Football

Simply football from all levels including the Men and Women’s game

Why are British football fans banned from matches? Exploring the most common reasons

written by Hugh

Sports-related violence and rioting have existed for at least 1500 years, with rioters destroying half of Constantinople during the Nika revolt of 532. Its modern form, however, emerged several centuries ago in England, and today, football hooliganism, although on the decline for the past two decades, is still a significant problem for authorities. Last year alone, 1,308 fans were forced to surrender their passports, preventing them from travelling to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Apart from the travelling sanctions, these fans were also banned from attending any regulated football match within the UK. The team at SportingPedia decided to look at the reasons behind the banning orders issued against fans since this is not a precedent. In 2018, more than 1,300 fans were banned from attending the World Cup in Russia, and in 2014, roughly 2,200 hooligans from England and Wales were barred from the World Cup in Brazil. The figure was even higher for the previous World Cup – some 3,200 fans were banned from travelling to South Africa in 2010.

Full article – https://www.sportingpedia.com/2023/01/18/why-are-british-football-fans-banned-from-matches-exploring-the-most-common-reasons/

19th January 2023 0 comment

Football

A Taste of the World-Cup!’ – Brendan Murphy

written by Hugh

IF YOU LOVE GREAT FOOD, COOKING, TRAVEL AND FOOTBALL, THEN THIS IS TRULY THE BOOK FOR YOU!

This is a book that is not only a TASTE of the WORLD in FOOD, but also, another big ingredient thrown in the pot: FOOTBALL!

Food, Football and Travel. What a combination!

Brendan Murphy- ‘The Chef Explorer’ has spent the last 40 years cooking, traveling, teaching and writing about food and culture from around the world. He has also been teaching Commercial Cookery at Technical Colleges in Western Australia and the UK as well as his own ‘Taste of the World’ Cooking Classes for Adults and Kids at School.

He wrote a regular Cookery Column for 10 years and published his first book ‘A Taste of the World’ in 2010. That book was a successful ‘recipe’ of true Chef and Travel short stories, set in 12 countries where he has worked or travelled, including info on their culture and cuisine and an authentic recipe.

This book is the same format but with the extra ingredient of country football facts, to go hand in hand with the 2022 World Cup.

He profiles all 32 countries, including true travel stories, food highlights and a tasty recipe to prepare and enjoy during the tournament. In addition, he summarises each qualifying countries World Cup history to deliver a truly Tasty World Cup & Cuisine Experience!

A perfect companion to the FIFA WORLD CUP 2022.

Buy it here – https://www.amazon.com.au/TASTE-WORLD-2022-CHEF-EXPLORER-ebook/dp/B0BLLR38FC

To support Brendan and keep up to date with all his adventures and recipes: www.chefexplorer.com.au

26th November 2022 0 comment

Football

Football stars come together with Movember to call full time on male suicide

written by Hugh

10^th November 2022: Every minute, somewhere in the world, a man dies by suicide. That’s 90 sons, husbands, brothers and fathers for every 90 minute game of the Football World Cup. By the full-time whistle of the final and 64th match, over 5,760 males will have died by suicide.

In the UK, the situation is dire. Three out of four suicides are by men and around 13 men take their life every day. The rate of registered suicides in England and Wales has risen to pre-pandemic levels, with more than 5,500 in 2021.

The world’s largest men’s health charity, Movember, has teamed up with a host of stars from the football world to highlight these shocking statistics, and to encourage fans to ‘go beyond the banter’ whilst watching the games and check in on a mate.

With the help of a mixture of current and ex-international footballers that include current England player Eric Dier, and Germany’s Bernd Leno along with Micah Richards, Teddy Sheringham, Stuart Pearce , John Fashanu and Antonee Robinson, Movember has created a powerful video to inspire men to talk about the tough stuff.

