Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich buys 100 acres of land on the moon

Some strange science news for you now. You know how you can “buy” stars, even though such purchases aren’t recognized by any legitimate scientific organization? Well, Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abromovich—he’s a tremendously wealthy Russian, for those of who don’t know who he is—just did one better.

He bought [Spanish] his girlfriend 100 acres of land on the moon.

Yes, the Russian billionaire “bought” the land, which is located between 20-24°S latitude and 30-34°W longitude up there, in order to make it up to his soon-to-be wife, Daria Zhukova. Apparently their crazy wedding had o be toned done because of the credit crisis, which has affected Abramovich’s fortune.

The land, in case you’re looking to symbolically buy some moon property, was purchased from The Lunar Embassy.

Source: www.crunchgear.com

Marlon King bailed after arrest for alleged attack on girl in London club

Hull striker Marlon King was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly punching a girl in a London nightclub at the weekend after she turned down his advances.

The 28-year-old married player was also questioned on suspicion of indecently assaulting the 20-year-old who was rushed to hospital with a suspected broken nose and a cut lip after the alleged attack.

Witnesses said married father of two King, who earns £25,000 a week, had danced near the girl and then grabbed her bottom, then turned on her when she asked him to leave her alone.

Police were called, but King had already gone. He was arrested after attending a police station by appointment on Wednesday morning.

It is understood that he refused to comment and was released on police bail.

CCTV footage has been seized from the Soho Revue Bar in London's West End where King, on loan from Wigan, was celebrating after scoring a late penalty to secure Hull's 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.

A source said: 'He was repeatedly pestering the girl and grabbing her bottom. She kept asking him to leave her alone and at one point he just turned and punched her.

'It was not a slap and it looked like she had a broken nose. There was blood dripping on her clothes and handbag.

'Some of his friends were trying to make out that it was all perfectly justified because she was pestering him but it seemed very much like it was the other way round.'

King was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and indecent assault.

A police spokesman said: 'We are investigating an allegation of assault on a 20-year-old female in the early hours of Sunday morning.

'A 28-year-old man has been arrested today in connection with the incident. He has been bailed to return on a date in February.'

A spokesman for Hull City refused to comment.

Only last month, King was fined two weeks' wages after a 3am fight in a Scarborough casino with fellow Hull striker Dean Windass. The pair had to be pulled apart by stunned colleagues.

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

Gazza: Facing his demons with New Age horse therapyGazza: Facing his demons with New Age horse therapy

FALLEN footie idol Paul Gascoigne is trying to rein in his drink and drug demons by talking to HORSES.

Gazza, 41, has joined a pioneering rehab programme known as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Addicts who struggle to deal with other people are able to re-learn social skills by spending time with horses, New Age therapists claim.

Ex-Spurs, Newcastle and England ace Gazza has been cut off from the outside world during his Ł2,000-a-week treatment. Bosses at the specialist Stepps rehab centre took away his mobile and banned him from reading papers.

Gazza was taken to the secluded clinic in countryside near Minsterworth, Gloucs, last week.

He is set to spend a month there before going for a second phase of treatment at the Sporting Chance Clinic, set up by Portsmouth boss and reformed alcoholic Tony Adams.

Friends fear it is Gazza’s last hope after he spiralled into booze-fuelled despair and mounting debt.

Gentle

The star has lurched from one disaster to the next since his eyewatering encounter with rival Vinnie Jones in 1988.

One pal said: �Paul has been through rehab at places like The Priory, but has always gone back to his self-destructive ways. He knows this may be his last chance.

�Other addicts swear by horse therapy, which gently builds confidence and self-esteem. Paul’s a gentle soul deep down and this could be perfect for him.�

Gazza’s latest rehab was arranged by girlfriend Sally Mulholland, 44, after he suffered mystery wrist injuries.

The Geordie star will spend most of his time standing next to the horses rather than riding them. He will talk to them, stroke and pat them.

