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www.red11.org DAILY NEWS
Date: Sat Mar 27 00:04:44 GMT+00:00 1999
Mail: barry@www.red11.org
This Issue:
1. Even More Stats from www.red11.org
2. Milano by Independent Manchester United Supporters Association
3. COLE CAN KNOCK OVER POLES - NEVILLE
4. BECKS - HE'S UNBELIEVABLE
5. Darkest hours bring out the man in Boy David
6. MOST EXPENSIVE PASTA DISH IN WORLD
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
Daily RED Trivia Sat 27th March 1999:
27/3/1899: Louis Page born in Liverpool. Page joined United from Burnley, where
he had scored 6 goals in one game at Birmingham. He made his United debut
against Charlton Athletic in April 1932, and the goalscoring Wingman made
12 appearances in 1932 before moving to Port Vale. Page was capped 7 times by England.
1994: United lose the 1994 League Cup Final 1-3 at Wembley to Aston Villa
watched by 77,231. A Mark Hughes consolation goal is not enough, and
Andrei Kanchelskis is sent off for a handball offence. Team was: Sealey,
Parker, Irwin, Bruce (McClair), Keane, Pallister, Cantona, Ince, Hughes,
Kanchelskis, Giggs (Sharpe).
***************
Barry Daily Comment:
United will havew 4/5 representatives playing for England v Poland today.
Hopefully there will be injuries. Andy Cole to start up front!
Previous News:
Brian Kidd Press conference, pic, real audio
http://www.iol.ie/~redcafe/kidd.htm
Peter Schmeichel's last Season at United!
http://www.red11.org/mufc/news/schmeichel.htm
Next games:
ALL Result/Fixture Index:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix9899z.htm
Next Games:
April 3 Wimbledon (A) 15.00 PL
7 European Cup Semi Juventus (H)
11 FAC Semi Arsenal at Villa Park 12.30 UK Live Sky Sports Uk
17 Sheff Wed (H) 15.00 PL
21 European Cup Semi Juventus (A)
25 Leeds (A) 11.30 {am} UK PL Live Sky Sports UK
UNITED Stats v All teams:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats/
*** LEAGUE TABLE AS AT 21/03/99 ***
Pos Team P W D L F A GD Pts
---------------------------------------------------------
1 Manchester United 30 18 9 3 68 31 37 63
2 Arsenal 30 16 11 3 42 13 29 59
3 Chelsea 29 15 11 3 44 23 21 56
4 Leeds United 30 15 9 6 49 27 22 54
5 West Ham United 30 13 7 10 34 39 -5 46
6 Aston Villa 30 12 8 10 39 37 2 44
7 Derby County 30 11 11 8 32 32 0 44
8 Wimbledon 30 10 10 10 34 44 -10 40
9 Liverpool 28 11 6 11 52 37 15 39
10 Tottenham Hotspur 29 9 12 8 34 34 0 39
11 Middlesbrough 29 9 12 8 39 40 -1 39
12 Newcastle United 30 10 8 12 38 41 -3 38
13 Sheffield Wednesday 30 10 5 15 35 33 2 35
14 Leicester City 28 8 10 10 28 37 -9 34
15 Coventry City 30 8 7 15 31 42 -11 31
16 Everton 30 7 10 13 23 35 -12 31
17 Blackburn Rovers 30 7 9 14 32 42 -10 30
18 Southampton 30 8 5 17 28 56 -28 29
19 Charlton Athletic 29 6 10 13 33 40 -7 28
20 Nottingham Forest 30 4 8 18 27 59 -32 20
*** TEAM RESULTS - MANCHESTER UNITED - AS AT 21/03/99 ***
Date Opposition Score Pos. Attend.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
15/08/98 Leicester City Home D 2-2 11 55,052