Watch the video: https://vimeo.com/769116169/94a528a373

Current England and Tottenham Hotspur player Eric Dier said – “Football is definitely getting better in terms of players being encouraged to open up more, but the game and men in general still have a long way to go in terms of acknowledging it is ok to open up and talk. It is terrifying to think every time I play a game of football, 90 men across the world will die by suicide, I can’t emphasise enough how important it is for boys and men to just talk about their troubles and worries and for us all to be checking in on our mates.”

Former England, Tottenham, Man United and West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham said – “When I was playing, showing any sort of emotions or feelings was not really encouraged and we were just expected to be strong and tough at all times, on and off the pitch. You could see it then how bottling stuff up effected some players’ mental health so it is good to see that changing in the game now, but we can all play our part – it is so important to be honest with your friends about how you are feeling whether that is over a pint, watching the footy or playing a round of golf.”

Former England and Man City defender Micah Richards said – “The global statistic of a man taking their own life every minute is really shocking to me. I know men are not always that good at talking about how they are feeling, but the fact suicide sometimes feels like the only way out for someone is just not right. We need to do more to make sure all men feel comfortable to chat and its great that Movember are funding projects that do just that.”

Former England and Wimbledon striker John Fashanu who lost his brother Justin to suicide, said – “I unfortunately know first-hand what the effects of suicide can have on the friends and family left behind and the guilt we feel for not just talking to that person more and checking-in to see how they were feeling. The stats on male suicide are still so high and with life not being easy for a lot of people right now, it has never been more important just to say ‘Are you ok’ to the men in your life.”

Former England and Nottingham Forest defender Stuart Pearce, said “Footballers are often stereotyped as being tough or if they show any emotion are told to ‘man up’, which is often how it is for all men. We need to change these attitudes and perceptions and encourage boys from a young age to talk openly about their feelings, troubles and worries. Those conversations could be life-saving.”

Movember is committed to ensuring less men die for this largely preventable reason.

Money raised by the charity help fund their ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme, which uses the sporting environment to teach young athletes, parents and coaches within community sport how to talk and approach mental health. Delivered through a series of partners including Everton and Fulham Football Clubs, athletes learn how to build resilience and overcome challenges in sport and life.

The Ahead of the Game programme is proven to decrease stigmatising attitudes towards mental health problems/challenges, increase intentions to seek help for yourself, intentions to help others and improve overall wellbeing of the participants. It is the most evidenced sport-based program in the world.

For more information and to donate, visit Movember.com/football.

10th November 2022 0 comment

Football Pick Your Sport

II Grande Torino – John Ludden

written by Hugh

They were a team of hearts who sadly few people alive today saw play live. Now just a fading black and white team portrait on a half-ripped postcard. Post-war, Torino won five Serie A titles on the run and were set for many more. Led by their magnificent Captain, and arguably the finest Italian footballer of all time. Valentino Mazzola.

Tragically, on 4th May 1949, whilst returning home from Portugal, after a testimonial match, the airplane carrying Torino football team, became lost in a thick fog and a ferocious storm, tragically causing it to crash into the Basilica Superga, (a large church on a hill) on the outskirts of Turin, killing everybody on board.

Thirty-one people in all, including eighteen Torino footballers. So died a dream. A catastrophe both on a human and football level for all Italy. (Ten Torino players made up the national side with the goalkeeper from Juventus.) This books tells the story of a club ravaged by tragedy since its early days of inception, right up until the modern day.

A dark tale of how life is beautiful until death comes unexpectedly calling. From the terrible days of two World Wars. Of Superga and the sad times that followed. A list of characters that litter the pages with astonishing exploits of both human courage and Fascist cruelty. Torino footballers fighting as Partisans.

Then the Garibaldi boys! Denis Law and Joe Baker bought by Torino to help them recover from the disaster, but all goes haywire one night in Turin, when both men are nearly killed in a car crash. Followed in the mid-sixties by the extraordinary winger Gigi Meroni. The Butterfly! A footballer of such beauty who captured the hearts of all both on the pitch and off. A fifth Italian Beatle. Tragically, he too was taken far too young, in what appeared to be a curse on Torino Football club.

