I’m not overly keen on criticising our own players but sometimes it’s hard to avoid it. I got a lot of stick for criticising Cristiano Ronaldo last season but it’s rare that I would really lay in to one of our own players.
I’m afraid I have to get something off my chest today though.
Rio fucked up massively a few years ago and I was more than happy to voice my dislike of him. He didn’t seem like a ‘United player’ in the sense that we recognise so many players who haven’t come through the youth system but are adopted by us to become one of us. He was a cockney bad boy who fancied himself quite a bit.
Rio took an independent drugs test the day after missing the official one which showed him to be clean, but that’s all irreverent now, given that he was banned for eight months and our season fell apart. Still, for those eight months he was earning a nice wage from us.
For him to then stall on a contract was unforgivable for much of our support. FC United fans sing about him and I understand why. For a long time he represented the bad things about football in the Sky era, money grabbing and forsaking loyalty to the club for the sake of an even more extortionate contract.
He has generally improved since then though and has spoken about his commitment to and love for the club fairly regularly. Talk is cheap, I know, but by and large he has shown that passion on the pitch and has played a crucial role in our success over the past few years. He’s a winner and a perfectionist. Check Rio’s reaction to any crucial goals over the past few seasons and you’ll see he’s as barmy as the fans. You might expect that of all footballers but Harry Redknapp revealed last month that this was a rare quality in today’s football.
There has been the odd blip since then, namely that horrendous Christmas party, but all in all, he has managed to win over the majority of our fan base.
But the irritations do start mounting. As much as you like a player, it’s still irritating to learn that they have a magazine and a restaurant and a record label all on the side which all detract from their game. We’re paying him something like £120k a week so surely these other ‘ventures’ can be considered moonlighting. I don’t want him spending his time away from the pitch thinking about colour schemes for the restaurant or wondering which celebrity to interview next. I realise all players are going to have distractions off the pitch but Rio seems to go out of his way to find new ways of making money, and given his concentration isn’t the best anyway, it is a concern.
We learnt about Rio’s new film last year, in which he has teamed up with Ashley Cole to make a £2.5m British gangster movie, called ‘Dead Man Running’ and the première took place yesterday. He’s opening himself up to criticism by being involved in so many other things off the pitch, regardless of whether they effect his game or not. Every mistake he makes will be scrutinised that bit more and why shouldn’t people question whether these other activities are having a detrimental effect on his career.
So yeh, it’s another distraction, but isn’t it totally hypocritical too? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not all for censoring the media and computer games, but isn’t it a bit rich that Rio, an anti-gun crime ambassador, would make a film which is all about gangs and guns and violence? He became somewhat of a spokesperson for knife and gun crime after Damilola Taylor was killed in Peckham, where Rio himself grew up.
“As soon as I saw what happened I thought there must be some way that I could help,” Rio said in 2000, after the murder of Damilola Taylor. “If I can do just one small thing to help find out out what happened to Damilola then I have to do it.”
Making films which promote gangs and make violence look cool probably isn’t the best way of deterring youngsters from picking up a gun, eh Rio?
Man Utd News 24/7
Thought the same thing when I saw him on the news at the premier.
Concentrate on your football cos you’ve made enough mistakes recently.
Don’t make this be a reason.
is this a joke post? it’s a movie.
A movie that glorifies a problem he has publicly spoken out about. Didn’t you read the bit about him being an anti-gun advocate?
Rio merks himself again.
Good point, but i dont really believe TV or films has a big part to play anyway?!?
Have you seen the film? I havent, but it is totally possible that the film doesnt glorify anything.
One of my favourite films is Menace II Society. In which actually one of the major highlights of the films factors in what is there to be lost, not gained from the lifestyle that so many young americans choose.
If this is a british film of the same nature, and done tastefully then I say its a superb way for him to show emotionally (even if it is acting) what life SHOULD be all about.
I will hold judgement until ive seen it.
Your’e dead right Scott,I’m not impressed by this myself.In fairness to Rio,he has been outstanding the past 3 seasons but I noticed a complacency creeping back into his game this season as early as the charity shield.Couple this with Vidic’s almost total lack of form(in my opinion) and does anyone else think it’s time for Johnny Evans to usurp one of the two boys as a regular centre half?
I rarely disagree with you, Scott but I have to on this one.
Footballers have shit loads of spare time so he’s doing constructive things with his spare time, he could just be splashing his cash but he’s actually using his business mind.
Do you think that his restaurant or record label (which gives kids the chance to express their talent when otherwise they might not have had the chance) or whatever else goes through his mind while he is training with United or playing a match for us? No chance!
Rio is as dedicated to the cause as Neville, Giggs or Scholes.
