Football Circus rolls into town for another week and features all the usual things you'd associate with the beautiful game - Theft, violence and prostitution. So let's have a look at this week's bunch of clowns...
Struggle for Independiente Manager
We start this week's edition of Football Circus in Argentina where newly appointed Independiente manager Miguel Angel Brindisi had quite an introduction to his new role.
Brindisi took the managerial position early last week and has been given the unenviable task of saving the side from relegation. That was to prove the least of his worries though, as Infierno Rojo, an Independiente fan website, contacted him by phone for an interview as he drove through Buenos Aires.
Brindisi being, the conscientious citizen that he is, pulled the car over to take the call and the interview proceeded to be broadcast live on the internet. Some way into the call and Brindisi continued to answer the interviewer's questions, the sound from Brindisi's end of the line became muffled and loud shouting could be heard. Bemused listeners witnessed what the interviewed described as a 'dramatic situation' as thieves held Brindisi at gunpoint, forcing him to hand over his wallet and watch.
Former Espanyol and Boca Juniors manager Brindisi escaped unharmed, if a little shocked and less well off. Things went from bad to worse though as Independiente lost Brindisi's first game in charge 2-0 to Atletico Rafaela.
The clip of of the interview can be heard below:
Indonesian Referee Hospitalised after Punch in Face by Player
Referee 'Muhaimin' got more than he bargained for when he took charge of the Persiwa Wamena - Pelita Bandung Raya Superleague match in Indonesia last Sunday.
With the scoreline at 1-1 and eight minutes of play remaining, Muhaimin awarded Pelita Bandung Raya a penalty.
Infuriated with the decision, Persiwa Wamena player Pieter Rumaropen stormed towards the referee and as the red mist descended, struck Muhaimin in the face whilst standing behind him.
In what Gary Neville might describe as 'WWF-like' scenes, the official fell to the ground, bleeding profusely from his nose. A replacement referee stood in as Pelita Bandung Raya converted the penalty and went on to a 2-1 victory.
Following his actions, Rumaropen has been given a lifetime ban.
Hinca Panjaitan of the Indonesian FA (The PSSI) said of the matter "This was a terrible act that we cannot tolerate. It has tarnished the image of Indonesian football in the international community, I hope this punishment will repair that".
Malaga Owner lashes out at UEFA
Malaga's Qatari owner, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani following his side's quarter-final exit to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions' League earlier this month.
Blaming corruption and more alarmingly racism, for Malaga's defeat, Al-Thani has used the medium of Twitter to convey his anger and suspicion as to why his club find themselves watching the rest of the competition from home.
He first vented following Malaga's second leg loss to Dortmund and has again shown his disdain for UEFA after Bayern Munich and Dortmund beat Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, in the this week's semi-final first leg clashes.
Al-Thani had the following to say:
"First, I'm sorry for the Spanish teams such losses in European Championship [sic] I hope refer to my comment in the past"
"I mentioned there is a catastrophe will get in the Spanish league. And if it is not aware of this matter is resolved as soon as will crumble clubs from four to five years".
"My question to the Spanish Football Federation Where is the justice and equality between the clubs ???????? We wronged by the UEFA".
"Where are you about this injustice done to the Malaga c.f and the moral and psychological damage and the physical ????????"
The bizarre series of tweets seemed somewhat unfounded, even unjust. Although some light may be shed on the matter when you take into consideration the fact that Malaga, who currently lie sixth in La Liga, are banned from next four seasons' Champion's League competitions. The reason? Financial debts that had become apparent since a certain Sheikh Al-Thani had taken over.
Italian Football Story of the Week
- Have you the one about the Thieving Footballer, the Prostitute, the iPhone, the Bicycle and the Transvestite?
We won't lie. Some weeks at Football Circus, we question why we ever created the Italian Football Story of the Week. There are times when Italian Football and all that surrounds it can border on the dull - 'slow news weeks' if you will. Then something like this crops up...
20 year old Lecce striker Ousmane Drame has not featured much for the Lega Pro Prima Divisione team this season, racking up a grand total of just 25 minutes playing time. Perhaps disillusioned by his lack of onfield action, young Drame decided to venture elsewhere for some action, namely the streets of Porta Rudiae in Lecce where he encountered a lady of the night.
Footballers' wages may not be quite what they're cracked upto be, as Frenchman Drame allegedly agreed to pay the prostitute in the form of an iPhone 5. After Drame had ahem, done the deed, he not only failed to live upto his part of the deal, but went on to steal the handbag and cash of the prostitute.
Drame then attempted to flee the scene by bicycle (Wayne Rooney never seemed to have all this trouble during his infamous escapades). No sooner had the cheeky scamp's getaway began though, than a transvestite friend of the victimised prostitute twigged what had happened and gave chase to footballer.
A two-way wrestle for the stolen goods ensued between Drame and the transvestite Police were alerted and the Lecce player was arrested shortly thereafter. Not only was he charged with theft but also with injuring the transvestite who had been hurt during the furore.
You just couldn't make it up.
Football Recommendation
Fantasista 2013 is an exhibition showcasing football themed art this Spring in Central London. Even if you can't make the exhibition itself, the website and artists involved are certainly worth checking out...
http://www.shazam.com
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