22/08/98 West Ham United Away D 0-0 11 26,039
09/09/98 Charlton Athletic Home W 4-1 9 55,147
12/09/98 Coventry City Home W 2-0 5 55,193
20/09/98 Arsenal Away L 0-3 10 38,142
24/09/98 Liverpool Home W 2-0 3 55,181
03/10/98 Southampton Away W 3-0 2 15,251
17/10/98 Wimbledon Home W 5-1 2 55,265
24/10/98 Derby County Away D 1-1 2 30,867
31/10/98 Everton Away W 4-1 2 40,079
08/11/98 Newcastle United Home D 0-0 3 55,174
14/11/98 Blackburn Rovers Home W 3-2 2 55,198
21/11/98 Sheffield Wednesday Away L 1-3 2 39,475
29/11/98 Leeds United Home W 3-2 2 55,172
05/12/98 Aston Villa Away D 1-1 2 39,241
12/12/98 Tottenham Hotspur Away D 2-2 1 36,079
16/12/98 Chelsea Home D 1-1 2 55,159
19/12/98 Middlesbrough Home L 2-3 3 55,152
26/12/98 Nottingham Forest Home W 3-0 3 55,216
29/12/98 Chelsea Away D 0-0 3 34,741
10/01/99 West Ham United Home W 4-1 3 55,180
16/01/99 Leicester City Away W 6-2 2 22,091
31/01/99 Charlton Athletic Away W 1-0 1 20,043
03/02/99 Derby County Home W 1-0 1 55,174
06/02/99 Nottingham Forest Away W 8-1 1 30,025
17/02/99 Arsenal Home D 1-1 1 55,171
20/02/99 Coventry City Away W 1-0 1 22,596
27/02/99 Southampton Home W 2-1 1 55,316
13/03/99 Newcastle United Away W 2-1 1 36,500
21/03/99 Everton Home W 3-1 1 55,182
*** TEAM RESULTS SUMMARY - MANCHESTER UNITED - AS AT 21/03/99 ***
P Won Drawn Lost For Against Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home 16 11 (69%) 4 (25%) 1 (6%) 38 (2.4) 16 (1.0) 37 (2.3)
Away 14 7 (50%) 5 (36%) 2 (14%) 30 (2.1) 15 (1.1) 26 (1.9)
Total 30 18 (60%) 9 (30%) 3 (10%) 68 (2.3) 31 (1.0) 63 (2.1)
Averages per game in (brackets)
*** TEAM STATISTICS - MANCHESTER UNITED - AS AT 21/03/99 ***
AVERAGE HOME ATTENDANCE: 55,183
HIGHEST HOME ATTENDANCE: 27/02/99 - Southampton (55,316)
LOWEST HOME ATTENDANCE: 15/08/98 - Leicester City (55,052)
BEST WIN: 06/02/99 - Nottingham Forest (8-1)
HEAVIEST DEFEAT: 20/09/98 - Arsenal (0-3)
BEST HOME WIN: 17/10/98 - Wimbledon (5-1)
HEAVIEST HOME DEFEAT: 19/12/98 - Middlesbrough (2-3)
BEST AWAY WIN: 06/02/99 - Nottingham Forest (8-1)
HEAVIEST AWAY DEFEAT: 20/09/98 - Arsenal (0-3)
*****
Champions League:
Group D P W D L F A Pts
Bayern Munich 6 3 2 1 9 6 11
Man United 6 2 4 0 20 11 10
Barcelona 6 2 2 2 11 9 8
Brondby 6 1 0 5 4 18 3
Dec 9 Brøndby 0-2 Barcelona
Dec 9 Man Utd 1-1 Bayern Munich
******
CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALS
Manchester Utd 2 v 0 Inter Milan
Real Madrid 1 v 1 Dynamo Kiev
Juventus 2 v 1 Olympiakos
Bayern Munich 2 v 0 Kaiserslautern
**DYNAMO KIEV 2 v 0 REAL MADRID (Agg:3-1)
FC KAISERSLAUTERN 0 v 4 **BAYERN MUNICH (Agg:0-6)
INTERNAZIONALE FC 1 v 1 **MANCHESTER UNITED (Agg:1-3)
OLYMPIAKOS 1 v 1 **JUVENTUS (Agg:2-3)
Semi Final Draw to be played 7th, 21st April
Manchester United v Juventus [OT 7/4]
Bayern Munchen v Dynamo Kiev
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
Becks together with Prince Andrew [click on pic for latest Match report]
Subject: Even More Stats from www.red11.org
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats
News from Simplenet!
