The Footy Mumble: Chelsea's abuse claims in doubt, England players charged

Serbia police charge England U21s

After the shocking fracas that ensued after the 2013 U-21 Euro play-off match between Serbia and England, the Serbian police has proceeded to shock the English some more by charging two of their players.

The players are yet unnamed, and are joined by 5 Serbian players and assistant coaches of both teams.

The English F.A is currently seeking advice from the Home Ministry and lawyers over the issue.

Norwegian F.A. wants 12th man for poor team

The Norwegian F.A. has proposed an amusing move to allow poor playing teams to use a 12th man in a match.

The proposal says teams which are behind by four goals should be allowed to introduce an extra player into the match, so as to ‘even the playing field’.

Henning Berg, former Blackburn defender, has already voiced his support. “It’s a good rule that will lead to more even matches,” said Berg. “It’s no fun to lose 17-0. It’s no fun to win 17-0 either.”

Henning Berg set for Blackburn Rovers job

Most likely as a reward for backing the 12th man proposal, Henning Berg is set to be handed the Blackburn manager’s job today, after Harry Redknapp pulled out of the race.

Blackburn had also been linked with the likes of Diego Maradona and Ian Holloway, but rather unsurprisingly for Blackburn fans, those rumors have remained just that.

Berg is an ex-Blackburn and Manchester United defender, capped 100 times by Norway, and won the title with Rovers in 1995.

Reportedly, Redknapp backed out after it became public he was a potential candidate and being interviewed for the job.

Referees turn tables on Chelsea

Chelsea may have lodged a complaint over Mark Clattenberg’s alleged racial abuse, but are set to coming under increasing pressure to prove it.

For Clattenberg’s assistant referees in the match, Michael McDonough and Simon Long have denied hearing any abusive language over the mike, which raises severe doubts about Chelsea’s claims, which were made public just two hours after the match.

Another recent development further raises questions, as reports emerge that Chelsea have hired two independent lawyers to investigates the claims of the Chelsea players, reported to be John Obi Mikel and Juan Mata.

Chelsea are still reeling from the recent controversy with John Terry’s racial abuse incident, and could be further embarrassed if these new allegations prove untrue, considering there is also a police investigation in progress over the same incident.

Walcott talks scheduled, Nani out of United, Spurs for Dzeko

In today’s transfer round-up, Arsenal are set for a final round of talks to convince him to stay at the Emirates. Walcott is in the last year of his contract, and could sign a pre-transfer agreement with clubs in January itself.

Nani’s future at United continues to be in doubt and some reports claim today’s match against Chelsea will play a decisive role in convincing the club about offering the winger a new contract. Others claim United have already given up on the Portuguese international and he will be sold to the highest bidder come January.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are linked with a surprise move for Edin Dzeko, who has fallen way down the pecking order at Manchester City. The Bosnian is behind Balotelli, Tevez and Sergi Aguero at City, and with further rumors of a City move for Falcao, his place is in further doubt.