Not only did we qualify, but we are going to South Africa as the champions of CONCACAF! Nicely done guys!
Honestly, we missed some very easy opportunities to score, but we drew nevertheless. I hope we have time to improve our performance before June.
It was very sad to learn of Charlie Davies' horrific injuries - the result of a car accident that will leave him out of the game until next year some time. We all certainly hope he has a speedy recovery.
I am very proud of our accomplishments, and I CAN'T FUCKING WAIT UNTIL NEXT SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!! WORLD CUP FEVER BEGINS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
More Bad News For West Ham
Sadly, the trouble West Ham finds itself in is not contained to what occurs on the pitch. Evidently, David Sullivan, who had large holdings in Birmingham City, has backed away from the possibility of investing heavily in the Hammers. Aside from what many think is an absurd asking price (100 million pounds,) Sullivan is dismayed by the extreme amount of debt in which the club finds itself.
This worries me for the obvious reasons - the club is in debt, our current owners view us as a burden, nobody wants to purchase us, so on so forth.
This, coupled with our disastrous performance this season makes for one sad blogger. I certainly have faith that our players and our manager can pull the team from out of the relegation zone and at least to mid table, but it is still very worrying.
This worries me for the obvious reasons - the club is in debt, our current owners view us as a burden, nobody wants to purchase us, so on so forth.
This, coupled with our disastrous performance this season makes for one sad blogger. I certainly have faith that our players and our manager can pull the team from out of the relegation zone and at least to mid table, but it is still very worrying.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Terrace Chants
Between the asinine comments of football announcers, you often get to hear one of the greatest, most awe-inspiring sounds known to man - the football audience. Nothing could better capture the power and energy of this sound than chants of the fans, audible during broadcasts, though they often sound jumbled and incoherent.
But the internet(C) has provided us all with a way to listen to and learn new chants at our leisure.
My favorite site is http://www.fanchants.com/, although there are others.
Youtube also allows you unfiltered access to all kinds of chants, even the dirty/insulting/hilarious ones you can't always hear on Fox Soccer Channel.
This stuff sends shivers down my spine!
But the internet(C) has provided us all with a way to listen to and learn new chants at our leisure.
My favorite site is http://www.fanchants.com/, although there are others.
Youtube also allows you unfiltered access to all kinds of chants, even the dirty/insulting/hilarious ones you can't always hear on Fox Soccer Channel.
This stuff sends shivers down my spine!
More Aggravation
This weekend saw Sir Alex ranting and raving like a child over the performance of the referee. Evidently, Fergie does not approve of the refs level of fitness, claiming that he was not running up and down the pitch as he believes the ref should have. Sounds like sour grapes to me, given the unimpressive one point Man U earned themselves at home to Sunderland.
Chelsea looked like they were playing to redeem themselves after an embarrassing loss to Wigan and a less than stellar Champions League win. They beat a sorry looking Liverpool quite easily. This is a problem since it is looking more and more likely that Chelsea, along with six-goal scoring Arsenal (against Blackburn) will both be poised to move in on the top two spots. Man City, the new top four contender, drew against Villa, but are far from being counted out.
Tottenham looks like they have lost a little momentum, but their run for the top is unlikely to have met its end.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth won their first game of the season. Congratulations might have been in order until one considers that their players weren't paid last week. This has to do with the ongoing ownership saga, which now appears to have come to an end. Pompey has owners, the players are getting paid, and the team might have enough funding in January to stave off a predicted relegation at seasons end.
Speaking of the bottom, my poor West Ham slid down the table one place to 18th. A draw against Fulham is indeed a much needed respite from consecutive losses, but our position on the table is troubling. As the press have mentioned time and time again, the last season in which we performed as poorly was the season we were relegated. I truly don't think we will get relegated, but it has become clear that we will be facing an uphill battle through new year. I have faith in Zola, and I think the problem lies in the mentality of the players more than anywhere else.
Meanwhile, Burnley continues to have an unstoppable ferocity at home. Bolton has also been performing well lately. Good luck to all of them.
