by
wensum24
@ 30/08/2006 - 18:00:24
Ballack given bollocking
Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has been fined €70,000 (£47,000) for not paying tax on a gift for his wife.
The incident occurred in January when Ballack returned from a training camp in Dubai with former club Bayern Munich carrying a €2,000 (£1,350) handbag.
At Munich airport, the 29-year-old filed through the channel labelled 'nothing to declare', but on a random check by German customs officials the item was found and he was accused of trying to avoid paying 350 euros (£235) in taxes.
Pampered footballing innocence?? A fine that they can well afford, whereas the rest of us might be more heavilly penalised for such an impossible misdemenour. Footballers are now scaling the politcian's grubby palatial walls of arrogant, inoble evasions.
Anelkasthaesia
Nicolas Anelka is at a loss to understand why he has a reputation of being a controversial character.
The French striker, 27, has returned to the Barclays Premiership with Bolton after spells with Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, where he was on loan. Anelka, an £8million signing from Fenerbahce claims people have the wrong impression of him.
He said: "To say I am a bad boy then people do not know me. When I was in Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester, I did good things. I just want to play football, that's it. I just have to speak on the pitch."
And the verdict? Enter Wenger, Houllier, Keegan...
Thatcherism still a pain in the neck
And what can be said about Ben Thatcher that hasn't been said...kick him out, forever, damned animal, (sorry to the animals)...because of hospitalisation, I missed the dreadful deed last week, but finally saw it on tv recently, and watched in horror as he attacked Mendes with such savagery that it would have put any other 'free man' in jail.
Mr B. Thatcher wrote a letter of apology to Pedro Mendes?? Who wrote it...not Ben I'm sure, at least it appears he is believed to have written, 'He says he is sorry, signed Ben' ...clever lad, those fists were not made for writing were they!
It is not the first time this country has endured a chorus of 'Thatcher out'...well, my wishes are with Pedro, and never will I defend Thatcherism.
Music of the moment: Blackstreet: No Diggity.