Football without Spin - Mido's assurances: worthless

December 5 2008

Mido's assurances: worthless

Egyptian striker Mido was disgusted at the repeated incidence of vile racist chants at St. James's Park in last weekend's thrilling goalless draw, blaming the FA for doing, well, sweet FA about it the first time round. He was convinced they would do nothing this time, so much so that he offered his assurances that they wouldn't:

December 4 2008 in the Guardian:

"They kept chanting disgusting words, racist words about Islam and unfortunately this is the second time the same fans have done this. It has happened again because the English FA did nothing the first time. I can assure you that nothing is going to happen again. The FA said they will be investigating the issue and make use of the latest technology to stop such racial abuse of players. But I feel that nothing will happen. These chants are not directed at me as a person but they are directed at Islam as a religion."

I wonder what his thoughts are on the latest developments then:

December 5 2008 on BBC Sport:

'Two men have been arrested over racist chanting aimed at Middlesbrough's Egyptian striker Mido during the 0-0 draw against Newcastle on 29 November.
A Football Association spokesman said: "The FA condemns any racist or Islamaphobic behaviour and is committed to working to stamp it out. We will fully support banning orders for anyone found guilty."'

Still, Mido's assurances have always been completely worthless. His track record in claiming he is slim, fit and staying that way shows that listening to a word Mido has to say is about as pointless as Portsmouth signing David Nugent:

September 8 2006 - Guardian - Slimline Mido hungry for Goals

'Mido said yesterday that he shed his 1½ stone over the summer and was trying to enlist the services of a Brazilian fitness expert recommended by the Internazionale defender Maxwell, with whom he shares an agent. The forward is understood to have been fined several times last season over weight and faces a similar punishment if he goes outside agreed limits.
"I am talking to a Brazilian man who is one of the best physical trainers and I hope I can get an agreement with him to work with me for the next year. His job will be to help the medical staff here to keep me fit and to work with my body closely," said Mido, who would finance the arrangement. The forward is confident he has not lost his power, explaining: "I haven't lost any muscles. It was important for me to lose weight. I knew that and I went home and worked on it. Now it's my job to keep fit."'

It was important to lose weight. It was his job to keep fit. Didn't really go to plan. Let's try again at the new club a full 18 months later...

February 29 2008 - Mirror - Middlesbrough striker Mido insists his weight-loss regime is paying off

'Chunky Middlesbrough striker Mido is following his former Spurs team-mates in slimming down. The Egypt striker lends a heavyweight presence to Boro but insists his weight-loss regime is paying off.
Tottenham boss Juande Ramos credits the Carling Cup win to strict new healthy-eating rules that helped his squad lose almost 16 stone between them.
Mido, who moved to Teesside in August, said: "A lot's been said of the Spurs players losing a lot of weight since Ramos came in and the diet he put them on. I've lost a lot of weight too. I don't want to say how much but I've been doing a lot of work on the training ground and I'm on a hard, tough diet.
"I'm trying to lose another two or three kilos but don't have to lose them quickly. My weight isn't a problem and I believe I am proving that now by my performances."'

Your weight isn't a problem? That's good to know. You probably won't be apologising for having too much of it in four months time then. Oh wait, you will...

19 June 2008 - Sun - Mido: I'll be worth the weight

'Middlesborough star Mido has promised to weigh in with a bucketload of goals next term — after shedding TWO STONES this summer. The Egyptian striker admits he was a fat lot of good last season when he tipped the scales at 15st 2lb. Mido made eight Premier League starts and netted two goals after a £6million move from Spurs last summer. But he insists he is now ready to make the critics eat their words after a gruelling summer fitness regime. Mido, 25, said: “I’ve lost over 10 kilos and want to lose four more this month. I apologise to the fans for last season and I’m working very hard for the new season. I have not reached this level of fitness since I was at Roma.”'