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If there is one story that I want to just be over and never have to hear about again, the Carlos Tevez saga with West Ham United and Sheffield United would be that story. When I first read that the FA and the Premier League were <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/fresh-inquiry-into-carlos-tevez-affair-announced-1232981.html" target="_blank">going to reopen</a> the case against West Ham and Carlos Tevez, it felt like I was hearing fingernails on an old chalkboard. What more needs to be said about this case, but that has been nothing but one giant farce. As far as I’m concerned, this case has been nothing but <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article2111914.ece" target="_blank">hell on earth</a>.
West Ham is correct in saying they have <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/west_ham/article5478675.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&amp;attr=796995" target="_blank">nothing to hide</a>, that’s only because this whole situation has been vetted out in the numerous hearings this matter has had before. To me the questions I want answered are simple ones. What were the FA and Premier League’s intentions back when they made their initial punishment? Why did the two bodies wait until now, knowing what the latest panel ruled, to decide in relaunching this investigation? Does West Ham have any legal options should the FA and Premier League decide to punish the club two times over the same matter? And finally, what can the FA and or the Premier League do to prevent further embarrassment with regards to this matter?
The sooner this matter is over with, the happier I will be. This whole situation right now makes any world renowned circus seem like a man on a standard trampoline. The only hope for all of us is that every organization/federation involved has learned the lesson of this scandal and save those lessons for future use.
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The day after <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/01/07/driving-ban-let-off-for-106mph-newcastle-footballer-obafemi-martins-115875-21022011/" target="_blank">Obafemi Martins</a> gets away with driving 106 miles per hour without losing his license, Cristiano Ronaldo <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article5474171.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&amp;attr=796995" target="_blank">totals a Ferrari</a> on his way to training for Manchester United. As the witness interviewed for the story said ‘It’s a shame about the car’. Thankfully Ronaldo was not injured in the crash…that’ll be his pocketbook when he goes to purchase another.
Speaking of Cristiano Ronaldo, when will this nonsense about Real Madrid also stop? Here’s another one of those ‘<a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article5477891.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&amp;attr=796995" target="_blank">a verbal deal has been made</a>‘ announcements that I’m sure will be changed in the next few days.
Add <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article5478416.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&amp;attr=796995" target="_blank">William Gallas</a> to the Arsenal injured list. The hamstring got him this time. Funny that on the same day this news is made public, <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1110049/Megson-tells-Arsenal-manager-Arsene-Wenger-Stop-whingeing.html?ITO=1490" target="_blank">Gary Megson</a> made his feelings know about Wenger’s complaining about Bolton’s physical style.
With the UK FA Cup Fourth Round ties having been announced, <a href="http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/78942" target="_blank">Kettering Town</a> is not happy their home tie with Fulham was not picked up.&nbsp; Hey look on the bright side, this has to be one of the international games picked up…right? (Editor Note: Setanta has offered this game up <a href="http://www.northantset.co.uk/sport/TV-hope-for-Poppies.4854797.jp" target="_blank">on delay</a> in the UK. Once the FA gives the green light or not, we’ll let you know).
In a move that I can only think is a move to get him to leave the club, Chelsea are going to ask <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1109222/Chelsea-want-Michael-Ballack-pay-cut-stay-Bridge.html?ITO=1490" target="_blank">Michael Ballack</a> to take a pay cut and earn his salary with an incentive based contract. Have a funny feeling the answer will be a loud ‘NO!’
Here’s a strange transfer for everyone. Manchester United must see this is a short term project to sign <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/stokecity/4176180/Manchester-United-sign-Ritchie-De-Laet-from-Stoke-City.html" target="_blank">Ritchie De Laet</a> from Stoke City. I wonder if their partnership with Royal Antwerp had anything to do with it?
Middlesbrough are holding firm to their promise that no one will leave the Riverside. Today it’s <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jan/08/gary-oneill-middlesbrough-portsmouth-tony-adams-stewart-downing" target="_blank">Gary O’Neil</a> they are having to reject a bid for…this one from Portsmouth.
Here’s a move I would advise Tottenham not make…a move for <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/tottenham/4174200/Tal-Ben-Haim-pushes-for-3m-Tottenham-move.html" target="_blank">Tal Ben Haim</a>. I simply call him ‘the human turnstile’.
The next person to complain about this transfer window, <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_4763895,00.html" target="_blank">Phil Brown</a>.
And a column to go home by. Matt Hughes discussing <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article5478327.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&amp;attr=796995" target="_blank">Luiz Felipe Scolari</a> and how he needs to prove himself (code word for win) in these big games.

Carlos Tevez and West Ham United Seem Linked Forever, Ronaldo Car Crash and More

Carlos Tevez and West Ham United Seem Linked Forever, Ronaldo Car Crash and More - World Soccer Talk

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Carlos Tevez and West Ham United Seem Linked Forever, Ronaldo Car Crash and More