There is more, so much in this astonishing tale of what is nothing less than a real life,
Italian tragedy.

2nd August 2022 0 comment

Football

Andriy Shevchenko makes emotional visit to Ukrainian refugees

written by Hugh

Ukrainian football legend Andriy Shevchenko called for more mental health support for young refugees on Monday after a surprise visit to meet children who have fled the horrors of war in his home country.

He visited a summer school in Warsaw that is helping children from Ukraine catch-up on missed learning and play. Since the war escalated five months ago, at least 5.8 million refugees from Ukraine have been recorded across Europe, half of whom are estimated to be children with many having no access to education for weeks.

Save the Children’s summer schools for children from Ukraine in Poland are providing a safe haven where young refugees can boost their education and mental health and psychosocial wellbeing.

Shevchenko, 45, former captain and coach of the Ukraine national team and striker for AC Milan and Chelsea, spent time at the school where he visited TeamUp, an intervention designed to improve children’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing through play. TeamUp was developed and delivered by War Child and Save the Children and is supported by Laureus Sport for Good, for which he is an ambassador.

Shevchenko said: “Nearly three million children from Ukraine have been forced to flee their homes in the past five months as a result of the conflict. The physical impact of the war is clear to see, but we cannot forget about the psychological impact on these young people. It is not enough to take a child out of the war. We need to take the war out of children.

“Sport has an incredible power to break down barriers and create hope in times of despair. Today in Warsaw, we saw the best of sport and play in action during the fun and uplifting TeamUp activities. I’m proud and thankful that Laureus is supporting initiatives like this, working in partnership with War Child and Save the Children, to help these children and their families. We must continue to work together for the future of these children.”

Shevchenko, won the Ballon D’Or award in 2004 and retired from professional football in 2012. He returned to the sport in 2016 as assistant coach of the Ukraine national team and was appointed head coach in 2016 until 2021, leading the nation to the quarter-finals at UEFA Euro 2020.He was most recently head coach of Serie A club Genoa.

Many of the children Shevchenko met are experiencing uncertainty, fear and distress on a daily basis. Even when finding safety in another country, they are often silent and withdrawn or can become overbearing. Summer schools give these children the opportunity to explore and process their emotional experiences with sports and play, while ensuring they don’t fall behind in their learning.

TeamUp is an innovative, scientifically proven method of movement, play and sports, that helps conflict-affected children, aged six to 18, to deal with their emotions and relieve the stress in their bodies. TeamUp sessions are also fun, encouraging children to move, play and laugh together so they make new friends and find a more positive outlook.

Every TeamUp session consists of activities that have a specific goal related to a theme such as dealing with anger or stress and interacting with peers. The sessions are implemented according to a set of fixed principles: ‘same place, same face, same time’ and take place at least once a week.

Frank Velthuizen, programme director of TeamUp at War Child, said: “Children are naturally resilient, but they need our support to be like children again. We are grateful for the opportunity that Laureus is providing to do just that with TeamUp; not only in Poland but across Europe.”

Basile Ema Ebede, Save the Children’s Response Team Leader in Poland, said: “Children from Ukraine have experienced so much in just five months. Being forced to flee your home is a life-changing event that often results in negative consequences that can persist for years. Our teams continue to witness the psychological and emotional impacts this war is having on the children.

“The most important thing is offering children a safe and secure space where they can express their fears and worries. Our summer school programmes in Poland and across Europe, provide a supportive and nurturing environment where children from Ukraine can maintain a sense of normalcy while engaging in supportive play and learning activities. Activities like sports and play can help children release their stress and anxiety. Children in Ukraine are seeing things that no child should ever have to see.”