We are now ready to run results v All teams using a search table at the
above url.
Choose any team you like and search ALL results v Manchester United since 1919
and selected in Managerial Era order!
Example: Manchester City list of 106 games from
Alex Ferguson 06 04 1996 LgPL W A 3-2 Maine Road Cantona1(Pen) Cole1
Giggs1 29688
to
Between the Wars 11 10 1919 LgDiv1 D A 3-3 Maine Road Hodge1 HopkinF1
SpenceJ1 30000
TOTAL
Games Wins Losses Draws Goals For Goals Against
106 41 31 34 155 155
* NOTE *
This feature is prepared using the Manchester United Factfile which is
produced by Electronic Sports Data.
It has the line-ups, attendances, scores and scorers of every competitve
game ever played by Manchester United and Newton Heath.
It allows custom queries and reports in an easy to use graphical interface.
Little computer knowledge is needed. For further details send an Email to:
JulesMif@aol.com or call (UK) 01573 460 366 .
If you'd like to see some more of the United Factfile - go to:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/soft.htm
This is not an official Manchester United Football Club product. We are
not affiliated with this company or
product but think it is the best thing since sliced bread ;-))))
<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Now try yourself go to
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats
Becks together with Prince Andrew [click on pic for latest Match report]
Subject: Milano by Independent Manchester United Supporters Association
"Manchester United Fans in Europe"
A report by Ray Eckersley
IMUSA Committee Member for European Travel
Introduction
This report attempts to be proactive and constructive, this intention will
only be met if there is co-operation from the appropriate authorities in
football. We aim to highlight issues, and suggest possible solutions,
relating to Manchester United fans travelling in Europe and in particular
to the European Cup semi-final against Juventus in Turin on 21st April
1999. It is not the intention of the report to criticise any organisation
especially.
Ticketing
We believe Manchester United and its fans to be unique, in that we
consistently take large numbers to European away games. These fans have a
fair ticket allocation and a right to expect a fair system of distribution
and pricing. Many problems over recent years have arisen because of the
failure of the present system. We believe the following points to be worthy
of discussion.
1. UEFA and competing clubs should consider a new system of ticket
allocation based on a number of criteria, such as, average attendance's in
domestic and European matches of clubs, ground capacity and, most
importantly, historic and present demand from the fans themselves. An
alternative suggestion would be to make ticket allocation similar to that
in the English FA Cup whereby away teams are allocated a minimum percentage
of the ground capacity taking into account ground safety, segregation and
policing. It is in everyone's interest that away match ticket allocations
largely satisfies demand as this will lead to greater crowd control &
safety and less "black market" activity.
2. Manchester United fans travelling abroad should be trusted. A trust they
have earned with their behaviour and good conduct over many recent seasons.
With this in mind Manchester United FC should change the way tickets are
allocated to individual supporters. IMUSA recognise the attempts made by
MUFC to improve arrangements for European away fixtures drawing directly on
the experience gained in recent seasons. However webelive there is still
romm for further improvement and would like to see a system based on the
domestic away ticket allocation whereby fans apply for tickets based on ALL
matches attended. When the tickets have been allocated it should then be
the supporters who decide how they travel to the match and with whom.
Manchester United should then compete openly with other travel companies
offering packages and flights to the game, as is the case with domestic
away match arrangements. IMUSA see no reason to differentiate between a
match in Turin and a match in Southampton, in fact in many ways, apart from
the cost, the match in Turin is easier and quicker to get to. In the free
market economy of the EEC this system is the only legitimate alternative to
the present system of a cartel of Manchester United FC and a few selected
travel companies operating a monopoly on travel.
