When is a myth not a myth? When it has been debunked often enough, of course, and most pertinently, when the counter-view – one that lies considerably closer to the truth – is believed by the vast majority. 

In that regard, the long-held misconception that Liverpool’s Anfield is a ferocious cauldron of intimidating noise and passion has firmly been put to bed and we can all go about our lives, feeling better about ourselves having corrected a wrong.

Because no supporter these days believes that Anfield is a particularly special place anymore, one that rocks L4 to its very foundations on matchdays.

It used to be special. No-one would dare dispute that.

Back in the day, the world-famous Kop swayed as an enormous single organism, emitting a guttural roar that played with your emotions, and sang such a variety of songs it was like a chart rundown in football form.

Only then, in the modern era, away fans stopped being surprised at Anfield only briefly sparking into life immediately prior to kick-off with a lukewarm version of You’ll Never Walk Alone, before settling into a communal silence for the rest of the afternoon. 

At home meanwhile, viewers tuning in to watch a side whose Premier League odds have them priced at 4/1 to win the title this year, grew tired of adjusting their set, wondering why only the travelling contingent could be heard through the speakers. 

Even Liverpool fans have come around to the idea that Anfield is akin to a library, despite their club being in possession of an immensely talented squad, not to mention Jurgen Klopp, who closely rivals Pep Guardiola in being the Premier League’s best manager.

Researching this article brought up several think-pieces offering theories as to why Anfield is so remorselessly flat. All were penned by respected writers with a distinctly red allegiance. 

Jurgen Klopp says he wants the ‘best atmosphere ever’ inside Anfield on Saturday #LFC https://t.co/rmjnEd0go2

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 1, 2022

The ‘why’ however is easy to determine, and furthermore it excuses Liverpool fans for the large part, with a shift in culture to blame rather than the thousands who turn up voiceless. 

Time was when we went to games to vent, to unleash the frustrations that built up throughout a working week. But nobody really does that anymore.

Instead, we pay a large amount of money for entry and for that money we expect to be entertained, and when all-seater stadia is added to the equation the modern-day match-going experience mirrors that of an outdoor theatre. The deafening bear-pits of yesteryear are sadly long gone.

Which applies too to the Emirates, and the Etihad, and even Old Trafford, a ground that used to be eulogized – ironically in this context - as a ‘theatre of dreams’. Now, unless there is something to really shout about, it’s merely a theatre.

So why therefore, is there any need for this article, if the supposedly feted Anfield atmosphere is widely accepted to be a fallacy? It’s a valid question, but note the word used earlier – supporters.

We know it’s a nonsense. Now if only the television networks could also wise up, we really would be getting somewhere. 

Sadly, there is little sign yet of that happening as each live broadcast that features the Reds quietens in whispered reverence of YNWA before we are subjected to ninety minutes of misdirection, as the Anfield atmosphere is venerated every few minutes in commentary, all to contradictory silence.

They have a product to sell you see, and a big part of that product is atmosphere, especially with all the Premier League predictions anticipating another tense title battle with Manchester City.

In TV land, excitement and sporting drama should be a noisy affair, even when it’s not. It's an approach that fools very few and by and large we can now finally state that the Anfield atmosphere myth has been shushed for good.

Since Uriah Rennie hung up his whistle in 2008, there have been no black referees in the Premier League. Before him there were none too.

It is a shocking failure of representation that amazes and angers in equal moderation and furthermore it is confounding given that in every other area of the game sincere strides have been taken to ensure football is inclusive. 

On the pitch, 33% of British players in Premier League line-ups are from BAME backgrounds.

In recent years, schemes have been launched to open up pathways to young black and Asian coaches. It is the aim of the Kick It Out campaign to tackle all forms of discrimination, including in the stands.

Concerning the man in the middle however, there have been literally hundreds of top-flight officials since the Premier League was founded in 1992. All but one have been white.

Or to put it another way, in the direct words of our cult hero himself: “There is, and will only be, one Uriah Rennie,” and if you believe that remark smacks of arrogance, you’re absolutely right, it is arrogant.

After all, it can only be imagined the levels of self-belief needed to blaze a refereeing trail from grassroots football to the big time when you’re from a BAME background. 

Let’s not forget too, that this is a man who Kevin Keegan once said of post-game: “People should write about Uriah Rennie because that’s what he wants.”

You may also however detect a good dose of humour accompanying his words and again, that’s entirely correct.

Unlike the automatons of today, Rennie reffed over 300 Premier League clashes during an era when officials could gently tease players, and his sense of humour often calmed tempers that were fraying in the centre-circle. 

