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After a rollercoaster season at White Hart Lane, it is time to start analysing the hiccups along the way.

Gareth Bale’s stunning performances defined last season and without him, Tottenham potentially would not have finished with their highest points tally in the Premier League. Therefore the work of Andre Villas-Boas was hypothetically not an integral part to their success.

The beginning of Spurs’ season would support this claim, with the eventual downfall of the Portuguese manager happening on the 16th December 2013 – highlighting that perhaps the Premier League  just isn’t right for AVB.

Was there another Premier League manager that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could have approached?

With AVB secured as manager in 2012 (the same year as Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool), Roberto Martinez was still in his final year at Wigan Athletic, desperately plugging away in the bid to avoid relegation to the Championship, whilst at the same time, playing some stylish and classy football.

Tottenham’s appointment of Villas-Boas signified that the north Londoners were on the prowl for a youthful approach to management and the selection of the former Porto manager should have been carried with caution when considering his negative stint at London rivals, Chelsea.

Roberto Martinez always stated that it was his intention to keep Wigan in the top division, however after four years of the same tireless quest, would it have been best suited for his career to move to a club challenging at the higher level of the league with money to spend? Martinez was most likely the youthful reformist that Spurs were looking for.

Eventually, the Spaniard left Wigan after failing to avoid the drop. He managed to secure a move to replace David Moyes as the manager of Everton and career-wise, Everton was an intelligent move.

However, had Martinez have left a year previously, he would have ended his spell with the Latics as having successfully manoeuvred them to safety. Tottenham should have moved for Martinez instead of AVB, with the club’s tradition and heritage matching perfectly with the former’s footballing philosophy.

Tactically, Roberto Martinez and Tottenham would be an ideal fit. Martinez often adopts a 4-2-3-1 shape that relies on strong tacklers which, with Tottenham, would suit the likes of Sandro, Nabil Bentaleb, Etienne Capoue and Paulinho – with each player able to hold the midfield well and place a strong challenge should it be necessary – as was shown by Bentaleb’s show-stopping performance against Newcastle in Spurs’ 4-0 win last week.

The former Wigan boss also enjoys a team with skilful passers in the attacking third as is often exhibited by Steven Pienaar, Ross Barkley and Bryan Oviedo at Everton.

Should Martinez have been installed rather than AVB, Spurs could have potentially seen their former Dutch magician Rafael van der Vaart pulling the strings in the final third, if he had chosen to remain at White Hart Lane. With the existing squad, Martinez could see the likes of Paulinho, Christian Eriksen and Lewis Holtby implementing their skilful passing into this structure.

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Yet another trait that Martinez holds is his tactical flexibility, something Tottenham players were all too used to under AVB.  At Wigan, Roberto successfully operated a 3-5-2 formation at times and with multiple players at the north London club able to rotate (such as Vertonghen and Capoue) Martinez would have a wealth of options at his disposal.

Had Martinez taken over in 2012, the outcome of the season wouldn’t have panned out too differently to how it did under AVB. Spurs were fairly busy in the summer of 2012 securing acquisitions such as Jan Vertonghen, Emmanuel Adebayor (permanently) and Hugo Lloris.

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With Daniel Levy personally dipping into Tottenham’s transfer strategy, it’s possible to suggest that Spurs would have secured these players with any manager in charge, therefore whether it was AVB or Martinez wouldn’t have mattered;  the squad for 2012/13 would have remained the same.

However, the season of last could be contributed to Gareth Bale’s constant player of the year performances and the ability of AVB is therefore debatable considering that the Welsh wizard was evidently the reason for their record points tally in the league. With Martinez in charge, Spurs could have gone on to even greater things, with a manager eager to prove himself in a position he could feasibly hold for many years.

Had Spurs appointed Martinez, we could be looking at a very different Tottenham side with a manager of equal ambition to match the forever attractive philosophy of playing ‘the Spurs way’.

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With a third of the season already gone, it seems the perfect time to reflect on some of this year’s summer signings. Every transfer, whether it be stepping up a league, moving country or continent, or simply swapping clubs has an element of risk involved.

