Ricco: On the inside of football with John Richardson

Palace and Everton's 1-1 draw caused quite a stir in the Croydon council chamber

CRYSTAL PALACE’s fighting 1-1 draw at Everton on Monday night caused a rumpus in the Croydon council chamber.

 

While a heated debate over the future of the area’s famed Fairfield Halls ensued two councillors were spotted watching their local side on an iPad stream.

They were condemned as being “incredibly disrespectful” forcing one of them Pat Ryan to insist: “If people feel that I was not concentrating than I can assure you them that was not the case.” Now was he referring to the Fairfield Halls or Alan Pardew’s team?

 

A Euro let-off for Man U fans

Disillusioned Manchester United fans have been let off when it comes to following their club in the much derided Europa League.

Under the much criticised Automatic Cup Scheme, Old Trafford season ticket holders are obliged to pay for any home ties in domestic and European knockout competitions.

Although that was in force for the Champions League the United bean counters have shelved the commitment when it comes around to the Europa League. It comes after former star Rio Ferdinand dubbed the club’s involvement as “embarrassing.”

 

Sky lose out in Neville chase

It was a frustrating trip for a Sky Sports camera unit when they covered Gary Neville’s unveiling last week as Valencia head coach.

Despite having been the station’s erudite football pundit - so good that he was offered a five year deal worth around £15 million to stay - the former Manchester United player’s one on one in front of the cameras was to bitter rivals BT Sport.

They are the rights holders for the Champions League and took their opportunity with Neville’s first game in charge, the visit of Lyon in Europe’s premier competition leaving his former employers out in the cold.

 

Not renowned for his football skills, rapper Kanye West has joined forces with Adidas to design a new football boot based on his street shoe known evidently in the trade as a Yeezy.

Thumbs up

To Arsenal for delivering when the heat was on in Greece to reach the Champions League knockout stage, maintaining a proud record of qualifying for the last 16 in every season since 2000.

Manager Arsene Wenger has been around the block enough times to know that he would have come under severe scrutiny if the Gunners had fallen.

But against the odds, having suffered a mountain of injuries they hit their straps.

 Thumbs down 

To the barmy decision by the FA to ban local newspapers from publishing results and league tables for kids of under 11.

Evidently it’s to protect the losers, the poor things might suffer long term psychological damage as they revisit the result in print or look at the league table.

Maybe this could be extended to the professional game so those who follow the less successful sides can for once enjoy their Sundays!