Rooney will play despite manager's disappointmment

Thursday, 7 September, 2017 93comments  |  Jump to most recent

Ronald Koeman says he sees no reason why Wayne Rooney won't feature against Tottenham on Saturday despite expressing his displeasure the player's arrest for drink driving.

The 31-year-old was charged with driving over the legal limit and goes before a magistrate on the 18th of this month but despite relentless press coverage of his private life and Everton's own need to deal with the issue of his legal transgression, he will still play in the meantime.

“Obviously, I'm very disappointed with the situation regarding Wayne Rooney,” Koeman said. We have spoken — and that was last Tuesday — and the chairman, Bill Kenwright, also spoke to Wayne about this situation.

“In line with any disciplinary matter, this will be dealt with internally by the club at the appropriate time.”

Asked if he felt Rooney's performances would be affected by the media circus currently surrounding his private life, the manager said that he has seen no reason not to play the 31-year-old this weekend.

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“If I see that Wayne is not in the right condition physically or mentally to play then he won't play.”

 

Reader Comments (93)

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Derek Knox
1 Posted 07/09/2017 at 14:45:17
Without condoning Rooney's behaviour, I hope he can put it to one side on Saturday, and play his heart out, and prove his detractors wrong.

It won't be easy, but I feel we need to win this one, otherwise, with the run of games coming up, we could see us slip behind.

David Barks
3 Posted 07/09/2017 at 15:23:59
Of course. Break the law and embarrass the club as well as your family, you're in the team. We'll keep that in house. But Barkley and Mirallas and Niasse, we will go public with all details and claims of never playing for the first team again, being sent away for a poor attitude, being sold if not signing a new contract.

But Rooney, yes, all will be kept private and he'll be right back in the first team. But wanting to play as an attacking player in my 7-8 defensive player lineup, that's a horrible attitude and I will not have it and I will go public with your horrible attitude and that we will try to sell you. Is that about right?

Simon Lloyd
4 Posted 07/09/2017 at 15:24:07
Now then Wayne, I'm not angry with you, I'm just very disappointed.
Sam Hoare
5 Posted 07/09/2017 at 15:24:18
He also said Vlasic would be in the matchday squad and could play.

Big match vs Spurs given the capitulation at Chelsea, Rooney's misdemeanour and a disappointing end to the transfer window.

Get 3 points (any which way) and it will go some way to returning a more positive spirit to the club and fans. Gonna be very tough though, Spurs are everything I wish we were: Organised, fast, energetic; tough to score against AND able to produce plenty of chances.

Alan J Thompson
6 Posted 07/09/2017 at 15:51:41
"Reading from a prepared statement..." - at least somebody has learnt the lesson, and not before time.
Ian Burns
7 Posted 07/09/2017 at 15:57:48
I will be very disappointed in Everton if Rooney is found guilty on 18th September and they do not ban him for a given number of games – simply to make the right statement for the club, the player and as an example to our excellent youth players.

In the meantime he can pop one in tomorrow.

John G Davies
8 Posted 07/09/2017 at 16:08:53
And rightly so.
James Stewart
9 Posted 07/09/2017 at 16:12:35
I couldn't care less about Rooney or his situation. As far as I'm concerned, he is backup for Sigurdsson. Calvert-Lewin should play up top with Sigurdsson just behind.

Daniel Lim
10 Posted 07/09/2017 at 16:17:09
Why must Rooney be banned? If you want punishment, wouldn't a fine be enough? Why must we do something to benefit our rivals? Why don't you just suggest that Rooney be sold in January?

And I like that Koeman read from a pre-written script. Otherwise I could imagine he said something stupid again.

Michael Lynch
11 Posted 07/09/2017 at 16:19:26
I think Ronald is being pragmatic, and making a statement to the board about the disappointments of the transfer window at the same time.

Essentially he's saying "Look, the lad wouldn't get into my squad in normal circumstances, but needs must. If the board would gave got me any of options 1 to 6 that I asked for, he would be washing my car til we can ship him out in January. But we simply haven't got enough strikers, and he's kept his head down and not moaned, so if Calvert-Lewin, Sandro, Rooney and Michael Lynch's nan all break their legs, I might give him ten minutes at the end of a league cup game against Barnet."