Some summer signings hit the ground running and enriched the Premier League, such as Eden Hazard and Santi Cazorla. Others however, like usual, have failed to prove they’re worth their transfer fee – and if they had no transfer fee, they’ve proved they aren’t worth their wages.

Some have performed below the the level their reputation might suggest, others are yet to reach the heights their fees would demand, and a few simply can’t break into the first-team at their new clubs.

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Either way, after just twelve games these  lads already appear to be a bad piece of business. Here is a list of this summer’s ten most disappointing signings with a brief explanation as to why they deserve a place on our list of newly-signed poor performers.

Click on Clint Dempsey to see the full list of transfer travesties

Despite only leaving England to return to his homeland earlier this year, Yohan Cabaye is already being linked with a stunning Premier League comeback. The former Newcastle pass-master has not enjoyed the most fruitful of spells in Paris, and talk in the media – on both sides of the Channel – suggests that January could provide a turn in the 28-year-old’s career.

Manchester United are one of a few teams sniffing around, and we here at FFC Towers think that Cabaye could be a massive player for Louis van Gaal. Not convinced? Here are FIVE reasons why he could be…

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CLICK ON THE MAN HIMSELF TO REVEAL THE FIVE

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Premier League experience

Whatever way you look at it, Cabaye was a success at Newcastle. Signed for a bargain rate, the Frenchman was excellent in the North East, playing a vital role in the Magpies’ impressive run to fifth place in 2011/12.

Upon his exit earlier this year there was an alarming drop off in Newcastle’s performances, illustrating just how important he was…

Wants to leave PSG

Despite only moving to PSG in January, Cabaye is understood to be ready to end his adventure in Paris. The silky 28-year-old has struggled for game time, with the majority of his performances having been from the bench.

United cannot offer Champions League football right now, so targeting players keen to move – as they did with Radamel Falcao – is a wise strategy.

Mix of creativity and solidity

While his renowned for his attacking flair, Cabaye is actually a remarkably solid player in a deeper midfield role. The French ace provides a good screen in front of his backline, and, although not a fierce tackler, is decent at winning the ball back to build attacks.

United currently lack such a player, with Daley Blind very much an unorthodox option, so snapping up Cabaye could solve a pressing concern for Louis van Gaal.

Keep him away from rivals

United are not the only side chasing Cabaye, with Arsenal and Liverpool also in the hunt. The 28-year-old is a wanted man thanks to his Premier League track record, and is likely to be the subject of multiple bids.

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Letting Cabaye head to the Gunners or the Reds is likely to put United on the back foot again, so snapping him up just to keep him away from a foe may be wise…

In his peak

Central midfielders, typically, enjoy their peak years between 27 and 31. Cabaye is slap bang in the middle of that range now, and is likely to be at the very top of his powers for the coming few seasons. It’s all well and good looking into the distance with younger players, but the Red Devils need to get results right now.

Reports suggest that Louis van Gaal was set to offload as much as seven Manchester United players before the start of the new season. Amongst them are the likes of Javier Hernandez, Marouane Fellaini, Rafael, Nani, Anderson, Wilfred Zaha, and Will Keane.

The mentioned names are believed to not be able to fit into the plans of the Dutch boss and replacements are likely to be on their way into the clubs. Some players managed to avoid the so-called Van Gaal ‘AXE’ but that doesn’t mean their place in the squad is completely safe.

Here are FIVE Manchester United players that must prove themselves this season or risk losing the chance altogether…

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CLICK ON ANTONIO VALENCIA TO SEE THE FULL LIST [/ffc-gallery]

Ashley Young

Name: Ashley Young

Age: 29

Position: Winger

Nationality: England

Price: £12 – £14 million

Ashley Young was a step away from joining the list of players Louis van Gaal didn’t need at the club but, due to his impressive form during the USA tour, he could even be given a first team role. He excelled playing as a wing back in Van Gaal’s 3-5-2 formation and would be an ideal candidate to compete with Luke Shaw.

With Rafael likely looking at a club exit, Young could even play on the right side, either as a regular or serve as back-up to Antonio Valencia. However, any drop in form during the Premier League season could see him be replaced completely in the January window.