Zzzzzzzzzz
Scott, you are absolutely spot on. I was really annoyed with Rio when I heard he was doing this, not least because it involves 50 Cent and A Hole, but most of all because, as you point out, it completely goes against his anti-urban violence initiative. Makes you wonder if that was only ever a well-oiled PR stunt in the first place…
@Kev I gots these cheeeeseburgers man!
Here, the fella makes a movie….so what.
It’s not as if Sir will be making enquiries about Quentin Tarantino in January is it!!!
Yip.
I agree about the hypocrisy involving gun violence, but I have no problem with the lad opening a restaurant or starting a magazine. So many footballers and other athletes do nothing else aside from their sport, leaving them entirely unable to move on once their career is over. For him to establish other trades is, while perhaps not always beneficial for the club, good for him as a person. I can’t knock a man for trying to better himself.
Scott, you really are a retard and need to get a grip.
If there is a bandwagon, be sure that you are the first to get on it.
What Rio gets up to is no differen than any other footballer.
Most the United (And most other Prem footballers) spend most of the week at events such as movie premiers etc.
They all have interests in magazines, horses, films etc.
What else do you expect them to do in their spare time?
I notice you give no mention to the under privelage kids who Rio has helped through this film project and who features in his film.
Why is that?
You really need to read what crap you write before you stick it in a public blog. At times I wonder if your a United supporter or a bandwagon glory hunter.
He should take a leaf out of Grande Eric and pursue those things after retiring from football.
I have to say that as long as Rio IS doing this in his spare time then fair play to him. Footballers have a relatively short career in real terms and if he is to continue living the life he’s become accustomed to (and why wouldn’t he) then he has to put things in place.
Having not seen the movie I reserve judgement on the hypocritical thing, but I can see it from both sides depending on whether the gangster lifestyle is glorified or not.
We can’t really blame his recent mistakes on his side-ventures, but in the last few months he has done little to enhance his claims to be club captain.
The main problem I have with this whole thing is that he’s associating himself with the skidmarks on the underpants of life that is Ashley Cole.
“Scott, you really are a retard and need to get a grip.”
“You really need to read what crap you write before you stick it in a public blog. At times I wonder if your a United supporter or a bandwagon glory hunter.”
Tufty, if you seriously believe that then why oh why are you on here daily?
Tufty – if I’m such a retard, why do you camp out on this blog?
I’m not arsed about our players going to movie premières or the races, but surely you can see the difference between going to these things and running these things? Not a difficult concept, Tufty. For him to be an anti-gun spokesperson and then make a film about gangs and guns, surely even you can grasp the hypocrisy and stupidity in that?
No other United player has run their own magazine, restaurant, film, TV shows, record label etc. So in fact, he is different to ‘every other Premiership player’. How about you check your comments before posting them on a public blog?
Now, don’t you have some more embarrassing banners to think up? I’m sure they’ll be some good ones up at Anfield that you can rip off again.
Loads of other United players are involved in movie making and funding films.
Loads of other United players have stakes in restaurants.
Loads of other United players help with magazines.
Its quite common.
The majority of which does not get reported, as does the majority of chairty work that these players get involved in on a daily basis.
Do you really know the extent of Rios involvement and how much actual time it takes up? In truth it takes up very little time, with his main role giving his face or name to such events, as do countless other players.
As mentioned, you quickly jump on a bandwagon and the rubbish you have wrote in this article makes you look like an illinformed retard and an ABU.
I think id Rio’s form hadnt been patchy this season then this would be much less of an issue.
Also i agree that you cant make judgements based on the film if you havnt seen it ( i dont know whether or not you have scott). But it is just a movie. A business oportunity for him.
When ever a player isnt playing their best people will look for reasons. And invariably they find things. The thing is, over the last 2 seasons when he has been pretty bloody blinding on the pitch, he was still doing these things, the magazine, websites etc, but people didnt look for them as excuses cos he was playing well.
Once he gets a good run of games and is back to full match fitness, his sharpness and confidence will return. And then no-one will care about his movie.
Scott, I agree with you on this one….Rio should be talking about how he is planning to improve our defence instead of how he got 50 cent to work for nothing….
http://www.nme.com/news/50-cent/48013?
He’s only played in 7 of 14 games for united this season, inc the community shield.
And only 2 occasions has he played 2 consecutive games for us (Stoke/Wolfsburg, and Bolton/CSKA)
Tufty – Name the other players who have been “executive producers” for a film. You can’t.
Name the other United players who own their own magazine. You can’t.
Name the other United players who own their own record label. You can’t.
Name the other United players who are anti-gun and anti-knife spokesmen and then go and make a film about guns and gangs. You can’t.
Doing charity work as a Manchester United player is in their contract. The charity work they do outside of their contract is commendable but it is for the benefit of the good name of our club, as well as anything else. Rio’s magazine, film, record label etc. doesn’t benefit United in any way.