Barry Williams
12 Posted 07/09/2017 at 16:21:11
Koeman reading from a script is okay, he isn't a native English speaker.
Tony Everan
13 Posted 07/09/2017 at 16:43:03
Sam (#5),

You're right there about it being tough on Saturday. Spurs are the real deal and we're right on it last season at Goodison.

It's a great test though and we will find out a bit more about quite a few of our players. I'm hoping we can compete toe to toe with them and keep it very tight. Between Sigurdsson and Rooney we can get a goal or two from them or an assist.

Kim Vivian
14 Posted 07/09/2017 at 17:06:44
To propose banning Rooney from playing matches for drink drivingis one of the most absurd suggestions I have heard in some time. If it was Sigurdsson, or Keane, or Pickford would you say the same?

A hefty fine for sure (maybe a weeks wages – donated to EitC perhaps), because what the court hands out will be immaterial to Wayne, but to suggest potentially weakening the team as a means of reprimand is just utter nonsense.

Good luck to Niasse. I don't hold out a lot of optimism but you just never know.

Jerome Shields
15 Posted 07/09/2017 at 17:10:47
Koeman and the board have no choice. They paid big money for him and took him at his word. It contrasts with his attitude to Barkley and Niasse.

Maybe he might get off his high horse and encourage players, instead of trying to get rid of them because they don't conform to what he thinks is tactics.

Be prepared for big let downs from this manager. Arrogance is a combination of pride and ignorance.

Mark Frere
16 Posted 07/09/2017 at 17:12:23
"I will be very disappointed in Everton if Rooney is found guilty on 18th September and they do not ban him for a given number of games – simply to make the right statement for the club, the player and as an example to our excellent youth players."

Well, Ian, that would be cutting off our nose to spite the face, don't you think?

Look, I'm not proud of Rooney's actions and the whole episode reflects more badly on him, rather than Everton. It's an unrelated football matter, and unless it's something truly vile (which it isn't) that he's done, then my main concern is that he plays well on the football pitch, for us (a la Stoke second half performance).

I don't really give a shit about the players private life or the sentimental part of the game. All the money and agents have ruined that part of football.

Paul Thompson
17 Posted 07/09/2017 at 17:20:08
In all the commetns about Rooney and Niasse, the info that Vlasic is in the squad and could play has been overlooked. I for one am looking forward to seeing what kind of impact he can make.
Fran Mitchell
18 Posted 07/09/2017 at 17:27:02
To those wanting Rooney condemned, I Hope you take the same stance with any mate who has drunk and driven and promptly petitioned for them to be sacked.

And If.course, no one here has ever had a a few drinks and taken the wheel of a car, never.

On Niasse, odds on him breaking Dixies' Record?

Anthony Burke
19 Posted 07/09/2017 at 17:33:28
I hope Rooney plays. He made a bad judgment call but let's not forget he's only human, we all make mistakes. I'm not condoning what he did but let's just move on from this quickly and get back to winning ways. COYB!!!
Terry Underwood
20 Posted 07/09/2017 at 17:38:56
Rooney is paid to play football, he is just one of many, driving after a bevy too many. Big fuckin' deal. His football ability remains unaffected.

As for Niasse, He scored goals for a terrible Hull side. Surely, we can provide him with better service than them. Really hope he makes it. His attitude has been brilliant, never slagging off the manager or club. Go Oumar.

COYMB

John G Davies
21 Posted 07/09/2017 at 17:43:27
Ian, 15.

Prepare yourself to be very disappointed on the 18th.

A few bevies should sort you out.

Will Mabon
22 Posted 07/09/2017 at 17:59:23
I don't know who, or how it's happened, but finally, finally, i club, and understood the damage that was being caused - to that appears someone has realized it's time to get a grip of the PR at thee image of the club, but more importantly, to the spirit of the team.

The list of mistakes is well known and don't need repeating. Hopefully it's all over. When Rooney is "Dealt with", it should be reported as addressed within the club and the details withheld, including no fanfare of moral dividend, should some wages be diverted to EitC or similar. Let's get back to being Everton.