Danny Welbeck

Name: Danny Welbeck

Age: 23

Position: Striker

Nationality: England

Price: £13 – £16 million

Throughout the summer Danny Welbeck was being linked with a move away from Manchester United, with Tottenham Hotspur believed to be a possible destination. The biggest problem for him now is that Louis van Gaal doesn’t have any advance wingers, meaning he can play nowhere else except as a striker.

We have seen him on the wings in the past, but with two wing backs, Welbeck has little chance to excel in that role. Now, with Javier Hernandez likely to leave, he will be the first in line to replace either Wayne Rooney or Robin van Persie should anything happen to them.

He will have to prove himself to Van Gaal before his manager decides to bring in another striker, therefore his time to impress is now.

Adnan Januzaj

Name: Adnan Januzaj

Age: 19

Position: Winger / Centre Attacking Midfield

Nationality: Belgium

Price: £40 million (Rejected bid from Paris Saint-Germain)

Adnan Januzaj was one of the stand-out players in their chaotic previous season, but with the arrival of Louis van Gaal, he looks to have lost a first team place. Being hailed as a Manchester United wonderkid, it is unlikely that the club will sell him, but we could see him loaned out for more first team experiences.

His place in the squad is currently safe, but if he doesn’t take advantage of his chances, he could slowly drop further down the pecking order. With a wing role unlikely, he now needs to compete with Juan Mata and Shinji Kagawa for a place behind the two strikers.

Antonio Valencia

Name: Antonio Valencia

Age: 29

Position: Right Winger

Nationality: Ecuador

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Price: £10 – £15 million

From Manchester United’s best player of the year in the 2011-2012 campaign, Valencia has seen a huge drop in performance over the past two seasons. As of now his place is quite secured due to his ability to be deployed into the Louis van Gaal’s 3-5-2 formation at wing back. His experience as a right back during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign may now come back to save his career.

However, if United can secure the signing of Juan Cuadrado, Valencia’s place in the squad will be under heavy threat. The Colombian star is tailor-made to play as a right wing back and could easily overtake the Ecuadorian to a place in Van Gaal’s starting 11.

Luke Shaw

Name: Luke Shaw

Age: 19

Position: Left Back

Nationality: England

Price: £30 million

Luke Shaw’s £30 million move to Manchester United doesn’t instantly mean that he will become a top class player as he still needs to prove himself despite his huge price tag. There were some fitness concerns early on as Louis van Gaal began putting the young star on extra workout routines.

With Ashley Young picking up form, if Shaw fails to make an immediate impact down the left flank, both in an attacking and defensive sense, he could easily see his role the squad being replaced. Many people have been questioning his price, his salary, and his abilities, so there is no better way to silence his critics than by proving his worth on the pitch.

Chelsea captain John Terry intends to finish his career at the club, but is open to making a move to the MLS, according to reports from the Express.

Terry completed the amazing achievement of playing in every minute of this season’s Premier League campaign, which ended up with the centre-back also lifting the league trophy.

WANT MORE? >> Chelsea transfer news | Latest transfer news

And the Englishman is adamant on staying at Stamford Bridge until he retires, however if he is forced to leave before he calls it quits, the 34-year-old will not go and play for another Premier League club.

“I would love to finish my career at Chelsea,” Terry said.

“I certainly don’t want to play for another club in the Premier League or England. I don’t think you get that loyalty within football anymore.

“The likes of Lamps, Didier [Drogba], Rio [Ferdinand], Stevie [Gerrard], these guys have stayed at the very top at the best clubs in the world and managed to stay in the team, stay fit and stay hungry, and it is great thing to do, so I am hoping to finish my career at Chelsea.

He would instead follow in the footsteps of fellow countrymen Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, with both legends making the switch to the United States this summer.

“If Chelsea decide otherwise, whether that be next year or the year after, and I still feel I will play, of course I will go and play [elsewhere],” he added.

“I will go to America, wherever the opportunities are there.

“At that stage of my career it would need to suit not only myself but my family as well. Ideally for me, my family are local, and I would love to finish my career at Chelsea.”

The Blues skipper joined the Chelsea youth team from West Ham United’s back in 1995, before making his senior debut in 1998.

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The rest, they say, is history, as Terry went on to win four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, one Europa League Cup, and a Champions League trophy.

