While the leagues in Europe are just starting up there is still plenty of footballing news. This week transfers, Olympic foot
ball and Joey Barton all feature.
The good
- The Olympics are in full swing and so is Olympic football. Not so important in Europe but taken very seriously by South America. So far it’s been good for the favourites: Argentina and Brazil both qualify for the last 8 in the men’s. Also good for Germany and Brazil in the women’s competition as they make it through too.
- The apertura season in Argentina kicks off and Boca hammer Gimnasia 4-0. They follow that with a 3-1 victory over Arsenal in the Recopa Sudamericana. Good start for la azul y oro.
Bad
- Most fans must be tired of the long-drawn out transfers over the summer – Adebayor / Barry / Lampard/ Berbatov / Ronaldo yawn… But it looks like some of these will be finally resolved soon. For example, Barry might feature in Aston Villa”s European campaign tonight, surely ending any move to Liverpool.
- Man City owner Shinawatra seeks refuge in Britain after leaving Thailand to avoid corruption charges. Cana€™t be good for a team getting ready to start the season with a new manager to have doubts about the owner and the cluba€™s finances.
Ugly
- A favourite in our ugly section, Joey Barton faces a long spell out of football as the FA looks set to ban him over his assault on team mate Ousmane Dabo
- Sunderlanda€s Chopra is banned for three games after a straight red in a friendly against Sporting Lisbon and then his manager, Roy Keane, is sent to the stands after complaining. It doesna€™t look good for the Premier Leaguea€™s respect referees campaign this season. Watch the FA’s video for this campaign here.
