencia alerting Real Madrid and Liverpool that Villa is up for grabs.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/valencia-confirm-holding-talks-with-manchester-city-about-selling-david-villa/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/torres-fitness-boost-lampard-champions-league-fears-and-robinhos-super-hot-wag http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/torres-fitness-boost-lampard-champions-league-fears-and-robinhos-super-hot-wag#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:33:47 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/torres-fitness-boost-lampard-champions-league-fears-and-robinhos-super-hot-wag Also appearing on a computer near you…

  Don’t fear the robot: Smithy gives an England team talk
  [Off The Post]

  There’s one team Lampsie wants to avoid int he Champions League…
  [The Telegraph]

  Robinho’s WAG is HOT!
  [Kickette]

  Torres believes he will be 100 per cent fit for the Manchester Utd game
  [Football365]
  
  Kelly Brook is unwittingly promoting safe sex
  [nextround]

  Valencia are financially screwed
  [Goal.com]

  We’re Tweeting - are you?
  [Twitter]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/torres-fitness-boost-lampard-champions-league-fears-and-robinhos-super-hot-wag/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/wag-no-296-karina-bacchi http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/wag-no-296-karina-bacchi#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:38:36 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/wag-no-296-karina-bacchi Playboy model gets another chance with Portuguese man-o’-sex

  

  Keeping up with Cristiano Ronaldo’s love life is even more challenging than keeping up with the nonsense that spews from Sepp Blatter’s mouth, but you’ll probably agree we’ve made a wise decision in concentrating our energies on the former.

  The Manchester United winger steamrollered Brazilian Playboy model Karina Bacchi in 2007, but according to The Mirror, they have reunited once again. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/wag-no-296-karina-bacchi/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/todays-cheltenham-tip-2 http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/todays-cheltenham-tip-2#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:03:13 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/todays-cheltenham-tip-2 Our daily attempt to improve your economic fortunes

  Click here to claim a free £25 bet with Paddy Power

  Kasbah Bliss is the 11/10 favourite to win Thursdays’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle (3.20pm) but here’s why we are backing Punchestowns at 10/3 with Paddy Power:

  REASONS TO DISCOUNT KASBAH BLISS!
  Just three favourites have won this race in the last ten years. Kasbah Bliss finished second in 2007 and 2008 but only one of the last eleven runners-up have triumphed the following year.

  » Four of the seven winners of Ascot’s Long Walk Hurdle between 1998 and 2007 also won the World Hurdle. Punchestowns won at Ascot in December.

  » Punchestowns meets all the vital trends: he’s aged between six and eight, he’s not Irish and he’s priced under 8/1. Both jockey Barry Geraghty and trainer Nicky Henderson (twice) have won this race before.

  Paddy Power are paying FIVE PLACES each-way in Thursday’s 2.05pm, 4.00pm and 4.40pm races!

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/todays-cheltenham-tip-2/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/everton-star-suspected-of-being-a-jewellery-thief http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/everton-star-suspected-of-being-a-jewellery-thief#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:48:54 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/everton-star-suspected-of-being-a-jewellery-thief Police swoop on Victor Anichebe while he browses in shop window

  

  While deciding how to dispose of his generous income at the window of a posh jewellery shop in Knutsford, Cheshire yesterday, Everton star Victor Anichebe was deemed to be “acting suspiciously” by Police. Rather than risk letting the wealthy footballer make a purchase, the fuzz decided the best course of action was to slap him in some handcuffs.

  The Sun says:

  Officers leapt from a car, surrounded the Nigerian-born Everton ace and handcuffed a pal he was with.

  An astonished witness told yesterday how the shaken star - on CRUTCHES after being crocked for the season - was grilled by up to five cops in front of afternoon shoppers.

  He kept protesting: “I’m a footballer - I play for Everton. Why would I want to rob a shop?”

  The Sun continue by quoting Sean Reynolds, a witness of the incident:

  “Either Victor or his mate said, ‘If I was a white man it wouldn’t matter - you’re being racist’. A crowd was gathering by this stage. It was getting more and more agitated.”

  While it is fair to cite racism as a motivator for this incident, is not also a tiny bit racist to fail to discern between Anichebe and “his mate”? The quote above may as well start: “One of those black folks said…”

  Everton have issued a statement claiming the player was “distressed” by the incident, and that they expect a full apology from the police.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/everton-star-suspected-of-being-a-jewellery-thief/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/arsenal-fan-stabbed-by-roma-hooligan-in-bus-ambush http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/arsenal-fan-stabbed-by-roma-hooligan-in-bus-ambush#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:04:20 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/arsenal-fan-stabbed-by-roma-hooligan-in-bus-ambush Yet more unacceptable behaviour from our friends in Rome

  Yesterday, we told you how two Chelsea fans were subjected to the latest craze in Italian hooliganism - slashing rival fans’ buttocks as a “greeting”.

  Following last night’s heated match at the Stadio Olympico, it has emerged that an Arsenal fan received a similar stabbing in the rear (pun intended) when a gang of Roma Ultras ambushed a minibus. The unnamed man was targeted when the bus got lost near the stadium, and presumably he stood up for the rest of the journey. The assailant has been arrested.

  There have been plenty of complaints concerning the treatment of Arsenal supporters last night - fans were given little assistance as Roma’s faithful ripped up seats and set fire to anything in sight.

  UEFA have warned Roma that they will lose the right to host this year’s Champions League finals if any more serious acts of hooliganism occur between now and May 27.

  Is it time that Blatter and Platini got over their anti-English agenda and dealt with the the likes of Roma and Lazio, who are getting away with serious crimes? Should this dangerous venue host this year’s European showpiece? Let us know what you think below…

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/arsenal-fan-stabbed-by-roma-hooligan-in-bus-ambush/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/video-manchester-utd-and-arsenal-champions-league-highlights http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/video-manchester-utd-and-arsenal-champions-league-highlights#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:36:23 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/video-manchester-utd-and-arsenal-champions-league-highlights Another great night for English clubs in Europe

  Manchester Utd 2/ Inter Milan 0 (2-0 agg)
  Thanks to an early effort from Nemanja Vidic and Ronaldo’s 49th minute header, we were spared the possibility of seeing a well-dressed Portuguese man sliding down the touchline in the dying minutes. Manchester Utd looked a tad shaky at times, but still completely unstoppable.

  Roma 1/ Arsenal 0 (agg 1-1, Arsenal win 7-6 on pens)
  Plenty of drama in the inhospitable surroundings of the Stadio Olympico last night, but a mixture of confidence and incredible luck has ensured the Gunners a place in the final eight.

  Spoiler bonus: Highlights of Barcelona’s emphatic victory and Porto’s much less emphatic draw after the jump… (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/12/video-manchester-utd-and-arsenal-champions-league-highlights/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/mourinho-springs-surprises-arsenal-stick-with-home-eleven http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/mourinho-springs-surprises-arsenal-stick-with-home-eleven#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:32:09 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/mourinho-springs-surprises-arsenal-stick-with-home-eleven Patrick Vieira will line up against Manchester United again tonight

  Jose Mourinho has decided to start Patrick Vieira and Mario Balotelli against Manchester United tonight while Walter Samuel returns to the Inter Milan defence. Carlos Tevez’ reward for scoring twice against Fulham is a place on the bench while Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes both start in midfield.

  Arsene Wenger has named the same eleven players for Arsenal that started the 1-0 win over Roma a fortnight ago. As well as indicating that the Frenchman doesn’t intend to adopt a safety-first approach, it means he has Theo Walcott and Eduardo waiting in the wings to make an impact of the bench. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/mourinho-springs-surprises-arsenal-stick-with-home-eleven/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/why-manchester-united-cant-lose-focus-in-the-closing-stages http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/why-manchester-united-cant-lose-focus-in-the-closing-stages#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:10:06 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/why-manchester-united-cant-lose-focus-in-the-closing-stages Otherwise Jose will punish them, just as he has done before…

  Manchester United have the edge over Inter Milan because 67% of teams who have drawn 0-0 away have progressed in the second leg. However, they can’t afford any lapses of concentration, as this extract from our friends at chickendinner proves:

  Mourinho sides have scored a goal in the last ten minutes on three of his previous five trips to Old Trafford. They have scored last there on four occasions yet can still be backed to grab the final goal at 15/8 with Bet365.

  Click here to read the full preview for this match.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/why-manchester-united-cant-lose-focus-in-the-closing-stages/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/manchester-utd-target-7m-brazilian-striker http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/manchester-utd-target-7m-brazilian-striker#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:33:25 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/manchester-utd-target-7m-brazilian-striker 19-year-old ‘prodigy’ is on The Reds’ radar

  

  Reports in the British press suggest that 19-year-old Brazilian sensation Walter da Silva has caught the eye of Manchester Utd.

  The striker scored five goals during the recent South American U-20 Championships and is considered Brazil’s next big prospect.

  Walter currently plays for Internacional, who are quite insistent that their wonderkid is not for sale, but rumours of a £5m-£7m summer transfer to Old Trafford are abundant.

  Manchester Utd aren’t the only European club intersted in the services of the ‘Brazilian prodigy’ - both Juventus and Barcelona are said to be monitoring his progress closely.

  Spoiler bonus: Check out some video of Walter in action after the jump… (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/manchester-utd-target-7m-brazilian-striker/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/ronaldos-mum-my-son-has-not-had-sex-with-100-women http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/ronaldos-mum-my-son-has-not-had-sex-with-100-women#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:47:42 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/ronaldos-mum-my-son-has-not-had-sex-with-100-women Dolores Alveiro denies her boy’s womanising ways

  

  No one on planet earth enjoys more meaningless intercourse than Cristiano Ronaldo, but his mother is keen to dispel his reputation as a ladykiller.

  Dolores Alveiro - who opened a can of worms when she supported her son’s poorly disguised desire to move to Spain - is quoted by German newspaper Bild:

  “If I were to believe what other people say, he would have been with more than 100 women.

  “When he likes a girl and it is serious, he introduces her to the family.”