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Largely due to the miraculous rise of Francis Coquelin since the turn of 2015, Arsene Wenger seems reluctant to spend big on a holding player this summer.

Indeed, many view a ‘big-‘n-‘burly’ defensive-mid as one of the few intrinsic differences between Arsenal and the Premier League’s other title contenders. But Wenger appears to have conceded Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin to Manchester United, whilst we haven’t heard much about Arsenal’s alleged pursuits of Lars Bender, Grzegorz Krychowiak or William Carvalho for some time.

Perhaps he’s in the right; Coquelin produced equal – if not superior – form to many of the Gunners’ ball-winning targets towards the end of last season and the last thing the north London outfit need is a cumbersome thug disrupting their definitive, possession-based build-up play.

So it’s time to consider some cheaper solutions to Arsenal’s lack of height, power and defensive awareness in the middle of the park; experienced players who could step in for the big games that won’t command a sizable chunk of the club’s summer transfer budget.

With that in mind, here’s FIVE budget anchormen the Gunners should target this summer.

ALEX SONG

Arsene Wenger seems completely adverse to the idea of re-signing former Gunner Alex Song, but I struggle to understand why.

The Cameroon international was one of the top enforcers in the Premier League during his lengthy Emirates tenure and has hardly become a worse player by undertaking two years at Barcelona – the most dominant club side in world football over the last decade.

The 27 year-old spent last year on loan at West Ham, demonstrating the composure, control and quality you’d expect of a Champions League regular – which is the level the 6ft. 1″ midfielder should still be playing at, in my opinion.

Perhaps most importantly of all from Arsenal’s perspective, he’s the only player on this list who has proven himself compatible with the Gunners’ unique style of play before, recording an impressive 13 assists across all competitions during his final campaign in north London.

Furthermore, Barca are set to sell Song for an absolute pittance this summer – some sources even claim he’ll be allowed to leave for free. Currently, however, he’s expected to join the Hammers permanently.

THIAGO MOTTA

PSG’s Thiago Motta is about as proven as it gets. He’s won league titles with Barcelona, Inter Milan and claimed three in three seasons since moving to Parc de Princes in January 2012.

He’s also a regular international for Italy, featuring prominently in the squad that reached the final of the last European championships, and now has 70 appearances in continental tournaments under his belt.

In terms of height, power and defensive quality, the 6ft. 2″ midfielder represents exactly what the Gunners currently lack in midfield. But Motta’s also a smart player who uses the ball well, boasting a pass completion rate of 93% in Ligue 1 alongside one created chance per match.

Motta’s no spring chicken at the age of 32, but with just a year remaining on his contract, the Parisians would probably let him leave for a nominal fee this summer.

ESTEBAN CAMBIASSO

Esteban Cambiasso’s performances for Leicester City last season verged upon talismanic, netting five times as the Foxes staved off relegation with a miraculous great escape.

Admittedly, at 34 years of age the Argentina international doesn’t offer the Gunners much in the way of longevity.

But the midfielder looked more than comfortable at Premier League level during his King Power Stadium tenure, continually demonstrating the pedigree, intelligence and experience you’d expect from a former Champions League winner with 52 caps for Albiceleste under his belt. He averaged an impressive 2.3 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 1.2 created chances per match.

There’s life in the old dog yet and perhaps most appealingly of all, the former Inter Milan star is currently available on a free transfer. He’s yet to extend his one-year deal with Leicester and the shock sacking of Nigel Pearson last week could convince him to consider other opportunities.

STEVEN N’ZONZI

Steven N’Zonzi may not be the most popular of figures outside of the Britannia Stadium but every club needs a gritty, irritating and provocative figure like the Stoke City enforcer.

Furthermore, the Frenchman has shown a clear progression during his Premier League spells with Blackburn and the Potters and is now one of the most formidable characters in their’ starting Xi, blending an imperious 6ft. 3″ frame with consistency, vision and occasional elegance on the ball.

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He was Stoke’s tempo setter last year, averaging the most passes per match of any player in their squad, and has resultantly become an integral component of Mark Hughes’ aesthetic evolution from the Tony Pulis days – suggesting he wouldn’t look awkward and out of place in the Gunners’ technically-demanding engine room.