Chelsea looked like they were playing to redeem themselves after an embarrassing loss to Wigan and a less than stellar Champions League win. They beat a sorry looking Liverpool quite easily. This is a problem since it is looking more and more likely that Chelsea, along with six-goal scoring Arsenal (against Blackburn) will both be poised to move in on the top two spots. Man City, the new top four contender, drew against Villa, but are far from being counted out.
Tottenham looks like they have lost a little momentum, but their run for the top is unlikely to have met its end.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth won their first game of the season. Congratulations might have been in order until one considers that their players weren't paid last week. This has to do with the ongoing ownership saga, which now appears to have come to an end. Pompey has owners, the players are getting paid, and the team might have enough funding in January to stave off a predicted relegation at seasons end.
Speaking of the bottom, my poor West Ham slid down the table one place to 18th. A draw against Fulham is indeed a much needed respite from consecutive losses, but our position on the table is troubling. As the press have mentioned time and time again, the last season in which we performed as poorly was the season we were relegated. I truly don't think we will get relegated, but it has become clear that we will be facing an uphill battle through new year. I have faith in Zola, and I think the problem lies in the mentality of the players more than anywhere else.
Meanwhile, Burnley continues to have an unstoppable ferocity at home. Bolton has also been performing well lately. Good luck to all of them.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
I'm still here!
Sorry for the delay in posts. Things have been hectic and I've been sleep-deprived/lazy. I will try to post more often!
But...
is anyone out there reading my blog? If you are, I would love to see some comments! If you feel like harassing me or providing me with free drinks/footie gear/west ham tickets, you can email me! I promise to check at least once a week!
sat.morning.fever@gmail.com
But...
is anyone out there reading my blog? If you are, I would love to see some comments! If you feel like harassing me or providing me with free drinks/footie gear/west ham tickets, you can email me! I promise to check at least once a week!
sat.morning.fever@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
West Ham and Millwall to be Punished
It has been announced that he FA will make known to the public their decision regarding how to punish West Ham and Millwall as a result of the violence at Upton Park.
Their findings come at the conclusion of an investigation launched in response to the rioting and pitch invasions that occurred during the Carling Cup match at Upton Park in August.
Rumor has it that the FA will be making example of my team as well as of Millwall, which means there will be stiff fines other extreme measures taken.
There is a concern in England that things could get out of hand and return to how it used to be - violent and dangerous. There is also concern that such behavior will compromise attempts to be selected for the chance to host a variety of international sporting events. However, the idea that this was such an extraordinary event is silly at best. Football violence has never completely disappeared, and many hundreds of arrests aremade each year. It is also worth noting that many other teams have a worse reputation for trouble these days than West Ham, although one might argue that Millwalls reputation is not far off from the truth.
I am biased, so of course I feel like we're being singled out. I also think punishing the club with stiff fines and point deductions won't really hurt the supporters responsible for the chaos. (We don't yet know what the punishment will be, but point deductions will really hurt us.) It is sad when supporters get out of hand, but it would be sadder still if the FA decided to dole out symbolic punishments, regardless of how ineffective they are.
Their findings come at the conclusion of an investigation launched in response to the rioting and pitch invasions that occurred during the Carling Cup match at Upton Park in August.
Rumor has it that the FA will be making example of my team as well as of Millwall, which means there will be stiff fines other extreme measures taken.
There is a concern in England that things could get out of hand and return to how it used to be - violent and dangerous. There is also concern that such behavior will compromise attempts to be selected for the chance to host a variety of international sporting events. However, the idea that this was such an extraordinary event is silly at best. Football violence has never completely disappeared, and many hundreds of arrests aremade each year. It is also worth noting that many other teams have a worse reputation for trouble these days than West Ham, although one might argue that Millwalls reputation is not far off from the truth.
I am biased, so of course I feel like we're being singled out. I also think punishing the club with stiff fines and point deductions won't really hurt the supporters responsible for the chaos. (We don't yet know what the punishment will be, but point deductions will really hurt us.) It is sad when supporters get out of hand, but it would be sadder still if the FA decided to dole out symbolic punishments, regardless of how ineffective they are.
