Here is akvbcfc’s latest contribution.

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Beach Volleyball, anyone?

Ever seen anything quite like it? One Liverpool fan scored a spectacular own goal, after his antics led to the only goal of the game between Sunderland and Liverpool, condemning Rafa’s side to another loss, propelling the side into yet another crisis.

Should beach balls be banned? Maybe we should clampdown on all such apparatus that is inappropriate. What if a flag from the crowd flew over the pitch, landing on the keeper’s face, giving the striker a tap in? Then again, what if a clapperboard thrown from the stands landed in the area, distracting the keeper? What if…what if…blah blah blah.
Yes, it should have been disallowed. But no, let’s not take fun aspects of the footballing experience away. Liverpool have already said that Man United fans will be searched for beach balls when they travel to Anfield for the match this weekend, in an extraordinary kill-joy spirit.

However, credit must be given to Liverpool for the way that they took the decision with good grace. They accepted their fate as Rafa Benitez sympathised with the position that the referee was left in. Fair play.
These things happen in life, and football. Sometimes all you can do is laugh… (I know I did)…

 Does He Know What He’s Playing At?

Martin O’Neill is playing a dangerous game. Since he broke onto the scene as a bright, young, energetic striker, Emile Heskey has always wanted to feel needed. Martin O’Neill nurtured Heskey’s talent, constantly reassuring the youngster that he was good enough to make it big. O’Neill built up Heskey to the point where he was then sold to Liverpool for £11+ million pounds, in a deal which benefitted all parties involved. However, after being neglected and shunted out to the left wing, Heskey fell out of love with Liverpool, and he was moved on to our club. Heskey’s first season was great for all involved, as the fans took to the hard-working bulldozer who never stopped working. However, season 2 brought relegation, as fans attacked the striker for his supposed lack of interest in the fight. A move to Wigan followed, where his good form was rewarded with a move to Villa. A half decent start has fizzled out with a lack of opportunities and a lack of support in the stands.

The message is clear; Heskey needs to feel wanted if he is to live up to his billing. Fabio Capello has put faith in the striker, and he has been rewarded. However, at club level, Heskey can’t buy a game and his confidence is at an all time low. Martin O’Neill’s reaction has been to say that Heskey must toughen up. Tough love. Is it the right way to go? Well, it hasn’t worked before…

By akvbcfc