Likewise, the 26 year-old is an ambitious character, handing in two transfer requests over the last two summers. So with his contract now into its final twelve months, he could easily force a move away before the start of next season.

Currently, however, he’s a priority target for Sevilla.

JOHN OBI MIKEL

A defender’s answer to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, John Obi Mikel has been dubbed ‘the human full time whistle’ for his world-class ability to kill off games after entering the fray from the bench.

Protecting leads is certainly his forte but the Nigerian international’s talents stem far beyond the limited role he repeatedly performs for the Premier League champions. In truth, he’s highly competent in possession, claiming a 91% pass completion rate last season, and has often demonstrated his more progressive qualities when on Super Eagles duty.

Perhaps the 28 year-old’s biggest asset, however, is his vast experience. He’s featured in the most important games English and European football have to offer – including two Champions League finals – and is now verging upon a decade in the Premier League.

The 6ft. 2″ enforcer apparently wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after making just six league starts this season, but whether the Blues would be prepared to further strengthen Arsenal after already surrendering Petr Cech remains to be seen.

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has hailed praise on new summer signing Rudy Gestede’s heading ability, according to reports from the Daily Star.

Gestede joined Villa from Blackburn Rovers after the two clubs agreed on a £6million fee last week as a direct replacement for Christian Benteke, who left for Liverpool.

WANT MORE? >> Aston Villa Transfer News | Latest Transfer News

And Sherwood insists that the Benin international striker is able to fill in for the £32.5million Belgian, praising his heading as the best he has seen in the English game.

He said: “Rudy has a lot of qualities but one outstanding one and that’s his aerial presence, which is immense.

“It’s better than anything I have seen around in English football. He terrorises defenders in the air.

“With respect to the central defenders in the Championship, they are there because there’s a great aerial presence in that division.

“So if he can do that to them, I am sure he can do it to the guys in the Premier League. His goalscoring record is terrific too.”

The former Tottenham Hotspur interim manager went on to add that the £6million the Midlands club paid for the 26-year-old is a snip when compared to Blackburn’s £11million asking price for his strike-partner Jordan Rhodes.

“Everyone talks about Jordan Rhodes and absolutely right because he scores goals, but Rudy outscored him last season,” he continued.

“They’re talking about £11m upwards for Jordan. We think we have a bargain with Rudy. Also, he’s a great guy and wants to develop and learn.”

Villa have been extremely active in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of Jordan Ayew from Lorient, Jordan Amavi from Nice, and Micah Richards from Fiorentina this summer.

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Gestede made 44 appearances for Blackburn in all competitions last season, scoring 22 goals.

And breathe!

What an action packed 90 minutes we’ve all just seen at Anfield! But did we really expect anything less from these two Premier League giants?

The talking point will, of course, be Steven Gerrard’s moment of madness that cost his team any chance of salvaging the game just seconds after coming on. However, we’ve also got to talk about whether Manchester United’s Phil Jones should’ve been sent off? Adam Lallana, is he good enough for Liverpool? Is Raheem Sterling’s contract saga starting to affect his performances on the pitch? Why doesn’t Juan Mata start every game for United?

So much to discuss and so many things that haven’t even been mentioned! Click on through to find out what three things we’ve learnt from Manchester United’s important victory over Liverpool in the race for the top four.

Daniel Sturridge is Liverpool’s only hope

The England international was starved of service all day and you almost expected that we wouldn’t see the striker again after Steven Gerrard’s sending off gave Man United the man advantage. However, the former Chelsea striker somehow gave the Reds a lifeline when it seemed so unlikely with a well taken goal from a tight angle.

What might’ve been for Brendan Rodgers’ side had he been available all season.

Steven Gerrard is harming Liverpool

It all feels a bit embarrassing and awkward for Stevie G when Sky Sports do their usual cliche and over the top montages of the former England skipper in action.

Liverpool fans will tell you that the midfielder is still so important to them. And, sure, he does deserve credit for adapting his role but he is hardly pulling up trees there; he needed to let this season peter out and go off into the LA sunset remembered as a Premier League icon. However, following the slip and the pathetic red card today, you have to wonder whether if he stays around for much longer whether he will undo his legacy.