Monday, September 21, 2009
From Derby to Travesty
Sundays Manchester Derby highlights a lot of what aggravates me about football. Allow me to explain.
This was a game worth waking up for. Man U have a long history and are attempting to capture yet another championship under Sir Alex Ferguson. Man City are a recently wealthy team who have been acquiring great players and working their way towards the top four. Naturally, as rivals from the same city, you could imagine how much this game meant to both sides.
But of course, the entire match became a spectacle. It must be said though, that this began weeks ago when the managers of both teams began exchanging barbs. Sir Alex, as we've all come to expect, began maligning City prior to the match, calling them a small team with a small team mentality. Hughes responded in kind, although I am of the opinion that Sir Alex opens his mouth too frequently and deserves rebuke. This set the stage for further tension prior to the game, though you might get the feeling that this is more of a personal issue for the managers and for some of the players. I find all this quite immature. There is really no reason for it to become so personal unless you are a supporter. Even after the match, Sir Alex called Carlos Tevez' performance at United into question. There is no place for someone as accomplished as Sir Alex to act in such a fashion.
On the pitch as well, things bordered on parody. There were fouls that indicated a level of frustration for both sides. City felt the usual pressure any team faces while at Old Trafford. United was confronted with a much more impressive City than they had anticipated.
Then there was the bizarre incident of a supporter rushing the pitch and having an altercation with perennial complainer/winger and West Ham reject Craig "I have No Neck" Bellamy. I do not need to explain how stupid this is, although I must admit I did not see the incident while watching the match.
Finally, there is the curious case of the seven minute injury time. Why so much was added I cannot say - there were no major injuries during the second half, and even the substitutions cannot account for this lengthy addition. Mark Hughes claims that the fourth official added time for their celebration following their 90th minute equalizer. However, the time added was all that was needed for Man U to again take the lead and ultimately win.
All in all, it was an exciting game. Nevertheless, every part of this ridiculous tale illustrates some of footballs most annoying issues - silly fans, sillier players, childish managers with big mouths, and questionable officiating. I dislike both of these teams, but what should have been an enjoyable match quickly became a complete fiasco.
This was a game worth waking up for. Man U have a long history and are attempting to capture yet another championship under Sir Alex Ferguson. Man City are a recently wealthy team who have been acquiring great players and working their way towards the top four. Naturally, as rivals from the same city, you could imagine how much this game meant to both sides.
But of course, the entire match became a spectacle. It must be said though, that this began weeks ago when the managers of both teams began exchanging barbs. Sir Alex, as we've all come to expect, began maligning City prior to the match, calling them a small team with a small team mentality. Hughes responded in kind, although I am of the opinion that Sir Alex opens his mouth too frequently and deserves rebuke. This set the stage for further tension prior to the game, though you might get the feeling that this is more of a personal issue for the managers and for some of the players. I find all this quite immature. There is really no reason for it to become so personal unless you are a supporter. Even after the match, Sir Alex called Carlos Tevez' performance at United into question. There is no place for someone as accomplished as Sir Alex to act in such a fashion.
On the pitch as well, things bordered on parody. There were fouls that indicated a level of frustration for both sides. City felt the usual pressure any team faces while at Old Trafford. United was confronted with a much more impressive City than they had anticipated.
Then there was the bizarre incident of a supporter rushing the pitch and having an altercation with perennial complainer/winger and West Ham reject Craig "I have No Neck" Bellamy. I do not need to explain how stupid this is, although I must admit I did not see the incident while watching the match.
Finally, there is the curious case of the seven minute injury time. Why so much was added I cannot say - there were no major injuries during the second half, and even the substitutions cannot account for this lengthy addition. Mark Hughes claims that the fourth official added time for their celebration following their 90th minute equalizer. However, the time added was all that was needed for Man U to again take the lead and ultimately win.
All in all, it was an exciting game. Nevertheless, every part of this ridiculous tale illustrates some of footballs most annoying issues - silly fans, sillier players, childish managers with big mouths, and questionable officiating. I dislike both of these teams, but what should have been an enjoyable match quickly became a complete fiasco.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Fortune's Always HIding...
