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THEREYNOLDSVIEWEXPERT Prem stars must learn some respect
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espect is a word we use frequently.. We teach our children to respect their elders, our politicians to respect their constituencies and our fans to respect their players. But it appears somewhere along the line footballer’s have felt themselves exempt from this word - Respect. It appears the growth of the ‘celebrity footballer’, has resulted in lawlessness on the pitch which is bringing the English game into disrepute. Too often are referees being mobbed by towering captains screaming obscenities far too vile to print in any newspaper. Our tabloid papers are filled with hate filled rants from anguished managers who seem to think that every referee is against them. Given, football managers are probably not the most intelligent bunch, but to suggest that referees are biased in this day and age is naïve to say the least. Yet this is the game we let our children watch and learn from, surely something must be done. Managers and players alike often bemoan the lack of top class referees in the English game. But how can promising referees be allowed to blossom in a culture that takes great pleasure in criticising and ridiculing them at every opportunity. The problem in fact does not begin in the Premier League. The fact is for young footballers in our country the pressure is piled on too thick and too early, this is exactly the same in the case of our referees. Perhaps this is why the How can promising country is raisreferees be allowed to ing the likes of Ashley Cole, a blossom in a culture player who that takes great pleasure because of his in criticising and ridiculing disgraceful antics in them at every Chelsea’s opportunity. recent 4-4 draw at Tottenham deserves at least a five game ban. The ex-Arsenal man first performed a leg breaking lunge on Tottenham’s Alan Hutton, before launching a scathing foul mouthed attack on referee Mike Riley. Cole was rewarded for his efforts with a yellow card, an insult to all those watching and playing the game. England pal’s John Terry and Frank Lampard were also straight on the scene, confronting the lean figure of Riley in a less than civil manner. These are three player’s that represent our country, players that our children wish to emulate. But unfortunately these three players represent the lack of respect that our young footballers have for officials and each other. The answer must lie in dishing out greater punishments for dissent, or just giving our youngsters a great big kick up the arse.
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CHELSEA PLAYERS: Mob referee Mike Riley.
EYE: Danny Hone - Defender
Danny Hone has enjoyed a milestone season for the Imps breaking into Peter Jackson’s first team plans. The Linc’s Steve Rudd discussed all the recent British sporting events with the talented young gun.
D
espite their recent run of poor results, I’m remaining confident that Arsenal can not only pip Manchester United to the post for the Premiership title, but also win the UEFA Champions League. Sorry Blues fans, but I think that Chelsea will fade into the background in weeks to come. Although Avram Grant’s persistent positive attitude is starting to reflect in recent results, I think Arsenal and United will be the two to contend. I also think that Manchester United lack strength in depth; Cristiano Ronaldo is Manchester United. If you take him out then they have very little in my opinion. Arsenal have such a youthful squad like we do here at Lincoln, and I think that their young naivety will be put to one side and they’ll pull through in time to do the double. Young players tend to play with no fear. Champions League I was delighted to see all four of our English clubs making it through in the Champions League stages. I feel it’s important to be patriotic and support your country’s sides in European competitions regardless of any rivalry you have with them in the league. I know that there has been a lot of pressure on Rafa Benitez this season but I am finding it very difficult to fault his European record. Being an experienced continental manager, I think that he’s the key behind their overseas success and to let him go could be a big mistake; however, I still get the feeling that Arsenal will just about edge it in that tie. Going away to AC Milan is by no means an easy task, they have some truly top quality players and I was so excited when Arsenal managed to beat them. I think that performances and results like that stand them in good stead for the remainder of the season. I think that one of the reasons behind this
traditionally frantic end to the season is because so many players want to prove themselves to the new England gaffer Fabio Capello. England Squad I was pleased with Capello’s England squad selection. I was delighted to see David Beckham gets his 100th cap. He’s had a fulfilled career to say the least and has always showed his love for representing his country which is what the English game is all about. I am happy that the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Theo Walcott are making steps towards breaking into the team after some of their latest impressive performances. It’s important to keep the so-called big players on their toes and I’ll be very interested to now see what happens with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Will they both be included again? Will Capello be able to solve this ongoing debate about whether or not they can play together? Will Gerrard wear the armband again or will Rio Ferdinand keep it? We’ll have to wait and see but those are the decisions he must make to earn his money. British Sport Moving away from football, I have mixed feelings about our country’s participation in other sports. I am one of the many people who believes that Lewis Hamilton has what it takes to win the World Championship this time around. I think he will take in all that happened last season and will learn from his mistakes. However, I can’t say that I’ve found the recent rugby performances particularly pleasing on the eye. I think it’s important that they go away and win the World Cup, we already have two and it would be an incredible achievement to win a third.
Imps’ number 27 has enjoyed an outstanding season at Sincil Bank.
lincpanel: FORMULA 1 With the Formula 1 season now well underway The Linc’s sports writers assess the chances of home hope McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton.
Hayley Cook
Gary Moss
Paul Smith
Stephen Rudd
“It would be fantastic to see Lewis Hamilton win the title this year, but I'm worried that there'll be too much pressure on him to succeed. He did extremely well last year, but I'm not sure if he can repeat it. Kimi Raikkonen, on the other hand, has had more experience and I think the Finnish driver will win it again.”
“Lewis Hamilton produced one of the most remarkable seasons ever seen in motor sport last time around when he had nothing to lose. Now there will be the weight of expectation on his shoulders. I am going to punt for Kimi Raikkonen to win the title.”
“I think Lewis Hamilton is a dead cert for the world championship this year. He did well in his rookie season and caught everybody's attention. I've never been into F1 but he brought it alive and got me interested.. If he does improve then that means he will be first.”
“Although Lewis Hamilton seems to be the name on everyone's lips, I think Kimi Raikkonen will retain his title. Hamilton isn't quite ready yet in my opinion and I expect the Ferrari man to be the one to beat.”
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