Juan Mata needs to play more

The undisputed Man of the Match was in fine form today, with the former Chelsea midfielder’s second goal epitomising what a wonderfully skilful player he is.

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The former Valencia man hasn’t always been Louis van Gaal’s player of choice but surely he will have staked a claim for a permanent starting XI berth after today’s heroics?

When Brendan Rodgers decided that Pepe Reina’s future lay elsewhere, one has to imagine that his decision was not made with 100% assuredness.

Reina, now on his way to Napoli, has been a cornerstone of today’s Liverpool, with his status at Anfield perhaps only surpassed by Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

His imperious record and vast experience is unmatched by most of Rodgers’ current squad, and most other Premier League goalkeepers.

Indeed, to say that Simon Mignolet has big gloves to fill could well be classed an understatement.

That’s not to suggest he isn’t capable of the task. The Belgian has steadily proved himself over the last three campaigns at Sunderland and for many was one of the best goalkeepers in England last season.

It is no secret though, that players of quality can end up struggling when they find themselves wearing a shirt like that of Liverpool’s, steeped in such esteemed history.

Mignolet has developed markedly with Sunderland, but previous to his time on Tyneside, the 25-year-old was plying his trade in the first and second divisions of Belgium.

Compare that to where Reina joined Liverpool from. Although only 22 at the time, the shot stopper had already experienced top European football with Barcelona and Villarreal.

Experience is not the only doubt that the red half of Merseyside might have about Rodgers’ decision however.

For sheer talent, does Mignolet represent a better option than Reina?

Napoli’s incoming keeper has kept Liverpool 134 clean sheets in the Premier League. That stat speaks for itself.

To the contrary, Mignolet has managed 29 clean sheets, which actually is rather impressive considering last season was the first time he kept goal for the entire duration of the league.

Those stats of course do not tell the whole story, but nevertheless give a small insight into the ability of both.

A clearer representation for some will be the praises that have been sung about each.

It seems unnecessary to pull up a quote about Reina. Everyone is aware of the plaudits he has received through his career, regularly thought of as one of the best keepers in Europe and by many a Liverpool fan as the best in their history.

As for Mignolet, those who have worked closest with him have never doubted his quality.

Just last year, Martin O’Neill exclaimed: “When I look at Joe Hart I see an excellent goalkeeper, his performance for Manchester City against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League was sublime, but Simon is playing just as well.”

Certainly, it would appear on the ability front that Mignolet has all the attributes to be a more than apt replacement for Reina.

Is the change really necessary though?

At 25, Mignolet evidently has the chance to develop yet more, but Reina is 30, which in goalkeeping years, as has been proved by the likes of Brad Friedel and Edwin Van Der Sar in recent times, is becoming a career peak point.

Many will say that the Spaniard has appeared jaded and past his best in recent seasons, with more errors seeming to creep into his game.

Arguably however, a chance for the man from Madrid to settle has been denied in the said period. He had to work with a very deep back line under Roy Hodgson, a line a touch higher under Kenny Dalglish and a much higher one under Rodgers.

The suggestion from the Liverpool boss yesterday though, was that Reina had to go due to his high wages, which are thought to be around £110,000 per week.

“Financially it was something that we needed to look at,” said Rodgers. “That would be the reason [to move Reina] as you wouldn’t move on a top goalkeeper. It (the situation) reared its head over the last couple of months and I had to prepare by bringing in another keeper.”

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To suggest Reina was sent on his way due to his wages could be taken as an indicator of how Rodgers rates Mignolet.

If finances are a little insecure at Anfield, then surely he would not, just over a year into his tenure, shell out in the region of £9million for a replacement?

Equally though, the fact that Reina is to join Napoli on a season-long loan could be seen as an example of slight doubt from Rodgers.

Usually these types of deals are with a view to a permanent transfer, bearing in mind the current situation of both clubs.

Napoli though, having sold Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint-Germain for £55million, are clearly not short of money.

Meanwhile, Liverpool could surely have found another suitor for Reina if they wanted to sell.

It all of course depends upon how the situation is read, but from this viewpoint, it could be reckoned that Rodgers is keeping the door open for a Reina return.

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Let’s get straight to the point: Racism in football will never go away.

