The game between Nottingham Forest and Barcelona was over, but the story was far from over.
A day later, the Barcelona Football Club submitted a complaint to the UEFA about the quality of the turf at the City Ground stadium. At the same time, the Nottingham Forest Football Club also submitted a complaint they had been brewing for a week about the referee in the first leg to the UEFA.
In any case, the battle between the two sides would continue to a higher level.
Barcelona protested that Nottingham Forest used unsportsmanlike means to help them win the game. The temporary change of turf was too blatant. When Mourinho was still at Chelsea, he once sprinkled sand on the turf at Stamford Bridge in order to deal with Barcelona. But the average person could not see the sand when it was sprinkled. Only the people who went up to play football knew how uncomfortable it was. They could not find the cause for a while. Tony Twain's play was too blatant. Was he afraid that he did not have enough evidence?
The English media mocked Barcelona for being sore losers. "The game has already been lost. What bad field? Nottingham Forest is up to no good. Do they still want the UEFA to rule that they won?"
The Catalan media retorted, "We're just trying to uphold the sportsmanship of professional football! The sacred football game must not be tarnished by such despicable acts! "
In interviews after the game, Barcelona's players and coaches blamed the loss on the bad field at the City Ground stadium. It seemed that as long as the field was fine, they would win. In fact, they just wanted to draw everyone's attention to the quality of the turf at the City Ground stadium.
The Nottingham Forest Football Club was unmoved. They insisted that it was the UEFA who allowed them to change the turf anyway. The quality of the turf was indeed a little worse, but there was nothing they could do about it because the club's finances were tight … But they had learned their lesson this time and promised that such a situation would never happen again. If you did not believe it, the UEFA officials and the Catalan media were welcome to visit and guide the first leg of the semi-final.
The UEFA also suffered a loss this time. In fact, anyone with a normal IQ could see what Tony Twain was up to. He said that the quality of the turf was poor because of financial constraints. Was it really bad? Nottingham Forest was also a Premier League club. Could they not produce two sets of standard turf? It was all bullshit! He deliberately did not take it out just to trick Barcelona. This was already the consensus of everyone. Nine out of ten people who interviewed the Nottingham Forest fans would think so. The other person who did not think so was just lying.
But the UEFA really could not punish the Nottingham Forest Football Club, because the Nottingham Forest Football Club's change of turf was agreed and approved by them. If they wanted to punish the Forest Football Club, they had to find themselves responsible first. In that case, everyone would be embarrassed and it would not look good on their faces. More importantly, Tony Twain's actions were completely in line with procedure. There was no fault to be found.
Barcelona's appeal sounded a little like a spoiled child after losing the game.
Platini privately supported Catalonia, and he and other top brass did have a good relationship with Barcelona. However, he had to handle this matter impartially. Otherwise, he would lose his prestige and damage the reputation of the UEFA. The result of impartiality was that Nottingham Forest was not guilty.
In the end, the UEFA issued a public statement that it would review the quality of the turf of all stadiums for future UEFA Champions League games. Clubs that could not pass the review would be punished and be "banned from home games."
"… We believe that as the highest level of competition between European clubs, the venue for it should also be of the corresponding standard. There should be absolutely no doubt about this. For example, we require that the venue for the UEFA Champions League final must be able to accommodate at least 60,000 people. This is a hard and fast rule. Any stadium that does not meet the standard will not be considered. We certainly cannot use the number of seats as a standard to request venues that are not finals, but the quality of the turf is still a must … Yes, we do not want to see the scene that happened at the City Ground stadium last week again. I admit that the introduction of this rule has something to do with the game between Nottingham Forest and Barcelona. That was a special game … No, we will not punish the Nottingham Forest Football Club in any way. They are within the scope of the rules … "
The press spokesman said this sentence helplessly. This was tantamount to a euphemistic expression of the UEFA's attitude — Nottingham Forest took advantage of a loophole in the UEFA. We can't punish them now, but it does not mean that we can't punish them in the future. Anyway, this debt has been noted down, and one day it will be settled.
After the new rule was introduced, the Catalan media still complained that if it had been introduced a week earlier, Barcelona would have appeared in the list of the top four.
The English media mocked them and said, "If Barcelona had learned from Tony Twain earlier, they would not have had to complain so much."
Guardiola was expressionless during the interview. It was obvious that he was still brooding over the defeat a week later. "The UEFA did the right thing, although it was a little late. I just hope that Barcelona's failure can be a source to push the Champions League forward — the highest level of competition in Europe that the audience and fans want to see in front of the TV and into the stadium is definitely not like that game. "
What kind of game was naturally the second leg between Nottingham Forest and Barcelona. The football was always flying around in the air, and there was no beauty to speak of. The big-name star players played abnormally, which disappointed the audience who intended to enjoy their wonderful performance. There were zero technical highlights, and the tactical content could not be said to be high. It was a typical match where the result was more important than anything else. It was really boring.