3. UEFA should legislate to stop the massive variations in ticket pricing
which particularly discriminate against fans of clubs like Manchester
United with a larger than average away match following. UEFA should also
consider the long-term effects of high ticket prices with regards to
attracting the young and not so affluent members of our European society to
football.
4. UEFA should make the draws as soon as possible giving clubs and fans
much more time to make arrangements for tickets and travel. In addition
before a competition commences UEFA should ask competing clubs to notify
them of the number of tickets that will be available for travelling
supporters. Such notification would put an end to the frantic negotiations
between clubs immediately prior to a fixture when extra tickets are needed
and allow competing clubs to plan their own ticket distribution systems in
advance of a game.
5. Manchester United should attempt to speed up considerably the allocation
of tickets for European away matches to give fans as much time as possible
to arrange travel and accommodation. It is a fact that as soon as a draw is
made for the next round of a cup competition fans must make their travel,
accommodation and domestic arrangements in order that they can attend a
game. Any supporter would find it impossible to make these arrangements if
they waited until two or three weeks before a game when tickets are
currently allocated. If competing clubs made known the number of tickets
that would be available before a competition commences then tickets could
be allocated earlier.
Policing
After the proactive report by IMUSA on the Manchester United visit to play
Juventus in Turin in December 1997 was released a few days prior to the
game, a large amount of media attention was given to the Italian police.
They must be given credit for the way they responded in a positive manner
showing a greater degree of courtesy and concern to Manchester United fans
than when we last visited Turin the previous year and taking into account
the treatment of England fans in Rome earlier in 97. Announcements were
made in English to fans inside the stadium which eased the confusion the
previous season when announcements were only made in Italian. IMUSA
believes this was as a direct result of our report. We believe if similar
arrangements were made outside the stadium many of the problems seen prior
to a game kicking off would be avoided.
The December 1997 example alone demonstrates the importance of fan based
groups such as IMUSA taking the initiative and communicating with the
relevant organisations to stress the football supporters needs and
aspirations.
We believe that football fans from any country should be treated with
respect and courtesy demanded quite rightly by all European citizens, and
not treated like some kind of third class citizen just because they follow
football. This is particularly relevant to Manchester United fans because
of the reputation of English fans abroad.
Security & Stewarding
Manchester United fans travelling on organised club trips have looked upon
the security stewards as being there for their safety and to give help and
advice if needed. This has almost without exception not been the reality of
the situation once we set foot in a foreign country. They are powerless and
lack conviction when called upon to aid fans, and it seems their only duty
is to supervise the distribution of tickets.
IMUSA recommend stringent controls be put on the type of steward employed
with respect to background and training. This course of action should be
taken now by Manchester United FC and also enforced after a thorough review
by UEFA throughout European football.
We believe there should be more information on arrival in European
destinations like leaflets, bi-lingual advisers, megaphones at the ground
directing people and information points close to and inside the ground.
These measures would help to reduce the risks and dangers Manchester United
fans find repeatedly in Europe.
Conclusion
The common theme of the last decade of Manchester United fans travelling in
Europe is that the fans' voice has been virtually unheard. At Montpellier,
Porto, Juventus, Feyenoord and Inter Milan, this has led to problems both
outside and inside the ground, including poor facilities, no stewarding and
missiles. It is now 10 years since the Hillsborough disaster and, whilst
many of the problems highlighted by the Taylor Report have improved
conditions in England, the failure to implement Taylor's recommendation
that fans should be consulted and involved in match preparations, has
exacerbated continuing problems abroad. Manchester United fans are
continually put in grave danger around the stadiums of Europe, none more so
than at the recent game in Milan.
We urge Manchester United F.C., the Football Association, UEFA, Juventus
F.C. and the Police Authorities in both Manchester and Turin to contact and
include IMUSA in all discussions regarding the forthcoming game in Turin
Becks together with Prince Andrew [click on pic for latest Match report]
Subject: COLE CAN KNOCK OVER POLES - NEVILLE
Andy Cole is being backed by Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville to
strike terror into the Poland defence when he makes his first England start
in Saturday's European Championship qualifier at Wembley.