Ill-informed retard? Oooh. Talk the talk behind the computer screen don’t you? No wonder you get banned from every United site and are widely reviled by United fans. You truly are an unpopular and bitter person… and generally I’d describe an ABU as a person who United fans hate, which sums you up fairly well.
But I’ll assume if you find me so retarded you will stop reading this blog. Byyyyye! Missing you already xxxxx
How do you know that Rios commercial interests dont benefit United in anyway? Quite the opposite actually.
Your quite happy to profit out of Rios commercial interests though.
This is a non-issue really.
Rio is a businessman – he’s trying to maximise his profile to make as much money as he can.
As long as he shows up for training and does everything the Utd asks of him on club time – then I don’t see the problem with him doing whatever he wants within reason on his own time.
Noone knows whether it’s these other ventures which are affecting his form – indeed he was running the magazine and producing the movie all of last season but that didn’t seem to affect him any.
So until it can be ascertained otherwise – or that the film glorifies anything – this is really pointless. Not that I think Rio cares much about fan opinion and speculation more than his future, family and personal interests in any event.
I’ve never really gotten the hate of Rio, he gives his all everytime he’s on the field, sure he tries to get what he can off it – but so do most footballers. Does he have the tinge of an Ashley Cole in him, sure, but not near enough for the level of criticism that’s leveled towards him. Not for a player that’s been so vital to our success over the last few seasons.
A few bad games and he’s all of a sudden a liability to some people – give the lad some time to right the ship – he’s earned that much at least.
Tufty – are you still here? How retarded must one be to obsess with a blog written by a person one regards as retarded? You can’t keep away, I guess I’ll have to take that as a compliment.
You pick and choose the parts you’ll respond to which does you no favours whatsoever.
When you tell me how Rio is ‘like every other Premiership player’ and name all the United players who do what you falsely claim they do, I’ll respond to you.
Oh… what was that? You’re full of shit? So unlike you.
Most revies of the film says it does not glamorise gangsters or guns.
This is from the Guardian – “it’s fair to point out that Dead Man Running hardly glamourises villainy. The hoods are rather hapless – the most dangerous figure is Hassan’s character’s mum (played by Brenda Blethyn). Meanwhile, Ferdinand’s next project is a documentary about Peckham aimed at persuading youngsters away from a life of crime”.
Something scot fails to mention, along with Rios involvement in live the Dream foundation and the opportunities this scheme has given for kids both in this film and breaking into others.
It also gives no mention that the main role of his “Executive director” position, was to use his name to bbring in funding so the film could get made. Something several United players have done over the years, although not directly utting their name on it, although Rooney might possibly do that with one of his ventures.
Its no different from Owen or Scholes with Horses to name but one player pastime.
lol tuftys getting owned.
I hope the film flops at the box office and the critics think its lame ^_^
So in short Tufty, you can’t name all the United players you claimed have been executive producers of films, who own their own magazine, who own their own record label, who make their own TV shows and who are anti-gun spokesmen yet make films about guns and gangs (regardless of whether they’re intentionally glamorised or not… do you think a 14-year-old from Peckham is going to get the message that guns are bad when watching a film starring 50 Cent wielding a weapon and oozing coolness, as far as they’re concerned?). So in fact, Rio isn’t like every other Premiership player or like plenty of United players, like you falsely claimed, because no footballers have their fingers in so many different pots.
Glad we’ve got that one cleared up. Cheerio! I assume you are leaving now before your intelligence is drained away by my retarded writing.
its an eighteen plus movie not a fucking grange hill special!!
get a grip scott
very poor, worst post ever
Scott, really don’t understand what you are trying to achieve with an article like this, other that to try and isolate Rio. You’ve really surprised me with this one. I don’t think you realise the influence that you have on United fans and if Rio comes in for some stick over the next few games then you’ve had your share in it. Sort it out mate, you’re better than that….
Rio’s passion seem to be more with music, film and magazines….which is fine, it is just too bad we let Pique go to Barca….Future could have been Pique and Evans.
united.george-Pique can suck it,he didn’t want to fight for his place.
Mo – which world do you live in where only over 18s watch 18 films?
Number7shirt – I’m not trying to achieve anything. I’m not making him out to be devil spawn, I’m simply putting across my point of view, which is I wish Rio didn’t have so many off field distractions and didn’t make a hypocrite out of himself. He’s got his whole career to do this kindof stuff and on the insane salary he’s earning from us, I don’t see why he would have the desire or need to look to SO many other ventures to earn money. Other players spend their day off chilling out with their families, Rio spends his day off overseeing a magazine, films, restaurant, record label etc. I don’t think it’s appropriate to have so many other distractions.
And you know of each footballers commercial interests do you?
Evry deal they sign up to, all the funding they give to projects?
You know how much individual time Rio gives to these projects?
Its a nothing story, yet you have turned it into something that is part of an agenda of slagging off a player.
