It’s long been thought that Football is ahead of the curve when it comes to tackling racism. Whilst this is an idea that has been fuelled by those within the game, on the surface there does appear to be some truth in it.
Following what can reasonably be termed a successful campaign and yet another major tournament qualification, we can suggest that recent times have been England’s most successful spell. At least as far as reaching major finals goes (Euro 96 hosts, France 98, Belgium and Holland 2000, Japan and Korea 2002, Portugal 2004, Germany 2006, Switzerland 2008-ahem!, South Africa 2010). What then can we glean from this last campaign that could point to a performance at Euro 2012?
Anyone could be forgiven for thinking that Scottish football starts and stops with Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers. The Old Firm certainly dominate the hearts and minds of the beautiful game’s fraternity north of the border, and for all it can be intriguing from time to time, sometimes it’s downright tedious .
Former Welsh international footballer John Hartson made a scheduled appearance at the Edinburgh Book festival recently...
If it wasn't so tragic, you could almost laugh at the awkward absurdity that has enveloped the football world in the past couple of days. Sepp Blatter, the embarrassing elder statesman of the sport- and still the most powerful man in it, has struck again. FIFA may like to claim that they are the victims of a witch-hunt by a resentful British press, but with friends like Blatter, they have all the enemies they could need.