After three appearances as substitute, Cole will line-up alongside skipper
Alan Shearer as he looks to repeat the form which has put the Red Devils on
course for a treble in partnership with Dwight Yorke.
It is a game England have to win to revive hopes of reaching the Euro 2000
finals after the defeat in Sweden, the dreary home draw with Bulgaria and
the uninspiring success in Luxembourg.
But Neville has no doubt that Cole can unlock the Poles who so often in the
past have proved a stumbling block to England's hopes of glory.
He said: ''I think Andy has been outstanding this season for United. He has
been for two or three years now but some reason he seems to be getting a
lot more credit this season.
''I've seen some of the best forward play I've ever seen from Dwight and
Andy who is so sharp and quick. He is a defender's nightmare.
''He will be so excited to be playing for his country and I am sure that he
will give the Poland defence a very hard time. There's no doubt about that.''
Neville admitted: ''We haven't performed as players over the past few games
and Bulgaria at home was very disappointing.
''There has been a hangover from the World Cup finals because the results
have not been what we would want - but we've got a chance to put that right.
''We've got to win on Saturday but we can still qualify. It is a difficult
task - but it should be to qualify for a major championships.
''We know that being involved in a major championships lifts the whole
country, English football and your own profile as a player. We want to get
to those Euro 2000 finals.''
Neville has been impressed with new coach Kevin Keegan in the short time he
has worked with him - and has quickly seen comparisons with his United boss
Alex Ferguson.
He said: ''What struck me straight away was that Kevin Keegan was so
enthusiastic and positive. He's a lot more positive in terms of his manner
on the training pitch ''He's always praising you and it's a good feeling to
know your manager is with you whether you are doing well or not.
''He wants to win and be involved with the players and that's similar with
Alex Ferguson. They are both players' managers.
''But if we don't perform on Saturday it will be nothing to do with Kevin
Keegan in the same way it was nothing to do with Glenn Hoddle the way we
performed in the last home Euro game with Bulgaria. It will be down to us.''
----------------------------
Becks together with Prince Andrew [click on pic for latest Match report]
Subject: BECKS - HE'S UNBELIEVABLE
David Beckham has hit the best form of his life, says Manchester United and
England team-mate Gary Neville ahead of the nation's vital Euro 2000
qualifier against Poland on Saturday.
Neville and Beckham have forged a formidable right-flank pairing for United
this season, and they are hoping to do the same for England at Wembley.
Beckham particularly has been in outstanding form, and nobody is better
placed to judge him than Neville, the man who plays a supporting role.
Neville is particularly impressed with the way Beckham has responded since
the World Cup, when he was condemned by the nation following his red card
shame against Argentina.
''If David is scoring, crossing, shooting like he is then I am not vital to
the partnership,'' said Neville.
''David's performances have been absolutely unbelievable, he is at the top
of his game at the moment and I hope it stays that way.
''He has coped unbelievably since France 98. It is difficult for anybody to
cope with the abuse that he suffered after the World Cup, but I think his
performances for Manchester United have shown the character he has got.
''He does his talking on the pitch and his performances in the last two or
three months have been outstanding, particularly when some other players
have suffered hangovers from the World Cup.
''He was outstanding at the beginning of the season too. He doesn't seem to
have suffered at all and that says something about his character. He must
be very strong mentally.
''I knew he would cope because when he goes out on to the football pitch he
forgets about everything else and just plays - you'll never take away from
him, the freedom he has got on that pitch. He has got happiness in his life
and that is all that matters to him.
''When you are in good club form you can't wait for games to come along. We
can't wait for Saturday because playing for England at Wembley is the
greatest thing in the world for a footballer.''
England coach Kevin Keegan said he had found Beckham was very down to
earth. ''I don't think he is a superstar among the lads, that's the
perception that people have made of him because of his private life,'' said
Keegan.