Would you have done the same if it was a Scholes or Rooney funded film?
Should we have a go at Rooney for encouraging kids to enter derelict flats, building sites etc and kick balls off the top of dangerous structures?
Surely scholes shouldnt be seen gambling at the races, what sort of image is that for a person who has helped addiction charities?
oh and most importantly – Who said its a distraction?
In all fairness, exec producers don’t do much, so it’s not like this would really consume that much of his time.
Rio is an anti-gun spokesperson and has funded a film about guns. You are comparing that with Rooney playing football with kids and Scholes having a flutter at the races? Playing football and gambling aren’t illegal. I mean, surely these differences aren’t oblivious to someone not at all retarded like yourself?
Why are you still here? Is this the only United forum you’re not banned from?
Scott i agree… he has plenty of time to do those things when he is finished playing (some say he is finished already).. i have always found it hard to warm to Rio anyway and i do not like it when he is given the captains armband.. not after flirting so openly with the rentboys… this season so far i do think united are better with young jonny evens with vidic…
So all players go home and spend time with their families do they?
Gambling probably leads to more crime in the UK than guns.
This film does not tell people to go out and get a gun.
Im sure Rio spends more time promoting the problems of gun crime than this film could even glamorise, as his next film will aim to do (Again no mention of that on here).
Its not a case of Rooney playing with kids, its kids watching it and saying that they will climb into building sites etc to kick balls from scafolding etc.
And when did Rooney carry out this filming, are you quick enough to blast him for his distractions as you call them?
Tufty just to add on I fucking think your a vile excuse for a united fan aswell, not to jump on any tufty hating bandwaggon but to point out that I’m a long time been disgusted about how you talk about united and it’s players dormer and current and people on this, so if there is a bandwaggon the fuckin driver
I agree that there is plenty of time when his career comes to an end. But why post this article? He may have had a blip in form, but as United fans, do we not look to support our players and bring them back to their best rather than to jump on their backs?
I’ve admired the way you’ve been behind Berba when all around were slagging him off and the same goes for Foster. Why make a scapegoat of Rio? He’s been one of our most loyal and consistent players in recent years….
If it weren’t for this article, then no-one would have given it two thoughts. And to say you’re not trying to achieve anything, then why put this link on your facebook profile. It’s like you wanted to advertise it…???
well, looks like we will see how true all of this is after sunday’s game…Rio’s performance against a big team will decide just how much distraction his other life gives him. Anyway, we need to start planning on who will fill in his spot in the next 2 years
Tufty – I’m not criticising Rio for having one thing that takes up his time off the pitch, it’s the accumulation of these ventures that I have a problem with.
Rooney has a programme about street skills. Scholes has a hobby of going to the races. How on earth do you think that’s comparable with the masses of extra activities Rio is involved in?
If Paul Scholes appeared in adverts warning of the wrongs of gambling, then I would understand why you’re bringing him in to this, because that would him a hypocrite. As it is, your comparison holds no weight whatsoever. It’s bizarre to think that a little lad in Peckham might see a picture of Scholes at the races and think “When I’m older, I’m going to gamble my life away”. But what would a little lad in Peckham think when watching 50 Cent surrounded by money and guns? I don’t know, I just would have thought films like this would be the exactly the kind of films anti-gun spokesmen would want rid of, rather than fund.
This article doesn’t tear Rio to shreds, it simply questions the need for him to be involved in so many things and raises the question of whether it’s hypocritical for him to be anti-gun ambassador whilst also making a film about guns and gangs.
Your hysterical over-reaction is puzzling, to say the least.
Tufty
I’m also still waiting for the list of the loads of other United players etc.
It’s just not true, is it?
Agree 100% with Scott on this. It does seem to be remarkable coincidence that all this non football activity comes at the same time as Rios worst form and very patchy appearance record. Now, that’s not to say that Rio hasn’t helped lots of needy individuals along the way, but hey, he’s paid handsomely to perform and appear consistently for United and that just hasn’t been happening for a while now.
Haven’t got time to read all the comments but bang on Scott. Concentrate on the football Rio lad, which I am sure he is and get rid of that horrible cockney cunt Cashley.
Scott the Red
if you can respond put this idiotic article up has one of the most idiotic articles I have ever read, we know the times are pro liverpool but it is shocking how pro they are, with benitez in charge how in the hell were liverpool ever going to dethrone united between aug 2006 to present.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/us_sport/article6886224.ece
Scott the Red
“Mo – which world do you live in where only over 18s watch 18 films? ”
Lol – Most twelve year olds are on the internet watching two japanese birds shit into ice cream cones and then tuck in like its a 99 with a flake in it.
I agree as far as Rio having a small hypocrisy problem regarding his crusade against gun crime – for someone so against guns he seems to shoot himself in the fucking foot often enough !