  Apparently, there are just two ladies to have had the privilege of meeting mummy - Merche Romero and C-Ron’s 2008 summer project Nereida Gallardo.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/ronaldos-mum-my-son-has-not-had-sex-with-100-women/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/beckhams-latest-injury-rauls-apology-and-alex-fergusons-culinary-skills http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/beckhams-latest-injury-rauls-apology-and-alex-fergusons-culinary-skills#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:55:31 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/beckhams-latest-injury-rauls-apology-and-alex-fergusons-culinary-skills Also appearing on a computer near you…

  Uzbekistan take their training rather seriously
  [The Offside]

  Iker Casillas cries after letting four goals get past him
  [Goal.com]

  Fergie dons some rubber gloves for Red Devils Kitchen
  [Off The Post]

  Newcastle will try to keep Joe Kinnear calm upon his return
  [Sky Sports]

  Illogical diet news: Van Persie is cutting out red meat to help his muscles
  [Dirty Tackle]

  Raul apologises for Real’s rubbishness
  [Football365]

  David Beckham has twisted his ankle. We repeat: twisted his ankle
  [The Telegraph]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/beckhams-latest-injury-rauls-apology-and-alex-fergusons-culinary-skills/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/wag-no-296-abi-titmuss http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/wag-no-296-abi-titmuss#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:27:20 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/wag-no-296-abi-titmuss Glamour model, sex tape star, fan of rotary telephones

  

  Before 2002, Abi Titmuss was simply a nurse who had found love with former Blue Peter presneter John Leslie. When the naughty substance-loving Scot was embroiled in a rape scandal, Abi seized an opportunity to launch a career in the limelight (nothing like profiting from a loved one’s misfortune, eh?).

  Her popularity was aided by her willingness to be naked in front of a camera, an appearance in an infamous sex tape, and relationships with celebrities including former Manchester Utd midfielder Lee Sharpe. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/wag-no-296-abi-titmuss/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/todays-cheltenham-tip http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/todays-cheltenham-tip#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:42:55 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/todays-cheltenham-tip Enjoy some Stones, then make some dinero at the 2.05pm race

  Hopefully you followed our advice for the festival’s opening race and backed Go Native at a massive 12/1. Wednesday’s Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle could be the most open race so far, and third-favourite Diamond Harry is generously available at 9/2 with Paddy Power.

  PROMISING TRENDS!
  Diamond Harry, who is unbeaten in six races, has all the key attributes that past winners of this race have possessed. He is in the first six of the betting at under 12/1, he finished first or second on his last outing and is aged five or six.

  The two other frontrunners also meet these specifications but there are reasons to write both off. Only one jockey has retained since 1988 and last year’s winner Ruby Walsh rides favourite Mikael D’Haguenet while Karabak’s jockey Tony McCoy hasn’t won this race in twelve attempts.

  Click here to claim a free £25 bet with Paddy Power

  Did we mention how brilliant Paddy Power are? They’re paying e/w on an extra place in the 4pm and 5.15pm races

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/todays-cheltenham-tip/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/robinho-and-stephen-irelands-training-ground-battle http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/robinho-and-stephen-irelands-training-ground-battle#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:32:37 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/robinho-and-stephen-irelands-training-ground-battle Manchester City stars fight to be king of the car park

  

  With fame, millions of pounds and unlimited access to Movida’s least scrupulous ladies, one may assume that footballers live untroubled lives. Stephen Ireland and Robinho, however, have shown us that the Premier League’s pampered stars suffer the same feelings of want and inadequacy as the folks in the stands.

  When Robinho decided to stop taking the bus, he picked up a shiny white Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. When the Brazilian rolled into the club’s Carrington training ground in his £170,000 car p0rn wet dream, Stephen Ireland turned green with jealousy, and immediately went out and bought a black version of the same car.

  Presumably, it’s only a matter of time before Ireland puts some pink wheels on his Italian supercar.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/robinho-and-stephen-irelands-training-ground-battle/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/chelsea-fans-stabbed-in-the-rear-by-juventus-thugs http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/chelsea-fans-stabbed-in-the-rear-by-juventus-thugs#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:55:08 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/chelsea-fans-stabbed-in-the-rear-by-juventus-thugs If you read that headline and expected something other than a knife attack, you have a dirty mind

  Around 1,500 Chelsea fans travelled to Turin last night to see their side earn a place in the final eight of the Champions League, but two Londoners found themselves subjected to some of Italy’s less hospitable supporters.

  Before kick-off, the Chelsea fans were stabbed, and were taken to hospital with injuries to their derrieres.

  Such attacks are said to be common “greetings” from Italian football hooligans, who clearly aren’t aware that a simple wave and smile is much more polite.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/chelsea-fans-stabbed-in-the-rear-by-juventus-thugs/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/video-liverpool-and-chelsea-champions-league-highlights-2 http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/video-liverpool-and-chelsea-champions-league-highlights-2#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:31:53 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/video-liverpool-and-chelsea-champions-league-highlights-2 Michel Platini has another sleepless night as English clubs triumph in Europe

  Liverpool 4/ Real Madrid 0 (5-0 agg)
  The statistics suggested Liverpool would struggle to get anything more than a draw last night, but Rafa’s side gave Madrid an almighty spanking at Anfield. The Spaniards may complain about the legitimacy of the first two goals, but the better team triumphed, and the other one suffered their worst Champions League defeat ever. If only Liverpool would play like this in the league…

  Juventus 2/ Chelsea 2 (3-2 agg)
  Meanwhile, there were plenty of controversial incidents in Turin, in a match that could have gone either way. Despite Drogba’s free kick goal crossing the line unnoticed, the Pensioners had enough resolve to overcome the Old Lady.
  
  Spoiler Bonus: Highlights of the other two matches - including Bayern Munich’s ridiculous 12-1 aggregate victory over Sporting - after the jump… (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/11/video-liverpool-and-chelsea-champions-league-highlights-2/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/fernando-torres-supports-juande-ramos-anfield-stance http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/fernando-torres-supports-juande-ramos-anfield-stance#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:15:40 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/fernando-torres-supports-juande-ramos-anfield-stance Spanish striker says the atmosphere won’t affect Real Madrid

  

  When Juande Ramos claimed that the massively overhyped “famous Anfield roar” would have no effect on Real Madrid, it was widely considered to be a petty mind-game but his opinion has been backed up by Fernando Torres.

  The Real Madrid boss said that visiting Liverpool would be no more special than experiencing the Bernabeu, Nou Camp or San Siro and his compatriot Torres has agreed that the home crowd won’t have much of an impact. He said:

  “Anfield is special, but they won’t fear the scenery. The players of Madrid have played in the better stadiums, in the better competitions and it’s not going to impress them.”

  [Metro]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/fernando-torres-supports-juande-ramos-anfield-stance/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/liverpool-are-unlikely-to-do-the-double-over-real-madrid http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/liverpool-are-unlikely-to-do-the-double-over-real-madrid#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:07:16 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/liverpool-are-unlikely-to-do-the-double-over-real-madrid Liverpool/Real Madrid, Champions League, 7.45pm, ITV1

  

  Juande Ramos has promised that the “famous Anfield roar” holds no fear for his side and who can blame him when it hasn’t intimidated teams like Stoke and Hull this season. The Sun today reported that 91% of teams who win the away leg 1-0 progress, bringing into question ITV’s decision to again give Liverpool prominence over Chelsea.

  While the Reds should still qualify, here are five reasons why they won’t win tonight, courtesy of chickendinner:

  1. Liverpool haven’t won consecutive home games since October. They have played twelve times at Anfield since their 1-0 win over Portsmouth over four months ago but have won just five of them.

  2. Rafael Benitez’s side have won both the home and away legs of a Champions League knockout tie on just two of their last nine attempts.

  3. Real Madrid have won four consecutive away games (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/liverpool-are-unlikely-to-do-the-double-over-real-madrid/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/rio-ferdinand-to-be-fit-for-inter-milan-match http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/rio-ferdinand-to-be-fit-for-inter-milan-match#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:49:52 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/rio-ferdinand-to-be-fit-for-inter-milan-match Centre-back set to give Manchester Utd a Champions League boost

  

  After limping off during Saturday’s demolition of Fulham, Rio Ferdinand was considered a doubt for tomorrow night’s crucial clash with Inter Milan.

  Fortunately for the Red Devils, the defender has responded to treatment on his ankle, and was able to train at Carrington this morning. Provided he avoids any particularly strenuous merking incidents, Ferdinand is expected to play a part in this week’s vital Champions League game.

  Fergie can pick from a full squad, with the exception of Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves, Wes Brown and Rafael. Jose Mourinho, on the other hand, will probably be without key players including Cristian Chivu, Walter Samuel, Marco Materazzi and Nicolás Burdisso.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/rio-ferdinand-to-be-fit-for-inter-milan-match/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/andrei-arshavin-doesnt-want-to-email-nicklas-bendtner http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/andrei-arshavin-doesnt-want-to-email-nicklas-bendtner#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:33:03 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/andrei-arshavin-doesnt-want-to-email-nicklas-bendtner Well, would you?

  Thanks to his upbringing in the oasis of enlightenment known as Russia, Andrei Arshavin is a very traditional man. The Arsenal forward likes his women smoke free and without driving licences, his hair untouched by nasty foreign barbers and his mobile phone basic and incapable of sending email. If you can’t decipher the video above, here’s what Arshavin says:

  Arshavin: Everybody has Blackberry in England, except me, Pavlyuchenko. What reason to have Blackberry now?

  Inteviewer: …to send email.

  Arshavin: Yes, but who? Just Bendtner! [Laughs] “How are you?”

  While we strongly encourage needless digs at Nicklas Bendtner, we fail to understand Arshavin’s bizarre logic. As Dirty Tackle correctly point out, the reason to have a Blackberry is because everyone else has one!

  Perhaps the Russian would be better suited to an iPhone - that way he could listen to his favourite karaoke tunes on the move.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/andrei-arshavin-doesnt-want-to-email-nicklas-bendtner/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/video-ball-boy-gets-an-assist http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/video-ball-boy-gets-an-assist#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:03:19 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/video-ball-boy-gets-an-assist Young Israeli helps his side to victory

  It’s hard to believe, but most people don’t follow the events of Israel’s second tie, the Ligat Leumit, and therefore this incident from last week may have passed Spoiler readers by.

  When Bnei Lod visited Hapoel Haifa, they suffered at the hands of a ball boy. When the home side launched an attack and the Bnei Lod keeper was forced to head the ball clear, the quick-thinking youngster threw on a replacement ball, which duly ended up in the net.

  Despite the assistance of their twelfth man, the home side still managed to lose 2-1.