But there were four goals in such a game, and two of them were enough to be included in this season's top ten UEFA Champions League goals list. From this point of view, this match was better than many other matches that had exciting scenes but dull results …
On the other side of the sea, Tony Twain was surrounded by reporters swarming over to the side of the training ground, wanting him to talk about his views on the UEFA's new rule.
Twain smiled and affirmed the UEFA's new rule. "This is a good thing, of course it's a good thing. I especially agree with Mr. Spokesperson's words, 'As the highest level of competition between European clubs, the venue where it is held should also be of a corresponding level.' That's a great thing to say! " Twain's smiling face could easily be interpreted as him sucking up to the UEFA. "I don't think the fans want to see a game played on a vegetable field. That's simply a detriment to football!" Looking at his indignant face, it was as if the vegetable field turf in the City Ground stadium had nothing to do with him.
"So, I'm in full agreement with the UEFA's rule." At this point, he really raised his hands. "Such a rule ensures the quality of the Champions League game, and it's also a good thing for our players — because no one will have to worry about getting hurt playing on a bad field. This is a very humane and rigid rule. Nottingham Forest will fully support and cooperate! "
It was said that after Guardiola saw Twain's remarks, he tore the newspaper in his hand in half. Well, it was just said …
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The other matter was more complicated.
A week after that game, the UEFA finally used a new rule to deal with the turf matter. Then they planned to deal with Tony Twain. They didn't have an excuse during the "Vegetable Plot Gate" incident, but with this incident, they believed that they had enough reason to deal with the unruly Tony Twain.
You framed our appointed referee for accepting bribes from Barcelona. What evidence do you have? Without evidence, you made a false accusation!
Originally, with the UEFA's bureaucratic style of doing things, the hearing would have to wait until half a year later.
But this time, the UEFA uncharacteristically acted swiftly and decisively. After dealing with the "vegetable field" incident, they immediately informed Tony Twain to attend the hearing in Nyon, Switzerland.
Before going to Switzerland, Twain called to inform Pierce Brosnan and Lineker that he was willing to accept their interview. The interview would be recorded by BBC5, and it would be published on BBC5 and the Nottingham Evening Post after the interview.
Clearly, Twain was also aware that this was a big hurdle in his coaching career. Someone wanted to mess with him, but he absolutely could not be messed with.
So, he needed to use all his skills. He had to portray himself as the Robin Hood who went against the official authorities. He needed to win more support from the people. Using the media, this kind of thing could be easily done.
The interview naturally revolved around the recent series of focus on Tony Twain.
Lineker interviewed while Brosnan took notes at the side.
Lineker asked a lot of questions, and Twain answered them one by one. In the television cameras, he threw away his usual arrogant and conceited attitude and accepted the interview cordially with a calm face and a smile on his face. Sometimes he would even show his unique sense of humor, but you could never tell that he had any intention of going against the reporters. This was rarely seen in previous interviews — he seemed to have a natural hatred for the reporters.
He did not avoid those sensitive issues. Instead, he opened his heart and talked to Lineker.
He said that the "money gate" was a term invented by the Catalan media. From the beginning to the end, he did not say anything about the referee accepting bribes from Barcelona. He did not hint at this through other means. That action of his was, of course, a snap of his fingers.
Lineker continued to ask why he would snap his fingers in that kind of situation. If this action was explained as a "snap of fingers," then its appearance was really abrupt and inexplicable.
"To outsiders, it might be very abrupt, but to me, I don't find it strange. Just like when a player is inexplicably sent off by the referee, he would use this method to express his anger by clapping his hands. I did not choose to clap. I chose to snap my fingers. That means — well done, referee! Can you understand now? This is actually a form of irony. But the Barcelona fans at the scene are more willing to understand it as' money gate. 'I don't know why. Maybe they are born with a dark heart? "He laughed.
The Nottingham Forest fans would think this was Twain's humor. But if the Barcelona fans were lucky enough to see this interview, they would definitely not think so …
"Let me reiterate again. I have never said anything on any occasion or in any way that I think the referee on duty for that match was bribed by Barcelona. I know that it is not the first or second day that the Catalan media has vilified me. Of course, they are happy to see me make a fool of myself. And distorting right and wrong, or fabricating events for the world, is simply a common occurrence for the media. So now, you know where those messy things come from, right? If the Catalan media is unhappy with my nonsense, I am willing to take responsibility. I will cite all the comments of the various media after that match. I have collected them. "Twain laughed again when he said this.
"But these are considered evidence. I will only show them to the UEFA. They will know who the cause of this matter came from. Anyway, it is not me. "Twain shrugged.
The interview was well received after it was finally broadcast on television. Brosnan's article was also reprinted by many newspapers. Twain's goal was achieved. At least many of the media and the public were on his side now.
After finishing his preparations, Twain set off for Nyon alone. Before he left, his wife, Shania, had specially called him from the United States to support and comfort him.
All of this made Twain confident that he could overcome this hurdle.