Earlier this year, Laureus set up its ‘Sport for Peace and Humanitarian Action Fund’ to help alleviate the humanitarian disaster unfolding in and around Ukraine. The fund allows Laureus to respond faster and with determination to support the world’s most vulnerable when faced with crises. Thanks to this fund, Laureus was able to provide early support to the TeamUp programme.

Laureus Sport for Good works with more than 250 community sports organisations globally that use the power of sport to combat violence, discrimination and disadvantage faced by young people. Together with our partners, Laureus Sport for Good has reached and helped change the lives of more than six million children and young people since 2000.

Image courtesy of Team Up

26th July 2022 0 comment

Football

Italy vs Iceland – 14 July, Manchester City Academy Stadium – Women’s Euros 2022

written by Hugh

If you hold fast to the belief that it is better to take part than to win, and you only intended taking in one game of this tournament, then this was the game for you. A lot of earnest endeavour and application but the game cried out for a player from either team with the guile necessary to open up the opposing defence. Bar the final 15 minutes when it looked as if the game was Italy’s for the taking, it was slim pickings in terms of skills and thrills. In hindsight, Iceland’s early goal – slotted home adroitly by Vihjálmsdóttir – was probably not what the neutral would have wished for. Until Italy equalised an hour later, Iceland drew their horns in and defended their lead, confident no doubt that Italy were not up to the task.

For the best part of the following hour, they were justified in that belief. But then the complexion of the game changed entirely. Italy broke down Iceland’s left, Bonansea cut back from the by-line and Bergamaschi – for me Italy’s best player – rifled home. Both teams had golden chances in the final quarter to win the match, Simonetti coming close when she should have scored and Vihjálmsdóttir scuffing an easy chance wide of the post. The latter was withdrawn shortly afterwards and was to be seen on the stadium screen being consoled by her team mates. So it goes.

Not the best of games then and it’s unlikely that any of the favourites will be quivering in their beds at the prospect of meeting either of these teams in the knockout stages, should either of them make it. But the pre-match steak pie was wonderful.

Words & Images – Howard Brooks

15th July 2022 0 comment

Football

Feminists call for Women’s Euros 2022 legacy to be on tackling misogyny in football

written by Hugh

Women’s Euros 2022 legacy should be on football tackling misogyny and gender-based violence at all levels of the game, says a coalition of feminist campaigners and Violence Against Women and Girl’s (VAWG) experts.

The call comes on the same day as yet another Premier League player is arrested on suspicion of rape.

The 3 Hijabis, Level Up and the End Violence Against Women Coalition have been campaigning since the start of the year calling on the Premier League and the Football Association (FA) to urgently fund, develop, and implement a gender-based violence programme across football delivered by VAWG specialists.

Now the group are calling on the Premier League and the FA to show its commitment to tackle gender-based violence by announcing ring fenced funding and a timeline for action to coincide with the kick off of the Women’s Euros this week.

The group says this would be “a fitting legacy showing football is serious about tackling misogyny and gender-based violence across the game and wider society. Football has the power to force transformative change. It has a responsibility to act. We urge the Premier League and the Football Association to not waste this huge moment in history and instead to lead from the front. We need systemic change across football and society to tackle misogyny and gender-based violence. The Women’s Euros offers this opportunity.”

The groups’ petition demanding action has secured support from fans, the public, individuals involved in sports and MPs.

In February, the group wrote an open letter to the Premier League demanding they take action on gender-based violence in football.

Following this intervention, the Premier League invited the group to a “Listening Day” at the Premier League Head Quarters on 27 June 2023 to discuss a gender-based violence policy.

As outlined in the open letter, The 3 Hijabis, Level Up and End Violence Against Women coalition demanded implementation of the following:

Mandatory gender-based violence training for all players, managers, coaches and owners at clubs and academies
Clear sexual misconduct policies and protocols with the power to impose appropriate consequences and disciplinary action on players
The introduction of a Tackling Gender-Based Violence Charter signed by all clubs
Academies to introduce prevention programmes for young people that take a “Whole Club Approach”

In a statement online, the group said: “The listening day was encouraging, but one day will not transform the deeply entrenched power, violence and impunity within football. We know this work will take time.”