  [101GG via TotalProSports]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/video-ball-boy-gets-an-assist/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/arsenal-target-12m-bundesliga-star http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/arsenal-target-12m-bundesliga-star#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:25:32 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/arsenal-target-12m-bundesliga-star Swiss midfielder reportedly on the Professor’s wishlist

  

  Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta currently plies his trade at Bayer Leverkusen, but is said to be interested in a move to the Premier League. According to press reports, the talented 23-year-old could be on his way to Arsenal, for a fee of around £12m. Leverkusen sporting manager Michael Reschke has said:

  “There are enquiries for Tranquillo all the time and we have been talking about this with him.

  “We are always in touch with Tranquillo and are attempting to extend his deal.”

  Tranquillo - who has his own official club shop - has 18 months left on his Leverkusen contract, but has caught the attention of several European clubs.

  UPDATE: Barnetta’s extremely German-sounding agent Wolfgang Voege has told Setanta.com that there has been “no contact with Arsenal whatsoever”. He also revealed that Portsmouth tried to sign him in the January window.

  Spoiler bonus: Not familiar with Barnetta’s work? Check out his highlight reel after the jump… (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/arsenal-target-12m-bundesliga-star/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/liverpool-target-spurs-winger-capello-rebuffs-la-galaxy-danielle-lloyd-looks-attractive http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/liverpool-target-spurs-winger-capello-rebuffs-la-galaxy-danielle-lloyd-looks-attractive#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:00:35 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/liverpool-target-spurs-winger-capello-rebuffs-la-galaxy-danielle-lloyd-looks-attractive Also appearing on a computer near you…

  Pepe Reina gives Iker Casillas English lessons ahead of tonight’s Champions League tie
  [Off the Post]

  Fabio Capello will block LA Galaxy’s attempts to stop David Beckham playing in friendlies
  [The Sun]

  Interestment’s Football Eleven #2
  [Interestment]

  An in-depth analysis of Lampsie’s new lady Saskia Boxford
  [Kickette]

  Comment: The Wembley FA Cup rip-off
  [Manchester Evening News]

  Liverpool still want Aaron Lennon
  [Daily Mail]

  Danielle Lloyd does it for the kids
  [HOT POA]

  Totally random: A brilliant Simpsons guest star quiz
  [Mental Floss]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/liverpool-target-spurs-winger-capello-rebuffs-la-galaxy-danielle-lloyd-looks-attractive/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/wag-no-295-gina-pistol http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/wag-no-295-gina-pistol#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:22:00 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/wag-no-295-gina-pistol Say hello to Germany’s latest Playboy WAG

  

  The Bundesliga is still reeling from the introduction of Playboy model Nives Celzijus to its cast of supporting ladies, and now they recently welcomed another beauty who has appeared on the pages of Hef’s grot mag.

  Romanian Gina Pistol has been stepping out with VfB Stuttgart striker Ciprian Marica since the Bundesliga winter break. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/wag-no-295-gina-pistol/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/get-your-cheltenham-festival-betting-off-to-a-strong-start http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/get-your-cheltenham-festival-betting-off-to-a-strong-start#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:52:27 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/get-your-cheltenham-festival-betting-off-to-a-strong-start A brief interlude from normal football programming to give you a great tip for Cheltenham and some music from Bonio and co

  Cousin Vinny is the 9/4 favourite to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle - the opening race of the 2009 Cheltenham Festival. Paddy Power will refund all bets if Patrick Mullins’ mount triumphs, so you have the perfect chance to kick-off the week with a big win by backing against the favourite.

  PROMISING TREND!
  11 of the last 12 winners of this race had won their last race. This is good news for those backing against Cousin Vinny, who unseated his jockey on his last outing at Leopardstown.

  Other key trends in this race include that nine of the last 12 winners have been aged either five or six while ten of the last 17 were Irish trained.

  Second favourite Torphichen (6/1) is only four and wasn’t trained in Ireland but third and fourth favourites Go Native (10/1) and Kempes (11/1) meet all three specifications. Whether you choose to bet win or each-way on this race is entirely your choice because the money-back special applies to both.

  SPECIAL OFFER! Click here to open a Paddy Power account and claim a free £25 bet

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/get-your-cheltenham-festival-betting-off-to-a-strong-start/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/manchester-utd-legend-backs-mourinho-as-next-reds-boss http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/manchester-utd-legend-backs-mourinho-as-next-reds-boss#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:43:14 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/manchester-utd-legend-backs-mourinho-as-next-reds-boss We say ‘legend’, we mean Andy Cole

  
  
  Jose Mourinho has vehemently denied saying that he wishes to replace Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, despite being quoted to the contrary at the weekend. Such comments would be disrespectful, claim the Portuguese manager who failed to shake hands with his Manchester counterpart at their last encounter.

  Rio Ferdinand has already expressed his approval of Mourinho, and now ex-United striker Andy (sorry, ‘Andrew’) Cole has backed the Inter gaffer in an interview with the Manchester Evening News:

  “The guy has got so much charisma - the Premier League misses him.

  “He has got so much about him. When he talks everyone wants to listen. Regardless what it is, everyone sits up.

  “Jose has the credentials. He knows how to bring the best out of his players like the current manager. It would be fantastic if he got the job here.”

  Spoiler bonus: You’ve probably listened to it today already, but here’s Andrew Cole’s incredible rapping debut… (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/manchester-utd-legend-backs-mourinho-as-next-reds-boss/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/juande-ramos-anfield-isnt-a-big-deal http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/juande-ramos-anfield-isnt-a-big-deal#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:07:24 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/juande-ramos-anfield-isnt-a-big-deal Madrid manager taunts Liverpool ahead of big game
  

  

  Liverpool - who have lost only one of their last sixteen Champions League games - entertain Real Madrid at Anfield tonight, knowing they simply have to keep the visitors from scoring to progress in the competition.

  As underdogs of sorts, Los Blancos must do everything in their power to gain an advantage. With his comments diminishing Liverpool and their historic stadium, Juande Ramos appears to have delivered a big blow in the pre-match mind games:

  “I’ve got absolutely no fear of what lies ahead. With all the respect in the world for Liverpool and Rafa Benitez, I’ve been a coach at some of the great stadiums in the world, either in charge of the home side or with the opposition team.

  “Coincidentally I never took Spurs to Anfield so it will be my first time on the bench there. But Anfield just isn’t a bigger deal than the Bernabeu, the San Siro or the Camp Nou - and I’ve seen all those before.”

  Some very assumptuous words from a man who has never actually managed a team at Anfield before.

  Meanwhile, feisty Argentinean Javier Mascherano has hit back at the Spaniards with some extremely unsubtle (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/juande-ramos-anfield-isnt-a-big-deal/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/la-galaxy-want-to-block-david-beckham-from-international-friendlies http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/la-galaxy-want-to-block-david-beckham-from-international-friendlies#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:38:29 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/la-galaxy-want-to-block-david-beckham-from-international-friendlies Meanwhile, Mr B realises he forgot to put wax in his hair

  

  Frankly, Anglo-American relations could not be any worse than they are right now. Not only is David Beckham doing everything he can to escape from LA, but we’ve offloaded Jordan and her dunce husband Peter Andre on California, and we even seem to have rid ourselves of Madonna at America’s expense.

  In light of these unfair celebrity transatlantic transfers, manager-who-sounds-like-a-stadium Bruce Arena wants Beckham to be blocked from playing any England friendlies when he is made to go back to LA Galaxy in the summer. He said:

  “I’ll ask for David not be called up. It’s not necessary for him to be there for a friendly and I’ll contact the FA.

  “David’s happy to come back - and his addition will be positive for us.”

  Quite understandably, LA Galaxy are trying to get the most out of the little time they have left with Beckham, and hence aren’t willing to let him leave the US for friendlies against Holland on 12 August and Slovenia on September 5. But the news won’t sit well with Mr B, who came back to Europe with the sole intention of staying in contention for a place at World Cup 2010.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/la-galaxy-want-to-block-david-beckham-from-international-friendlies/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/how-not-to-launch-a-quick-counter-attack http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/how-not-to-launch-a-quick-counter-attack#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:39:06 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/how-not-to-launch-a-quick-counter-attack German side made to pay for goalkeeper’s horrendous mistake
  

  German teams have a reputation for being ruthlessly efficient but obviously the stereotype doesn’t ring true in the lower leagues. Michael Melka, the goalkeeper for third-tier team Fortuna Dusseldorf was apparently never taught to look around him before kicking the ball out and he paid in spectacular style against Regensburg this weekend.
  [Credit: 101GG]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/10/how-not-to-launch-a-quick-counter-attack/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/german-striker-in-trouble-for-advertising-during-goal-celebration http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/german-striker-in-trouble-for-advertising-during-goal-celebration#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:01:43 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/german-striker-in-trouble-for-advertising-during-goal-celebration Mario Gomez gives you wings

  

  On Saturday, VfB Stuttgart defeated Dortmund at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, thanks to a winning goal from Mario Gomez. The German national team striker, however, landed himself in a big ol’ pile of controversy thanks to the nature of his goal celebration.

  When the half-Spanish forward slotted home in the 62nd minute, he opened an imaginary can and took a sip from it, and then proceeded to flap his arms as if they were wings. According to German newspaper Bild, Gomez has held a “private agreement” with a certain Austrian energy drink manufacturer for several months.

  According to FIFA rules, such flagrant advertising (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/german-striker-in-trouble-for-advertising-during-goal-celebration/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/nemanja-vidic-will-not-move-to-milan http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/nemanja-vidic-will-not-move-to-milan#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:12:00 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/nemanja-vidic-will-not-move-to-milan Serbian is sticking with the rain and “joyless fans” of Manchester

  

  Nemanja Vidic has made no secret of his opinions concerning dirty smelly rainy miserable Manchester, but rumours of a summer switch to slightly-less-rainy Milan are a load of crap, according to his agent.

  When asked about the reported £20m transfer, Silvano Martina told Goal.com:

  “No way, this is just some crazy rubbish”

  “I have already spoken with the journalist who wrote the article and explained that there is no truth in this report.

  “Vidic loves it in Manchester and will stay put.”