Gazza, who has blown a Ł14million fortune, narrowly avoided bankruptcy by paying a Ł215,000 tax bill last week.

It is believed friends are helping fund his treatment.

Source: thesun.co.uk

Tottenham star bundled out of drunken Christmas party: Picture exclusive

Everyone’s allowed to let their hair down at Christmas time and enjoy the festivities with a few glasses of eggnog, but it looks like Tottenham’s players took things a step too far last night.

Pictured above is midfielder Giovani Dos Santos looking extremely worse for wear at the club’s Xmas bash.

Dos Santos, who had clearly been enjoying himself alongside team-mates at London’s upmarket Taman Gang Club, and was snapped leaving the premises in the arms of a security guard.

Jonathon Woodgate, Darren Bent, Gareth Bale, Kevin Prince-Boateng and Alan Hutton all looked on as the young Mexican fell to the floor, threw up and was then bundled into a cab.

Which, we think you'll agree, is the most impressive performance anyone has witnessed from Dos Santos so far this season.

For more festive football madness, check out our Top 10 worst football club Christmas parties

Source: www.mirror.co.uk

City striker Vassell robbed of designer watch and jewellery in Christmas party mugging

Police were today investigating the mugging of Manchester City striker Darius Vassell as he stepped out of a taxi.

Vassell was robbed of his designer watch and jewellery on his return home from the club's Christmas party.

The 28-year-old was not injured during the incident, but was threatened by the two offenders.

It is understood the attackers had not specifically targeted the former England international, but struck while the player reportedly disputed his taxi fare.

The raid took place at the junction of Palatine Road and Barlow Moor Road in Didsbury at about 5.30am on Sunday.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: 'Police were called following reports of the robbery. On arrival they found a 28-year-old man whose watch and jewellery had been stolen.

'He had not been injured during the incident but the offenders had threatened him.

'Inquiries are ongoing.'

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

Boruc wants to wed.. Just don't tell the wife

CELTIC goalie Artur Boruc is set to pop the question to his new girl — even though he’s still married.

The Hoops keeper is ready to get ENGAGED to lover Sara Mannei according to her sister.

The Polish star ditched his wife Kasia for sexy Sara, 24.

Upset Kasia, 28, returned to Poland with their baby son Alex to file for divorce.

But Sara’s sister Nadia claims the Holy Goalie is already set to get hitched.

She said last night: �Everything will change when they get engaged and married.

Storm

�Sara is a good girl and has done nothing wrong. People should leave them alone as it is not their business.

�They are happy and let’s leave it like that.�

Boruc’s relationship caused a storm in Poland because Sara’s ex is a convicted gangster. But he moved Sara and her three-year-old tot Olivia into his luxury flat in Glasgow’s west end.

The controversial keeper was hit with death threats after he was snapped with Sara during a booze-binge in Warsaw last month.

He was drinking and smoking while he was meant to be recuperating from an injury.

Boruc has been fined by Celtic and suspended from his national team for boozy antics while he should have been alcohol free.

Singer Sara — a former contestant on Poland’s Pop Idol — previously dated jailed gangster Rafak Majewski.

A source said: �You would think Boruc would wait till his divorce has settled before getting engaged.�

Source: www.thesun.co.uk

Golden Ronaldo sets his sights on more Old Trafford silverware

Cristiano Ronaldo says he now feels "at home" at Manchester United and wants to stay at Old Trafford. Only four months after his "dream" move to Real Madrid fell over, the winger's itchy feet appear to have been soothed and all it took was being handed the Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball).

Ronaldo, who was in Paris yesterday with his long-suffering manager Sir Alex Ferguson to receive the European player of the year trophy, said he was now content. "I've been playing for Manchester for five years, I feel at home," he said. "There have been prizes won by this club both collectively and individually. I'm happy at Manchester and want to stay."