Campaigns such as Kick It Out, Stand up Speak up and Show Racism the Red Card have done their best to drown out the culprits who ruin the beautiful game. However, the reality is that wearing wrist bands and t-shirts isn’t going to go stop racism, and this due to the shambolic way both UEFA and FIFA are run.

It’s amazing how someone like Sepp Blatter can run a huge organization like FIFA. Someone who has insulted nations and consistently declined the chance to update technology is running the biggest football organization in the world, and yet when it comes to racism, the Swiss turns a blind eye and acts like everything is normal, when he knows it’s far from it.

Racism is in every country, but some countries are worse than others. We have seen over the last few years (especially some countries in Eastern Europe) that racial discrimination can be a huge problem for players and fans when attending matches. For example: Why on earth would you give the World Cup, the biggest football tournament in the world to a country like a Russia that had one team’s supporters publicly say that they don’t want ‘any gay or black players in their team?’ Why? How can Blatter allow such despicable acts go unpunished? In a way, it’s like he is promoting it.

Look at Euro 2012 when it was in Poland and Ukraine – a few weeks before the tournament started, BBC watchdog programme Panorama investigated how some supporters would abuse their own players due to the colour of their skin. There were even secret anti-Semitic gang meetings as fans from certain clubs were angry at their manager’s decision to sign Jewish and Muslim players. How can UEFA and FIFA let countries have such racial hatred backgrounds host some of the most high profile tournaments in the world? Racism is a serious matter and needs to be taken into account.

We’ve seen in the past that if fans have been found guilty of racial remarks, the club they support either get a fine or a stadium ban where no fans are allowed to attend the match. If a player is found guilty, they are either fined or banned. This isn’t strong enough to punish racism, as racism is the cancer of football. The game that we all love is being tarnished by a disease which is effectively killing the sport, and the only way to stop the slow death of football is by making the punishments for the culprits as hard as possible.

The obvious punishment in my book will be moving the 2018 World Cup away from Russia, as that will teach the Russian football fans a hard and painful lesson, to stop racism.

Christopher Samba and Roberto Carlos were continuously abused by their own fans in 2012, as both players were heckled with bananas and verbal abuse. A year and a half on, Manchester City’s Yaya Toure was abused by CSKA Moscow fans as they made monkey chants to the midfielder. UEFA said they will ‘investigate the incident’. Why? What needs to be investigated? Everyone has got ears and heard that no chants like that were made to any other player until Toure got the ball, and then fans wonder why the majority of African players reject playing in countries like Russia, as they know they are going to get abused.

We are living in 2013, soon to be 2014 and players are still scared of moving to foreign countries due to the abuse that they could potentially receive from rival and maybe their own fans. This is terrible to see. Football is a sport where you have the opportunity to play in some of the most beautiful cities and stadiums across the world, but some players turn down this chance to save themselves from the mental painful they could suffer from disgusting fans.

If anything, fans and players should be given criminal records or even prison sentences if found guilty of racial abuse. If you work in an office and you make racist remarks to a fellow colleague in an attacking manner, you could get arrested, lose your job and possibly face prison depending on how serious the offence is. Why isn’t that enforced in football? Yes, footballers are high profile celebrities, but their position in the social chain doesn’t give them the right to do what they want and think that they are above the law. If criminal records were dished out to both players and fans for racial abuse, then players and fans will think twice before opening their mouths.

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Football is an abusive game; shouting, swearing and rude gestures are part of the sport we love as tensions can run increasingly high. However, abusing fans, referees and players by insulting their ethnic race or religion is something which the majority of fans condemn.

The FA has also been guilty in not doing enough to stop the cancer which is racism. John Terry gets a four match ban and a £220,000 fine for racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand. For the same crime, Luis Suarez gets an eight game ban with a £40,000 fine. Where is the consistency in that? The FA should enforce a ten match suspension, and a £150,000 fine if any player is caught racially abusing someone, that way it is the same punishment for everyone who has committed the same crime. The authorities should then get involved and give criminal records to the players. A crackdown like this will benefit everyone involved in the sport.

When I hear that a player/fan has been racially abused, it makes my blood boil as it is a cowardly way to antagonize someone. UEFA and FIFA need to create stronger laws to stop this disease, otherwise, football WILL die.