Cultured Football #50
Referees. Southampton. Spurs. Brexitball. Wenger.
Unlike a lot of games in England, Cultured Football has not been postponed. Instead here are five articles I really feel that you should be reading.
Footballers need to show referees some respect – we are in short supply
By Jacob Tate for When Saturday Comes / Guardian Network
Around 7,000 referees drop out of the English game each year. For most of them, the decision is often driven by the abuse and aggressive behaviour they have to face. Players and fans have to show them more respect if the drain is to stop.
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Behind Tycoon's Purchase Of Southampton FC Is A Bitter Battle For Power In Serbia
By Aleks Eror for Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty
There was none of the negative, sportswashing themed headlines that accompanied the Newcastle take-over yet the there are clear political undertones in the recent acquisition of Southampton. Football no longer is a simple game.
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Where are all the Tottenham fans? How empty seats have haunted Spurs even after Antonio Conte’s arrival
By Katherine Lucas for iNews
The stadium project was supposed to transport Spurs to another level. Instead, it has coincided with two years of chaos post-Pochettino. Part of that is down to a pandemic. Part of it is down to Spurs.
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Brexitball: footballs Scottish devolution
By Andy Watson for Analytics FC
Scottish clubs have been allowed exemptions from the rules that their English counterparts: essentially they have greater freedom in who to sign, something that Celtic have taken advantage of by signing four Japanese players. There are opportunities for others too, if they choose to look.
Reading Time: 7 minutes
'He put up signs reminding Arsenal players to chew' - How Wenger revolutionised English football's health habits
By Charles Watts for Goal
Not many would have imagined it when he was appointed – after all, not many knew of him – but his arrival would change the face of the English game. A game that was years behind its European counterparts was dragged into a new era largely thanks to him.
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Last Week’s Most Read
It might be considered an annoying distraction by clubs losing players to it but the Africa Cup of Nations is a wonderful competition filled with incredible talent. Some of whom you might be aware of, others which you need an in-depth guide like this to learn about.
Reading Time: 15 minutes