Premier League 2020/21

[Lineker]

Quote

Newcastle United’s owner, Mike Ashley, has claimed “dark forces” are preventing the struggling Premier League club from emerging as a football superpower after HMRC quietly discontinued a long-running investigation into its tax affairs.

In 2017 tax officials raided St James’ Park as part of a £5m fraud probe involving player agents and transfer fees. Amid considerable publicity Lee Charnley, Newcastle’s managing director, was arrested at his home around dawn and briefly taken into custody before being released without charge. Meanwhile a number of laptops and mobile phones were seized from offices within the stadium.

No formal charges were ever brought and HMRC has now given Newcastle formal confirmation that it is dropping the criminal investigation.

In a statement yesterday Ashley, who has initiated a second legal action against the Premier League relating to Newcastle’s failed Saudi Arabian-led takeover last year, hinted that there was a wider conspiracy against the club from within football. “After four years of the club being subjected to this investigation I am pleased the criminal investigation has now been discontinued,” he said.

“It is now time for the dark forces that are preventing this football club from becoming the powerhouse that the fans deserve to step aside.” The retail magnate is already pursuing an arbitration case against the Premier League as he endeavours to revive his collapsed £300m sale of Newcastle to the Saudis and on Thursday it emerged that he is also pursuing a separate anti-competition law action aimed at securing damages, interest and costs relating to the takeover.

The UK competition appeal tribunal (CAT) says it received a claim for damages from Ashley’s St James’ Holdings company on 22 April, under section 47A of the Competition Act 1998.

A court document stated: “The claim states that the defendant (the Premier League) exercised its power to block the proposed takeover when it decided the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would be a director exercising “control” over NUFC.

“In reaching the director decision, the defendant failed to apply the rules in a fair, objective and non-discriminatory fashion and/or used its powers under the rules for the improper purpose of promoting its own commercial interests and/or the interests of its business associates and/or certain of the Premier League member clubs in a manner that was detrimental to competition and consumers.”

 

[Colly]

Thank you MOTD for using the term "level" several times when discussing the ruled out Kane goal. More of this please.

[Baddar]

Fuck the 1 year deal, give him 4 or 5.

[Lineker]

11 minutes ago, Baddar said:

Fuck the 1 year deal, give him 4 or 5.

Quote

That’s 31 points United have picked up from losing positions this season; without those points, they would be on 39 – level with Newcastle. Avoid defeat at Molineux on the final day, and they will also complete an unbeaten season away from home.

Sneaky good season.

[Lineker]

Fully braced for Liverpool to backdoor it into 4th now.

[Kaney]

Willian did an Arsenal goal! Maybe this is just what we needed to turn a corner and finally push on this season

[Gazz]

Narrator: They didn't.

[King Ellis]

Kinda surprised Big Sam didn't pull a Ken Bates administration special and resign in the 89th minute in order to maintain his 'never been relagated' tag.

[gunnar hendershow]

Since January 1st, Fulham have managed to score 3 goals at Craven Cottage. In that same span of time Burnley have scored 5 goals at Craven Cottage.

[Colly]

When was the last time relegation was completely wrapped up with 3 games left? Has it ever happened?

Add to that the title being done bar a ridiculous turn of events and the end of the season is a bit dull. Champions League places the only thing left.

[FLiam]

22 minutes ago, Colly said:

When was the last time relegation was completely wrapped up with 3 games left? Has it ever happened?

Add to that the title being done bar a ridiculous turn of events and the end of the season is a bit dull. Champions League places the only thing left.

Sky Sports are saying that it's a first. At least in PL history.

[Baddar]

On 09/05/2021 at 18:36, Lineker said:

Fully braced for Liverpool to backdoor it into 4th now.

If United beat Leicester tonight (not guaranteed, especially with the fixture congestion this week), I think they will.

[DavidMarrio]

4 hours ago, Baddar said:

If United beat Leicester tonight (not guaranteed, especially with the fixture congestion this week), I think they will.

You shut your mouth! I'm not having you jinx our slim chance!

I think we need to win all our games and I just don't see that happening  It's the hope that kills you

[Hobo]

Just watch as Big Nat Phillips goes on a scoring spree like he's 2013 Martin Skrtel (but without the own goals)

[Lineker]

Quote

A 24-year-old man has been arrested after a video emerged on social media appearing to show Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie in an altercation with some young men.

In the video, a man is seen stamping on the phone he is being filmed on, before fighting with another man.

North Yorkshire Police said that "a 24-year-old man" had been "arrested in connection with an incident which involved another man being assaulted".

He remains in custody.

The police statement added: "The 21-year-old victim sustained facial injuries during the incident, which happened shortly before 8.30pm on Saturday, 8 May on High Street in Knaresborough."

Sheffield United said they were "aware that police are now involved following the emergence of a video circulating on social media over the weekend".

A club statement added: "As a club, we will do all we can to assist enquiries, as well as continue our own investigation."

Scotland international McBurnie, 24, is part of the Blades squad whose relegation from the Premier League was confirmed on 17 April

He was ruled out for the campaign - and this summer's Euros - after fracturing his foot on 11 April during United's 3-0 defeat by Arsenal.

 

[DavidMarrio]

I'd like to think the altercation was over McBurnie always having his socks down really low and he got offended by that. But it's going to totally not be the case 

[Baddar]

McBurnie does seem like an absolute fucking weapon mind. The type who draws attention to himself by dressing like a twat, and then telling everyone exactly who he is.

[Baddar]

Ole definitely has Liverpool in mind.

[DavidMarrio]

14 minutes ago, Baddar said:

Ole definitely has Liverpool in mind.

Scum.

Force a postponement on us and a Thursday night game and then field that pile of crap against Leicester 

[Lineker]

Watch tonight get postponed as well!