It really stings that we lost again, but that's how it goes. We actually played pretty well against Liverpool, but just not well enough.
I sincerely hope that Zola can put us back on track. There simply is no reason why we shouldn't be a competitive team.
It wouldn't be our West Ham if we weren't being disappointed, I suppose.
I sincerely hope that Zola can put us back on track. There simply is no reason why we shouldn't be a competitive team.
It wouldn't be our West Ham if we weren't being disappointed, I suppose.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Football Community
Although I've discussed the difficulty with which one follow the Premier League in the US, there are sometimes aspects of being in the minority which are quite nice.
Following a few Sunday games, I spent my day having drinks with some fellow football fanatics. Represented among us were Man U, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and of course, West Ham. It was great not only getting to know some of these other supporters, but in getting to have a drink with like minded people.
In England, as with much of the world, the scene from our local Premier League bar could never exist - supporters from a variety of sides, drinking together, laughing together, and watching hours of football without incident. Because of the scarcity of opportunities and locales at which to view our game, people who might otherwise brutalize each other act as friends. It's all very heartwarming.
As we stood there discussing different venues where Premier League is shown, I realized that we have an invaluable community here in Austin. All the difficulty we might normally have seeing the sport of our choice is partially alleviated by the fact that we have bonded together in many ways. I'll always laugh at the plight of someones team, especially Chelsea, when they lose, but part of me always likes how we seem to get along.
Following a few Sunday games, I spent my day having drinks with some fellow football fanatics. Represented among us were Man U, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and of course, West Ham. It was great not only getting to know some of these other supporters, but in getting to have a drink with like minded people.
In England, as with much of the world, the scene from our local Premier League bar could never exist - supporters from a variety of sides, drinking together, laughing together, and watching hours of football without incident. Because of the scarcity of opportunities and locales at which to view our game, people who might otherwise brutalize each other act as friends. It's all very heartwarming.
As we stood there discussing different venues where Premier League is shown, I realized that we have an invaluable community here in Austin. All the difficulty we might normally have seeing the sport of our choice is partially alleviated by the fact that we have bonded together in many ways. I'll always laugh at the plight of someones team, especially Chelsea, when they lose, but part of me always likes how we seem to get along.
Homegrown Talent Rules - A Blessing for Mid-Table Teams
Of course Arsene Wenger and Rafa Benitez are opposed, but the Premier Leagues decision to force teams to have at least 8 homegrown players out of their 25 total has been agreed upon.
This will benefit teams like West Ham, for instance, who have a solid youth academy and a tradition of fielding many English or Welsh players.
This will be a problem for teams like Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as others. It is often difficult to pinpoint even ONE English player with some of these teams.
I'm not opposed to foreign players in the least. But I think it would be great for teams to look for talent a little closer to home. Perhaps the secret to a World Cup winning English side is the development of young, domestic players.
This will benefit teams like West Ham, for instance, who have a solid youth academy and a tradition of fielding many English or Welsh players.
This will be a problem for teams like Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as others. It is often difficult to pinpoint even ONE English player with some of these teams.
I'm not opposed to foreign players in the least. But I think it would be great for teams to look for talent a little closer to home. Perhaps the secret to a World Cup winning English side is the development of young, domestic players.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Russell Brand
I can't stand Jimmy Fallon, but this interview is quite funny.
The West Ham discussion starts at 7:30.
This helped to cheer me up after our loss to Wigan today.
The West Ham discussion starts at 7:30.
This helped to cheer me up after our loss to Wigan today.
Friday, September 11, 2009
It's Official: Diego Maradona sucks
Many people, like me, hate Diego Maradona because he is a cheater and all-round scumbag. But you have to wonder how much of a hero he will be to the Argentinians when their national team fails to qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer. Apparently being a legend does not always mean you'll be a satisfactory manager. One article I read said that there is a reluctance in the Argentine sports press to criticize this god of football. But if anyone needs to be criticized, let alone fired, it's him!
What really boggles the mind is how with the team he has, he still can't guarantee a qualification!