  It looks as if Milan will have to look elsewhere to bolster their defence for 2009/10, as Alessandro Nesta and 412-year-old captain Paolo Maldini look set to call it a day.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/nemanja-vidic-will-not-move-to-milan/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/barcelona-to-make-32m-bid-for-arsenal-midfielder http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/barcelona-to-make-32m-bid-for-arsenal-midfielder#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:59:29 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/barcelona-to-make-32m-bid-for-arsenal-midfielder Fabregas could return to the Nou Camp in the summer

  

  In 2003, Professor Wenger stole 16-year-old diamond-in-the-rough Cesc Fabregas away from Barcelona, but according to reports in Spain, the midfielder could soon return to the Catalan giants.

  A figure of around £32m has been suggested, and Barca president Joan Laporta has made his love for the 21-year-old Spaniard quite clear. He told Punto Radio:

  “Although he is with another club, I have always praised Fabregas. He was born in Catalonia and has become better since leaving the club.

  “But I feel he has this club at his heart. The technical staff will decide on any movement for him, but there is no doubt he would be a big player for us.”

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/barcelona-to-make-32m-bid-for-arsenal-midfielder/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/video-spanish-fan-demonstrates-the-correct-way-to-celebrate-a-victory http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/video-spanish-fan-demonstrates-the-correct-way-to-celebrate-a-victory#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:37:44 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/video-spanish-fan-demonstrates-the-correct-way-to-celebrate-a-victory Athletic Club supporter treats TV reporter to some air humping

  Is there a better way to celebrate your club’s first Cope del Rey final appearance since 1985 than by simulating a sex act on television? Will Spanish TV reporter Elena Extebarrieta ever do a live broadcast in front of drunk football fans again?

  The answer to both questions is almost certainly ‘no’.

  [Deadspin]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/video-spanish-fan-demonstrates-the-correct-way-to-celebrate-a-victory/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/milans-30-bid-for-man-utd-stars-mourinhos-mind-games-and-cheryl-coles-anger http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/milans-30-bid-for-man-utd-stars-mourinhos-mind-games-and-cheryl-coles-anger#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:17:11 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/milans-30-bid-for-man-utd-stars-mourinhos-mind-games-and-cheryl-coles-anger Also appearing on a computer near you…

  

  Sporno fan Daniel has sent in this stunning example of pandering to the referee. If you’ve seen any good sport/ porn hybrids, send them here and we’ll send you ten shiny English pounds if we use it.

  Video: (Fat) Ronaldo scores his first goal for Corinthians
  [Off The Post]

  Milan line up £30m bid for Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans
  [Daily Mail]

  Fergie thinks Inter will play for penalties
  [The Guardian]

  Mourinho claims he may have to play a striker in defence
  [Football365]

  Didier Drogba thinks the new Chelsea boss is ignoring him
  [The Telegraph]

  Cheryl Cole is upset with Cashley
  [WAGs Blog]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/milans-30-bid-for-man-utd-stars-mourinhos-mind-games-and-cheryl-coles-anger/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/wag-no-294-saskia-boxford http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/wag-no-294-saskia-boxford#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:24:54 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/wag-no-294-saskia-boxford Frank Lampard quickly recovers from split with fiance

  

  Frank Lampard ended his eight year relationship with fiancee Elen Rives a few weeks ago, and appears to have jumped staright back into the game. The Chelsea star has been spotted out and about in foggy London town with 23-year-old Saskia Boxford, a society girl and millionaire’s daughter who works for a fashion house. She’s dead posh, and probably uses the word “summer” as a verb. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/wag-no-294-saskia-boxford/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/vote-who-will-win-the-fa-cup http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/vote-who-will-win-the-fa-cup#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:55:05 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/vote-who-will-win-the-fa-cup Can anyone stop the Manchester Utd quintuple? (Er, apart from Inter Milan, that is)

  [Video: Eduardo’s incredible side-footed effort against Burnley]

  Burnley and Coventry were dismissed from the FA Cup this weekend, meaning this year’s tournament will be an all-Premier League affair.

  As is expected, Manchester Utd are favourites to lift the FA Cup for the twelfth time, but Phil Neville believes this will be the Toffees’ year. Is T-Bag right, or will England’s second favourite domestic prize go to someone else? Let us know your thoughts below…

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/vote-who-will-win-the-fa-cup/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/which-striker-faces-the-sack-after-putting-his-manager-in-a-headlock http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/which-striker-faces-the-sack-after-putting-his-manager-in-a-headlock#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:13:58 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/which-striker-faces-the-sack-after-putting-his-manager-in-a-headlock It’s that chap who killed a pensioner

  

  Lee Hughes, the striker who fled the scene of a car crash in which he killed a man, is clearly no stranger to controversy, and has landed himself in hot water once again.

  The Oldham Athletic hitman and ex-convict - pictured above in the club’s natty pink charity kit - attended a ‘meet the players’ evening at Manchester’s Belle Vue greyhound track, when a row over form and tactics with manager John Sheridan turned physical.

  Around 150 supporters were treated to a brawl between the player and his gaffer, which resulted in the 44-year-old Irishman being placed in a headlock. Security staff and keeper Mark Crossley (who must be at least 150 years old by now) had to (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/which-striker-faces-the-sack-after-putting-his-manager-in-a-headlock/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/david-beckham-plans-to-create-brand-new-football-league http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/david-beckham-plans-to-create-brand-new-football-league#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:43:37 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/david-beckham-plans-to-create-brand-new-football-league Either that, or there’s a typo somewhere in this headline…

  

  We can’t figure out what is more shocking - the news of David Beckham’s new league proposal, or the fact that Britney Spears has a three-figure IQ level.

  [Dirty Tackle]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/david-beckham-plans-to-create-brand-new-football-league/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/cristiano-ronaldo-to-train-with-usain-bolt http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/cristiano-ronaldo-to-train-with-usain-bolt#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:34:20 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/cristiano-ronaldo-to-train-with-usain-bolt World’s fastest man to give Manchester Utd star speed tips 

  Thanks to some “creative editing”, it has been proven that Cristiano Ronaldo is faster than the world’s fastest production car. According to The Independent, however, the Portuguese winger will get a helluva lot quicker this summer, when he meets up with Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man:

  Cristiano Ronaldo, who is already the most elusive of customers in attack, is to have sprint lessons from Usain Bolt, the fastest- ever human on the planet.

  The world player of the year and the world’s fastest man are to meet in the summer, when Bolt is in Europe competing on the Grand Prix and Golden League circuit and preparing for the World Championships, which take place in Berlin in August.

  Shockingly, this pairing did not come as a result of a cynical corporate sportswear stunt (we’re looking at you, David Beckham and Kevin Garnett), as C-Ron is a Nike man and Usain Bolt loves him some Puma.

  The proposed training session is in fact the result of a request by Bolt’s management, as the Jamaican is a huge football fan who wishes to add a signed Ronaldo shirt to his memorobilia collection.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/09/cristiano-ronaldo-to-train-with-usain-bolt/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/how-do-chelsea-fare-away-to-lower-league-opposition http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/how-do-chelsea-fare-away-to-lower-league-opposition#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:58:10 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/how-do-chelsea-fare-away-to-lower-league-opposition Use our interactive Betfair Wizard to find all the answers

  

  Chelsea draw lower league opposition all the time in the domestic cups but what is their record like away from home against them? This interactive wizard that we have produced with Betfair provides all the answers.

  There are fish representing the last twenty lower league teams Chelsea have faced on the road. Can you spot a lucrative betting pattern for tomorrow’s match against Coventry. Is there a time where the first goal is often scored? Which team usually scores first? Click here to find out now.

  Bonus Stat: Did you know Chelsea have won just one of their last nine away games against Coventry?

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/how-do-chelsea-fare-away-to-lower-league-opposition/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/sir-alex-ferguson-is-pleased-steven-taylor-avoided-a-ban http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/sir-alex-ferguson-is-pleased-steven-taylor-avoided-a-ban#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:04:22 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/sir-alex-ferguson-is-pleased-steven-taylor-avoided-a-ban Decision goes against Manchester United but they still benefit

  

  Steve Bennett has decided to stand by his decision to only book Steven Taylor for catching Cristiano Ronaldo with his arm but Sir Alex Ferguson is not complaining for once.

  The Newcastle defender would have received a three-match ban if the referee had decided it should have been a red card and Ferguson didn’t want that to happen because the Magpies host Manchester United’s rivals Arsenal and Chelsea over that period. He said:

  “The disciplinary situation does confuse you at times. No-one is really clear about it. But in actual fact we did not want the boy suspended because now he can play against Chelsea and Arsenal.”

  The Spoiler doesn’t understand why Ferguson is concerned about Arsenal’s results but the sextuple-chasing boss did confirm (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/sir-alex-ferguson-is-pleased-steven-taylor-avoided-a-ban/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/beckhams-costly-loan-move-arsenals-shot-at-revenge-and-cheryl-coles-mountain-trouble http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/beckhams-costly-loan-move-arsenals-shot-at-revenge-and-cheryl-coles-mountain-trouble#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:31:53 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/beckhams-costly-loan-move-arsenals-shot-at-revenge-and-cheryl-coles-mountain-trouble Also appearing on a computer near you…

  Mario Balotelli collided with the post in Inter’s 3-0 cup defeat to Sampdoria
  [101GG]

  David Beckham will fund the majority of the fee AC Milan must pay to loan him
  [Football365]

  Why Arsenal should avenge their Carling Cup loss against Burnley
  [chickendinner]

  Check out Guardian readers Nicolas Anelka photoshops
  [The Guardian]

  Jenson Button has got his job back thanks to Ross Brawn
  [Sky Sports]

  Cheryl Cole didn’t react well upon hearing of Ashley’s arrest
  [Daily Star]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/beckhams-costly-loan-move-arsenals-shot-at-revenge-and-cheryl-coles-mountain-trouble/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/wag-no-293-coralie-robinson http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/wag-no-293-coralie-robinson#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:29:16 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/wag-no-293-coralie-robinson One of the world’s most prolific home wreckers

  

  Professional footballers aren’t renowned for their fidelity, a reputation that is made worse by temptation specialists such as Coralie Robinson. The New Zealand-born model has profited from adulterous trysts with Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Prince Harry, and has also sold kiss-and-tell stories about encounters with Shane Warne and Prince Harry. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/wag-no-293-coralie-robinson/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/manchester-city-confirm-that-dr-sulaiman-al-fahim-doesnt-hold-a-position-at-the-club http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/manchester-city-confirm-that-dr-sulaiman-al-fahim-doesnt-hold-a-position-at-the-club#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:52:57 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/manchester-city-confirm-that-dr-sulaiman-al-fahim-doesnt-hold-a-position-at-the-club The Citizens distance themselves from Messi/Maradona rumours

  Earlier this week The Spoiler published a story from the Spanish press where Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim was quoted as saying that he wanted to work with Lionel Messi and thought Diego Maradona should be the president of a football club.