If this was a movie (as opposed to Coronation Street), Koeman would get the lads together, all the lads, and fire them up for the Spurs game like never before. We'd sacrifice one game of chess for an all-out blast and go for a Man City at home performance like last season. Time to rebuild the heart and soul.

Ian Burns
23 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:02:24
John (#22) – You are presuming I wish him ill on the 18th – I most certainly don't. To be found not guilty of drink driving would be the perfect solution.

My point is, if he is found guilty, it would not go amiss if he missed a couple of games so Koeman can really show how disappointed he was by his actions and thereby set an example to our youngsters.

To others who have criticised my post, of course I do not wish to weaken any side Koeman wishes to put out and nobody can out gin me, believe me – however, I stand by my belief that a couple of games would set the right example.

Will Mabon
24 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:12:08
Rick, you're right – he wasn't ostracized, he was loaned out to a lower club for "Development", just like the younger lads...
Mike Gaynes
25 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:17:23
Ian (#24), I certainly don't disagree that it would be a good and appropriate example, but there are productive alternatives to suspension.

I'd like to see him not only making a hefty donation to EitC but actually serving that program in some way – doing community service, as it were. Out front, in public, demonstrating his contrition rather than sitting home out of public view or up in the stands in a jacket and tie.

Rick Pattinson
26 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:25:29
Rooney's punishment should be coming on as a sub for Niasse. Niasse to start the next five games. Imagine that Sandro and Niasse upfront... defenders will quake at the mere sight!
Will Mabon
27 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:29:30
"Out front, in public, demonstrating his contrition rather than sitting home out of public view or up in the stands in a jacket and tie. "

You're entitled to your opinion, Mike, but could you please explain what you think would be served by having him demonstrate his contrition?

Nigel Munford
28 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:31:02
Will, mowing the grass outside Finch Farm maybe?
Nigel Munford
29 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:31:52
With a high viz jacket on.
Darren Hind
30 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:32:36
He's done more U-turns than a hard-up taxi driver.
Will Mabon
31 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:33:34
Some of those tear jet tubes used in the Gazza TV ads maybe?
Eddie Dunn
32 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:35:48
This is pragmatism. Rooney is a very important player and due to his vast experience and illustrious past he gets special treatment.

Niasse has worked hard and deserves a chance, and as we are short of strikers it makes sense to include him. This all seems sensible to me. The result on the field is paramount.

Mike Gaynes
33 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:39:02
Like I said, Will... showing service rather than just writing a check and hiding out in the house. Ian was talking about setting an example.
Kevin Prytherch
34 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:46:55
Link

I don't usually compare us to them, but I don't recall there being much of a fuss about this one. The club dealt with it internally and it didn't affect his selection.

The calls for Rooney to donate a week's wage to Everton in the Community are a good one; we should also make him do internal community service with Everton in the Community. He's far more beneficial helping out the needy than being banned for a few games.

Danny Broderick
35 Posted 07/09/2017 at 18:58:07
It's a bit OTT asking for the club to suspend him if he is found guilty, in my opinion. We can punish him without cutting off our nose. Have a word with him, fine him, etc.

You have to be fair with these things. In a football sense, Rooney has been setting an excellent example by all accounts ever since he has come back. He has not missed a training session, he's played pretty much every game, and players and management have praised his impact. After a hectic start to the season, and with 2 weeks between games, he has gone out drinking and had an absolute aberration of a night out. He will no doubt be beating himself up about it already - he might end up losing his family over this.

I can't help thinking that we, as a football club, should be supporting him a bit. The courts will take care of the legal side of this i.e. the drink driving. He will pay his dues. We have to make sure that his head is right for playing football.

Will Mabon
36 Posted 07/09/2017 at 19:02:28
I know where you're coming from, Mike. I just wonder if it's all too late for that kind of thing today, things being as they are. He'd probably end up as some kind of fake hero on social media.

I bet he's getting plenty from his wife and family, who will be telling him exactly what time it is.

Keith Monaghan
37 Posted 07/09/2017 at 19:04:38
Terry @36.