Get a grip a man is not a retard just cos of his opinion!!
Scott, i agree with you. This reminds me of a certain model cum footballer by the name of Mr Beckham. Now i know why Rio is losing his concentration in the games. They both have a big appetite for glamour and Hollywood-kind of lifestyle.
Tufty, you really piss me off now. You are behaving like a child.
tufty mate…u need to go on and on and on dont u..? You aren’t getting anywhere…
Tell me which club do you support?? or are u an ingerlund supporter??
Tufty – Just one question pal. How tall are you? Small man syndrome comes to mind.
But Scholes has been involved in charities that tackle addictions.
As for saying that this has come at the same time as Rios bad form (And not what Scot has put, but others), do you really think that this film was shot over the past couple of weeks? Rio has been doing these activities for years and nine times out of tem his only involvement is putting his name and face to them. He doesnt write every article in his mag, do the graphics and typesetting etc. He didnt do all the casting, fiming, costume and make up for the film.
Ive been to video game and commercial filming when Rooney has been present and staring and i doubt for one minute its classed as a distraction given he does it in his spare time and you can see the enjoyment he gets from it.
In days gone bye, footballers didnt have this involvement and spent the time after training getting drunk, with several becoming alcholics.
As for Rios missed test all them years back, a lot of the resonsibilty also fell with Utd that day and they have since put measures in place to ensure it doesnt happen again.
One thing with this blog, is that its linked into media feeds and cheap journos read whats been put by United fans and start writing stories about United fans turning on Rio etc etc.
One paper today has a link back to this site with regards to the Cantona face masks rather than a direct link to the mask, yet it didnt originate from here. Internet fans forums make it easy for journos to turn the opinion of one person into supposedly that of every fan.
and scott I think its very clear now…intelligent tufty wont understand it any better through the comments…
Even more annoying is the fact that he’s been in awful form lately, hopefully that has nothing to do with other “distractions”
How anybody can say he is or isn’t promoting gun crime without seeing the film is beyond me! Watch the film then get an opinion about It, don’t make one up on what u have read elswhere!
number7shirt – You say if it wasn’t for this article nobody would have given it any thought. Disagree completely. When I first heard it on the news this morning I thought “for fuck sake Rio”.
Tufty Rio DOES have a big hand in things , well certainly the magazine. It made me sick when he was talking about it and said he had to go to his editor to change the “fashion pages” as he “wasn’t happy with the clothes”.
Tuftys name went black maybe sef kicked him off for been such a annoyin prick. Tufty if I talk to someone and they say giggs is past it I’d say how? Talk it out take on his points say my points then in the end he’d end up agreeing with me but I’d talk it out and he’d see that I’m right in what I’m sayin, Scott has so many times proved you wrong here I’ve proved you wrong on a different topic king Eric proved you wrong and kiko is god I believe did aswell. Bit yet ya can’t take that on board. Listen as a man I have to feel sorry for ya an say I feel bad you have a tiny penis but you have to shut up and listen
Scott, as much as I enjoy reading your articles and I do, I dont agree with you on this one, sorry. Sir Alex owns racehorses as does Owen. Cristiano Ronaldo gets up to stuff only God knows about, Paul Scholes is a property tycoon and all these things havent taken away from their performances. Surely Alex Fergusons role needs more single mindedness than any of the players and I dont think that anybody can doubt what that man has done for this club. Rio Ferdinand is a young man and regardless of how much money he makes he is entitled to enjoy himself without being berated, especially from his own fans. Yes hes not playing to his best at the moment but thats only to be expected with the amount of injuries the man has had. Look at Ricardo Carvalho for instance. I dont think anybody will doubt that Carvalho is a class act, no matter what your allegiance. He hasnt played four consecutive game in nearly two years for Chelsea and is lacking in concentration at important times in the match. The exact same is true for Ferdinand. Give him time to settle back in and youll find that this blip is sehind him and youll all be desperate for him to play for England in the World Cup.
King Eric – my point is that by posting this on a website that hundreds (maybe thousands) of United fans visit every day is basically bringing Rio before the jury. This website, whether you like it or not, has a massive influence on the way United fans think. Rio’s performances will now be closely scrutinised. It’s not like they weren’t being already, but not on the scale that they will be if articles like this continue to appear. And if it carry’s on then (worst case scenario) Rio may be pushed out. And I for one think the guy is a hero and doesn’t deserve that. One man will be the judge of whether Rio still has United in his best interests
I’m not defending Tufty because I haven’t read all of his comments but he has a fairly good point here…
“One thing with this blog, is that its linked into media feeds and cheap journos read whats been put by United fans and start writing stories about United fans turning on Rio etc etc.”
And we don’t need that before Sunday…..
@Scott : Tufty is still gutted he also didn’t get the t-shirt which you gave Lisa.