“We hope the Listening Day is the beginning of a deep, authentic and transformative process which culminates in the implementation of the above policies.”

“This is also a valuable opportunity for The FA, who are still yet to engage with our coalition, to follow the Premier League’s lead and begin its own internal work to tackle gender-based violence in football.”

“We know fans of football want to see a change, so it’s vital that both organisations use this chance to lead in transforming the harmful culture that, without conscious disruption, they will maintain.”

“What better legacy for the 2022 Women’s Euros than a meaningful public commitment to ending gender-based violence from both the Premier League and The FA.”

6th July 2022 0 comment

Football

Sir Geoff Hurst reminisces about treasured memory in support of dementia charity appeal

written by Hugh

Sir Geoff Hurst is among the faces who’ve shared a treasured memory in support of Alzheimer’s Society’s Forget Me Not Appeal.

The appeal, which runs throughout June, calls on the public to donate and wear a Forget Me Not badge to show those affected by dementia that they are supported, understood and not forgotten about.

The forget-me-not is a small blue flower that represents remembrance, so the charity has been asking people to share a memory they would never want to forget.

Casting his mind back to England’s World Cup victory in 1966, Sir Geoff Hurst said: “Naturally, my treasured memory is related to the World Cup. I remember going to the ground in the coach and people had a large banner which read ‘Nobby Stiles for Prime Minister’. When we were in the tunnel on the way to the ground, it felt like the whole country was there waiting for us to play. It sent shivers down my spine.”

Sir Geoff continued by reminiscing fondly about the memories he holds of the 90,000 people that watched the highly anticipated match, along with the rest of the country who supported the team, and receiving the trophy when England claimed their victory.

He added: “People around the world, still to this day, remember exactly where they were on that wonderful day on the 30^th July 1966.”

Kate Lee, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, said: “People with dementia may experience memory loss, among other symptoms, making the forget-me-not the perfect way to represent the condition.

“I loved going back and reminiscing about the special moments in my life as part of our Forget Me Not Appeal. I would be devastated if I lost those memories. Sadly, this is the harsh reality for many of the 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK today.

“I would encourage everyone to show those affected by dementia that they are supported, understood and not forgotten about by wearing a Forget Me Not pin badge, and taking some time to share those treasured memories with loved ones.”

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and for most people, the first sign of Alzheimer’s is experiencing problems with their memory. This could include forgetting recent conversations and events, having difficulties with day-to-day tasks, getting lost or struggling to recognise faces.

But there are practical ways that you can support a person with dementia who is experiencing memory loss. These include giving prompts such as asking ‘Have you had breakfast today?’, creating a memory box with photos and information about people in their life or using assistive technology like electronic pill boxes to remind them to take medication.

If you or someone you know is experiencing memory problems that are causing difficulties in day-to-day life, talk to your GP or contact Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456.

Support people affected by dementia by wearing your Forget Me Not badge and help to fund life-changing dementia support by Alzheimer’s Society. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/forgetmenot for more information.

Listen here – Sir Geoff Hurst Forget Me Not Appeal memory_audio.mp3

2nd July 2022 0 comment

Football

Once Upon a Time in Naples – John Ludden

written by Hugh

‘Once Upon a Time in Naples’ aims to piece together the events of a dramatic period in this troubled city’s history, where, albeit for a short time only, SSC Napoli ruled the roost. With a ball at his feet Maradona could dance between the raindrops. It was a time like no other.

…It began on 5th July 1984. A most beautiful day in the Italian south. With 70,000 screaming Neapolitans roaring out his name in the San Paolo stadium, Diego Armando Maradona arrived under the shadow of Mount Vesuvio in Naples, and for seven years all hell was let loose! For so long the ailing giant SSC Napoli criminally underachieved. Their fanatical support unequalled in both passion and size across Italy.