You're totally wrong – any sports scientist will tell you that consuming alcohol has a negative effect on the body's ability to perform, especially when consumed frequently &/or in large quantities.

Apart from the recent instance in Alderley Edge & Wilmslow, there were at least 3 well-documented incidents (including the Bellew fight) in the last few months of his time at Man Utd.

Rooney is paid a hell of a lot of money per week to play football for Everton and all sports professionals have a duty to look after their bodies as part of this.

Without the involvement of the media, our manager, living in Alderley Edge, would have found out about this incident – Rooney and only Rooney is to blame – the same Rooney who rejected Everton in 2004.

Kim Vivian
38 Posted 07/09/2017 at 19:10:20
Good post Danny. The family fuck-up is properly bad for him, and more likely to affect his game depending on how Colleen chooses to react. The drink driving, by the grace of God, thankfully caused no harm to anybody on this occasion.

Not condoning, but as Fran says above, very few people have not taken the risk at some stage. Time to move on. Drama over now.

John Pierce
39 Posted 07/09/2017 at 19:11:52
Rooney won't be phased, to be honest, apart from coming back with United for games at Goodison not sure anything ever has.

As for the club, I repeat my earlier stance. It's not Koeman's job to deal with this. He is the coach and that's it, the only relevant question is will he play?

A Communications officer deals with the journalists and that's that.

But it would be Wayne to get the winner Saturday. 👀

Mike Gaynes
40 Posted 07/09/2017 at 19:14:06
I dunno, Will. Just seems like a suspension is a pretty empty gesture too, especially considering it hurts the club more than the offender.

No question, though, that whatever the club does will pale by comparison to what he's going to take from the missus. Attempting to cheat on a pregnant wife when she's out of town with the kids could wind up costing him far more than any fine or suspension.

Steavey Buckley
41 Posted 07/09/2017 at 19:22:25
It does show that, if players have too much time on their hands and need to expend their energies somewhere else, they should be training longer and harder. The average person who puts in a real shift of work everyday is usually too tired at the end of the day for any shenanigans.
Malcolm Dixon
42 Posted 07/09/2017 at 19:25:05
I just want us to win.
Will Mabon
43 Posted 07/09/2017 at 19:25:51
"The average person who puts in a real shift of work everyday is usually too tired at the end of the day for any shenanigans."

Steavey, there's always a second wind available with the right motivation.

Steavey Buckley
44 Posted 07/09/2017 at 19:28:35
Steavey, there's always a second wind available with the right motivation.

But in the case of Mr Rooney the opposite occurred.

David Barks
45 Posted 07/09/2017 at 19:32:37
Yeah, who cares. Not like drinking and driving has every killed anybody, right? And if it has, not like it did this time, right? So who cares. I mean, we can do whatever we want until someone gets killed. Until then, none of us should care.

Just make sure you have that same attitude if a loved one is killed by one of these people who decided to drink and then get behind the wheel. Make sure you keep that attitude of it not being a big deal and definitely don't expect any real punishment for the offender.

That would be unreasonable, since it's really no big deal and apparently everyone does it.

Kevin Tully
46 Posted 07/09/2017 at 19:57:03
Gibson actually injured a cyclist didn't he? Pienaar also got done for drink driving and I believe he was also cautioned for domestic violence issues?

We have just taken back a twice convicted, class A drug abuser, to work with the younger players! An ex-jailbird is our first team coach

Plenty of material for the righteous amongst us. Get stuck in, lads.

Mike Berry
47 Posted 07/09/2017 at 20:04:49
The run out will sweat all that booze out of him. I hope Ron has torn a strip of him in training and worked his sock off.

No second chance here, the next transgression and he will be sacked, mark my words.

Ian Burns
48 Posted 07/09/2017 at 20:19:28
Kevin (#46),

I have over time enjoyed your occasional article on TW and your oft posts on a range of subjects. However, as this is an Everton football forum I will not go into very difficult personal details as to why I believe Rooney should serve a small ban (given he is guilty of course) to show our youngsters not all things idolised footballers do should be followed. I am sorry to say I found your post offensive.