  As Al Fahim was heavily involved in Manchester City’s takeover this was widely perceived as a suggestion that he wanted to see both men unite at Eastlands. However, the Citizens have moved quickly to distance themselves from the speculation, confirming in an official statement on their website that Al Fahim “holds no position at the Club”.

  There was no confirmation of whether or not Al Fahim has any involvement with the owners on a consultancy basis. If he does then it seems strange that he would make comments so at odds with City’s party line. If not, then how does he intend to “work with Messi soon”?

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/manchester-city-confirm-that-dr-sulaiman-al-fahim-doesnt-hold-a-position-at-the-club/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/robbie-keane-tips-tottenham-teammate-for-an-england-recall http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/robbie-keane-tips-tottenham-teammate-for-an-england-recall#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:05:59 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/robbie-keane-tips-tottenham-teammate-for-an-england-recall Spurs striker joins Harry Redknapp in singing winger’s praises

  

  Aaron Lennon has been one of Spurs’ better players this season but that has more to do with the fact his fellow midfielders have either been passing sideways or are called David Bentley than because the winger has excelled.

  However, the 21-year-old’s recent run of four goals in six games (having scored just one in the previous 51) has prompted Robbie Keane to join Harry Redknapp in talking up his teammate’s England prospects.

  “I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t get back in the England squad. He’s a big player for us and is getting better with age. Since I got back to the club I see a more mature player.”

  Lennon’s recent form has been reasonably impressive but The Spoiler feels that (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/robbie-keane-tips-tottenham-teammate-for-an-england-recall/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/vote-should-the-suspension-system-become-more-flexible http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/vote-should-the-suspension-system-become-more-flexible#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:14:03 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/vote-should-the-suspension-system-become-more-flexible Wenger says some fouls should receive harsher punishments

  

  Arsenal have had 76 players sent-off under Arsene Wenger but the Frenchman has demanded longer bans for horror tackles, claiming that the FA should create a committee who analyse red card decisions and decide whether the offender should be given a stronger punishment.

  The current system is very rigid, whereby a player receive a one-match ban if sent-off for two bookable offences and a three-match ban for a straight red. An extra match is added to the ban if it’s your second red of the season but even that is open to farce.

  West Ham’s Carlton Cole is now forced to sit out two games because he cannot appeal the second yellow he received against Wigan for challenging for the ball, leaving the Hammers without their top-scorer as they look to secure European qualification.

  Is Wenger right that ten-match bans should be handed out for fouls like Kevin Nolan’s two-footed lunge on Victor Anichebe? Should players be allowed to appeal when unfairly dismissed for two bookings? Let us know what you think with a vote and comment below:

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/vote-should-the-suspension-system-become-more-flexible/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/david-beckham-looks-set-to-stay-with-ac-milan-until-june http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/david-beckham-looks-set-to-stay-with-ac-milan-until-june#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:26:53 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/david-beckham-looks-set-to-stay-with-ac-milan-until-june But LA Galaxy expect the England star to play for them after that

  AC Milan and LA Galaxy have agreed a deal for David Beckham to stay with AC Milan until the end of the season before returning to America to compete in the 2009 MLS season, according to both the BBC and Sky Sports.

  The Italian club are likely to renew their bid to sign Beckham permanently in the summer but if that doesn’t materialise the 33-year-old could find himself playing eleven months of football without a break.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/david-beckham-looks-set-to-stay-with-ac-milan-until-june/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/sepp-blatter-launches-another-attack-on-the-premier-league http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/sepp-blatter-launches-another-attack-on-the-premier-league#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:14:07 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/sepp-blatter-launches-another-attack-on-the-premier-league FIFA’s President is worried once more about English dominance

  

  It’s rare for a Champions League round to go by without someone in a position of power complaining about how good the English teams are and Sepp Blatter decided it was his turn again last night.

  He told the BBC: “It is taking over in such a manner that the other leagues have difficulties to match it.”

  The Spoiler can’t remember such a big fuss being made when three Italian sides made the 2002-03 semi-finals and Juventus and AC Milan played out an unwatchable final. The statement also ignores the fact that as many Spanish teams have reached the final as English ones in the last nine years and as many Italian clubs have won it as Premier League sides over the last six.

  Blatter also criticised the lack of competition in the Premier League (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/06/sepp-blatter-launches-another-attack-on-the-premier-league/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/nicolas-anelka-is-in-hospital http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/nicolas-anelka-is-in-hospital#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:12:54 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/nicolas-anelka-is-in-hospital Chelsea striker probably won’t be fit for Champions League match

  According to reports in the press, Nicolas Anelka missed Tuesday’s match with Portsmouth thanks to a bruised toe, an injury that will keep him out of Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Coventry.

  Those who were hoping the striker would be fit for the Juventus game next week, however, may be disappointed - according to a trusted Spoiler spy, the toe is not bruised, it is broken. He is being treated in hosiptal today.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/nicolas-anelka-is-in-hospital/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/yeovil-admit-their-drinking-facilities-arent-up-to-scratch http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/yeovil-admit-their-drinking-facilities-arent-up-to-scratch#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:17:58 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/yeovil-admit-their-drinking-facilities-arent-up-to-scratch Don’t go to Huish Park if you fancy a drink

  Football fans in Somerset love nothing better than a good drink, but the Yeovil Town faithful have had to swill their cider in fairly unpleasant surroundings. Seb White - friend of The Spoiler and editor of Yeovil fanzine On To Victory and fan site Sloping Pitch - has got in touch to fill us in on the situation:

  Yeovil Town supporters have complained long and hard for a bar for supporters to be able to drink in for years. Instead, we are given a tatty, mouldy, smelly Marquee which in short is embarrassing.

  It’s a real sticking point with the fans - many have stopped going in recent years because of the deteriorating relationship between the board and the fans.

  Finally, the club appear to have acknowledged the woeful boozing facilities via a message on the official website…

  

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/yeovil-admit-their-drinking-facilities-arent-up-to-scratch/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/which-premiership-manager-are-man-city-looking-to-poach http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/which-premiership-manager-are-man-city-looking-to-poach#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:44:22 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/which-premiership-manager-are-man-city-looking-to-poach Citizens want the Professor to take charge, say press source

  

  Mark Hughes’ job appears to be safe for the remainder of the season, but if press speculation is to be believed, his presence at Eastlands next term is about as likely as an Alan Smith Mastermind victory.

  Plenty of big name gaffers have been thrown into the hat, the latest of whom is Arsene “I’ve got a job for life” Wenger. The Mirror reports:

  “The people who own City have a big respect for Arsene and what he has done at Arsenal.

  “They do have the same respect for Jose Mourinho and have indicated that [Slaven] Bilic would be another option but Arsene is the man they want.”

  City have yet to approach Wenger about the position, but he is understood to be “aware of the interest in his services”.

  Leo Messi has already helped to enhance the Citizens’ laughing stock reputation today by rebuffing their advances - would they be setting themselves up for more embarrassing rejection by approaching Wenger, or do they have a genuine shot at landing the large-brained Frenchman? Let us know what you think below…

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/which-premiership-manager-are-man-city-looking-to-poach/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/ashley-cole-arrested-and-fined-for-being-drunk http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/ashley-cole-arrested-and-fined-for-being-drunk#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:19:53 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/ashley-cole-arrested-and-fined-for-being-drunk Moronic Chelsea star lives it up while the missus is out of town

  

  As a kind spirit who no longer beats up toilet attendants, Cheryl Cole is currently doing her bit for charity by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief.

  Her lovable husband Ashley Cole was also at a charity event last night, but decided to spice up the evening with a trip to a South Kensington nightclub and a drunk and disorderly arrest:

  The Daily Mail online claims that Cole was arrested after repeatedly swearing at police outside the Collection nightclub in Brompton Road, South Kensington.Cole had attended a charity event at Chelsea Football Club before heading to Collection, which he left at 2.15am.

  After reportedly refusing to tone down his language, Cole was arrested and taken into custody to sober up, before being released three hours later with a fixed penalty notice of £80 for being drunk and disorderly.

  We bet Mr Cole is feeling very sorry for himself today after that wallet busting fine. To stop such financially devastating incidents from occuring in the future, perhaps Guus Hiddink needs to ban his players from getting their crunk on, like Harry Redknapp has.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/ashley-cole-arrested-and-fined-for-being-drunk/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/ashley-cole-arrested-leo-messi-rebuffs-man-city-danielle-lloyd-snares-spurs-defender http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/ashley-cole-arrested-leo-messi-rebuffs-man-city-danielle-lloyd-snares-spurs-defender#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:00:19 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/ashley-cole-arrested-leo-messi-rebuffs-man-city-danielle-lloyd-snares-spurs-defender Also appearing on a computer near you...

  Scott Parker thrashes around like a fish out of water during last night’s game
  [Dirty Tackle]

  Danielle Lloyd has been made a WAG again by a Spurs star
  [The People]

  Ashley Cole has been arrested for being a moron drunk and disorderly
  [Football365]

  Eyal Berkovic assaulted a coach who substituted his son
  [Off The Post]

  Fabregas says he will leave Arsenal if Wenger goes
  [Daily Mail]

  Leo Messi laughs off the £100m Manchester City transfer rumours
  [Sky Sports]

  Want to demonstrate that you’re technically proficient than Gary Megson? Join us on Twitter before everyone gets bored with it
  [Twitter]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/ashley-cole-arrested-leo-messi-rebuffs-man-city-danielle-lloyd-snares-spurs-defender/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/wag-no-292-holly-mcguire http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/wag-no-292-holly-mcguire#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:12:35 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/wag-no-292-holly-mcguire The Page 3 hottie who (allegedly) caught Rio’s attention

  

  As we established yesterday, Rio Ferdinand has been with his partner Rebecca Ellison for over seven years, they have two children and they are due to wed this year with the assistance of a barn owl. However, the Manchester Utd star/ rapper/ actor/ online publisher/ film producer/ merking specialist is alleged to have played away from home on numerous occasions. One adulterous stint is said to have occurred with Holly McGuire, an Essex glamour model and Page 3 girl. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/wag-no-292-holly-mcguire/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/revealed-alex-fergusons-memorabilia-collection http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/revealed-alex-fergusons-memorabilia-collection#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:50:21 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/revealed-alex-fergusons-memorabilia-collection Manchester Utd boss has been hoarding cultural artifacts
  

  

  Over the years, Sir Alex Ferguson has accumulated enough football memorabilia to cover every inch of the walls of his Cheshire home, but the acclaimed manager has also made room for some of the most important antiquities in twentieth century history.