What really boggles the mind is how with the team he has, he still can't guarantee a qualification!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The West Ham - Millwall Debacle
While you were busy putting together your NFL fantasy football team, you might have missed what many in Britain could not stop talking about. I am, of course, talking about the riot that occurred outside, and to some degree, inside of Upton Park during their Carling Cup match against Millwall FC. A few weeks have passed, and the dust seems to have settled, which means we can all look at this with some perspective.
For those of you who need it, here is some background information that will help you to understand the severity of what happened on the 25th of August.
West Ham was drawn lottery-style to play against arch-rivals Millwall in the first round of the Carling Cup, a multi-league competition. On the night in question, organized groups of hooligans, known as firms, made plans to attack one another in the vicinity of the game. While the game was being played inside, there was carnage on the streets, culminating in brawls, projectiles being hurled at opposing supporters and police, and even a stabbing. This sort of behavior used to occur quite frequently in the heyday of football hooliganism, a period from the end of the 60s until the end of the 80s, which made this very public display of violence so shocking. Less shocking, but more idiotic, was the minor pitch invasion at the hands of several dozen West Ham supporters. (Reader comments attached to some media reports have indicated that true hooligans would never do something so blatant for fear of being caught. A number of the people on the pitch were wearing West Ham colors and had many were photographed - surefire ways to be identified.)
Of course, football violence in Britain never really disappeared. Firms began to fight each other in agreed upon locations away from stadia, as to avoid lifetime bans from matches as well as increasingly punitive measures that had been enacted over time. While the infamous firms have never fully gone away, it is something of a surprise that such blatant and open aggression would surface on the streets of London in this day and age. Nevertheless, as we sat and listened to Sky Sports recount the events of the day, we were stunned - but only slightly. After all, the moment I learned that the Irons had drawn against their oldest and fiercest rivals, I immediately considered the obvious implications.
The bitter rivalry has its roots in a time when teams often represented the company or profession from which its early players were chosen. In the case of these two teams, they represented competing ironworks on opposite sides of the Thames. When the employees of the Thames Iron Works, West Hams original incarnation, went on strike, there was immediate ill will towards the employees of the company from which Millwall was born, as they did follow suit. The rivalry also exists, to some degree, because these two parts of London are traditionally poorer, working-class neighborhoods. The very identity of those who live in such depressed areas has therefore been strengthened around their respective teams.
Furthermore, this should not have been treated as quite as much of a shock as it was in the media, given that the teams had not played each other in five years. This pent up desire to trounce one's greatest enemy must only have been heightened by the long wait between games. It should also be said that Millwall, although currently two leagues below West Ham, has a record of upsetting the Hammers. It is the very nature of both the Carling and FA cups that smaller, lesser known teams can sometimes embarrass squads from the Premiership.
The reaction could not have been more one-sided. Initial reports on Sky Sports indicated that Millwall supporters had planned attacks at nearby Tube stations. But the sheer numbers of West Ham supporters present, common for a home game, created a situation where Millwall supporters found themselves outnumbered. The poor decisions made by supporters within the grounds also made it seem as if West Ham and their supporters were entirely responsible for what happened. Both teams are generally looked down upon, but the reaction against West Ham in the press was disproportionate. There were a number of people calling for a grounds closure, whereby West Ham would play a number of games behind closed doors - a crude and ineffective group punishment unlikely to dissuade the minority of supporters involved.
Some called for West Ham to have points deducted from their standings in the Premiership. This sort of punishment can cripple a team, and is entirely unfair since the game was a Carling Cup match, not a Premier League event. It should be stated that fewer people called for a deduction of Millwalls points, which, despite being less one-sided, is still unfair and ludicrous.
Former West Ham player and manager, and current Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp, made the most logical suggestion, but one that defies the lottery system of match-ups. He recommended that the teams never be allowed to play one another ever again. Should they ever be drawn at random again, they should both be placed back into the pool and drawn against other teams. This is fair minded as it attacks the problem at its source - crazed fans. However, this would not rid football of violence associated with other rivalries, nor would it negate the potential for trouble should Millwall ever ascend to the Premier League.
