Exactly how I see it. The security problems, just for the team, are enormous. Plus many of the Arab countries do not even "recognise" Israel. Both geographically and politically it makes sense to join UEFA. However, after the disgusting scenes in Amsterdam it's quite clear that Israeli fans need to be taken down a peg or three. It is quite arguable that Israel should be isolated from all international sport until such time as the people vote in a civilised government and the Palestinians have proper homes to live in - that will take a decade, maybe longer. Echoes of South Africa, of course. Sad, but if you cannot be civilised then there ought to be no place in society for you.
I should have known that - I watched one of the games against Israel, the 1-1 draw in Sydney. From memory, a future Hornet played in it - Ronnie Rosenthal. There was also a player in the Aussie side who apparently played one game for Watford, a friendly match, but I've never been able to find any details about it - Davie Mitchell. It was those pesky Kiwis who cost us a spot in the play-off against Colombia by beating us 2-0 in Auckland. None of which explains why Australia and Israel get to take part in Eurovision though - or why EUFA don't just boot Israel out.
Putting the world's media to shame - a Dutch teenager reporting live from the Amsterdam trouble spots after the Ajax v Maccabi Tel Aviv match.
My feelings entirely Fez. This game should never have taken place - it's a well known fact that Ajax very much identify with a Jewish past (like Spurs) - though not with Zionism, and, until recently star of David flags could often be seen in the Johann Cruyff arena. Ajax ultras also cultivated fan friendships with Maccabi (after Anderlecht). Towards the end of the match Maccabi fans were singing Ajax songs, and there was very little segregation after the match. Possibly Maccabi fans presumed either that they were immune in Amsterdam or that Ajax ultras would support them - neither was the case.
I looked up Rosenthal's wikipedia after you mentioned him, and I was surprised to see he was once an Udinese player (although he never played a competitive game for them). Does that make him the first Udinese and Watford player?
Oh dear . He will probably be out of a job soon . https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce8y6zqjgdyo I mean he might have a point but Liverpool fans won’t let it go away without a strong punishment or two .
Gary Lineker to leave MOTD. Mark Chapman to replace him? - least he seems to like us if we ever get back on there.
Lineker is a bellend and he hated us because in his tiny brain GT prevented him from beating Bobby Charltons goals record for England Truth is he had five games to achieve that including two friendlies where he missed two penalties but because GT replaced for the last twenty minutes of the last group game GT was solely responsible him not beating the record, still even if he had managed that Rooney and Kane would have overtaken him
Not looking good for David Coote . Why film yourself whilst taking drugs when at work effectively . Then send the video to a mate who it seems has fallen out with him . He’ll be sacked and understandably so .
Yes . First upset a big team and their fans by insulted a club legend then embarrass yourself and the PGMOL whilst working at an International tournament,.
A decent result for Scotland against Croatia - with an outstanding performance from young Ryan Doak. He'll be fêted as the next Jimmy Johnstone if he keeps that up. Amazing to think that, after their horrendous start in the group, finishing second is within their grasp. A two goal win in Poland on Sunday, coupled with Croatia losing in Lisbon will see them through.
HT 0-1 End to end stuff - Craig Gordon has pulled off some very good saves at one end - Gilmour shot hit the crossbar & McTominey shot hit the upright at the other. To make it all the more interesting, Portugal are leading in Croatia by the same score...
Indeed it was but a late winner for Scotland! They certainly got better as the group went on. Meanwhile how bad are Liechtenstein!? Well done to San Marino though. Promotion too.
