A drunk footballer, another race row and RIP Gooners

An alternative look at some of today's news stories.

RIP FOR ARSENAL IF RVP GOES TO CITY-

Intense speculation this morning points to Robin Van Persie being hotly pursued by Man City. Roberto Mancini has put out the APB to get the man tipped to become the pfa player of the year gong.

The question has to be asked how many strikers does the smooth Italian want on his books ? He’s like a kid in a sweet shop. Any signing of Van Persie would see Edin Dzeko move towards the exit with Manchester United waiting in the wings to take him the short journey across the City.

The gunners could soften the major blow by going for Cologne’s highly rated German International, Lukas Podolski, however that would be unlikely to quell the anger among gooners fans who would see RVP’s exit as yet another sign of their waning power in the premier league.

JOHNZZZON SIZZZLED AFTER TURNING UP TO TRAINING SOZZZLED-

Wolves Roger Johnson has been fined two weeks wages after turning up to training worse for wear, the ex Birmingham defender was made to train with the reserves on Monday and has since apologised for his actions.

Johnson issued an apology to everyone involved at the club and stand in manager Terry Connor, already under pressure after last weekends 5-0 reverse, stated the matter has been dealt with internally.

The incident will not help Johnson, who made the cross city move from Birmingham when they were relegated last season, win over Connor who has left him on the sidelines since he took over until the end of the season after the sacking of Mick McCarthy.

JOHNSON REOPENS RACIST DEBATE WITH PRESS INTERVIEW

Liverpool’s Glen Johnson has come out in defence of his stand during the Patrice Evra-Luis Suarez saga. Johnson claims Evra perfected his actions prior to the now infamous hand shake gate.

The England Right back also took a swipe at ex professional Paul Mcgrath, who publicly criticised him after he wore one of the t shirts printed in support of Suarez, at the Wigan game the week after the incident.

On the alleged refusal to shake hands with Evra, Johnson suggested it was in fact Evra who refused the hand of Suarez, ‘Evra was clever at Old Trafford,’ said Johnson, ‘Because - I’m not being funny - but if I wanted to shake your hand I would stick it right out in front of me like that. But if my hand is down here, almost by my side, then it’s because I really don’t want to shake your hand’.

On the Mcgrath incident Johnson was equally ebullient ‘The McGrath thing … that’s actually racist. Saying what he said is racist. He is only saying that to me because I was the only black lad wearing the T-shirt. He’s targeting me because of my colour.

John Collins

For more Football Blogs and opinion from football fans around the world