| Submit your comments on this article |
| Europe |
| England Players Vote To Strike |
| 2003-10-08 |
| England Players Vote To Strike 10/08/2003. Despite an FA statement insisting that discussions with senior England players had been "amicable" in the wake of Rio Ferdinand’s omission from the squad to face Turkey in Saturday’s Euro 2004 qualifier, The Times newspaper is reporting that the England squad has taken "the unprecedented decision to go on strike" unless the FA reinstates their team-mate. According to the report, the entire squad are furious at what they perceive as unfair treatment of the Manchester United defender. Apparently they gathered for a vote and the unanimous decision was to inform Sven-Göran Eriksson that they would not take to the field in Istanbul. Other reports, and the FA themselves, have played down suggestions of any rebellion in the players’ camp. A strike would presumably mean the game being called off and the points awarded to Turkey. But The Times claims the strength of feeling among the squad is such that this is a real possibility. It also suggests that the FA cannot now back down after having taken a "principled stance" to drop Ferdinand for failing to take a drugs test. The newspaper reports that at lunchtime on Tuesday, eight senior players held an emergency meeting with Mark Palios, the new FA chief executive who was conspicuous by his non-appearance in front of the media during the day, and argued that Ferdinand should be allowed to represent his country before any disciplinary action was taken. Palios reportedly repeated the FA’s position that, although there is no rule stipulating that Ferdinand had to be dropped, the governing body believes it would be inappropriate to select a player who is almost certain to be charged with an offence at a hearing on Monday. The players feel Ferdinand is being punished before he has been found guilty and that he should be allowed to play in this vital match. According to The Times, four of Ferdinand’s Old Trafford team-mates — Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Gary and Phil Neville — led the delegation in the discussions with Palios and they were joined later by David James, Michael Owen, Sol Campbell and David Beckham. They are probably unlikely to persuade Palios to reverse the decision, but the FA is apparently shaken by the strength of the players’revolt. Hey Bulldog what’s going on in the English squad? |
| Posted by:Murat |
| #3 I wasn't aware that Ferdinand was in trouble with the FA but as an American, I applaud the England players' principled stand for due process. If it were a US team, he'd certainly play until found 'guilty'. That said, I don't think England would duck Turkey although my money would be on the Turks. They are an emerging power in European soccer and very classy at WC'02. I think England-Turkey could become one of the great rivalries. I'm sure the England players look forward to testing themselves against such a great side. The Turkish fans, on the other hand... |
| Posted by: JDB 2003-10-8 9:23:53 PM |
| #2 I think they're just affraid to play Turkey. They don't want to admit that they're a level below the Turks, especially without Owen and Ferdinad. Ilhan Mansiz is a huge star here in Japan. But the rest of the team is really good too. Basturk, Sas, Davila, Nihat, Sukur and company probably could've taken Germany if they had a chance. They're second only to Brazil. Beckham is overrated, although that teenager Rooney looks like a budding superstar. I want to see this game. |
| Posted by: Tokyo Taro 2003-10-8 8:13:17 PM |
| #1 Maybe they should go to Peshawar |
| Posted by: Paul Moloney 2003-10-8 6:34:19 AM |