Palestinian international debut, Wenger, Ferguson in trouble with referees and QPR in financial trouble. You can listen to these and other stories on our weekly podcast and can find explanations of key vocabulary in bold below.
The Good
Congratulations to Palestine, who hosted their first competitive international game since becoming a FIFA member in 1998 in the West Bank. Because of the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel and a lack of an international standard stadium up until 2008, it has been impossible for Palestine to join the rest of the footballing world and have home games in front of a home crowd of supporters. They won their game against Thailand 1-0, an Olympic qualifier, but having lost the first leg 1-0 they went on to go out on penalties. Let’s hope that the Palestinian people get more chances to see their national team play on home turf soon.
The Bad
It has not been the best of weeks for two of the top Premier League managers: Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger as both vent their fury at refereeing decisions. On Tuesday night Wenger lambasted the referee, Massimo Busacca, after he sent off Dutch striker Robin Van Persie in their 1-3 defeat against Barcelona. Wenger has been charged by UEFA for his outburst and will probably receive a touchline ban. Ferguson was also in the news for a verbal attack on Liverpool player Jamie Carragher, branding him a ‘disgrace’ for a poor tackle on Nani. Interesting to see what happens this week when both their sides face each other in the FA Cup.
The Ugly
This week was a mixed one for Championship leaders QPR as they extended their lead to 10 points and now look almost certain to be promoted to the Premier League next season. However, news has emerged this week of financial irregularities which may mean the club will receive a fine or possibly have points deducted. Could be ugly for the West London side.
Vocabulary
(to) host: to hold, to organise a match, to invite another team to play, to play a home game
leg: one match of two, often in competitions teams play home and away legs
home turf: at the home ground, turf = grass
vent their fury: Showed their anger
lambasted: Verbally attacked
outburst: Angry claims
a touchline ban: Will not be allowed to coach from the sideline and will have to sit in the stand during the next game(s).
branding him Calling him (usually something negative)
have points deducted: Points would be taken away
