How refreshing that they made a decision regarding West Brom sponsorship based on principle and without waiting for endless 'inquiries' and 'investigations'. Not wanting to open the Anelka debate again, just recognising a clear and unambiguous statement for a change. Bravo.
If they'd really wanted to make a statement they'd have terminated the contract immediately not just waited until the end of the season when their contract was up anyway. Their decision to not renew their contract seems quite a bold statement but who's to say they'd have renewed the deal ? West Brom may have had a better offer from a different sponsor and sent them packing...still their PR team have done a good job of making them appear to have done the right thing! That said it is still a good website for looking for houses...
I was accused on here of being a cynic yesterday, think you've just edged ahead Badger! The bloke who co-founded Zoopla is mega rich through developing the precursor of Love Film and selling it to Amazon. Zoopla is to 'keep him busy'. He also happens to be Jewish. I'm guessing they were in discussion with the club throughout this, giving them a chance to take some action of their own. Of course, if a QPR player brought similar disgrace to the hoops, our sponsor would have a bit of difficulty walking away. But no difficulty terminating the player's contract.
Yes and No, The sponsorship was coming to an end at the end of this current Season anyway. Not sure whether they would have taken the option to continue and if not this is a lovely way of coming out and gaining the max exposure for it. Would have been more interesting and refershing if they had stated that along with not taking the future option they would post haste have their name and all associations with WBA removed. Legally they could also have expected a small financial concession but otherwise they could have backed their convictions by paying out remainder of contract, a probable small amount. The future pictures that we are about to see will still have Zoopla all over - But then again, I'm just a cynical bastard. Trust you're well Stan.
King hell, turns out I am naive and wet behind the ears compared to you lot! I am very well Danish, 53 years old today and feeling pretty good on it mate. Trying to scam a way for my firm to pay for me to visit the Whiskeybelt. In one area our biggest global competitor is Danish, so industrial espionage may be the hook.....take care mate.
I must be getting cynical in my old age...agreed, it would have cost them and I know it would have been a bit more complicated than just getting some new shirts made up. However, if they were that concerned about having their name associated with WBA and in turn with Anelka they'd have coughed up and found a way out of it. As you all say - the free publicity has probably done them the world of good though...
On mature reflection and wishing to remain in a good mood I am sticking with my original assumption that they simply did not want to be associated with an anti-semite rather than pulling out on the basis of some commercial algorithm. I may be wrong, but it makes me feel good.
Cheers Wubba. I'm mellow today, looking forward to a proper vitello alla Milanese (with the fried egg on top and rosemary roast potatoes) at a very good Italian round the corner for lunch. Plus some Valpolicella. My recent discovery of electronic cigarettes after years on various less satisfying nicotine delivery systems may also increase the chill factor, though I'm balancing with a triple Clooney espresso at the moment.
Sounds bloody excellent for a cold Tuesday. I'm off the booze on doctors orders again and grounded at home. Am attempting to drink my body weight in earl grey tea. Valpolicella for lunch eh? Nice, very nice.
In the light of new evidence (Your Birthday!!) I will retract my grumpiness and toe the uncynical line gracefully and take that one more unnecessary libation this evening toasting the continued good health of my Internet friend. skål min ven og tillykke med din fødselsdag
Seems the "rightmove" is to tone down the cynicism this fine winters tuesday...enjoy the birthday lunch. Makes the thought of my cheese and brown sauce sandwich seem rather depressing.
Bravo WBA, they shouldnt allow sponsors to dictate who they can and cannot play. They are irrelevant anyway, I dont even know what they do, probably a gambling site or loan sharks as there doesnt seem to be much else in football now.
You're not a member of the property owning elite, are you Flyer? I guess most 'football' people are with you on this. The amorality of this game is stunning - corruption at all levels, imagining that rules which apply to others, or simply decent behavior, does not apply to them or their club. The right thing for WBA to do here would have been to suspend Anelka on no pay immediately they understood the meaning of his gesture. But I don't think that even crossed their minds.
The fact that it's only offended people who get offended on other people's behalf is why I think the whole Anelka situation is a shambles. Nobody knew what the hell he was doing til he explained.