A number of journalists declared this a return to the "bad old days" of rampant hooliganism, but one must consider that policing is more effective, punishments have become more severe, and the problem of violence, although ever-present, has declined over time. But the reaction towards West Ham, as well as towards Millwall, is really beyond belief. I hate to have to defend Millwall, but would this have been the reaction if Chelsea fans had invaded the pitch, or if Blackburn supporters had thrown rocks at the police? I seriously doubt it.
Sadly, West Hams hard-earned victory over a surprisingly strong Millwall side was completely forgotten in the discussion altogether. By far the most touching moment, though, came at the end of the match. Jack Collison, whose father had been killed only days earlier en route to see his son play against Tottenham, (another rival, by the way,) left the field in tears. He was visibly upset, not only for his tremendous loss, but from the chaos of the evening in general. He, like just about all of our players, had been urging the wayward supporters back to the stands, proving that he is a player of exceptional integrity. Although this whole affair has been very disheartening, Collison showed everyone what true courage and class really is. Our thoughts remain with him in this extremely tough time.
If you are interested in reading more, take a look at some of these links:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1209050/West-Ham-fans-face-life-bans-hundreds-bloody-rampage-night-shame-Millwall-Upton-Park.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8221626.stm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/westham/6093066/Violence-at-West-Ham-v-Millwall-a-disgrace-says-Sports-Minister-Gerry-Sutcliffe.html
http://westhamprocess.com/2009/08/26/jack-collison-a-true-west-ham-hero/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1209062/West-Ham-3-Millwall-1-AET--Thats-worst-Ive-seen-says-Gianfranco-Zola.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8223000/8223844.stm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/aug/26/west-ham-millwall-violence-punishments
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/westham/6097814/West-Ham-and-Millwall-should-never-play-again-says-Harry-Redknapp.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/david-conn-inside-sport-blog/2009/aug/26/west-ham-millwall-hooliganism-history-violence
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/aug/30/football-violence-west-ham-millwall-carling-cup
For those of you who need it, here is some background information that will help you to understand the severity of what happened on the 25th of August.
West Ham was drawn lottery-style to play against arch-rivals Millwall in the first round of the Carling Cup, a multi-league competition. On the night in question, organized groups of hooligans, known as firms, made plans to attack one another in the vicinity of the game. While the game was being played inside, there was carnage on the streets, culminating in brawls, projectiles being hurled at opposing supporters and police, and even a stabbing. This sort of behavior used to occur quite frequently in the heyday of football hooliganism, a period from the end of the 60s until the end of the 80s, which made this very public display of violence so shocking. Less shocking, but more idiotic, was the minor pitch invasion at the hands of several dozen West Ham supporters. (Reader comments attached to some media reports have indicated that true hooligans would never do something so blatant for fear of being caught. A number of the people on the pitch were wearing West Ham colors and had many were photographed - surefire ways to be identified.)
Of course, football violence in Britain never really disappeared. Firms began to fight each other in agreed upon locations away from stadia, as to avoid lifetime bans from matches as well as increasingly punitive measures that had been enacted over time. While the infamous firms have never fully gone away, it is something of a surprise that such blatant and open aggression would surface on the streets of London in this day and age. Nevertheless, as we sat and listened to Sky Sports recount the events of the day, we were stunned - but only slightly. After all, the moment I learned that the Irons had drawn against their oldest and fiercest rivals, I immediately considered the obvious implications.
The bitter rivalry has its roots in a time when teams often represented the company or profession from which its early players were chosen. In the case of these two teams, they represented competing ironworks on opposite sides of the Thames. When the employees of the Thames Iron Works, West Hams original incarnation, went on strike, there was immediate ill will towards the employees of the company from which Millwall was born, as they did follow suit. The rivalry also exists, to some degree, because these two parts of London are traditionally poorer, working-class neighborhoods. The very identity of those who live in such depressed areas has therefore been strengthened around their respective teams.
