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Anorak News | Crossing The Line

Crossing The Line

by | 18th, October 2004

‘THOSE blessed with a working knowledge of the Chelsea squad may recall the name Adrian Mutu.

Who feels a right Charlie?

You may also recall the names Scott Parker, Glen Johnson and Carlo Cudicini, but them for another time.

For today the papers shine a light on the Romanian striker, who when he arrived at Stamford Bridge for the better part of £16m 14 months ago, looked a more than decent player.

But then, as the Sun’s front and back pages explain, he discovered – as many at the Blues have – that he could earn his money just by breathing.

So he became a playboy instead of player, as the paper sees it, and partook of some cocaine.

Now, if he tests positive on a second sample for the drug, he faces a two-year ban from the game and the prospect of being sacked by Chelsea.

If found guilty, the Mail says that the Blues will write off the fee they paid for the player, who will lose more than £10m from the remaining three years on his generous contact.

But while football looks on, Chelsea may not even notice Mutu’s passing and, given past form, will already be lining up his multi-million pound replacement.

And the club might contact Craig Bellamy, who, judging by the Mirror’s back-page news, could soon be on his way out of Newcastle.

In the course of being substituted in his club’s 1-1 draw with Charlton yesterday, the foul-mouthed, odious, uni-toothed dick was seen to mouth the words: “What me? You f***ing p**ck!”

Everyday words on the field of play maybe, but not the kind of thing Newcastle manager Graeme Souness likes to be called on live TV.

But while Bellamy goes on the record, the Times watches Jamie Burnett set a new record.

The snooker professional who has yet to pass the quarter-finals of a major tournament, has just achieved the notable score of a 148 break.

During the qualifying rounds of the Travis Perkins United Kingdom Championship at Pontin’s Prestatyn, Wales, the Scot saw his chance.

When his opponent, Leo Fernandez, missed all 15 reds and left a free ball, Burnett was on for a massive score.

And he duly took it the opening, making the highest break in professional or amateur competition.

And thus transforming himself into a trivia question to be posed in pubs and clubs the length and breadth of the land…’



Posted: 18th, October 2004 | In: Back pages Comment | TrackBack | Permalink