|
England Players Vote To Strike
England Players Vote To Strike10/08/2003. Despite an FA statement insisting that discussions with senior England players had been "amicable" in the wake of Rio Ferdinandâs omission from the squad to face Turkey in Saturdayâs Euro 2004 qualifier, The Times newspaper is reporting that the England squad has taken "the unprecedented decision to go on strike" unless the FA reinstates their team-mate. According to the report, the entire squad are furious at what they perceive as unfair treatment of the Manchester United defender. Apparently they gathered for a vote and the unanimous decision was to inform Sven-Göran Eriksson that they would not take to the field in Istanbul. Other reports, and the FA themselves, have played down suggestions of any rebellion in the playersâ camp. A strike would presumably mean the game being called off and the points awarded to Turkey. But The Times claims the strength of feeling among the squad is such that this is a real possibility. It also suggests that the FA cannot now back down after having taken a "principled stance" to drop Ferdinand for failing to take a drugs test. The newspaper reports that at lunchtime on Tuesday, eight senior players held an emergency meeting with Mark Palios, the new FA chief executive who was conspicuous by his non-appearance in front of the media during the day, and argued that Ferdinand should be allowed to represent his country before any disciplinary action was taken. Palios reportedly repeated the FAâs position that, although there is no rule stipulating that Ferdinand had to be dropped, the governing body believes it would be inappropriate to select a player who is almost certain to be charged with an offence at a hearing on Monday. The players feel Ferdinand is being punished before he has been found guilty and that he should be allowed to play in this vital match. According to The Times, four of Ferdinandâs Old Trafford team-mates â Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Gary and Phil Neville â led the delegation in the discussions with Palios and they were joined later by David James, Michael Owen, Sol Campbell and David Beckham. They are probably unlikely to persuade Palios to reverse the decision, but the FA is apparently shaken by the strength of the playersârevolt. Hey Bulldog whatâs going on in the English squad? Posted by: Murat 2003-10-08 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=19605 |