It should also be noted, that his jokey aside was part of a bigger conversation, with Rennie stating he was confident the ‘next black man in the middle in the Premier League is just round the corner’.

In 2020, having grown frustrated at the lack of progress made in this regard, he was elected on to the FA’s referee’s committee with the aim of improving 'equality of opportunities'.

Even 14 years retired, he is a game-changer and though there is of course no Premier League odds for this, don’t back against the situation getting better now that Rennie is involved.

#OTD in 1998, Ole Gunnar Solskjær committed one of the finest ever red card offences against Newcastle United.

But look at the pace of Uriah Rennie. Big man put the burners on to catch Ole. pic.twitter.com/8NdJ0o84OM

— These Football Times (@thesefootytimes) April 18, 2022

To become one of the Premier League’s greatest referees and remain at the top for as long as Rennie did, required attributes above and beyond mere aptitude.

A certainty in his decision-making was one such trait and being a magistrate of many years standing in his hometown of Sheffield aptly lent itself to doling out punishment to errant midfielders.

Indeed, it could be said only a costume-change was needed to differentiate his day job and weekend profession. 

Being a martial arts black belt also ensured he had the respect of players. Famously, in 2002 Rennie prevented a major flare-up involving Jason McAteer and Roy Keane by manhandling the latter and not many can claim to have got away with that without retribution. Keane was later sent off in that game too.

A stickler for the rules he may have been, but Rennie was also firmly fair, though Newcastle fans may disagree after perceiving to be on the wrong end of several decisions from the referee down the seasons.

This explains Keegan’s comment from earlier and with our Premier League predictions tipping a rollercoaster campaign for the Magpies ahead, they’ll no doubt be relieved ‘Uri’ is long retired. 

For the rest of us though, he is greatly missed, for he was a character and he had presence. He was also fearless. But most of all, he was really, really good at what he did.

There is, and will only be, one Uriah Rennie.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 24th August 2022

This year’s World Cup in Qatar offers up plenty of intrigue and the prospect of some unforgettable stand-out moments but one aspect sadly denied us is the sight of India participating in a major international football tournament.

This hardly surprises given that the Blue Tigers – ranked 104th in the world – didn’t come close to qualifying.

Indeed, at the start of their journey in the AFC Asian qualifiers, the chances of India ultimately reaching Qatar was comparable to the Premier League odds on Brentford winning a league crown next May. 

More so, since first forming a national side in the 1920s, India have never made it to a World Cup finals, or at least that is technically true. In 1950, they did qualify, for FIFA’s showpiece event, held that year in Brazil. They just never chose to go.

Their reason for not attending has subsequently gone down in lore, becoming through the decades a hackneyed mistruth confidently passed on to the next generation as if there is some substance to the tale. In doing so it has become one of the most enduring football myths of the ages.

So, what is the myth, you may ask? Well, it is this: that India declined their entry to the 1950 World Cup finals because they were prevented from playing barefoot.

It is a fallacy that demands some background. 

In 1948, a year after regaining independence as a nation, India took part in the Olympics, staged in London, and fared remarkably well, exiting to much-fancied France courtesy of a last-minute goal.

Led by captain Talimeren Ao their performance greatly impressed, but what really grabbed the attention was a team playing minus any boots.

Incidentally, an onlooker that day was a young Princess Margaret, who soon after invited the India national side to Buckingham Palace.

The story goes – and it may well be factual – that on meeting the players, King George VI jokingly lifted up the trouser of Sailen Manna to check if he had steel legs, so powerful were his shots. 

Around this time FIFA were busy organising their next World Cup, an invitation-only tournament in those days, and it was decreed that seven teams would come from Europe, six from the Americas, and one from Asia.

• Debunking the Emptihad Myth

To that end, the Philippines were invited but declined, then Indonesia and Burma who both also said no, and the very likely explanation for these rejections is a misunderstanding, with each nation’s governing body believing it fell on them to finance the trip. 

India however – the fourth country approached – were very aware that FIFA would cover most of the costs, so money wasn’t the issue behind their refusal, nor did it have anything to do with footwear. No discussions about this ever took place.

The somewhat banal truth is that the World Cup back then was still relatively in its infancy and India did not regard it as a big deal. The Olympics, yes, that was huge. The World Cup? No.

Which in hindsight is a genuine shame, because historically we now know how much it means to the smaller footballing nations to participate in the greatest show on earth.