Stephen Brown
49 Posted 07/09/2017 at 20:24:27
Let's be honest, he's been a complete idiot but, as lots have said, there are so many similar cases to this that we've forgotten about after 5 mins!

Let's move on! Happy for him to score the winner on Saturday.

Kevin Tully
50 Posted 07/09/2017 at 20:42:32
Sorry about that, Ian - no offence intended.

I won't judge Rooney because I broke the law this morning. I was doing over 90 mph on a clear motorway.

So if I came on here and raged against the man, that would make me a massive hypocrite. That's my point, Ian.

Again, apologies if I upset you in any way.

Ian Burns
51 Posted 07/09/2017 at 20:50:54
Hi Kevin – many thanks and apology accepted. Drink driving has caused many a family heartache; no need for details.

Let's hope Rooney pops one in tomorrow – and I will be raising a glass full of my favourite gin!

Chris Corn
52 Posted 07/09/2017 at 21:24:23
Big Duncan, custodial sentence for violence and convicted drink driver to boot. Sack him because he's a bad influence.

No ? I thought not !! Absolute double standards on here from some people.

John G Davies
53 Posted 07/09/2017 at 21:36:03
If one of your workmates got arrested for drunken driving, would you want him fined/suspended /sacked? No?

Why should it be any different for a footballer?

Stan Schofield
54 Posted 07/09/2017 at 21:46:27
It would be a good idea if ALL of Koeman's public statements were carefully scripted.
David Barks
55 Posted 07/09/2017 at 21:49:22
John,

Yes, if certain coworkers were arrested for drunken driving, they would be sacked, end of story. It's part of their contract. If your job involves having to operate a motor vehicle, and you are unable to fulfill that obligation due to your actions, bye bye. If your job is one as at the face of the company, whether as an executive or other more high profile position, yes you can lose your job.

As a public figure there is a double standard. How some of you do not understand this still surprises me. You are granted many more privileges and one of the costs is that your actions are much more heavily scrutinized. That is the way it works.

John Pierce
56 Posted 07/09/2017 at 21:59:14
Mike, the club took the player on full well in the knowledge that the lad has a past which could easily lead to a further reoccurrence, right?

Therefore not in my view an empty gesture to ban him for a game, though the drivers behind not doing so are clear to everyone.

Any ban or fine should of course come after conviction and sentencing.

A statement from the lad wouldn't hurt either, but Everton aren't that good at PR.

John G Davies
57 Posted 07/09/2017 at 22:00:13
David,

If you are driving for a living, or your job involves driving, after being banned of course you would lose your job. What about if your job does not involve driving?

It most certainly will not be in a footballers contract. If you think inner city kids would look at Rooney and think "I will copy him and get drunk", you should think again.

Chris Corn
58 Posted 07/09/2017 at 22:08:05
David, Rooney doesn't rely on his ability to drive and he isn't in an occupation, eg, public servant, whereby his ability to do his job is undermined by committing a crime. Not every occupation demands dismissal for committing drink drive or other criminal offences that don't attract custodial sentences, in fact plenty don't.

Football is certainly one of those where people have been convicted for all sorts and got back in the game.

Tell me, if your partner, sibling or mate made an error of judgement (and believe me, for those who say they wouldn't, it is very easy to do so) would you turn your back on them and insist they be sacked, especially if you relied on their income?

I find all this outrage towards Rooney quite hypocritical as I believe it is more to do with how people feel about him as an individual and not what he has actually done. That is why I cite 'legend' Duncan as an example of double standards.


Stan Schofield
59 Posted 07/09/2017 at 22:15:03
Various comments about Rooney's antics not setting a good example to youngsters are a bit unrealistic imo. I find it difficult to believe that many youngsters would be at all interested in what Rooney does outside of a football field. This is stuff for the age group on ToffeeWeb, not for youngsters.
David Barks
60 Posted 07/09/2017 at 23:19:24
John and Chris,

Please read the rest of my post where I talk about being an employee in the public eye. If you are a public figure you have different standards. Why do you think so many politicians are forced to resign when they have affairs?