''He mixes fantastically, he joins in everything. He is not a loud
character but he is still young.'' Keegan has been an instant hit with the
players and his positive attitude has lived up to Neville's expectations.
''Kevin is very enthusiastic and very positive, that struck me straight
away,'' said Neville. ''He'll involve himself with the players and sit with
the players on the coach, which is certainly different to what I have
experienced in the past.
''He is a lot more positive in his manner on the training pitch, always
praising you which is good, and he is more friendly. It is what I expected
because that is the impression you get of Kevin, he is certainly for his
players and that is one of his great strengths.
''I have it at Manchester United where the club manager is very positive
towards you and it give you a good feeling. Whether you are doing well or
not it is always important to know your manager is for you.'' Neville,
meanwhile, will still prefer not to sing the National Anthem on Saturday,
and that won't be a problem for Keegan.
''It is just something I have never done,'' said Neville. ''It is not meant
to offend people, it is just that singing before a game is not part of my
normal build-up and I want to prepare for an England game the way I prepare
for a normal game.'' Keegan said: ''It doesn't bother me. I will be singing
the national anthem but it has got to be a personal choice. When people see
that, they have to understand that some of these lads are quiet.
''They do know the words but don't want to sing it and I have not got a
problem with that.''
Becks together with Prince Andrew [click on pic for latest Match report]
Subject: Darkest hours bring out the man in Boy David
By Nigel Clarke
Friday, March 26, 1999
It may not be a coincidence that David Beckham still plays his football with
all the swaggering confidence of a man at peace with himself.
Beckham has shouldered an intolerable burden since his dismissal last
summer, when he was sent off in England's World Cup penalty shoot-out defeat
by Argentina. But he has shaken off the hate campaign against him with the
resilience of an indifferent old campaigner.
Gary Neville, his best pal and confidant, has seen at close hand how
Beckham, 23, has handled himself, the extra pressures thrust upon him that
would have warped and distorted many of his age, and says: 'I knew he would
cope because when he goes out on the football pitch he forgets about
everything else and just plays.
'You will never take that away from him, the absolute freedom he has on that
pitch. That's because he has happiness in his life, and that is all that
matters to him.'
Of course, parenthood which he and fianceé Victoria Adams now share
following the birth of baby Brooklyn, has given Beckham an extra dimension
of contentment.
It acts like a protective shield around him when the boos, jeers and
offensive remarks are still aimed his way by some supporters.
Neville goes on: 'He has coped unbelievably since France 98. It is difficult
for anybody to handle the abuse that he has suffered, but I think his
performances have shown the character he has.'
Neville, in fact, believes Beckham has never played so well. It is a
statement of fact that excites Kevin Keegan, who is ready to use him in a
new role for his country.
Not only has Neville, Manchester United's talented right back, been
constantly by Beckham's side socially, he plays behind him too. It is a
combination vital to the club's remorseless search for the treble of the
Champions League, the Premiership and the FA Cup.
Neville says: 'If David is scoring, crossing, and shooting like he is, then
I am not vital to that partnership. His performances have been magnificent.
He is at the top of his game and I hope it stays that way.'
Certainly Beckham is the player Poland have identified as England's possible
match-winner tomorrow. More so than Alan Shearer and Andy Cole, the Poles
remember the quality of Beckham's crosses and perceptive passing against
Inter Milan.
It was one such brilliant ball, hit instantly from the right, that found the
head of Shearer, who powered home England's equaliser when the teams last
met at Wembley in 1996.
To move him into a more central role is something Keegan has already
considered, but Beckham is the best crosser of the ball in the country and
would provide the ammunition for Shearer and Cole to do what they are best
at.
There are doubts that, if he were moved inside, Beckham might not be so
incisive. He does not have the pace to go past opponents, and may at times
lack the perception to see early play quickly enough. As Neville says: 'Alex
Ferguson has always preferred to use him wide on the right.'
