Smoke me a kipper

Arsenal's Kai Havertz was pulled down in the box by defender Nobel Mendy, but because he was offside the referee awarded the free-kick to Hull City 😯❌

The handball definition:

I listened to the High Performance Business podcast with Paul Gilroy KC discussing the Man City case (link below). I thought Paul was forthright and enjoyed his thoughts. He also confirmed he had heard a rumour corroborating my exclusive from the other day; that the sanctioning process has proceeded. His assertions did contain some inaccuracies, which I address below. I did, however, feel the hosts were disingenuous and contemptible throughout. Every assertion and reflection was geared to cast blame and frustration with the process rather than the orchestrator of this situation, Man City. As for the inaccuracies: The delay between issuing the decision (in July) and publication (in September) was due to the parties contesting the definition of the decision and sequencing of sanctions vs appeal - at both a Commission and Appeal Board. It did not involve any discussion with club execs about what to do. A settlement is not possible. That rule is new as of this season and does not apply to proceedings initiated prior. A settlement must also be ratified by a Commission as not unduly lenient. Given the entire matter has been heard by the Commission, the reality is sanctioning sits entirely with them (and an Appeal Board) now. The names were redacted because at the time of publication, the sanctions hearing had not been undertaken. Publishing risked the integrity of the process due to the tribal nature of football fans and the unmanageable risk they pose. The Everton example was not analogous given the names of the panel were only published after sanctioning. The Appeal Board convened pre-publication was for a specific purpose (described above). It is unclear whether the same panel will also hear the substantive appeal on liability or not. The Fordham arrangement is no longer “alleged”. It has been proven. Regardless of what Soriano stated, the case does not rest upon one concept - the “funding thread”. The breaches pertaining to the Fordham arrangement and the double contracts are entirely independent of how sponsors were funded. That should have been clarified. The suggestion that the PL could now alter strategy based on a cost / benefit analysis or demands of club execs is not plausible. The process now sits outside PL control. The Commission and Appeal Board govern it. And as I outline in the post below, it is unlikely to be heard at the High Court in my opinion. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcas…

Now I'm going to say something that isn't very woke. But it comes from the truth of my upbringing in Rusholme/Moss Side. If a bloke was known to be a nonce/rapist in the way that far too many in the entertainment industry seemingly are then he would be dealt with by the family and friends of one or more of the victims. There would be no debate. My sister was slapped once by a boyfriend when she was in her late teens and he was lucky that I didn't find him on the night. But also he never returned to the area again. His card was marked. So I know for an absolute fact that if anything more serious had happened he would not have been left to wander the streets. For me to hear so many reports of these slimy fuckers behaving in such a disgusting manner for years and it being 'well known in the industry' then I question the people in that industry. His money and fame would not stop me doing that man serious damage and the threat to my career in any industry would not stop me dealing with the problem either. Some things deserve zero tolerance.

Hate to be the one to tell you, but Forest haven’t won at home all season in the premier league. In fact, they haven’t scored a single goal. Make peace folks. Prime Barca performance incoming. 🤦🏽‍♂️