A history dramatic, explosive and tragic. Like the finest Italian operas it always ended in despair. Then came Maradona. Blessed with a ball at his feet on the field, hopelessly cursed off it. He mixed openly with the city’s most feared and notorious gangsters, the Camorra. The feared Giuliano clan. Untouchable, beyond reproach. A lifestyle fuelled by cocaine. A lawless idol with thorns so deep they pricked to make Maradona believe for a while he was a God.

When not enjoying the decadent excesses of this Babylon by the sea, there was magic to be made on the field, as the charismatic Argentinian inspired Napoli to their first ever Scudetto title. Juventus, the Milan clubs, all despised as they mocked this last major European city before Africa began.
‘‘Vesuvio wash them with lava’’ begged their banners.

In revenge, Maradona led the southern hordes against those who viewed Naples lower than the dirt on the Italian boot. A revolution took place every Sunday for seven years with battles raging both on and off the field. Once Upon a Time in Naples attempts to chronicle this unforgettable era of when Diego left his inestimable mark on Italian football and Neapolitan’s hearts.

An alluring tale of wonderful football, glory, despair, betrayal and corruption. A city that lived for the day and chanced their hand on the forever changing moods of Vesuvio. From a high their patron San Gennaro kept a watching eye, but even he could not bring about a happy ending. Miracles are one thing, Maradona another! For in this city where the devil feared to tread, even the angels had dirt under their wings. Welcome to Naples!

Available to buy – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09VDV23WT/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?encoding=UTF8&qid=1655448014&ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0&sr=8-13

A fully updated version. RIP Diego 1960-2020...

Other books by the author – https://www.amazon.co.uk/John-Ludden/e/B0034Q95O4/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk

18th June 2022 0 comment

Football

Names to disappear from England team’s shirts to raise awareness of dementia

written by Hugh

The England team will all play without names on their shirts during the entire second half of the England v Switzerland International on the 26 March, to support Alzheimer’s Society.

The squad will come onto the pitch after half time sporting nameless shirts to draw attention to how people with dementia lose precious memories, even the names of their favourite football players.

The gesture is in recognition of the 900,000 people living with dementia, who could fill Wembley stadium 10 times over. The shirts will then be auctioned to raise crucial funds for Alzheimer’s Society’s work.

The powerful stunt drives home that football should be unforgettable – the game creates incredible memories for millions, in grounds and on screens across the country. For an England fan, it’s almost unthinkable you would forget the name of a player in the national team. But for many of those watching the game who are living with dementia, this is a reality. It’s hoped that by making one simple alteration to the England shirt, for 45 minutes, people can place themselves in the shoes of people with dementia.

Kate Lee, CEO at Alzheimer’s Society: “As the squad walk out in these thought-provoking shirts, we hope it will get fans up and down the country to sit up and take note of the reality of living with dementia. Football should be unforgettable – I hope it makes a massive impact that ripples from the Royal Box to the stands and into homes across the nation, inspiring people to support our work to raise awareness and reduce stigma and help us make sure no-one faces dementia alone.”

The custom ‘unforgettable’ shirts will be worn as part of the upcoming sell-out ‘Alzheimer’s Society International’. This marks just one part of The Football Association’s (FA) partnership with the leading dementia charity, which will be in place for the next two seasons.The partnership aims to:

raise vital funds towards crucial support services
ensure employees, players, former players and fans are referred to expert dementia support
help tackle the stigma surrounding the condition, by raising greater understanding of dementia among the footballing community.
create a network of dementia friendly facilities and upskill The FA’s employees, so people living with dementia and their families can confidently return to and stay connected to the game they love
work with The FA to further understand the cause of dementia and its risk factors, ensuring The FA is prioritising and funding world-class research to best protect players for generations to come.

If you, or anyone you know is worried about their memory, go to alzheimers.org.uk to get support.

26th March 2022 0 comment

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