Ronaldo joined United in 2003 and scored 42 goals last season to help them win Premier and Champions League titles. However, the 23-year-old said he wanted more. "I am an ambitious person. I don't want it to stop here. I think we have to keep trying to win trophies... I am on the right track. I am the Golden Ball winner today, which motivates me even more."

Ronaldo, who beat Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Liverpool's Fernando Torres to the prize, said he needed to maintain his high standards. "It's always special to reach this level, the important thing is to stay there. The idea is to keep progressing." He also praised his team-mates. "Without my team I couldn't have won it [the trophy] and I have to thank them also."

Ferguson was effusive about Ronaldo, saying he could match France's Michel Platini in lifting the prestigious trophy several times. "I think that when a player gets to 26 that's when they begin to mature so these next three or four years for Cristiano will prove my point. He'll win more and I hope he'll win them at Manchester United."

Ferguson, meanwhile, has called for the return of the Scotland versus England international. The teams last contested the traditional annual fixture in 1989, although they have met at Euro 96 and in Euro 2000 qualification matches since. Gordon Smith, the Scottish Football Association chief executive, is to hold further talks with his English counterparts early next year about the idea. "I'm sure it would bring the best out of the players . . . It couldn't be looked upon as a 'friendly'," Ferguson said.

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Sporty Swedish teens pose for charity calender

A Swedish girls football club has decided to raise money by producing and selling calendars featuring girls as young as 15-years-old in “athletic poses”.

The models were chosen from among several girls from the recently merged Emtunga and Tråvad football clubs in western Sweden who volunteered to pose for the calendar.

“We thought it would be something fun and a bit feminine with sort of a ‘we can do it’ theme,” player and Tråvad club secretary Jeanette Nilsson told The Local.

The calendar’s overarching theme is athletics and features girls in a variety of sporty settings, but with a feminine twist.

One image features a young woman mountain climbing in high heels, while another shows two girls wearing dresses sparring in a boxing ring. There is also a shot of a group of girls playing golf clad in leather.

“We didn’t want some boring calendar with team pictures and images of playing fields,” said Nilsson

“We wanted to show some attitude.”

According to Nilsson, reaction to the calendar has been largely positive despite questions raised by some about the appropriateness of featuring underage girls in a wall calendar.

While she understands that some may not agree with the project, Nilsson emphasized that the 20 players who posed for the calendar all volunteered to do so and were comfortable with the project.

“We feel confident about what we’ve done. It’s our thing and we were aware of the consequences,” she said.

The calendar showcases club members ranging in age from 15- to 43-years-old and all those under the age of 18 were required to have permission from their parents.

“The players and parents were aware of everything ahead of time,” said Nilsson.

According to Nilsson, none of the pictures are overtly risqué although “some show more skin than others”.

A total of 1,000 calendars have been printed up and are being sold for 50 kronor ($6). There are also plans to auction off a number of posters based on images from the calendar.

The proceeds are primarily going to fund a team trip “somewhere fun”, said Nilsson, similar to last year’s in which nearly 40 players traveled to Barcelona.

In addition, the team is devoting 10 kronor from the sale of each calendar to the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation (Barncancerfonden).

“We really thought it was important to support them too,” said Nilsson.

If sales are any indication, the calendars are already a hit, as nearly 700 have already been sold.

“If we sell out, it’s quite possible we’ll have to print up more,” she said.






Source: www.thelocal.se

Riquelme a criminal?

Our tour of South American soccer madness continues this week, this time from perhaps the most famous player/club/stadium on the whole continent. Boca Juniors midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme, after scoring the winning goal against Racing Club, then called out a heckler in the stands. Apparently the result was brawl in the stands involving said fan after Riquelme called him out, and now the district attorney wants to charge the Boca player with inciting violence.

So far this story has been picked up mostly by spanish language media (see here, for example) but Hasta el Gol Siempre has a good recap in english:

After rifling in what proved to be the winning goal, Riquelme ran to the executive boxes and pointedly singled out one fan, who had earlier been insulting the playmaker for reasons best known to himself (but which, at a guess, may have something to do with his form for club and country earlier in the year). There were scuffles in the stands around the fan and Zapata wants to see Riquelme brought up for ‘inciting disorder at a sporting event’.

