Not guilty, m'ludNewcastle United deny that their players were out of control during Saturday’s bust-up with Arsenal.
It appears Newcastle United aren’t happy about the charges the FA levied after the fracas during Saturday’s game against Arsenal.
The statement from the FA reads:
“Newcastle United and Arsenal have been charged by The FA with failing to control their players following Saturday’s fixture at St James’ Park.
“Both clubs have been charged following a mass confrontation of players following an incident in which Arsenal’s Gervinho was also shown a red card in the 75th minute.
“Following Gervinho’s dismissal Arsenal have lodged a claim that the standard punishment of a three-match suspension is clearly excessive. A Regulatory Commission will hear the claim on 16 August.
“Meanwhile Arsenal’s Alex Song has been charged separately by The FA with violent conduct following an incident earlier in the same fixture.
“Both clubs have until 1600 BST on 18 August to respond to the charge, whilst Song must reply by 1800 on 16 August.” (more…)
Maiga in hot water at SochauxNewcastle United striker target Modibo Maiga faces punishment from Sochaux.
As reported yesterday, Sochaux’s want-away Malian striker Modibo Maiga has been trying to force a move to Newcastle by refusing to play for his current club. It seems he didn’t turn up to the training session that took place after that either.
This has got his Sochaux bosses hopping mad and it seems they’re preparing to dish out some sort of punishment to the player. An official statement from the club reads as follows:
FC Sochaux-Montbéliard recorded in amazement the boycott by one of its players of the game against Ligue 1 side Stade Malherbe Caen and absence without leave of the same player from the training session scheduled on Sunday 14 August 2011. The club condemns this unacceptable behaviour from a player which is contractually bound after signing in the summer of 2010 for a period of four years (until June 2014). FCSM consider that this behaviour is totally disrespectful to the club, his teammates and his fans. It will not be without consequence or punishment.(more…)
Fancies the ToonNewcastle United have allegedly made a bid for Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga.
According to Sky Sports we’ve put in an €8m (£7m) bid for Modibo Maiga who is reported to be ‘unsettled’ at French outfit Sochaux. Part of the reason he’s unsettled is, it seems, because he wants a transfer to Newcastle but his club are refusing to acknowledge his desire to leave.
Magai has confirmed Newcastle’s approach, saying:
“Before the Newcastle offer I have not been offered anything, but now I would like the chairman to consider my interest. I want to leave.
“I met everyone at Newcastle. They want me and it is not just any club. Premier League is a dream.
“That is the kind of game I like, it suits me and it is good for my career. I want to leave, he has to accept that and negotiate.
“I told the coach I would play and respect my contract, but the chairman has to talk about my transfer first. I don’t want to annoy Sochaux, but I want it to be sorted out with Newcastle.” (more…)
Toon want it wrapped up before derbyNewcastle United have allegedly increased their bid for Erik Pieters and still have Nicklas Bendtner in their sights, and Derek Llambias confirms the need to add further players to the squad.
Good morning. The Toon headlines are still pretty much dominated by the Joey Barton/Gervinho ‘Slappergate’ incident, which is beginning to make my Earl Grey taste a little sour and putting Tarquin, my butler, off his stride with the brushing of my tweeds in preparation for the day’s hobnobbing.
The Daily Mail comes to the rescue though, with allegations that we’ve upped our bid to £7m for much-needed left-back Erik Pieters. Presumably the hope is that the extra readies will act as a financial kick up the backside to both the player and his club and expedite transfer proceedings towards some sort of agreement ahead of next weekend’s game against the unwashed.
The weekend’s People seemed to think we have other options for a left-back too and are tracking both Wayne Bridge and Aly Cissokho alongside Pieters. (more…)
Should we be worried?Newcastle United’s Joey Barton was at the centre of a mini-storm during yesterday’s match against Arsenal, but is it indicative of a longer-term problem with the player?
Obviously the press are having a field day with the Barton/Gervinho stuff, but I do have some long-term concerns.
In the heat of the match, amidst the desire to try and squeeze 3 points out of Arsenal, I was quite happy to see Gervinho sent off and Barton only receive a yellow. On reflection though, I didn’t like the way Barton reacted to the ‘slap’ any more than I liked Gervinho’s dive in the box.
Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I don’t like cheating in sport and neither do I think that saying “it’s just the modern game” or “we have to do it because other teams do” is any excuse.
I think it’s sad that we’d struggle to find a football player who’d play with 100% honesty these days, even it’s just when they ‘play for’ free kicks. It’s doubly sad that we’ve come to accept all that as ‘normal’.
But that’s kind of an aside. What I’m concerned about is Barton’s frame of mind. I wonder if yesterday was just a one-off or whether there’s a frustration bubbling within Barton that’s going to come to the surface during the games he plays for us this season. Red cards can cost us games and, I have to say, I get the impression that Barton is heading for an eruption. (more…)