  According to Manchester Utd’s official magazine Inside Utd, Fergie owns one of the few copies of JFK’s autopsy report. He says:

  “Given the scale of the event, parts have been documented in the Press but it’s very interesting to read through the whole thing. Especially when you consider what an important piece of documentation it is.”

  The Scotsman also revealed that he has acquired a copy of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s marriage certificate, from when they got hitched (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/revealed-alex-fergusons-memorabilia-collection/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/martin-oneill-takes-his-players-to-the-science-museum http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/martin-oneill-takes-his-players-to-the-science-museum#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:52:15 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/martin-oneill-takes-his-players-to-the-science-museum No wonder Aston Villa lost last night

  

  We all know that the biggest brain in the Premier League - and possibly in western civilisation - belongs to Arsene Wenger. Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill, however, comes in at a close second in the cranium stakes: he never completed his degree in criminology, but can often be found sitting in on high profile murder trials to feed his fascination with sociology and the criminal mind.

  Keen to encourage his squad to embark on cultured pursuits in their free time, the Villa boss organised a compulsory field trip to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, prior to yesterday’s match at Eastlands. A witness says:

  “It was hilarious - O’Neill led from the front like a teacher on a school trip. He was in his element, sharing his wisdom.”

  After being bored out of their tiny minds with facts about steam trains and textiles, the team asked to visit the Coronation Street Studios. O’Neill, acquiesced to the request, at which point the players were said to be “much happier”.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/martin-oneill-takes-his-players-to-the-science-museum/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/video-carlton-cole-scores-a-wonder-goal-gets-sent-off http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/video-carlton-cole-scores-a-wonder-goal-gets-sent-off#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:17:30 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/video-carlton-cole-scores-a-wonder-goal-gets-sent-off Crap ref Stuart Attwell strikes again

  [Cole’s goal at 2.05, his sending off at 3.10]
  Wigan 0/ West Ham 1

  West Ham came away from a gritty bout at the JJB with a hard-earned three points last night, but suffered at the hands of more controversial refereeing from Stuart Attwell.

  Carlton Cole scored a fantastic goal in the 34th minute, but was dismissed three minutes later when he was given a second yellow for a fairly innocuous challenge. Even Steve Bruce admitted that it wasn’t a sending off, and that Attwell’s approach did nothing to quell the ill-tempered match:

  “It wasn’t a sending-off, for goodness sake. There was nothing in it, and the referee needed to show some common sense.

  “But I’m afraid Mr Attwell, in my opinion, is not quite ready. And the undercurrent all stemmed from that sending-off.”

  26-year-old Attwell is the youngest ever (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/video-carlton-cole-scores-a-wonder-goal-gets-sent-off/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/why-steven-taylor-should-have-been-sent-off-last-night http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/why-steven-taylor-should-have-been-sent-off-last-night#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:52:14 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/why-steven-taylor-should-have-been-sent-off-last-night Newcastle star guilty of the worst comeback of all time

  Having faced fierce criticism from Luka Modric for his theatrics yesterday, one would have hoped that Cristiano Ronaldo would tone things down at St James’ park. Alas, when he was manhandled/ bitchslapped by Steven Taylor, he let out a scream that his new girlfriend in Portugal would have heard.

  Taylor was very lucky to escape a red card for his incident - which was compounded by a two-footed lunge on Michael Carrick - and had to be separated from his Portuguese rival in the tunnel by ref Steve Bennett and Rio Ferdinand.

  C-Ron, who isn’t having much luck in tunnels this season, confronted the Newcastle defender and shouted, “”Your style of football is s**t!” As a means of retaliation, all Taylor could muster from his insult locker was: “Well you are ugly!”

  If that atrocious comeback isn’t worthy of an instant dismissal, we don’t know what is.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/05/why-steven-taylor-should-have-been-sent-off-last-night/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/video-colombian-striker-scores-the-best-scorpion-goal-of-all-time http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/video-colombian-striker-scores-the-best-scorpion-goal-of-all-time#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:58:16 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/video-colombian-striker-scores-the-best-scorpion-goal-of-all-time Víctor Aristizábal produces some world class showboating

  Batshit crazy goalkeeper Rene Higuita earned a place in football history when he produced one of his famous “scorpion” kicks at Wembley. Higuita, however, isn’t the only Colombian to pull off this tricky move with success. Striker Víctor Aristizábal, once dubbed “the best player in the world without the ball”, displayed this thoroughly unnecessary (but extremely impressive) piece of skill during a 1993 international with Chile.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/video-colombian-striker-scores-the-best-scorpion-goal-of-all-time/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/gary-megson-isnt-impressed-by-ben-fosters-ipod http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/gary-megson-isnt-impressed-by-ben-fosters-ipod#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:26:05 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/gary-megson-isnt-impressed-by-ben-fosters-ipod Bolton have been using them for ages! Honest!

  

  As everyone in the world is frightfully aware by now, Ben Foster gained the upper hand in the Carling Cup shoot-out by boning up on Tottenham’s penalty-taking techniques with the help of coach Eric Steele’s iPod.

  While the Manchester Utd keeper has surely earned himself a lifetime supply of shiny Apple products for all the free advertising, Gary Megson is distinctly unimpressed by media claims that the Reds have been innovative:

  “We have been using iPods and things like that for the last couple of years. We just don’t get the same publicity as some people.”

  Keen to stress that visiting Bolton’s plush Euxton training facility is akin to being on the set of Minority Report, Megson continued to boast about The Trotters’ cutting edge integration of technology:

  “All our stuff is done using electronics, smart boards and DVDs. We have three dedicated staff and are probably as advanced as any club in the Premier League.

  “For example we can put motivational videos on a player’s iPod purely and simply for them.

  “It is just the way of the world now. When we used pen and paper before, we have people who can do all sorts of things.”

  You hear that, Manchester Utd? All their “stuff” is done with electronics! They have three members of staff available to programme iPods at any given point! When you luddites finally get DVDs at Carrington, they’ll be watching Blu-Rays at Euxton!

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/gary-megson-isnt-impressed-by-ben-fosters-ipod/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/robbie-keane-gets-a-tattoo http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/robbie-keane-gets-a-tattoo#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:55:07 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/robbie-keane-gets-a-tattoo Irishman finds way of making himself slightly less pale

  

  We’re not sure hold old this photo is, but we expected Robbie Keane to have a slightly better physique. Shouldn’t all those cartwheel and six-shooter celebrations have given him killer abs?

  SEXY UPDATE! Robbie isn’t the only Spurs star to permanently desecrate his skin. Our friends at Popbitch have discovered a MySpace page dedicated to inked ‘ballers and some stunning fan body art.

  [Unprofessional Foul]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/robbie-keane-gets-a-tattoo/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/new-west-ham-buyers-redknapps-alcohol-ban-and-chanelle-hayes-naked-fun http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/new-west-ham-buyers-redknapps-alcohol-ban-and-chanelle-hayes-naked-fun#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:40:37 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/new-west-ham-buyers-redknapps-alcohol-ban-and-chanelle-hayes-naked-fun Also appearing on a computer near you…

  POW! Right in the kisser!
  [101GG]

  Alex tries to kill Peter Crouch
  [Off The Post]

  Why Newcastle could maybe get some kind of result when Manchester Utd visit tonight.
  [chickendinner]

  Luka Modric denies speculation that he is off to Italy
  [FansFC]

  West Ham are talking to five prospective new owners
  [Daily Mail]

  WAG Chanelle Hayes has misplaced her clothes (slightly NSFW)
  [CamelTap]

  Harry Redknapp runs an alcohol-free club - bad news for Ledley King
  [Daily Express]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/new-west-ham-buyers-redknapps-alcohol-ban-and-chanelle-hayes-naked-fun/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/wag-no-291-rebecca-ellison http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/wag-no-291-rebecca-ellison#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:03:54 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/wag-no-291-rebecca-ellison Soon to be the First Lady of Merking

  

  If rumours in the press are to believed, one of Rebecca Ellison’s greatest qualities is forgiveness. Her fiance Rio Ferdinand has been caught out with several models, and an air hostess named Lauren Alcorn once claimed she had been sleeping with the star behind Ellison’s back for five years.

  Despite these suspected infidelities, Rio and Rebecca will marry in August, and for some reason they will be trusting a barn owl with their wedding rings. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/wag-no-291-rebecca-ellison/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/q-which-tottenham-players-wanted-to-take-a-penalty-in-the-carling-cup-shoot-out http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/q-which-tottenham-players-wanted-to-take-a-penalty-in-the-carling-cup-shoot-out#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:52:29 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/q-which-tottenham-players-wanted-to-take-a-penalty-in-the-carling-cup-shoot-out A: None of them!

  

  Tottenham Hotspur employ several people whose sole purpose is to score goals. They are called ’strikers’, and they were distinctly absent from the Carling Cup penalty shoot-out, an occasion when the skill of scoring goals is extremely useful.

  According to talkSPORT’s breakfast show, the reason for Spurs’ unlikely penalty-taker line-up (and subsequent underwhelming performance) was a general reticence to step up to the spot. When Harry Redknapp asked “who wants to take a penalty?” not a single player raised his hand.
  
  Luka Modric is the first player to speak out about his penalty-taking anxiety, which stems from his failure to convert against Turkey during Euro 2008:

  “I need to get over the fear. I do not want taking penalties to become a continuous problem for me.”

  Messrs bent and Pavlyuchenko, we await your excuses. [Actually Mr Pavlyuchenko, you had been substituted by that point so your excuse is valid - Ed.]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/q-which-tottenham-players-wanted-to-take-a-penalty-in-the-carling-cup-shoot-out/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/spurs-midfielder-criticises-cristiano-ronaldo http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/spurs-midfielder-criticises-cristiano-ronaldo#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:24:14 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/spurs-midfielder-criticises-cristiano-ronaldo Luka Modric “cannot stand his theatrics”

  

  Tottenham players don’t like to complain, but Luka Modric felt the need to get a burning issue off of his chest when speaking to Croatian publication Sportske Novosti this week. The midfielder thinks the current World Player of the Year needs to spend less time rolling around on the floor, and more time, er, standing up:

  “Ronaldo is a fantastic player and I do not have anything against him, but I cannot stand his theatrics.