But there is no doubting the depth of Beckham's love of the game, and the
inner strength he possesses. Neville says: 'He does his talking on the pitch
and his performances in the last two or three months have been outstanding,
particularly when some players have suffered hangovers from the World Cup.
'He doesn't appear to have suffered at all, and that says something about
his character. He must be very strong mentally.'
Certainly Beckham does not seem to be suffering from the workload United
have taken on as they seek the greatest treble of all. Neville says: 'When
you are in good club form, you can't wait for games to come along. We can't
wait for Saturday because playing for England at Wembley is the greatest
thing in the world for any footballer.'
Beckham's appetite appears unsatiable. He was one of England's few successes
in the home defeat by France last month and shows the same willingness to be
involved in Keegan's first squad.
The coach has been impressed and says: 'I don't think he is a superstar
among the lads. That's the perception people have because of his private
life.
'But he mixes fantastically. He is not a loud character.' Just a very good
footballer, as Poland are likely to find out.
Becks together with Prince Andrew [click on pic for latest Match report]
Subject: MOST EXPENSIVE PASTA DISH IN WORLD
ALEX FERGUSON has been warned that he faces the full wrath of UEFA if he
utters one word out of line about Juventus.
The Manchester United manager was yesterday hit with a fine and a stinging
rebuke for what were described as "racist" comments against Italians.
Ferguson was handed a fine of 5,000 Swiss Francs, which is £2,155, after he
made comments about Inter Milan before both legs of the Champions League
clash with the Italians.
A UEFA spokesman branded Ferguson a racist after the United manager said:
"When an Italian says it's pasta, I check under the sauce."
And the United manager compounded the insult before the second leg, when he
said the Italians' tactics would include "scheming, diving,
referee-baiting - the full repertoire."
That incensed UEFA, and has led to a strongly-worded warning that the
Scottish manager must not revert to such language when his side meets
Italian opposition in the semi-finals.
United take on Juventus in what is bound to be a fraught tie, with both
sides reverting to the sort of mind games that Ferguson is famous for. But a
UEFA spokesman warned the Old Trafford boss last night that they will be
monitoring his behaviour closely from now on.
"This was unnecessary provocation of the opposing team, and we cannot accept
racism of any kind," said a spokesman.
"We will be watching closely. If Mr Ferguson makes any of the comments again
prior to the game against Juventus, then we would be forced to open up
another disciplinary action against him. We feel Mr Ferguson, who is an
experienced manager with a considerable list of honours, should know
perfectly well how to handle the media.
"Therefore, he should have been aware of the potentially negative impact of
his declarations, which UEFA saw as unnecessary provocation and
inappropriate prior to an important match." Ferguson will now have to watch
his words carefully in the build-up to the semi-final clash with arch rivals
Juventus - particularly because he has already incensed the Italian nation.
Inter's coach Mircea Lucescu, who resigned after his team were dumped out of
the competition by United, claimed the comments would lead to violence.
Lucescu insisted that what Ferguson said was "a sad thing and a bad thing,"
and he claimed that the Inter fans would target the United manager.
United were given a rowdy reception in Italy, and Ferguson was singled out
for attention by the fans. That could happen again in Turin, but last night
a United spokesman insisted that the club accepts the punishment, and the
matter is behind them. "These things happen in the heat of preparation for
big matches. UEFA have their procedures and we accept it. We are now looking
forward to the game against Juventus," the spokesman said.
Ferguson's comments were inspired initially before the first leg of the
quarter final tie, when he suspected the Italians of playing psychological
games over the fitness of Ronaldo.
United were fined 30,000 Swiss francs (£13,000) because their travelling
supporters set off of fireworks during the second leg in the San Siro
stadium. Inter were also fined for their fans' misbehaviour, and for
improper conduct by their players.
Becks together with Prince Andrew [click on pic for latest Match report]
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Singalong
Calypso available here: mp3
If ever they are playing in your town
You must get to that football ground
Take a lesson come to see
Football taught by Matt Busby
Manchester, Manchester United
A bunch of bouncing Busby Babes
They deserve to be knighted
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