Okay, we don’t know about you guys, but the Euro 2012 have not only fired us, but our computers decided it would be cool to just, you know, not work too. But now we’re back! And we’re pretty excited because there has been SO much going on in the footy world. Mangers are coming and going in the EPL, Euro 2012 is battling racism unfortunately and tons more. Here’s your Thursday Daily Kick Around!

 

 Euro 2012

I hate to even say it, but it seems the Euros this year are being clouded by racism and violence. Yesterday, the Russian Soccer Association were fined $150,000 and could possibly be docked 6 points for the next Euro qualifiers by the UEFA after fans attacked stadium stewards during Russia’s match against the Czech Republic. Even more disturbing is the news that racist crimes are on the rise in Ukraine – one of the host nations of this year’s European Championship. And now there is a fear that with the highly competitive Euro games taking place, more crimes could surface. Well, everyone is concerned except the Ukrainian football body.

 

And the bad news doesn’t end there. Italian striker Antonio Cassano is under fire after making homophobic remarks recently. The AC Milan player recently used an “offensive term to describe any gay players who may be in the Azzurri squad.” Now, an Italian gay rights association is lashing out at Cassano, and I can’t blame them. Nothing like this should be tolerated in the game at all.

 English Premier League

So long Harry! The manager some of us love to hate, Harry Redknapp, announced yesterday that he would be stepping down from the position as manager of the Tottenham Hotspurs. Ol’ Harry has another year on his contract, but according to reports, he and club could not agree to terms, so he’s headed out!
 

Here’s a new one for you. Chelsea are actually keeping their manager. That’s right. Roberto Di Matteo, who went from second in command to manager of the Blues after Andre Villas Boas was shown the door, has been signed by Chelsea to continue to manage the team for two more years. I would say this is a very smart move on the club’s part.

La Liga

Speaking of new managers, Barcelona has locked in one as well. Tito Vilanova has been given the very huge task of coaching the Spanish giants, filling the shoes left by former manager Pep Guardiola. Vilanova has signed a two-year contract.

 Major League Soccer

MLS is back this weekend!!! And as if you couldn’t forget, the disciplinary committee has made sure to remind everyone they are present after suspended San Jose Earthquakes keeper Jon Busch. He’s gone for one game and fined and ‘undisclosed amount for aggressively retrieving a ball in second-half stoppage time’ during the match against Sporting KC May 27. Can I say that I’m getting a little tired of the retro banning?

MLS wasn’t without their manager drama as well during the international break. During a press conference yesterday, Philadelphia Union kicked out Peter Nowak and replaced him with John Hackworth. Can’t say that I’m exactly surprised as the Union coach had been making some questionable moves this season and his team isn’t fairing too well.

Here’s an interesting tid bid of info. One of Manchester United’s coaches – Rene Meulensteen said recently the club “extensively scouts Major League Soccer as the team believes the competition level of the league is very respectable.” I think that’s very encouraging for a league many say is horrible and has no standing whatsoever.

 

 U.S. Men’s National Team

Oh, USMNT. The World Cup qualifying match against Guatemala Tuesday was pretty much what some of us were expecting – chippy, fast and gut wrenching. Grant Wahl made three good points about the team and the game. And look for a little piece from me soon!