India has never participated in a FIFA World Cup. After gaining independence in 1947, India managed to qualify for the World Cup held in 1950. This was due to Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Philippines withdrawing from qualification. pic.twitter.com/R8uGxi2TWT

— memoryindia (@memoryindia) November 6, 2020

That still holds true today, as evidenced by the excitement of Wales to finally take part, 64 years after last doing so. 

Does that suggest the All India Football Federation regrets the decision made by their predecessors all those decades ago?

Very possibly, because our Premier League predictions certainly don’t tip Brentford to win the league anytime soon and any World Cup predictions for 2026 would absolutely not include mention of India.

The world rolls onward and sometimes you really have to grab your moment in the sun when it’s offered. Because who knows when it will be possible again?

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 24th August 2022

When you get to a certain age and have watched more horse races than you have eaten hot dinners, it’s sometimes difficult to cast your mind back to those very early racecourse visits.

However, I do believe mine was Haydock Park, around the 1980 mark and long before the days of being able to place horse racing online bets. A quick tot up in my head suggests I’ve scarily been attending fixtures at Haydock for just over 40 years.

As I alluded to in a previous article, one of my first memories of seeing a well known jockey in person was when Greville Starkey came into the old unsaddling enclosure at Haydock after riding a winner, and despite lots of rapturous applause from those who had backed his mount, he remained completely unruffled and po-faced.

As you can imagine the roll call of winners that I have witnessed in the flesh at the Lancashire racecourse is a vast one but for the purposes of these piece I’ll just pick out a one of my personal highlights.

Back in 2008, The North West Masters, which used to take place at Haydock on the Saturday (Betfair Chase Day) and Aintree (the home of Grand National betting) on the Sunday, well and truly established itself as a two-day racing doubleheader of substance and quality. It’s such a shame it’s gone now – bring it back!

Anyway, that particular year, the Betfair Chase was billed as another classic showdown between Kauto Star and Exotic Dancer after Kauto had just edged out Exotic in the previous season's encounter.

However, racehorses don’t follow scripts and the most unexpected trip to the payout counter I’ve ever experienced at Haydock Park ensued.

The Peter Bowen-trained Snoopy Loopy looked booked for a place at the very best when vying for third coming over the last,  however the 33-1 shot totally cashed in on Kauto Star’s final-fence unseat, and overhauled the front running Tamarinbleu by half a length at the line.

Having taken odds of 66/1 earlier in the day, it completely felt like all my birthday’s had come at once.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 24th August 2022

Popular Twitter user Mike Parcej is what you can describe as a horseracing “super fan”, travelling the length and breadth of the United Kingdom (and sometimes beyond) in the pursuit of simply watching horses race.

I caught up with Mike to ask him a few questions about his favourite sport.

Mike, you've been attending horse racing fixtures for some time now. What's your earliest recollection of being at the races and do you have any specific memories from that initial visit? 

MP: My earliest recollection of going racing was the Amman Valley Trotting Club's fixture at Tairgwaith on June 10th 1982, long before the days of being able to place horse race bets online.

It was an appalling evening and didn't stop raining, but it was a school outing and I loved the feel of the place.

I'd already been a racing fan since Light Cavalry's St. Leger, but that was my first time racing. The star trotter then was Thunder Time, and I recall him very well, a superb pacer.

What is the greatest horse race you have ever witnessed in person and at which racecourse was it?

MP: You'd think I'd say Dessie's Gold Cup - but that was second best! London National, Sandown December 2005. Brave Spirit versus Willie John Daly. National Hunt Racing summed up in eight minutes.

It was nearly dark, the horses eyeballed each other over the Railway fences, there was a short head between them at the line, and when they both came to a standstill, the crowd erupted into a huge round of applause.

An absolute joy to watch and it still sends goose bumps up me just thinking about it. It’s the undisputed race of the century so far for me.

I believe you have compiled a personal ranking system for the UK's racecourses. Which course is your current number one and what's your reasoning behind the choice?

MP: By at least 10 lengths, Hexham. The most spectacularly beautiful racing venue I have ever been to.

A hugely welcoming and friendly management team, very competitive prices and enjoyable racing every time. A place you never want to leave in a wonderful part of the UK. And no dress code!

You must have seen some changes in the UK racecourse landscape down the years. Can you identify any glowing positives and on the flip side, any negatives?

MP: Glowing positive. So many racecourses getting rid of the Members/Tatts/Silver Ring model, and making fixtures all one enclosure.