D J Fanning
61 Posted 07/09/2017 at 00:04:22
Behind all the grotesque riches, Rooney is just like the rest of us – he gets pissed, he pulls a bird, he cocks up the journey home in elaborate style then ends up in the nick. As long as he's fit for Saturday, I don't care if he does daft things.

This season, I want him to ride his bike into the river, have a punch-up with a RS fan in a scruffy pub in Bootle, get booted out of a brothel for some complicated but silly misdemeanour and score at least 15 league goals to get us into the top four. You need heroes, in this locked-down life of obeisance to the banks et al.

Anto Byrne
62 Posted 08/09/2017 at 02:06:54
Banned from driving gets a fine.

The wife does a Tiger Woods and puts £100mil in the bank. China moves at the end of the season. Did they change the beer sponsor?

Mark Cooper
64 Posted 08/09/2017 at 08:33:26
Anto (#62), good point about the beer. He wouldn't have got drunk if we still sold Chang!
Eric Paul
65 Posted 08/09/2017 at 08:39:43
I don't trivialise what Rooney has done in any way but it's up to the courts to decide his punishment, not the club. I don't think you can compare footballers as public figures in the same way as politicians who are in public office.
Denis Richardson
66 Posted 08/09/2017 at 08:43:02
Tough one for me as you can see both sides as we don't have many attackers. However, at the end of the day, the law will deal with the offence and I'm sure there are clauses in Rooney's Everton contract detailing what actions the club can take if the player breaks certain rules/brings the club into disrepute etc.

I'm sure going out on a 7-hour bender is not conducive to maintaining peak physical shape so the club will definitely not look kindly on that. As for the DUI, the court will decide. He should at the very least be docked the max 2 weeks wages (not that he'll give a shit given he's worth £100m!) and start a few games on the bench. It's not a great sign for the club that a player goes out on a bender gets done for DUI and still starts the very next game – just shows desperation.

With Sigurdsson, Sandro and Calvert-Lewin – we don't need to have Rooney starting anyway. Might do him some good being benched for a while for being a prat.

Denis Richardson
67 Posted 08/09/2017 at 08:48:51
DJ 61 – so you're idea of a 'hero' is a drunken lout who gets into fights, goes to brothels and basically doesn't take care of himself, doesn't respect the law or others, but is ok if he sticks a few goals in?

I think you should look up the definition of 'role model' and ask yourself which type you'd like the youngsters at Goodison Park to look up to!

How old are you, btw, 13?

Dave Evans
68 Posted 08/09/2017 at 09:01:59
David Barks. Drink driving is reckless and can cost lives. Using your mobile phone while driving, smoking in a family home, feeding your kids crap food etc can cost many lives.

At which of these common death causing behaviours would you draw the line for an employee/player, in or out of the public eye, to be suspended or sacked?

John G Davies
69 Posted 08/09/2017 at 09:06:06
He's a sausage roll model.
Alan J Thompson
70 Posted 08/09/2017 at 10:10:48
He should be sentenced to community service and be made to go around all the brothels to convince them of the error of their ways.

And find out how much they earn while he's at it. He saves fallen ladies... Could he save a couple for me?

Chris Williams
71 Posted 08/09/2017 at 10:36:41
A flogging through the streets of Walton and then in the stocks by Dixie's statue to be pelted with rancid jockstraps is the least the scoundrel deserves.
Jer Kiernan
72 Posted 08/09/2017 at 10:44:36
Rooney should come out himself and publicly appologize. I was against this move and questioned whether judging by his girth at the start of season he was taking his responsibilities to the Everton fans (especially the younger fans) who have put their faith in him seriously.

One free header against Stoke does not a season make, we all make mistakes but he should be man enough to hold his hands up and say sorry.

I would think Bill Kenwright must feel like the dumb dog getting slapped in the face and coming back for more.

Chris Corn
73 Posted 08/09/2017 at 12:12:11
David (#60). The comparison you make is flawed.

A politician is a public servant paid for out of the public purse. They will resign because their credibility is undermined to perform their role on behalf of their constituents and taxpayer.

