An ad break will guarantee a goal - but nipping off to the loo almost certainly wont

1715701 — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:11:00 GMT

I think the entire country knows what happened during the closing stages of last nights FA Cup replay between Everton and Liverpool but in case you missed it a quick recap.

Having suffered through 118 minutes of mind numbing dross the least the viewing public deserved was to see the winning goal – but instead we were treated to an ad break . As soon as the ads came on you could bet your bottom dollar someone would score and of course they did.

It reminded me of a season ticket holder who sits behind me at Chelsea, who when games aren’t going our way nips to the toilets in the belief that it will somehow prompt the team to score.

Some games he’ll disappear to the gents, to the great annoyance of those in his row, five or six times in a half. Each time he trots off to the loo, I too inexplicably hope that somehow his absence will bring us a goal. But in my 15 years of sitting in front of my fellow Blue we have scored the square root of bugger all during his trips to the lavvy. Yet still he goes and no doubt always will.

Last nights coverage was farcical but not unprecedented. In 2005, ITV cut away to an ad break as Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher battled its out on the final lap of the San Marino Grand Prix.

Today though, spare a thought though for young match winner Dan Gosling – his finest moment overshadowed by the incompetence of ITV.

Be a Gooner, Be a Giver

1715701 — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:45:00 GMT

I’m not an Arsenal fan. And even less so after Robin van Persie ruined my weekend with that offside goal at the Bridge earlier this month. But credit where credit is due.

Later this month, Arsenal - which earlier this season had its players wear poppies on their shirts ahead of Remembrance Day - will dedicate its Premiership match versus Liverpool FC to its chosen charity Teenage Cancer Trust.

The campaign asks fans to ‘Be a Gooner. Be a Giver’ on Sunday 21December and includes a video starring the Arsenal players called ‘Do What I Say’ which shows the players lending support to young cancer patients.

The ads, shot by Brothers and Sisters, include a voiceover from Arsenal fan and Little Britain star Matt Lucas and will feature on this website – www.beagoonerbeagiver.org - through which fans can make a donation.

Finally, the Arsenal players have committed to giving a day’s wages to the charity.

You may say ‘Well the can afford it can’t they?’, but I think it’s a generous gesture and (even as a Chelsea fan) should be applauded.

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An ad break will guarantee a goal - but nipping off to the loo almost certainly wont

Be a Gooner, Be a Giver