Oh dear oh dear.

First Mario Balotelli took offence at the presence of a couple of astronauts, and then Christian Benteke attracted a couple of astronaut fans complete with banners. read more »

With the world’s best footballer in town for a World Cup qualifier, Bolivia’s president Evo Morales took the opportunity to foist the national dress upon him.

Morales handed Lionel Messi a poncho to wear when the two met. The Barcelona star duly obliged, although he seemed eager to get out of his poncho again as quickly as possible.

1. Crowd trouble at an England match and the English supporters are nothing but bewildered spectators. How times have changed.

2. Nothing signifies an ultimately disappointing draw is on the horizon quite like an early England goal.

3. Given Joe Hart’s propensity to find touch with such regularity, he might have been the man to have saved England’s Six Nations campaign. read more »

New Zealand beat minnows New Caledonia 2-1 last Friday, and attacker Shane Smeltz took a horrendous kick to the face during the final seconds, which unbelievably was not seen as worthy of a penalty.

The referee gave a goal kick for a smash into the head which led to the injury, a picture of which Smeltz tweeted below. Smeltz also wrote a newspaper column about the incident. read more »

Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy has been threatened with violence by Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni if he cannot shake off his shyness.

Trapattoni wants the former Hamilton youngster to come out of his shell and make his presence felt on the international stage. And if he doesn’t, his national team manager will punch him. read more »