BY FAN FUEL – SOCCER CENTRAL INSIDERS
In this week’s edition of Soccer Central Ask the Insiders, Gerry Dobson, Craig Forrest and Daniel Fernandes answer several fan questions including what they think of the Luis Suarez biting incident and whether Gareth Bale will leave the Spurs.
Ryan asks: What are your thoughts on the supposed Luis Suarez bite on Branislav Ivanovic’s arm?
Gerry Dobson: Despite the outcry from the Liverpool camp on the so-called severity of the 10 match ban, notice that there is no appeal. It was a disgusting act from a repeat offender. A suitable sentence in my opinion. Perhaps this will get the job done.
Craig Forrest: Suarez is a repeat offender so that didn’t help his case.
Daniel Fernandes: I think the 10 match ban is fair. He previously had seven games for biting in the Dutch League and eight games for racial abuse in the BPL. So the ban was always going to have to be higher because it was not a first time offence. Regardless of his earlier offences, biting is inexcusable.
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Dave asks: What do you think of Juventus being hit with a fine for their fans participating in a racist chant towards Milan players? Is the next step taking points away?
Gerry Dobson: I’ve never thought that a fine was sufficient for racist behaviour. Docking points hits the club and their supporters where it really hurts. To me it’s the only thing that will deter this stuff, short of banning large groups of fans. Education of young people beyond the sports world is obviously required as well. There are serious societal root causes at play here.
Craig Forrest: Agree that something else needs to be done. Racist chanting is unacceptable
Sebastian asks: Do you think Gareth Bale will leave the Spurs? If so, where will he end up?
Gerry Dobson: Do I think he’ll stay? I have no idea. Do I hope he’ll stay? Yes. Look at Gotze, look at Lewandowski, and look at RVP last year. I never like it when teams are gutted by the move of their biggest star. Spurs need Bale to remain competitive. And we all need and want competition at the top.
Craig Forrest: Champions League football could factor in to a move. If Spurs are in the UCL next season, he may want to stay. But every player has a price, I imagine the asking price for Bale is very, very high. Just depends on whether there is a club that is willing to spend a massive amount to get him.
Daniel Fernandes: It may hinge on whether or not Spurs makes it into the Champions League. I don’t think Bale is unhappy at Spurs, but great players always aspire to play at the highest level. If Tottenham is unable to qualify for Europe’s elite competition, Bale may force their hand. An astronomical transfer bid would also force their hand to sell.