In Gob We Trust

‘IF the old adage contains any truth, then going to Rome and doing as Romans do would see you spitting in people’s faces, calling black footballers monkeys and telling Jews to get back to the gas ovens.

‘That’ll stop him spitting’

Thankfully, the Romans of Lazio football club are not typical of the Italian capital city’s residents as a whole, and, indeed, many will point out that Lazio’s Sinisa Mihajlovic is Serbian by birth.

It’s a great shame that Chelsea’s memorable 4-0 win over Lazio in the Champions’ League last night should be soured by the odious actions of a thug.

So before that, let’s have a few headlines from the papers about the good things: “Roman Orgy” (Mirror); “Conquerors” (Mail); Roman Emperors” (Star).

That done, and deservedly so, the Express produces “Roman Scandal” and an unpleasant shot of the aforesaid Mihajlovic spitting into the face of Chelsea’s Adrian Mutu.

The Lazio defender should, in truth, never be allowed to play football again.

The first shock that he probably will is bolstered by the sensation that his actions last night went unpunished by the game’s referee.

But well done, Chelsea, And good luck, Arsenal, who, as the papers all agree, need that most precious quality in spades.

Tonight the Gunners attempt to do what is so hard for them and actually win a European game when they play Dinamo Kiev at Highbury.

And the Mirror hears the club’s manager, Arsene Wenger, calling on his payers to help Thierry Henry.

The paper is not wrong when it says that the Frenchman has been a virtual one-man goal machine for the Gunners, scoring seven of his side’s last 10 strikes in Europe.

If Henry fails to hit the target tonight, the Gunners will be out of the Champions’ League.

It’s a stark reminder that European football is a tough business. Which makes Chelsea’s win in Rome all the more fantastic.’

Posted: 5th, November 2003 | In: Back pages Comment | TrackBack | Permalink