GHTT stick to making embarassing youtube videos of kids
Lads we shouldnt be berating our own players. I agree with Tufty. Maybe not how hes gone about t. No.7shirt. Spot on mate
@hurdygurdyman absolutly spot on mate!
Tufty Ohh shut up
Im sick and tired of the constant negativity that you bring into this blog. You are ignorant and rude. We dont all agree on here. and i certainly dont agree with Scott all the time. But the majority of us here have the decency to not call someone else a retard, and actually respect each others opinion even if we dont agree.
You are undeniably pessimistic, and simply a fucked up twat. I dont like you and apparently noone else does. Does us all a favour and just FUCK OFF!
Whenever I’m faced with dilemma or question mark about one of our players, I ask myself, What would Roy have done?
I too was dismayed to see Rio out last night at the premiere in London, when he should be preparing for an important (not that they aren’t all important) match. Rio has one eye fixed on his professional life after he retires as a footballer; I prefer him to have both eyes fixed on Fernando Torres’ freckles come Sunday.
Oo i forgot to add. I completely agree with number7shirt! This is not really helping. He is having a bad run of games and the media are already on his back. He doesnt need the united fans to turn their back on him as well. (I know thats not what you are trying to do scott- but im just saying) Get behind the lad as he clearly needs it ahead of Sunday!
@sketch
I dont agree with he way tufty has gone about his argument and I certainly dont agree with him calling anybody a retard. but he/she is entitled to their opinion and by you telling him to fuck off your doing the exact same thing as him and being unnecessarily violent towards people
The majority of comments I make that you class as negative as the result of being a match going fan who tries to attend every game and has seen our crowd make up at home games become an embarassment over the last 10 years, have seen out superb away support degrade and have seen our respected European away crowd become infested by muppets.
Instances such as filming the game from the crowd are a joke (Something Utd are looking to eradicate as its against the T&C’s of the ticket and publishing on the likes of youtube is against the copyright of the leagues).
The majority of people who read this site are not match going fans or are daytripping fans who read some of the rubbish by posters on here and think thats how they must act when at the game, making the atmopshere and muppetry even worse.
Not everyone will agree with a bloggers comments and the comment box is there for people to comment on.
I dont care for people slagging our players and there is no need for a public slating of Rio, for an activity that a large number of players get involved in. If United and more importantly Fergie thought it was a distraction of effecting a players game, then he would pull the plug.
We have enough ABU knockers at other clubs, without our own supposed supporters being quick to jump on a bandwagon.
@9jmac
i never said i did i agree with it. look at my comment @ 19:01. i agree entirely with you
Tufty
I am a season, well half season, ticket hold for shamrock rovers, there stDiu
is across the road from me in Dublin I love going to watch football And watching it with my kid, who is no embarrAsment, and I go to every home game. . I know shit about shamrock rovers apart from there nickname is rovers. Does that make me a bigger rivers fan that a rovers fan that doesn’t have a season ticket that can’t afford to go to every game that lives to fAr to go. You talk shit
Rio is for me a one of the best centre backs in the world, on his day he is head and shoulders above anyone in the world, yes he has outside influences but so do many players for me is is class and would not swap him for anyone.
Wazza from what I understand you are not English so calling people Ingerland is not needed pal.
Hurdy Gurdy Man
I was not telling him to fuck off because i disagreed with him. Im telling him to fuck off because of the way he voices his opinion which is completely wrong. Read his comments to GHTT and Scott, then you would know what im talking about.
@Tufty i agree with you about the whole stop bashing players because they are trying to use their time and fame productively. But dont like the way you conduct yourself and go about calling people retards because they disagree with you.
@ghtt
Do you think rovers can do it this year? Shels fan myself and id like to see them winning it after being down in the shits where we are. not coming up any time soon by the looks of it either.
I dont agree with this article in the slightest. But free speech is what the western world is built on and everybody is entitled to an opinion. do you not agree?
Beckham had more outside bullshit than any United player, Ronaldo his very tasteful CR7 shite (and his self tanning business) Owen race horses, Rio has been superb for us, end of.
@sketch
Ive read them. They’re appalling. In saying that, you can’t go around telling people to fuck off either. Tufty’s only airing an opinion albeit in the wrong manner
First comment ever – fantastic site.
I have to agree with everything you say in this article! Great post! Rio should be focusing more on his football and not his so called ‘rio’ brand.
Like Beckham did?
Hello guys i am from Trinidad and Tobago and i am a Big MANUTD Fan, and i agree that stuff like this may kind of distract some players form concentrating on the game, but i believe that even though this show is about gangsters, it may not glorify it, I have to agree with Tuffy on it a bit because Rio Have done wonderful work through out the years, and also with Scot and they, because i come on to this site everyday to hear what our fans have to say, and i believe what scot is trying to say in a Nutshell is he is concerned about Rio’s extra time activities.