Footballers are private employees. Whether they are in the public eye is moot. Merson took drugs; Tony Adams, Joey Barton, Duncan Ferguson, Lee Hughes (who killed someone) all went to jail for various offences and all resumed their careers. It is a decision for the individual clubs as to what decision they take regarding their employees.

D J Fanning
74 Posted 08/09/2017 at 12:37:26
Hello Dennis (#67). All the best British sportsmen are drunks: Alex Higgins, George Best, Paul Gascoigne, for example. People who stumble through life in a series of comedy pratfalls are more fun to follow than the other straightbacks.

The youngsters at Goodison Park look up to 40,000 people like them, who are on their day off, some of whom might be at the beginnings of a silly state.

I'm 52½, btw.

Dermot Byrne
75 Posted 08/09/2017 at 12:57:02
Chris (#73): oh if it was so pure and had something to do with their ability "to perform their role on behalf of their constituent and taxpayer."

In the end it is just about the moral agenda of the Daily Mail, Sun (yeah Sun) and rest of Fleet Street/Media.

Does depends what you do. Tax "mistake" for Tory, OK. Sex with nanny. OK. Dick in dead pig. OK for PM's. Sloshed in The House. Fine for all. Leak government info? Fine for all.

In the end, written rules are just wheeled out to justify sacking after bad PR gaffs. And taxpayers are nowt to do with it.

Andrew Ellams
76 Posted 08/09/2017 at 13:03:49
What I'd really like to see is somebody at Everton ask Sky Sports how they intend to deal with Kirsty Gallacher's recent conviction for the same offence.
Chris Corn
77 Posted 08/09/2017 at 13:13:10
Fair enough, Dermo,t but my point still stands. They are private employees and it is up to the employer how they deal with them.

Dermot Byrne
78 Posted 08/09/2017 at 13:22:55
True Chris. Just two sides of the hypocritical self-interest coin!
David Graves
79 Posted 08/09/2017 at 13:24:16
I don't get the 'role model' argument. If you are looking for professional footballers to be role models to your kids, then you are only going to be disappointed!
Dermot Byrne
80 Posted 08/09/2017 at 13:25:22
Or the Mail, Andrew?

Link

Andrew Clare
81 Posted 08/09/2017 at 13:36:53
John (#69),

You made me laugh. I obviously have the same childish sense of humour that you have.

David (#79),

I love a cynic.

David Graves
82 Posted 08/09/2017 at 13:54:15
Just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids".

Charles Barkley.,"Just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids".
Charles Barkley.,,BlueKfrog,1,13:43:59,,51.179.168.178,ok,11143,09/08/2017 13:43:59,Glavesy1,reader,, 848634,35463,toffeeweb,08/09/2017,James Stewart,llaylsnehpets@googlemail.com,Pickford
Kenny Keane Jagielka Baines
Gueye Schneiderlin
Sandro Sigurdsson Lookman
Calvert-Lewin

Niasse and Rooney to come off the bench if need be. ,Pickford
Kenny Keane Jagielka Baines
Gueye Schneiderlin
Sandro Sigurdsson Lookman
Calvert-Lewin

Niasse and Rooney to come off the bench if need be. ,,,1,13:45:57,,2.122.186.12,ok,2088,09/08/2017 13:45:57,JamesStewart,reader,, 848635,35463,toffeeweb,08/09/2017,John Wilson,trucker200373@hotmail.com,Malta (waiters and café owners) made England work really hard before they broke through. If Malta can impede Deli Ali and co surely Everton can stop Deli Ali and co. ,Malta (waiters and café owners) made England work really hard before they broke through. If Malta can impede Deli Ali and co surely Everton can stop Deli Ali and co. ,,BlueKfrog,1,13:53:16,,92.232.39.219,ok,19564,09/08/2017 13:53:16,EFC16,reader,, 848636,35463,toffeeweb,08/09/2017,Phil Smith,djsentinelone@gmail.com,"Davies has not been the same player this season and wouldn't even make my bench, I don't think. Hopefully we'll nick it tomorrow. COYB!

