http://espn.go.com/soccer/news/2001/1128/1286143.html <I> MADRID -- Sevilla's Francisco Gallardo is totally surprised that the Spanish Football Federation has opened an investigation into his bizarre goal celebration during his team's 4-0 victory over Valladolid last weekend. Gallardo was caught on camera bending down and biting teammate Jose Antonio Reyes' genitals in celebration of the striker's goal early in the second half of the match. "I don't think what I did was very noteworthy," Gallardo was quoted as saying by Spanish media Wednesday. "I am sure I didn't offend anyone, and anyway people at (ground level) were not even aware of the gesture. It was only when it was given coverage on the television and in the press that people realize what had happened. "Anyway, I had completely forgotten about the celebration by the time the game had ended and it would be a shame if I was punished for such a minor matter." The player could face a fine or suspension for his actions, which may deemed to be an infringement of what is described in the federation's rulebook as "sporting dignity and decorum." "I just felt a slight pinch. I didn't realize what had really happened until I saw the footage on television," Reyes was quoted as saying by the French Press Agency. "Gallardo hasn't heard the end of this. The worst thing now is the stick I'm getting from the other players," he added. Gallardo told the agency: "It was meant as a joke. A teammate gave the idea. If I had known what a fuss it would cause ..." Goal celebrations have been the cause of previous controversies. Former Valencia player Leandro once imitated a urinating dog at the edge of the field, and Liverpool's Robbie Fowler drew criticism for crawling at a field marking and pretending to snort cocaine. </I>
Rich and Charlie on 610 were calling for a lifetime ban on this player. I personally want to think what the bitten player has to say about this.
<B>I personally want to think what the bitten player has to say about this.</B> <I>"I just felt a slight pinch. I didn't realize what had really happened until I saw the footage on television," Reyes was quoted as saying by the French Press Agency. </I>
Did anyone read that article from maxim about the unusual World Cup incidents a couple of years back? It has too much wierd sruff to be true.
Oh come on, that's hilarious. As for the original thing, why the hell would he do that if his teammate didn't even know about it. I don't listen to Rich and Charlie but why would they call for a lifetime ban for this, sounds just a tad bit extreme if you ask me.
<B>As for the original thing, why the hell would he do that if his teammate didn't even know about it. </B> I'm wondering why the hell he would do that even if his teammate DID know about it!!!
Re: Fowler and the mimmicking of snorting cocaine Fowler's sister is widely known to have had a drug problem. Then, during a match with their city rivals Everton, the Everton fans were calling him 'smackhead'. Fowler duly scored from a penalty kick and did his now infamous snorting celebration. I thought it was damn hilarious but our governing body, being the fossils that they are, didn't see it that way. I think he ended up getting fined for it. BTW Fowler has just been transferred to Leeds United this week.
