Ronaldo Red Redux; Rio Railroaded

The Spanish Football Federation has given Cristiano a two-match ban for his "dangerous play" in Sunday's tie with Malaga.  The federation could have given him more if they thought his infraction was flagrant or violent.  My guess is he got a two-match rather than a one-match because he protested so much to the call and kept flailing his arms in disgust as he left the field.
RM will most likely appeal the decision.
The press have continued to blast him for his conduct, especially in Spain.  He was photographed in public (going to lunch), but the press reported that he looked "sullen and never smiled."
In other Real news...Jorge Valdano (Beezlebub Jr.) has now come out to say that "Real is not interested in Wayne Rooney."  Widespread reports in the Spanish and English media said that Rooney was on his way to Real this summer because he was in a contract dispute with United.  Rooney has now come out publicly to say that he is never leaving United, and has no inclination to play for Madrid or anyone in Spain.  Valdano's comments today can obviously be translated as..."we couldn't get him so we'll now say we didn't want him." hehe
Wesley Sneijder of Inter Milan also received a two-match ban for his play against AC Milan on Sunday.  Sneijder, like Ronny, protested vehemently (screaming at the ref while being restrained by his teammates).  No word if Inter will challenge the ban, but Sneijder is an integral part of the team.  He is ironically one of the Dutch players who was "excised" from the bunyon that is Real Madrid last summer.  He has since said that "Real are run by two mafiosi" (Perez and Valdano). Double hehe.

Now for shocking United news.  Rio Ferdinand has been hit with a violent conduct charge for his play against Hull City on Sunday.  In an altercation with Fagan (who most players would like to smack, as his middle name is Thug), the FA deemed post-game that he deserved a ban.  He was not given a yellow or a red for the incident.  How ironic that being one of Europe's finest center-backs, Rio had just returned to the United lineup, with huge games looming (Arsenal next week).  It makes a person say...hmmmmmmmm....een-ter-est-ink!  Someone at the FA (meaning all of them) really don't want United to win a fourth consecutive league title.  Guess we'll have to play the opposing teams, refs, and FA to win.  BRING IT ON!

Tata