  “In England, it is a man’s game and his continuous complaints and dives have a negative effect. I do not know why he needs to do it all the time.”

  Ronaldo paid the price for crying wolf one too many times when he was booked for diving in Sunday’s Carling Cup final, after what appeared to be a legitimate penalty claim.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/spurs-midfielder-criticises-cristiano-ronaldo/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/revealed-cristiano-ronaldos-new-gym-instructor-girlfriend http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/revealed-cristiano-ronaldos-new-gym-instructor-girlfriend#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:57:54 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/revealed-cristiano-ronaldos-new-gym-instructor-girlfriend Manchester Utd star’s new WAG is very fit

  See a picture of Ronaldo’s new ladyfriend Gabriela here

  Manchester Univeristy student Olivia Saunders will be delighted to hear that Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself a new lady. He met 27-year-old surname-less Brazilian Gabriela at a Portuguese nightclub.

  C-Ron was so taken with the gym instructor from near Lisbon, that he hired a car to get her to Portugual’s recent friendly with Finland. Presumably, this is where she thought it appropriate to hold up a picture of her new man (see linked image above).

  According to a source fabricated by The Sun a gushing friend of Gabriela:

  “They’ve ended up dating. He’s fascinated by her athletic body. She says he’s attentive and romantic.

  “They’re a match made in heaven.

  “Like Cristiano she never touches alcohol, and she’s as fit as she is beautiful.”

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/revealed-cristiano-ronaldos-new-gym-instructor-girlfriend/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/video-last-nights-premier-league-highlights http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/video-last-nights-premier-league-highlights#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:35:02 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/video-last-nights-premier-league-highlights Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool secure important wins

  Portsmouth 0/ Chelsea 1
  Pompey threatened to ruin Guus Hiddink’s quest for Premier League glory, but in the end a brilliant Didier Drogba strike set the teams apart. After the game, Paul Hart was officially named Portsmouth manager for the rest of the campaign, with Brian Kidd as an assistant.

  Liverpool 2/ Sunderland 0
  Like Chelsea, Liverpool are now just four points and two games in hand away from the leaders. Rafa’s impressive recovery record continued last night, but a genuine Premier League title challenge looks about as likely as a Rafa Benitez aerobic workout DVD hitting the shelves. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/04/video-last-nights-premier-league-highlights/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/who-will-come-and-go-in-chelseas-summer-clear-out http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/who-will-come-and-go-in-chelseas-summer-clear-out#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:12:06 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/who-will-come-and-go-in-chelseas-summer-clear-out Chairman Peter Buck plans departures and up to five new arrivals

  

  Roman Abramovich’s wallet doesn’t open quite as often as it used to, but that won’t stop Chelsea playing a major role in the transfer market in the summer. Blues chairman Bruce Buck has today said the club will sign up to five new players for 2009/10, preferably using “internally generated cash”. Said cash will be generated by offloading some of their current stars:

  We haven’t properly got together to talk about summer transfers yet, but I think that we could expect that several players will leave and that several players will come in.”"I don’t know whether that is three, four or five, but something in that kind of neighbourhood, so we can expect a handful to leave.

  With Buck’s comments in mind, The Spoiler has compiled a list of the five players we expect Chelsea to part with, and five fresh faces that could soon call Stamford Bridge home…

  OUT

  Florent Malouda
  Most Chelsea fans hate the Frenchman, and he has said he will move if he doesn’t regain his place. He has also expressed an interest in joining Juventus.

  Branislav Ivanovic
  The defender has made just six league starts in almost fourteen months and the emergence of Michael Mancienne means Chelsea have four other centre-backs to choose from.

  Michael Ballack
  The German is out of contract in the summer and could struggle (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/who-will-come-and-go-in-chelseas-summer-clear-out/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/manchester-citys-owner-targets-messi-and-maradona http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/manchester-citys-owner-targets-messi-and-maradona#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:34:25 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/manchester-citys-owner-targets-messi-and-maradona Dr al-Fahim keen for more Argentinean influence at Eastlands

  

  Not only is Dr Sulaiman al-Fahim responsible for rejuvenating the blue side of Manchester, but he is also a hilarious source of quotes. The Arabian businessman has already told us how he would love Cristiano Ronaldo to be part of a tour-de-force of international talent, and his latest whim is based around his love of all things Argentinean.

  In an interview given to a Dubai-based press agency, Dr al-Fahim said he would like Lionel Messi to be the star attraction at Eastlands, with Diego Maradona’s expert guidance as club president:

  “I do not know if Diego Maradona could be a good coach. What I think is that he should be president of a club, and have the right to choose and buy players.

  “In Naples, he started from scratch and built a great club. He has the power to change a football team.”

  It’s good to see Dr al-Fahim taking a keen interest in the club, but there’s probably more chance of Ashley Cole becoming Arsenal president than Maradona giving up his current job for an executive role at a mid-table outfit. Leo Messi, however, may be turned if enough wheelbarrows full of cash are paraded under his nose…

  [Sport.es]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/manchester-citys-owner-targets-messi-and-maradona/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/rafa%e2%80%99s-impressive-recovery-record-must-continue-against-sunderland-tonight http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/rafa%e2%80%99s-impressive-recovery-record-must-continue-against-sunderland-tonight#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:00:53 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/rafa%e2%80%99s-impressive-recovery-record-must-continue-against-sunderland-tonight Liverpool/Sunderland, 8pm, Sky Sports2, Free £10 bet

  

  Liverpool have recovered from their last four Premier League defeats to win their next game. Sunderland learnt of their bouncebackability the hard way last season, when Rafael Benitez’s side followed up a 1-0 loss at West Ham with a 3-0 victory over the Black Cats at Anfield.

  Will the Reds bounce back again? Here’s the vital statistics, thanks to the chaps at chickendinner:

  » Liverpool have won just two of their last eight domestic home games.

  » However, Benitez’s side have won their last five encounters with Sunderland whilst shutting them out on each occasion. The hosts are 5/4 with Ladbrokes to win to nil tonight.

  » Sunderland are unbeaten in four Premier League matches, which is their (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/rafa%e2%80%99s-impressive-recovery-record-must-continue-against-sunderland-tonight/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/hiddinks-addiction-nevilles-quintuple-concerns-and-gisele-bundchens-dance-moves http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/hiddinks-addiction-nevilles-quintuple-concerns-and-gisele-bundchens-dance-moves#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:36:22 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/hiddinks-addiction-nevilles-quintuple-concerns-and-gisele-bundchens-dance-moves Also appearing on a computer near you…

  Manchester Utd’s post-Carling Cup celebrations were WILD!
  [101GG]

  Hiddink’s addiction: Chelsea boss is hooked on the challenge of winning the league
  [Daily Mail]

  A sex photo scandal is unfolding in Germany
  [Dirty Tackle]

  Beckham’s Milan talks are at “a critical stage”
  [The Telegraph]

  Interestment’s football eleven #1
  [Interestment]

  Stating the obvious: Gary Neville says Manchester Utd’s quintuple quest will be “very difficult”
  [Sky Sports]

  The Gisele Bündchen video of the day
  [SI Hot Clicks]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/hiddinks-addiction-nevilles-quintuple-concerns-and-gisele-bundchens-dance-moves/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/wag-no-290-linsey-dawn-mckenzie http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/wag-no-290-linsey-dawn-mckenzie#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:47:54 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/wag-no-290-linsey-dawn-mckenzie Glamour model, adult actress, BMW fan
  

  

  Linsey Dawn McKenzie entered the world of Waggery in 1996, at the tender age of seventeen. The glamour model and pornstar enjoyed an affair with Wimbledon FC striker Dean Holdsworth, who was ten years her senior and married at the time. The tabloids made a big deal out of the fact that Deano boffed her on the bonnet of his BMW.

  The star of Mammary Lane and the enigmatic Naked Striptease Sextravaganza became a bona fide WAG in 2005, when she married another former member of the Crazy Gang, defender Mark Williams (a man who also had the pleasure of romancing topless model Leilani Dowding). (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/wag-no-290-linsey-dawn-mckenzie/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/vote-should-clubs-with-racist-fans-receive-points-deductions http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/vote-should-clubs-with-racist-fans-receive-points-deductions#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:52:02 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/vote-should-clubs-with-racist-fans-receive-points-deductions Sol Campbell opens a fan abuse can of worms

  

  In an effort to endear himself to Tottenham fans, Sol Campbell has stated that he believes football authorities should deduct points from clubs whose fans are found guilty of indecent or racist chanting.

  In an interview with The Guardian, the Pompey captain said:

  “I think that they [the game’s authorities] are going to have to do more. My situation is a small part. But also, you have the racial abuse in the rest of Europe. The only way you can stop it from happening is by taking points from clubs. Then it would definitely stop. If it’s just way over the top and you start taking points … [with] those three points, you can lose the championship or you can be going down. That’s the only way you can stop fans’ abuse on that type of level.

  “Football seems to think it can keep on going without getting checked. In most other sports on this level, it doesn’t ­happen. You’re not going to get that in ­tennis, rugby, cricket or athletics. It’s just not accepted.”

  Of course, racism in any form should not be tolerated in the game, and such harsh measures would surely give the motivation to eradicate inappropriate fan behaviour. But on the other hand, should a team suffer for the ignorance of a minority of fans? Let us know your thoughts below…

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/vote-should-clubs-with-racist-fans-receive-points-deductions/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/if-blackburn-want-to-keep-roque-santa-cruz http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/if-blackburn-want-to-keep-roque-santa-cruz#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:00:05 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/if-blackburn-want-to-keep-roque-santa-cruz …they should probably learn to spell his name correctly

  

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/if-blackburn-want-to-keep-roque-santa-cruz/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/kaka-wants-to-sell-you-a-tv http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/kaka-wants-to-sell-you-a-tv#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:47:22 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/kaka-wants-to-sell-you-a-tv Brazilian stars in new Sony advert

  At a meeting deep in the bowels of Sony HQ, someone decided that the best way to sell cutting edge flatscreen televisions is to use a piece of technology from the nineteenth century. Accordingly, Sony are flogging their new sets with the help of Kaka and the world’s largest zoetrope.