Riquelme had claimed after the match that the young man - who on Monday appeared on national TV giving his version of events - had been insulting the team throughout the match and looked very nervous after the player had celebrated his second goal. Quite how Riquelme heard this one supporter’s shouting above the Bombonera crowd, he didn’t explain. He did explain what he’d said, though: ‘I only pointed out to him that now, he was celebrating the goal.’

Luis Cevasco, the attorney for the barrio of La Boca, had earlier explained to news channel TN that the investigation had begun after remarks from the officials who’d had to escort the fan from the stand when other supporters expressed their displeasure at him following Riquelme’s second half goal. Riquelme could be tried over contravention of articles 99 and 101 of the Código Contravencional. The possible punishments are a AR$600 to AR$2,000 fine or 10 days’ jail time for the first, and a AR$200 to AR$1,000 fine or five days behind bars for the second

I'm not sure what the problem is here, really. Seems to me this sort of thing happens every other week with Didier Drogba, but I guess he's lucky he doesn't play in Buenos Aires. And its not like the various supporters groups in Argentina don't, you know, murder each other with regularity. Riquelme talking shit to a heckler seems pretty innocuous in comparison.

Source: unprofessionalfoul.com

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Could Triple Co-Host Euro 2016

At least three countries - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - are already planning a possible bid to host Euro 2016. Not as rival bids, but as triple co-hosts. Or tri-hosts, if you prefer. It’s all “tentative” right now, but it could happen.

I’ve long believed that having European Championships co-hosts is a detriment to the tournament. Mostly because out of 16 teams, two don’t have to qualify. That’s one eighth of all teams. And in some cases those teams wouldn’t necessarily have qualified - see Austria and Switzerland this past summer.

Expanding the Euros to 24 team (which is on the cards for 2016) would make co-hosting less problematic. But if we expand the number of hosts along with the number of teams, we end up back where we started, with one eighth of the teams qualifying automatically.

On one hand I’d love to see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland pulling triple co-hosting duties in 2016. The atmosphere would be incredible and there would be plenty of fantastic stadiums to choose from - Hampden Park, Ibrox Stadium, Celtic Park, Millennium Stadium (pictured). But on the other hand I get the feeling that three co-hosts is at least one too many.

Source: www.worldcupblog.org

China's Joey Barton

Say ni hao to the Asian Joey Barton. I know, you all have been diligently searching, praying and hoping for this discovery. His name, Mao Jianqing of course. I guess he's known as the badboy of Chinese soccer. Not sure if that means he's terrible at soccer or just a Joey Barton wannabe, but that is beside the point. Dude's stone cold without remorse.

Mao's team, Shanghai Shenhua, recently just lost its Chinese Super League Title bid on Sunday, and early Monday morning Mao took out his frustration. Very early. Like 4:50 a.m. It is alleged that Mao and a friend beat up some young guy named Xu greeted one of Mao's female friends who was Xu's former colleague. Mao didn't take kindly to this and told him to step off or something like that and then was attacked in a manly manner. Mao and his accomplices, a teammate and former pro basketball player, proceeded to throw dishes and an ashtray at Xu. Awesome! (That's Mao in the photo heading to jail and Xu's injuries in the inset).

This isn't Mao's first rodeo either. According to the report, Mao kicked a fan at the U-17 World Championships and struck a referee at the U-19 World Championships. So he's a bit of Eric Cantona too. Nice.

Realizing that they may have made a mistake, Mao tried to pay off Xu to not go to the cops. Xu said eff you, but then tried unsuccessfully to extort even more money out of Mao later.

Mao and friends have been arrested, fined and will spend 7 days in a Chinese jail. As Jack Bauer knows, that ain't no country club.

Source: unprofessionalfoul.com