David Graves
83 Posted 08/09/2017 at 13:55:48
I'm not being a cynic, Andrew – I just don't think that Rooney (or anyone else) should be forced to accept the designation of "role model" because of his footballing ability.
Terry Underwood
84 Posted 08/09/2017 at 14:16:42
We don't actually know what happened. There is a difference between being over the legal limit and being drunk. Not to condone any law breaking, but consider this.

Dropping your fag end or kebab wrapper in the street, going over the speed limit, pissing in a back alley after a night on the piss, staggering home at 3am shouting "Kopites are gobshites". All against the law. how many law breakers do we have judging Rooney?

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone Ah, that would be me then.

Neil Lawson
85 Posted 08/09/2017 at 15:53:35
David (3). Spot on.

And he shouldn't be left out because he has been charged with drink driving. He should be left out because he went on the lash after training, drank far more than a highly paid professional sportsman should ever consume mid season over a prolonged period and well into the wee small hours, no doubt breaching any number of club rules.

Fortunately the Police put him to bed, otherwise he would undoubtedly have spent the rest of the night making runs from deep, trying to get into the box, and maybe even trying to get in behind.
Andrew Ellams
86 Posted 08/09/2017 at 16:16:17
Dermot, that Link should have come with a Kate Hopkins warning.

But it appears that Kirsty Gallacher was actually drunk and intending on driving her kids home. Why isn't she being vilified outside of the Katie Hopkins fan club?

Will Mabon
87 Posted 08/09/2017 at 16:43:40
Scary how many people are willingly advocating for employers to become judges of law and morals, even away from work life, too. Your wages do not buy your soul – yet.

I wouldn't be in a rush to summon the Stasi-esque society, it's well on the way fast enough as it is.

Jamie Evans
88 Posted 08/09/2017 at 17:28:03
You know what you have to do tomorrow, Wayne. Then ask Big Nev if you can borrow his tee-shirt for your celebration.
Jay Tee
89 Posted 08/09/2017 at 20:55:10
For comment 5: Everton 3 points and Rooney a possible 12 points and a driving red card if the alleged is correct.
Christian Watson
90 Posted 09/09/2017 at 10:44:25
Could be a reasonably funny goal celebration if he scores I suppose. Aside of that he has proven himself (again) to be a tit!!
Christy Ring
92 Posted 09/09/2017 at 14:32:36
Would prefer the Jag instead of Williams, happy with a back four, my biggest worry, is no width, and no target man, as Ramirez is not a no.9,. I'd still love to see him score.
Hywel Owen
93 Posted 10/09/2017 at 11:12:14
At the time, I was disappointed that Rooney went to Man Utd but could understand his reasons for so doing. Apart from the extremely silly exercise of kissing his Man Utd badge in front of the Gwladys Street, which really annoyed me, I have accepted his reasons for playing away from the Blues.

This summer, he was effectively finished at Man Utd; the Championship or League 1 was likely to be his best option. EFC rescued him from this fate and this is how he thanks the Club???

Words fail me – the quicker he moves on, the better – and hopefully he takes Ronald Koeman with him.

David Currie
94 Posted 12/09/2017 at 20:13:58
Hywel (#93), We have scored 2 premier league goals this season – both scored by Rooney – and you want him gone??
Dermot Byrne
95 Posted 12/09/2017 at 20:24:21
Andrew: fair question. In the end, we find folk in media that back up or confirm the lunacy we all claim makes sense of the planet.

So to transfer to football well tough ask !

Dermot Byrne
96 Posted 12/09/2017 at 20:38:34
David Graves 83: I so agree with you.

Footballers are fantasy figures for the young now in similar ways as unpredictable movie super heroes. But role model? We are kidding.

l would be appalled to see any child looking up to these generally halfwits who can kick a football. And to expect them to lead, inspire, be about common good (before they are millionaires) is akin to asking them to explain nuclear physics.

There are some exceptions obviously (Mr Naismith springs to mind) but if these are the role models for our young, don't expect any kind of care from them when you go gaga. They will be instructing their agents to help them minimise their tax.

So best is to leave their personal lives alone, expect absolutely sod all unless part of the club contract, and find somebody who does something useful as a role model for your children and grandkids.

Then they can watch football with brains and maybe, just maybe, change the sewer that our generation have let modern clubs and media create.


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