Football Talk

Norris retracts his cross

DAVID NORRIS has compounded the error of his "handcuff" celebration by providing two conflicting explanations of his behaviour. On Monday, the Ipswich midfielder issued a statement on the club's website claiming his crossed-hands gesture was "misinterpreted" and not connected to former team-mate, Luke McCormack, the convicted drink-drive killer. He said: "I would like to stress that I made no handcuff gesture or personal message to Luke McCormick." However, 24 hours later, the wording had been changed to: "I would like to stress that I made no handcuff gesture but it was a small private gesture to Luke McCormick that was not meant to cause offence to anyone." Ipswich have fined and warned Norris, but not sacked him.

Spurs manager's last signing

TOTTENHAM believe in trying to foster a sense of community and an admirable gesture is to send birthday cards from the manager to loyal followers. On the day of the Liverpool game, however, one season-ticket holder's joy at receiving his memento was short-lived when the Many Happy Returns turned out to be signed not by Harry Redknapp but predecessor Juande Ramos.

Own goal by forgetful Shots

RED faces at Aldershot, where the club failed to hold a minute's silence to mark Remembrance Day before the FA Cup clash with Rotherham. It sparked an outcry in the Hampshire town, which has been home to the British Army since 1854. Aldershot chairman John McGinty said: "We were devastated that due to circumstances a minute's silence was not held prior to kick-off. I am not going to offer any excuse for this oversight and apologise for the inconvenience and hurt that it may have caused." To make amends, the club are offering free entry to armed service personnel at two home League games next year.

Sick of the sight of Jermaine

JERMAINE JENAS is one of the Premier League's in-form footballers, so it is no wonder his recent visit to the Westfield Shopping Centre attracted great excitement. Fans flocked to the new Puma store, where the Tottenham midfielder was signing autographs and giving away footballs — although it all proved too much for one teenage boy, who regurgitated his lunch over the pristine shop floor. While Jenas continued undeterred with his PR duties, a flustered store manager cried out: "We've got a puker, we've got a puker."

Big Ron gets fish fingered

THE number of Formula One drivers lining up to defend QPR co-owner Bernie Ecclestone in the wake of the Spanish racism storm was reminiscent of football's Ron Atkinson affair. After the ITV pundit was sacked for a racist remark in 2004, several black players sent messages of support and those loyalties have remained undiminished. As ex-Coventry winger Peter Ndlovu recently wrote on his blog: "Big Ron remains a good friend and being called racist was a terrible representation of the man. In my time at Coventry, he treated me with utmost respect. Big Ron doesn't mean any harm to anyone. Well, apart from one time, when he hit Steve Orgrizovic in the face with a fish during a club fishing trip."

Contact us at talk@standard.co.uk

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