Arsenal VS Chelsea



As usual we take a look at the communication messages in football that concern Arsenal, the buzz this time is all about the clash between Arsenal and Chelsea. Usualy the second clash between these two teams would come at a time when Chelsea would need the three points as they would be chasing the league title. However this season Chelsea need the three points to move closer to a Champions league qualification spot.

Some people think that Chelsea will have their second leg Champions league clash with Barcelona in the back of their minds and will hold back. Others such as Chelsea midfielder Ramires believe that Chelsea will want to win as they still wish to do well in the league. Ramires reffering to Arsenals 5-3 victory over Chelsea earlier in the season said; "I wouldn't say we owe Arsenal, but we must play to win" (GiveMeFootball).

From what Chelsea have told us on their official website (chelseafc.com) they will be without Didier Drogba and so Torres is likely to feature and he has been showing a steady increase in form. Arsenal will of course be without the likes of Arteta and Jack Willshere but that is something many fans know about as Arsenal has communicated about the sutation previously.

From a communication point of view it will be interesting to see what not only the clubs but what other people also have to say after this encounter. Most pre-match communication indicates that despite the result in the first half of the season Chelsea are seen as favourites to win. This could be due to the dominance that Chelsea have shown over Arsenal in recent seasons. However others say that the dominance was due in large part to Didier Drogba who of course will be absent from this encounter. All we can do now is wait for the game any predictions?

UEFA's Double Standards

Is UEFA really saying NO to racism?  

(euronews.com)



                                                                                           Man City complain about racist conduct

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Im sure by now the story of Mario Balloteli being racialy abused by Porto fans is not new to anyone. Now whatever Mario's shortcomings racism is something that should be discouraged anywhere in society, not just in football. It is shocking to hear that all Porto recived was a smack on the the wrist with a mere 20 000 Euro fine. UEFA always communicates the message that racism is something that they do not tolerate and engages in many various campagns to reinforce this message. Howerver taking what has happened with Porto as our latest peace of evidence we can see that what UEFA say and what they do are two VERY differnt things. On an issue that UEFA is meant to have zero tolerance about they fine a club about half a weeks worth of wages of one of its players. Has Porto or its fans learned anything from this? SURE, they have learned that they can behave in a dispicable manner and get away with it.

  Another fine and touchline ban for Arsene!?

guardian.co.uk

The story however doesnt end here, Porto get a smack on the wrist for racism but flip the coin to Arsenal's side and it is clear that using double standards is how UEFA plan to operate. I was supprised when I read Arseblog to find out that the same governing body that dishes out a mere 20 000 Euro fine for racist conduct dishes out a 40 000 Euro fine for disagreeing with a referee. This is what Arsene Wenger got and he even recieved a three game touchline ban to boot! So what UEFA is saying here is that in football the fans of clubs can be racist, but if a club and its mananger dare to have an oppinion then that is just not tolerated. The results of having an oppinion and communicating it should be so severe that clubs or manangers dare not question often very questionable conduct from UEFA and match officials etc.

Well it certainly seems like UEFA has their priorities in the right place (sacasm) restricting any negative communication towards them but allowing for something as unruly as racist conduct to constantly permeate football. The irony, oh the irony! Not long ago Chelsea captain John Terry was too accused of racist condut but I suppose according to UEFA standards its ok as the message he communicated was "hey i'm racist" and not "sorry UEFA I don't agree with one of your match officials."