Tufty please!
the moment you call someone retarded, everyone lose their respect for you..grow up..
Scott has his opinion and you can have yours.. I too find it wierd that Rio is spending so much time with his magazine, resturant etc. and since rio has not been very impressive lately, http://therepublikofmancunia.com/fergie-this-is-rios-worst-form-for-united/ , scott and some other reflected guys in here, should be free to discuss the situation. Im sure the thought of Rio spending more and more time with off-the-pitch-related stuff, has struck your mind as well
hope my english is fair enough for ya
Hurdy d man
I think they have a great shot at doing it, I’ve never been big on the eircom league but I taught it stupid to not go to the football across the road from my house
I guess it is good he has some outside interests that are more beneficial to society than other people….he could end up spending most of his money on evenings out, drinking and marrying some model/actress.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOswi78oAQE
Who gives a shit about all this??
So he’s got other interests. Big deal.
A Christmas party getting out of hand?? Wierd that never happens(sarcasm) I’m sure noone here has ever gotten a little shitballed at a company party and made some bad decisions. I have made plenty but I still make it to work.
Movies, Magazines, Food? oh wow. What the fuck else do these guys have to do all day after training. He’s not young, he knows how to allocate his time and energy. Plus the shit he’s pumping out is good. His magazine is wicked…all those freestyling footballers are ridiculous.
There are lots of footballers dabbling in all kinds of different ventures. They’re celebrities, why not use it to it’s full potential why you’ve got it?
I wish LeBron threw a jam down over Ferdinand that would of been top.
Not on Vidic though. Vidiv would just stab in and wonder why the hell the ball was orange haha
People bitch and moan about players when they go out boozing and drop 5k on a bar bill or when they down the race track and spend 10k ot the races. Now a player cant have any interests outside of the game at all. I hardly think Rio is sitting up late at night trying to figure out what the “special of the week” is going to be or what to put in his magazine etc.
Yeah hes made some fuck ups this season but i doubt its down to any of his outside activites.
Lots of people on here completely missing the crux of the article, that anti-gang spokesman Rio has made a film that glamourises gang culture.
You have to admit it, it’s not like Scott is making a cheap propaganda by saying the magazines, restaurant and the film MIGHT get Rio distracted, instead it is because Rio HAS made those few mistakes that Scott is relating them.
There have been a lot of other cases like this before, the most obvious one is Ronaldinho’s celebrity lifestyle.
number7shirt – Oh don’t get me wrong mate, I DO like Rio and hopes he gets back to full fitness and form.
utterly disappointed with the discussions. i came over to the site to find more beach ball related fun and i find our own fighting with each other.
agree with your article Scott, but not with the timing of it. anyway don’t get discouraged by the negative comments.
cheer up tufty mate. everyone’s open to a debate here. i dont see any reason y u shd be this rude. scott has been doing a fantastic job and he deserves huge respect.
come on ppl. lets get back to fantasizing a MO7 injury time winner.
@King Eric
Don’t we all mate, and he will, but people that seem to think this sort of article ISN’T pulling Rio to pieces are wrong. It’s drags up some of his past misdemeanours and contains links to the proof for Christ’s sake!!!
We shouldn’t be slating any United player in my opinion, let the Dippers get on with doing that…..it keep’s them amused
tufty- pls stop talking nonsense. if u don t like the article theres is a way of expressing. how an earth u call scott a retard we all red devils and we r like brothers ofcourse u have the right to oppose but should learn the way before u comment. gthtt is a nice bloke in this side and everyone adore his lovely daughter how the hell u call him making videos and put on a utube? if u have a daughter who support the same club as u, wouldnt u b proud of urself but i will. please guys just confront in a meaningful way. tufty i havnt got any problem with u but the way u express ur feelings isnt right. i dont comment offently but i dont miss any article in the forum. even i ididnt like the article as i am working and i do some other bussiness outside my work it doesnt mean that i lost interested in what i do. i would have liked this article after or if rio fails another 3 or 4 games then come up with this article , regarding the film we havent seen the film so cant judge on the label(name) so lets see what he is trying to say in the film and lets talk about it. sorry scot if i made any mistakes
I have read the first few comments but I have to admit that I found them to be repetitive and boring.
Who cares what Rio does as long as he performs for the club on the pitch? Yes, this has not been a great season for him so far, what are the reasons for it? Was it these distractions, his injuries or something else?
I prefer to let Sir Alex deal with this situation, he has been through it so many times and knows what is required to correct it.
Meanwhile, let Rio get on with his on field job for both United and England.
