FA intervene to stop referees getting bullied
Today there are reports[1,2] that the Football Association are considering taking action to stop the trend of players harassing and surrounding referees. Under th
e mooted new rules the referee will still be able to speak to all players, but only the captain from each team will be allowed to approach the referee.
Whilst it’s a shame that this needs to be enforced, it is necessary with the increase in this activity in the last few seasons leading to hostile environments for referees.
I never really understood why players so consistently do this, when it is clear that you will never be able to get the ref to change his mind. I thought that most people knew that refs only take orders from Fergie 
Michael Johnson for the Gunners?
Arsenal have been linked [3] with another midfielder, 20 year old Michael Johnson of Manchester City. Johnson, having not much more than a year’s experience in the Premiership would be a purchase that would seem to fit in with the Wenger style of buying on potential. However it is easy to think that if Arsenal are to challenge for the title this season they will need to find someone to fill Flamini’s boots. Johnson surely isn’t ready yet and at a report price of £12m he sure is pricey. Personally I would really like to see Gareth Barry brought in to fill this role but at the time of writing it looks unlikely.
Nasri excited by Arsenal move, Missing his mum.
Speaking of midfielders, Samir Nasri has been speaking to French sports paper L’Equipe about Arsenal.
“I love the game, I’m passionate and Arsenal’s football culture made me dream,”
“I had a lot of fun watching all their games last season. To me, this culture and the way they play represent what football should be.”
“When you see how they play in England, it means I need to improve on the physical level and in the air, as well in terms of intensity and regularity,” he commented.
“The team plays in 4-4-2. I had a chat with Arsene Wenger and I’m going to play on a wing because that is where their playmakers are, splitting with the full backs.”
“My parents won’t be with me anymore so I’m going to have to cope with it and learn to be independent, In the meantime I have asked the club to have someone cooking for me and cleaning because I’m not used to being autonomous, I’ve always been living with my parents.”
I think he is certainly right about needing to improve his strength and physical presence, I have seen him in some Marseille games where he looked easily hassled. But of course he is still pretty young and as he becomes older he should not be so lightweight.
