Referees’ chief is sorry for really crappy refereeing
Striker Freddie Sears believed he had secured his first goal for Crystal Palace at the weekend, but was denied by referee Rob Shoebridge. Unlike every single other person at Ashton Gate, he failed to see the ball bounce of the stanchion at the back of the net. Accordingly, the the ref and his two assistants have been struck off until further notice.Understandably, Neil Warnock was mighty peeved by the decision that cost his side an away point at Bristol City, and has called for the introduction of goal line technology. (Frankly, we think the Football League would be better off introducing competent officials.)
Despite insisting that Bristol City’s tainted victory must stand, referees’ head honcho Keith Hackett has issued a public apology to Warnock:
“You would first of hope they have spotted that particular incident. Under law, the fourth official is not allowed to assist in the process had he seen it.
Those with little to do at Saturday tea-time may have taken in Total Wipeout on BBC1. This week, host Amanda Byram wasn’t the only lady troubling the hot-o-meter joined by Helena Fletcher, the girlfriend of Bristol City midfielder Michael McIndoe.
While failing to apply herself to the assault course, the 25-year-old model was concerned that she had burst her 32E implants. Fortunately, her rack lived to fight another day, and the toned blonde will shortly be treating herself to an upgrade.
It worked out pretty well for Havant and Waterlooville last year…
Histon, who overcame Leeds 1-0 earlier today, were left disappointed after being paired with Swansea in an underwhelming FA Cup third round draw. However, last year it was Havant and Waterlooville who drew the Welsh side at this stage and after getting through that tie they were rewarded with a trip to Anfield.
Barrow got the best draw of the non-league clubs and will make the trip to Middlesbrough while Forest Green face Derby and Eastwood travel away to Notts County or Crawley. Holders Portsmouth face Bristol City while runners-up Cardiff face Reading. Chelsea and Arsenal were drawn at home to Southend and Plymouth respectively while Liverpool and Manchester United are away to Preston and Southampton.
The other interesting ties see Sheffield United drawn in East London against Leyton Orient on the same day that their ”Tevezgate” enemies West Ham face Barnsley, who are considering legal action against the Blades after Chris Morgan’s horror elbow on Iain Hume: don’t be surprised to see one of those games moved to the Sunday! Check out the full draw after the jump:
Charlton manager knows how to keep fans off his back
After stumbling across comments made by Alan Pardew following Charlton’s 2-0 home defeat to Bristol City, The Spoiler was struck with a sense of déjà vu. So we looked at comments the former West Ham boss has made after his side’s last five defeats and started to see a pattern emerging. See if you can spot it:
Pardew after losing to Wolves: “Some players were just a wee bit below [par] but I have to take into account that Wolves are really flying at the minute. So there’s a lot of thinking to do between now and Doncaster.”
Pardew after losing to Sheffield Wednesday: “We had a few low performances today and I’ll have to look at the selection of the side because there are one or two who are desperate to have a go now and I might have to look at a change.”
Bristol City’s showboating striker Lee Trundle has never played in the Premiership, but in 2007 he entered the WAG top flight via his alliance with Atomic Kitten popstar Liz McClarnon. The couple were united by their mutual appreciation of Everton FC, but sadly their eternal flame extinguished in November 2007 and they went their separate ways.
According to Neil Warnock, cheering on your side when they have won a game is ‘arrogant’. That’s exactly what he branded victorious Bristol City fans visiting Selhurst Park at the weekend, and tonight he hopes to rile up the 20,000 ‘angry Robins fans’ at Ashton gate. The bookies put Bristol way ahead at 4/11 to reach the final, yet Warnock has never lost a play-off semi-final, making Palace’s odds of 9/4 mighty tempting.
Indian Premier League
Kolkata Knight Riders/ Delhi Daredevils (Setanta Sports 1, 3.30pm)
Championship Play-off Semi-final Second Leg
19:45 Bristol City v Crystal Palace Sky Sports 1 (19:30-22:00)
After League One Bristol Rovers wowed the Match of the Day audience with a shock win over Southampton, it’s Bristol City’s turn to shine on the box tonight. They’re 6/5 favourites to beat Croydon’s favourite sons Crystal Palace - check out all the betting on our oddschicken right here.
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