Furthermore, this should not have been treated as quite as much of a shock as it was in the media, given that the teams had not played each other in five years. This pent up desire to trounce one's greatest enemy must only have been heightened by the long wait between games. It should also be said that Millwall, although currently two leagues below West Ham, has a record of upsetting the Hammers. It is the very nature of both the Carling and FA cups that smaller, lesser known teams can sometimes embarrass squads from the Premiership.
The reaction could not have been more one-sided. Initial reports on Sky Sports indicated that Millwall supporters had planned attacks at nearby Tube stations. But the sheer numbers of West Ham supporters present, common for a home game, created a situation where Millwall supporters found themselves outnumbered. The poor decisions made by supporters within the grounds also made it seem as if West Ham and their supporters were entirely responsible for what happened. Both teams are generally looked down upon, but the reaction against West Ham in the press was disproportionate. There were a number of people calling for a grounds closure, whereby West Ham would play a number of games behind closed doors - a crude and ineffective group punishment unlikely to dissuade the minority of supporters involved.
Some called for West Ham to have points deducted from their standings in the Premiership. This sort of punishment can cripple a team, and is entirely unfair since the game was a Carling Cup match, not a Premier League event. It should be stated that fewer people called for a deduction of Millwalls points, which, despite being less one-sided, is still unfair and ludicrous.
Former West Ham player and manager, and current Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp, made the most logical suggestion, but one that defies the lottery system of match-ups. He recommended that the teams never be allowed to play one another ever again. Should they ever be drawn at random again, they should both be placed back into the pool and drawn against other teams. This is fair minded as it attacks the problem at its source - crazed fans. However, this would not rid football of violence associated with other rivalries, nor would it negate the potential for trouble should Millwall ever ascend to the Premier League.
A number of journalists declared this a return to the "bad old days" of rampant hooliganism, but one must consider that policing is more effective, punishments have become more severe, and the problem of violence, although ever-present, has declined over time. But the reaction towards West Ham, as well as towards Millwall, is really beyond belief. I hate to have to defend Millwall, but would this have been the reaction if Chelsea fans had invaded the pitch, or if Blackburn supporters had thrown rocks at the police? I seriously doubt it.
Sadly, West Hams hard-earned victory over a surprisingly strong Millwall side was completely forgotten in the discussion altogether. By far the most touching moment, though, came at the end of the match. Jack Collison, whose father had been killed only days earlier en route to see his son play against Tottenham, (another rival, by the way,) left the field in tears. He was visibly upset, not only for his tremendous loss, but from the chaos of the evening in general. He, like just about all of our players, had been urging the wayward supporters back to the stands, proving that he is a player of exceptional integrity. Although this whole affair has been very disheartening, Collison showed everyone what true courage and class really is. Our thoughts remain with him in this extremely tough time.
If you are interested in reading more, take a look at some of these links:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1209050/West-Ham-fans-face-life-bans-hundreds-bloody-rampage-night-shame-Millwall-Upton-Park.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8221626.stm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/westham/6093066/Violence-at-West-Ham-v-Millwall-a-disgrace-says-Sports-Minister-Gerry-Sutcliffe.html
http://westhamprocess.com/2009/08/26/jack-collison-a-true-west-ham-hero/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1209062/West-Ham-3-Millwall-1-AET--Thats-worst-Ive-seen-says-Gianfranco-Zola.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8223000/8223844.stm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/aug/26/west-ham-millwall-violence-punishments
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/westham/6097814/West-Ham-and-Millwall-should-never-play-again-says-Harry-Redknapp.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/david-conn-inside-sport-blog/2009/aug/26/west-ham-millwall-hooliganism-history-violence
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/aug/30/football-violence-west-ham-millwall-carling-cup
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Jam of the Week
Handicap - Upsetter All Stars
A different take on Lee Perry's "People Funny Boy," which has been sampled/replayed many times as other songs (for instance, "Longshot" by the Pioneers). This one is awesome for a lot of reasons, including the Steel Drum.
A different take on Lee Perry's "People Funny Boy," which has been sampled/replayed many times as other songs (for instance, "Longshot" by the Pioneers). This one is awesome for a lot of reasons, including the Steel Drum.
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