[Dae]

Word has it that JVP has been banned from all football until a decision is reached on his punching of the ref. I fear we might lose this guy for good. It's too bad the players can't lose with some dignity. They acted like asses at Euro 2000 and the same thing happened here. I understand passion and the disappointment, as I felt it myself, but give me a f*cking break. The man is not a petulant two year-old, is he?

 

[Dae]

Interesting line-up, but you are assuming we keep Viana and Jardel. I have a feeling both could be gone. We already lost Babb.


I think JVP can be banned period. FIFA banned MAradona from all football when he failed the drug test, no? I think UEFA would follow their lead.


If JVP is indeed out, then keeping Tello would become a higher priority. He's no JVP (as JVP has been awesome for us) but he has potential that Sporting haven't even bothered to tap.

 

[Dae]

I also say Viana should stick around for the next season, if not next two. He's only 19, afterall and stands to improve immensely if given playing time. He already has a starting role for a championship team who is about to give the CL another try. The CL will already be tougher without Babb and now JVP, so we need him.


As for Jardel, it's really a case of his ego. He thinks he should be dominating Spain or Italy with a big club. Perhaps, but he has a chance to lead SCP into the CL and be a hero. Without his goal scoring threat, I don't see us doing much next year. Nicu should be back and he's a great second forward, but he doesn't have that killer touch like the big arrogant sh*t named Jardel.

 

[Dae]

Joao Pinto May Be Sacked By Sporting


Joao Pinto may be forced to look for a new club (Allsport)
06/24/2002. Joao Pinto may be sacked by Sporting Lisbon if he is banned by Fifa for punching referee Angel Sanchez.

The incident occurred during Portugal's defeat to South Korea that saw them eliminated from the World Cup. Pinto was sent-off for a rash challenge and was then said to have assaulted Sanchez.

"If the punishment is severe, we would have to make a tough decision," said Sporting president Dias da Cunha.

"If the ban is long, the coach will have to inform me what he intends to happen. Joao Pinto is no ordinary player, though, so the last word will be mine."

Da Cunha says the club will defend Joao Pinto at his Fifa hearing.

Anybody know when the ruling comes down?