  [Football Banter via Off The Post]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/kaka-wants-to-sell-you-a-tv/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/benitez-may-or-may-not-have-conceded-the-title-to-man-utd http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/benitez-may-or-may-not-have-conceded-the-title-to-man-utd#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:13:19 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/benitez-may-or-may-not-have-conceded-the-title-to-man-utd Reds gaffer not sure whether his side are in the title race

  

  A few weeks ago, the 2008/09 season was shaping up as the most exciting in Premier League history: anyone in the bottom half could have gone down, and the title race was wide open. While the former may still be true, Liverpool’s inability to win league games means the trophy will inevitably fall into the hands of Cristiano Ronaldo et al at the end of the campaign. Rafa Benitez appeared to accept this fate after Saturday’s defeat at Middlesbrough:

  “We knew we couldn’t afford to lose or even draw any more if we wanted to fight for the title, so it was a very disappointing weekend.”

  Since returning from the north east, however, the slightly mental Spaniard has changed his tune, insisting that the title race is still very much on:

  “We must keep going in the title race, to try to win each game as it comes along.

  “Now we have the opportunity against Sunderland to do things right, to be able to approach the Real Madrid second leg with confidence. We have to remain positive.”

  After this burst (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/03/benitez-may-or-may-not-have-conceded-the-title-to-man-utd/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/why-is-everything-going-wrong-for-hull http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/why-is-everything-going-wrong-for-hull#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:46:27 +0000 Michael Lintorn http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/why-is-everything-going-wrong-for-hull Tigers fans climb aboard the booing bandwagon

  

  There were boos ringing out all over the country this weekend as fans of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Wolves took turns to vent their frustration at disappointing results.

  The most surprising incident on the booing circuit though, besides Bolton fans neglecting to jeer Gary Megson’s choice of tie or something of an equally trivial nature as he lead them to a third win in four, was that Hull supporters turned on Phil Brown for subbing Geovanni.

  The Tigers have taken just two points from eight games since Brown decided it was a good idea to publicly humiliate his players as they trailed 4-0 away to Manchester City on Boxing Day, making them comfortably the worst Premier League team this side of Christmas.

  Have the players lost respect for Brown or was the bubble always going to burst? Are the fans fickle for booing the manager who took them up or are they right to be worried by a run of one win in 18? Let us know what you think with a comment below.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/why-is-everything-going-wrong-for-hull/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/german-streakers-share-a-hot-love-scene-on-the-pitch http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/german-streakers-share-a-hot-love-scene-on-the-pitch#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:31:16 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/german-streakers-share-a-hot-love-scene-on-the-pitch Shameless couple attempt to spice up the 2. Bundesliga

  

  The 2. Bundesliga doesn’t get much attention on The Spoiler, but this brave naked couple have finally given the German second tier the attention it deserves.

  TSV 1860 Munchen spanked FC St Pauli 5-1 this weekend, but the result was overshadowed by the actions of a couple who invaded the pitch wearing only the painted-on colours of the two teams.

  They then proceeded to share what Bild calls a “hot and intimate love scene”. You can check it out after the jump… (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/german-streakers-share-a-hot-love-scene-on-the-pitch/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/vote-will-this-be-wengers-final-season-at-arsenal http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/vote-will-this-be-wengers-final-season-at-arsenal#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:55:00 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/vote-will-this-be-wengers-final-season-at-arsenal Is the Professor finally running out of time in north London?

  

  Liverpool fans had every right to express disapproval at their team over the weekend, but the loudest boo boys were found elsewhere. Aston Villa, Hull and Newcastle fans all filled the air with negativity, but the loudest derisive sounds were heard at full time at The Emirates. Before 2009, Arsenal’s new stadium had never hosted a 0-0 league draw, but frustrated fans were made to witness their third consecutive goalless match.

  After Arsenal’s humiliating defeat to Manchester City in November, many fans began to question the man who supposedly had the safest job in the Premier League, and now we are starting to hear similar grumbles. When Wenger’s predecessor Bruce Rioch failed to secure fourth spot in the Premier League, he was dismissed. Will the huge-brained Frenchman suffer the same fate, or will we see him at the Emirates for many seasons to come?

  Votes and comments below, please…
  

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/vote-will-this-be-wengers-final-season-at-arsenal/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/has-shaquille-oneal-been-listening-to-ben-fosters-ipod http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/has-shaquille-oneal-been-listening-to-ben-fosters-ipod#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:09:16 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/has-shaquille-oneal-been-listening-to-ben-fosters-ipod Basketball legend perfects penalty saving technique

  Ben Foster was able to save Jamie O’Hara’s penalty in yesterday’s Carling Cup final after he watched footage of Tottenham spot kicks on Manchester Utd goalkeeping coach Eric Steele’s iPod. Presumably, 7ft 1in basketball star Shaquille O’Neal has also had access to the magical mp3 player.

  Spoiler bonus: Shaq isn’t the only b’baller with mad football skills

  [The Offside]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/has-shaquille-oneal-been-listening-to-ben-fosters-ipod/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/ronaldo-is-unhappy-spurs-lack-direction-and-wag-chantelle-houghton-is-single http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/ronaldo-is-unhappy-spurs-lack-direction-and-wag-chantelle-houghton-is-single#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:47:09 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/ronaldo-is-unhappy-spurs-lack-direction-and-wag-chantelle-houghton-is-single Also appearing on a computer near you…

  

  Chantelle Houghton has split with Premier League love rat Jermaine Defoe
  [News of the World]

  Cristiano Ronaldo does not think he should have been booked for diving yesterday
  [Sky Sports]

  German footballer-turned-porn star Eva Roob is still owrking the pole
  [Dirty Tackle]

  Like all the cool kids, we are “Tweeting”
  [Twitter]

  Martin Samuel considers Tottenham’s lack of direction
  [Daily Mail]

  Arsene Wenger says the Gunners’ goal drought is psychological
  [The Telegraph]

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/ronaldo-is-unhappy-spurs-lack-direction-and-wag-chantelle-houghton-is-single/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/wag-no-289-jessica-bailly http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/wag-no-289-jessica-bailly#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:12:12 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/wag-no-289-jessica-bailly Belgium finally produces something interesting

  

  Anyone who has seen In Bruges will be frightfully aware that nothing interesting ever happens in Belgium. Occasionally, however, ladies from the land of Hercule Poirot and waffles agree to take their clothes of in front of the cameras - one such lady is Jessica Bailly. She is married to Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper Logan Bailly, and they have a three-year-old daughter named Destiny. (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/wag-no-289-jessica-bailly/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/ten-things-that-made-the-carling-cup-final-less-boring http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/ten-things-that-made-the-carling-cup-final-less-boring#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:22:23 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/ten-things-that-made-the-carling-cup-final-less-boring The Spoiler’s list of stuff that made yesterday’s mundane Wembley showpiece interesting
  

  

  The team line-up balloons
  Of all the naff gimmicks on display at Wembley yesterday, the black balloons that displayed the team line-ups were the classiest.

  Harry Redknapp’s giant flower
  While Alex Ferguson took the dignified approach of wearing a Mourinho-style jacket, Harry Redknapp offset his outfit with a comically huge flower. He must’ve struggled to stay standing upright with that thing weighing down his lapel.

  The Fan-o-meter
  In their attempt to make the fans feel more like they were at Disney World, Sky and Carling concocted the ‘Fan-o-meter’. Using a mixture of microphones and pseudo-science, we were given constant reminders of the decibel levels in the stadium, and therefore whose fans were the loudest. Alas, the fan volume was virtually even throughout the entire game, rendering the exercise as inconclusive as the football after 120 minutes.

  David Bentley’s rubbishness
  He can put a football in a skip from the top of a building, but putting a penalty on target is too much for DB. How long until ‘Arry kicks him into a skip? (more…)

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/ten-things-that-made-the-carling-cup-final-less-boring/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/el-hadji-diouf-receives-prank-phone-call-shows-his-wonderful-personality http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/el-hadji-diouf-receives-prank-phone-call-shows-his-wonderful-personality#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:22:49 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/el-hadji-diouf-receives-prank-phone-call-shows-his-wonderful-personality Do you spit at your mother with that mouth, El Hadji?

  [WARNING: Very NSFW language]

  We all know that Blackburn’s El Hadji Diouf is a lovely chap who would bend over backwards to expend his generous nature on his fellow man, but these phone pranksters appear to have caught the Senegalese star at a rather bad time. Off the Post have procured what appears to be a recording of genuine phone call, where Diouf references his large genitalia, his impressive bank balance and his desire to fornicate with the caller’s mother and one-year-old daughter.

  In Diouf’s defence, it isn’t nice to be phoned up by strangers and abused, but he probably could have handled the situation a little better.
  
  Spoiler bonus: Here’s some more light-hearted prankery in the form of “Steve Staunton’s” recent call to Peter Kenyon.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/el-hadji-diouf-receives-prank-phone-call-shows-his-wonderful-personality/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/theo-walcotts-wag-to-become-a-film-star http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/theo-walcotts-wag-to-become-a-film-star#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:01:13 +0000 Ryan Bailey http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/theo-walcotts-wag-to-become-a-film-star Melanie Slade will appear in the next* Harry Potter flick

  

  Melanie Slade burst on to the WAG scene in 2006, when she and the rest of the country’s finest supporting ladies did their best to distract England from winning anything. Since she started romancing weak-shouldered Arsenal favourite Theo Walcott, Miss Slade has been passing the hours with a physiotherapy degree, but according to The Mirror, the Southampton-based beauty has also found herself some gainful employment:

  WAG Mel Slade - the girlfriend of England and Arsenal star Theo Walcott - has landed a role in the next Harry Potter film. Mel, 20, appears with Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One.

  In the movie, set for release in November 2010, Mel plays a pal of Hermione (Watson) as they watch a game of Quidditch - and she even gets to say some lines.

  Mel may thank her fine acting talents for landing this role, but a healthy dollop of nepotism also had its part to play. The film’s director David Yates just happens to be the partner of Theo’s aunt Yvonne.

  Spoiler bonus: More of Mel here

  *The next HP film is out in July, Melanie will be in the one after that.

  ]]> http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/theo-walcotts-wag-to-become-a-film-star/feed http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/03/02/video-highlights-the-carling-cup-final http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.ph