Swiss Player Gob At Gerrard

[London Calling]

About 2 days late a German crew has released pictures of Frei gobbing at Gerrard.

For some unknown reason England are not pursuing a call for a ban.

I can only assume they want the Swiss to keep their strongest eleven againgst the FRENCH.

Understandable but will UEFA be hypocritical here?

See story below:

Frei in 'spitting' incident

Kuhn hits out at referee

Uefa is investigating an allegation that Swiss striker Alexander Frei spat at England midfielder Steven Gerrard.

England did not complain but German television sent a tape apparently showing Frei spitting to Uefa.

A Uefa statement said: "It appears from the footage that the Swiss player might have spat at his opponent's neck."

Earlier in the tournament Italy's Francesco Totti was banned for three matches after spitting at Christian Poulsen of Denmark.


The Uefa statement added: "Before issuing any disciplinary charge, Uefa wishes to collect further evidence including the statements of the parties concerned."

The footage on German channel ZDF shows Frei knocking into Gerrard and as he walks past the England midfielder, Frei seems to turn and spit at the back of Gerrard's neck.


Both parties are requested to submit their statements by 1600GMT Saturday




Uefa spokesman Rob Faulkner


Gerrard's reaction is to look round at Frei in astonishment and wipe the back of his neck.

Uefa spokesman Rob Faulkner said: "Both parties are requested to submit their statements by 1600 GMT (1700 BST) on Saturday.

"Based on which the following may be decided: either to close the investigation for lack of evidence, or to instigate disciplinary proceedings against Frei and to submit the case to Uefa's disciplinary body."

FA spokesman Colin Gibson said on Saturday: "There will be no comment at all from the FA in response to the stories about the allegation involving Switzerland's Alexander Frei, following the game on Thursday."

Swiss team spokesman Pierre Benoit denied Frei had spat at Gerrard.

When asked, Benoit said: "No, absolutely not. England haven't complained I don't think.

"I saw the pictures on the TV and nothing happened. Uefa has asked us and I don't think that it will go any further."

Frei himself admitted he swore at Gerrard but denied spitting.

 

[fatboy]

I couldn't actually see him spit in that footage.

BUT he is facing Gerrard and Gerrard does wipe his neck.


It could be a way to get someone banned.

 

[fatbadger]

Perhaps England aren't complaining because they don't see it as the end of the world? It's disgusting, yes, but not cheating, is it? Treating it as 'a way to get players banned' is particularly objectionable.

This really pisses me off. There's loads of television evidence of clear diving, but do FIFA or UEFA do anything about that? No. They ban players for spitting for 3 matches, and do absolutely nothing to the CHEATS. Which is the action most against the spirit of the game - spitting or diving? Which has the most impact on results, spitting or diving?

And relax...

 

[Rangdo]

Perhaps England aren't complaining because they don't see it as the end of the world? It's disgusting, yes, but not cheating, is it? Treating it as 'a way to get players banned' is particularly objectionable.

This really pisses me off. There's loads of television evidence of clear diving, but do FIFA or UEFA do anything about that? No. They ban players for spitting for 3 matches, and do absolutely nothing to the CHEATS. Which is the action most against the spirit of the game - spitting or diving? Which has the most impact on results, spitting or diving?

And relax...

But just because its not cheating that doesn't make it acceptable. I agree that they should clamp down on diving but I also think that stamping out things like spitting are equally as important. If they've banned one they've got to be consistent about it.

 

[Yorkie]

The BBC site says he is cleared of any charge

Frei cleared of spitting


Kuhn hits out at referee
Swiss striker Alexander Frei has been acquitted of spitting at England midfielder Steven Gerrard, a Swiss FA official has said.
Uefa had launched an investigation after receiving footage from a German television station of the incident.

But Peter Gillieron, general secretary of the Swiss Football Association, said: "The procedure is finished and he will be able to continue to play."

Frei should now be available for their final group game against France.

"There was no evidence," Gillieron added. "We are very satisfied, not only for our team but also for the player.

"He was suffering a little bit from the situation. It's a very heavy thing to be accused like that.

"I can say for sure he will be very happy."

Frei had denied spitting, insisting: "I'm an emotional player and no angel, but this is not in my character.

"Maybe I said some bad words, but that's normal on the pitch."

No complaint was received from the England camp but German channel ZDF produced footage showing Frei knocking into Gerrard.

As he walked past, Frei had appeared to make a spitting motion at the England player.

Gerrard's reaction was to look round at Frei in astonishment and wipe the back of his neck.

Earlier in the tournament, Italy's Francesco Totti was banned for three matches for spitting at Christian Poulsen of Denmark.

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

spitting is foul and should be banned

 

[Turkey]

You can't see spit but he makes the motions.

My brother does that though and blows on you so it feels like spit but it isn't.

 

[Yorkie]

Frei admits swearing and if a word comes out at force then drops of saliva can come with it.