At the same time, the club also made a move. At the same time as the hearing was held, they submitted the video of the last ten minutes of the first leg between Nottingham Forest and Barcelona to the UEFA as evidence to support Twain. It showed that Twain was definitely not shooting blindly. His team had indeed suffered unfair treatment in the away game. If the UEFA was unwilling to admit that there was a problem with the decision, they did not mind appealing to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport. In any case, if you want to touch our manager, we will play with you to the end!
Twain leading the team into the top four also seemed to improve his relationship with the club's top management. Evan decided to come out to support Twain, and Allan was also ordered to lobby the UEFA top management.
The Forest team's final ranking in the Champions League would directly affect their television broadcast bonus at the end of the season. Twain was a manager who could lead the team to victory. Naturally, he was also a manager who could bring a lot of money to the club. Only a fool would not protect such a rich man.
At the same time, there were many people in the circle who came out to express their support for Twain. Mourinho, who had always been at loggerheads with Tang En, also seemed to see a shadow of himself in Tang En. He also stood up and felt that the Catalan media's hyping up of the "money gate" incident was boring to begin with. As someone who had once worked as a translator and assistant manager in Barcelona, his words seemed very convincing.
Ferguson also said that he had indeed not heard Twain complain about Barcelona bribing the referee. Because "he is not that kind of person."
Wenger said that although Twain's mouth was poisonous, he never said things he was not sure of.
Benítez and Twain's relationship was not good, but this time he chose to stand against his country. He thought that he and Twain had played against each other many times and he was familiar with Twain's temper. If he said he did not say anything, then he did not say anything.
This time, all the managers in the Premier League were on Twain's side. Perhaps the UEFA's attitude of going against the Premier League had angered them. The Premier League had always been a group that drifted away from the gray area on the edge of the UEFA's jurisdiction. The people and things that gave the UEFA the most headaches were all in the Premier League.
They took it for granted that the UEFA was punishing Twain as a warning to them. Naturally, they had to unite. After all, the interests of the Premier League were also their interests. At the bottom of it all, these problems were all about "interests."
The Nottingham Forest fans also gathered at the City Ground stadium to support Twain under the leadership of John and Bill when the hearing was held. They also contacted a number of media outlets to come and interview and continue to expand their influence.
"We are fighting a battle to defend our king!" John said firmly in front of the cameras and in front of the many media outlets.
All of this was putting pressure on the UEFA.
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No one knew the details of the hearing, but there was one thing that everyone could see very clearly.
Although Twain smiled and greeted the reporters surrounding the UEFA headquarters when he got out of the car, the observant people could see that his smile was a little stiff. He wore the Ray-Ban sunglasses he often wore — he was now the brand's British image spokesperson — but he still could not hide the worry between his brows.
Despite doing so much preparatory work, he was still a little nervous.
But when he came out of the headquarters building two hours later, he took off his sunglasses and his face was beaming like a spring breeze. There was no intention of deliberately hiding anything. His smile was very natural, a smile that came from the heart.
Which reporter present was not familiar with Twain? They certainly knew what Twain's performance meant.
The Catalan reporters groaned in pain on the spot. "This b * stard has passed!"
The reporters from Nottingham and England cheered for Twain. Twain waved happily at them and wantonly enjoyed the cheers that were similar to welcoming the return of a hero.
Later, the UEFA spokesman appeared in front of the reporters again and announced the final outcome of the matter. "We believe that Tony Twain's remarks about the referee after the game were excessive, but there is no evidence that he had questioned the professional ethics of the referee and the Barcelona Football Club. He gave a very reasonable explanation for his action at the hearing, and we accept this explanation. Finally, we want to remind Tony Twain to pay attention to his words and deeds … "
At the venue, Brosnan asked about the referee and the handling of the decision.
The UEFA spokesman hemmed and hawed for a long time before replying, "The offside ball was indeed a misjudgment … We are very sorry."
At this point, Tony Twain and Nottingham Forest had a complete victory.
A villain intoxicated by success.
Yes, in their eyes, the despicable villain Twain had successfully escaped two disasters. Look at his bright smile at the entrance of the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, a typical villain intoxicated by success!
On a very popular Barcelona fan forum in China, a hardcore Barcelona fan made a rather similar lament:
"Good people don't live long (Barcelona was eliminated). A scourge lasts for a thousand years …"
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A hot-blooded story about the future world's number one sport in the field. I got to know the author because of this book. At that time, I chatted with him, the 72 Series, and Ming Mei in a teahouse in Chengdu. We talked about this book, which was equivalent to a quick experience. That's why I've been looking forward to this book ever since then.
Now I can finally see this book on Qidian. At present, there are 110,000 words, and there is not a single word in these 110,000 words that is useless like "work related information" or "don't read it to make up the word count". It is a real 110,000 words. Great Floating Object is quite kind!
If you are interested in military literature, virtual games, competitive novels, and hot-blooded men's literature, you might as well read it. If you like it, please collect and recommend it. Thank you everyone!
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