England may miss out as a top seed

[Reading Posh]

So they made up the quotes?

Actually I don't think even the CB would make up quotes, but they're quoting an unnamed "senior Olympic source" - why not name him? Or does the bloke that paints the lines on the running track count as senior - just a thought.

 

[Sorrel]

I get the impression that FIFA and UEFA try to get back at England because we used to run both of them, certainly FIFA. Back in the old days England was in charge of things, which is why there are 4 teams from one country - if we joined now they would make us play as the "UK". Our old qualification for the world cup used to be the British Championships - which would ensure that one team from Britain would always be represented.

When England lost control of the world football organisations it's as if the people who run things want to now prove how England are now just another team, and nothing special. But instead of treating us like everyone else, we are treated in a harsher manner. I think this is to show us who is now boss.

The trouble is there is evidence to back up the claims of UEFA. Remember the match in Dublin that was stopped because of English crowd trouble? Name me another country whose supporters have done that within Europe in the last twenty years?

 

[Hannibal smith]

Remember the match in Dublin that was stopped because of English crowd trouble? Name me another country whose supporters have done that within Europe in the last twenty years? [/B]

Agreed that was the nadir of supporting England football team. However, if you take the behaviour of fans over the past 2 years then we are hardly the nasties of Europe. Georgia had a knife thrown onto the pitch, Turkish fans have thrown countless coins onto the pitch (Against Macedonia was when it was at its worst) and were having battles with opposing fans in the Confederations Cup. Even Italy and Spain have had racial problems as have most of the Eastern European Countries. By contrast a few Burberries ran onto the pitch when Beckham scored at Sunderland - No comparison in my opinion. Whilst I dont doubt England does have some neanderthals who follow them I dont think we are the worst in Europe by any stretch of the imagination.

In any case do we really think FIFA would ban us? As a leading footballing nation in Europe we generate too much money not to be at EURO 2004 not to mention we were not banned when Liverpool fans (why have they got such a placid reputation?) killed god knows how many Juventus fans.

 

[Sorrel]

By contrast a few Burberries ran onto the pitch when Beckham scored at Sunderland - No comparison in my opinion.

I agree. But I think UEFA do treat us harsher than anyone else. It'll take tend more years of good behaviour before they forget - and with the midweek "football violence" headlines from the UEFA Cup it doesn't look like it's started yet.