I despise segregation from the bottom of my heart, and we cannot say that everyone is welcome with blatant class division on course, and of course the dreaded dress codes.

This is now becoming past tense, and full marks to most courses for doing this. Negatives. The closures of Stockton, Phoenix Park, Tralee, Folkestone and Towcester since I became a fan.

All could very easily have been kept going with the right marketing.

Where do you see UK horse racing in say 25 years time? What could the industry do now (in 2022) to make sure that we still have a healthy product years down the line?

MP: Racing will hopefully still thrive in 25 years time, with all in one admission prices and no dress codes!

For me, all the big races must take place outside the Monday to Friday working hours (that is how football established itself as Britain's national sport) - for me, now the first thing is for the Cheltenham Gold Cup (The latest Cheltenham races betting odds are here) to switch to Saturday.

Our premier race MUST be accessible to everyone, which would attract millions more to racing in one move.

The industry must get rid of all dress codes, stop selling its soul to music fans, and market the sport with its core attraction at the forefront of its campaigns - the horse.

This will ensure a healthy product and if you make the public feel welcome, they will turn up again and again.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

One of the most surprising deals of the summer. Casemiro is a new Manchester United player after a very quick negotiation with Real Madrid because he was the player who had the decision in his hands.

It all started when Manchester United perceived that the deal for Adrien Rabiot could no longer proceed: the demands of the French midfielder and his mom Veronique were considered too high, including an excessive signing fee for Manchester United ideas that already had an agreement. with Juventus for € 17m plus add-ons.

Deal collapsed and search started for a new midfielder so, with an opportunity that emerged within days; Casemiro available on the market was a surprise for everyone, even for the board that immediately decided to take action to try to bring the Brazilian to Erik ten Hag.

A dream signing at the beginning, which quickly became a reality thanks to the work of John Murtough with a secret mission in the city of Madrid to speed up negotiations.

Mission accomplished, it can be said - because Manchester United understood that the decision was up to Casemiro; Real Madrid always have a lot of respect for their legends, no intention of complicating relations, rather the will to grant Casemiro the freedom to decide in the best way.

After speaking with the agents about him and with Carlo Ancelotti, in 24 hours Casemiro chose to accept the Manchester United proposal.

A contract that will be valid until 30 June 2026 with an option for further season, the salary will not be doubled compared to what Casemiro received at Real Madrid but will still be improved, allowing the Brazilian midfielder to become one of the best paid players in Erik's ten Hag's team.

The verbal agreement was reached after a day of negotiations, waiting for Manchester United to send the official proposal to Real Madrid on the night between Thursday and Friday.

It's gonna be impossible to complete all the details of the agreement in time for Monday, when there is a key game with Liverpool at Old Trafford; the medical tests to be completed, the VISA must be sorted and there are all the documents to be signed, too complicated but it makes no difference.

Erik ten Hag immediately approved this deal without wasting time on details, to also avoid the inclusion of other clubs in the negotiation for one of the best midfielders in the world, an absolute winner for years in Madrid.

Casemiro agreed on Thursday and the day of the completed negotiations between Real Madrid and Manchester United was Friday, as expected.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Casemiro (@casemiro)

Overnight, Manchester United submitted an official proposal worth £ 60m plus £ 10m add-ons to complete the negotiation with Real Madrid which secured an easily receivable portion of these add-ons.

Many add-ons are also included in Casemiro's contract that could drive his salary very high, but this will depend on access to future editions of the Champions League among many factors.

Behind the scenes it can be revealed that Carlo Ancelotti had a new talk with Casemiro on Friday morning at Valdebebas, Real Madrid's training ground.

The Italian manager would have liked to keep Casemiro because he considers him an absolute top player, but he did not want to create problems for the player who honestly asked to try a new experience in the Premier League after so many years as a Real Madrid legend.

With the green light of Ancelotti and that of Florentino Perez, Casemiro joined his team-mates in the locker room after the last training session to say goodbye and prepare for a new adventure with the Manchester United shirt.

Casemiro has already shown the mentality that Manchester United's midfield badly needs #MUFC https://t.co/46Ok0YYoDs

— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) August 21, 2022

A new chapter started on Saturday when Casemiro arrived in town with his agents for medical tests and contract signing.

A phone call also arrived on Friday from Erik ten Hag: the Dutch manager wanted to guarantee Casemiro the importance in his tactical project, the idea of wanting at all costs his leadership in the locker room and on the pitch, the happiness of being able to complete a world class signing.

Thus begins an incredible and unexpected deal that makes Manchester United fans smile again.