I do have the same feeling as you. Taking so much wage and not performing well is unacceptable. Consider himself having so much time when retired,cant he just concentrate on the game and let everything happen when he retired? Sometimes so many things take away the passion from you. One person can only do one things at a time. This is the basic learning and imagine you type on your computer and still watch television and listen to radio. I bet you can’t do these 3 things perfectly. It’s kind of sick to me. I hope he can up his game and spend more time on training and football. Let everything he wants to do when he retired.
Btw, we are open to our opinion and i don’t like to see us scolding each other. Scott timing might be wrong but more news is better than no news. Scott mention doesn’t mean that he wants us to condemn rio. He just wants him to do well and play better for or beloved club. Relax guys. We must win this coming weekend. No point quarreling as i am more excited about this coming weekend.
Being a person who has spent plenty of time living in some of america’s shittiest neighborhoods where guns are easier to get than a decent bag of weed. I have to laugh at all this talk of movies making kids do terrible things. Kids learn from what they see in real life. Most kids are smart enough to know the difference between movies and real life, of course there are more than a few dumbasses who probably can’t but that applies to kids watching and old people complaining. Gun crime happens because kids see adults they know and respect handling their problems with guns, that and being scared to look bad and take an old fashion ass whuppin, plain and simple. Not cause rio made a movie, this is a non story imho. Wow 3 bad games and you go from the best central defense in the world to expendable huh
well nobody is indispensable, blindkat..
i dun mind him doing this when the season is over, but to do it before Liverpool match smells a bit rotten.
To me, Rio is still the best CB in the world, like Ronaldinho is still the best player in the world.
Yo Tufty!!
Speak to the hand,coz the face..it ain’t listening…
@cantona7 : ‘like Ronaldinho is still the best player in the world’. are you serious mate ?
Scott, I respect your right to air your opinion, but I could not disagree more with your article. I don’t think you have any right to preach what United players should be doing in their free time. If these off field activities were affecting his on field performances then Sir Alex would definitely note that and make him aware of it.
TUFTY HAD A FEW RIBS REMOVED. END OFF
Every player has the right to follow ventures off the pitch!! so he has made a movie and looks at other ways to make money, if I was in the same position I would follow suit, there is nothing wrong with wanting to make money surely!! and so his movie is a gangster movie, some of my favorite movies are gangster movies (Scarface, Goodfellas..etc), it doesnt mean I think its right to go out and shoot or knife someone and sell crack. I think sometimes we feel players belong to us and should do this or do that, but put yourself in that position and how many of us would say fuck off I will do what I want, its my life!!
Players have the rights to live a life, however there’s a fine line as to the image it gives of them n more importantly the club, as we all agree nothing is bigger. Scohlesly likes a little bet, but he don’t encourage it, not like he us the face of bet365 is it?
Tufty ur a bit of a rude cunt towards your fellow utd fans aren’t u? I don’t get to as many games as I’d like doesn’t make me more or less a fan than u or ghht.
As for the atmosphere… Some important people were at the Moscow game n so maybe that’ll change
Rio has a dip in form. Rio produces a movie that comes out during his dip in form. Therefore his dip in form is caused by the movie.
Are you guys serious right now? Your really going for this simplistic line of reasoning? So what if he has other interests? Football is a young mans games, and rio isn’t getting any older. You guys want him to only play football and do the extra stuff when he retires. Wouldn’t it make more sense to start generating non-football related income before he retires, so that when we stop paying him he won’t be scrambling for money?
I know alot of fans are jaded by how much these athletes make, but rio has every right to plan for the future rather than just react to the future. Cause in ten years time when rio is flat broke, none of you are gonna give him money or feel sympathy toward him. You’ll proll just make some remark about how he should have been smarter with his money.
As for this movie, has anyone actually seen it yet? I keep hearing how it “glorifies violence” but no one has claimed to see it. Tufty quotes the guardian as saying it didn’t, yet he gets ridiculed and mocked.
Does this film glorify violence? I don’t know, I have yet to see it. But I’m gonna reserve my judgement about Rios anti-gun hypocrasy until I actually see the film.
regardless Scott the Red is still a Legend
blindKat – ha ha. Can you really get hold of a gun easier than a decent bag of weed? Well send one my way and I will do a swap so I can shoot that cunt Collymore!
I rest my case…
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2009/10/footballs-top-earners-just-as-vulnerable-to-financial-calamity.html
And Rio isnt the face of the crips or bloods is he, and making a movie about gangsters doesnt encourage it, as blindkat said its the people the young kids see walking round with guns and selling drugs and driving nice cars that glorifys the gangster image, believe me Ive lived close enough to moss side to have seen it happen over the last 25 years!!
yawn yawn yawn
it’s funny reading time and time again how Tufty’s arguments get swatted down faster than a one winged fly.
he comes in, thinking he’s all that, and then goes on to show publicly he is just a piece of gum on scott’s shoe.
and mobile recordings from the stands to youtube.. wtf? honestly, who gives a shite?