Five football courtcases waiting to happen
A can of worms has been opened, folks
Sheffield United’s successful tribunal ruling against West Ham could cost the Hammers £30m in compensation, and it also sets a dangerous precedent for results on the pitch being overruled by men in suits. The Spoiler decided to examine other potential footballing matters that could end up being settled by lawyers:
1) Watford miss out on the play-offs by a point
The Football League have decided there will be no replay of Saturday’s Watford/Reading match, despite the fact that the Royal’s opener was clearly not a goal. If Watford end up finishing just outside the play-off places, or if Reading wind up just inside them – does that give Watford the right to sue the Football League, the referee and the linesman?
2) Germany claim the 1966 World Cup
Sheffield United were able to win their case relying predominantly on ‘what ifs’, rather than solid facts. Imagine how successful a Germany appeal could be when they have digitally-enhanced evidence that Geoff Hurst’s second goal didn’t cross the line – another example of West Ham cheating!
3) England gain passage to the 1986 World Cup semi-finals
Maybe England could compensate for losing that World Cup by sueing Argentina for Diego Maradona’s Hand of God in 1986. This would lead to Argentina being kicked out for unsporting behaviour and and England facing Belgium in a restaged World Cup semi-final. Of course both countries would be forced to wear retro kits and only field players from their 1986 squads.
4) Ade Akinbiyi sues The Sun
Akinbiyi could claim that Premier League clubs were put off signing him, not because he was rubbish but because they were worried about receiving negative press after The Sun labelled him “The League’s Worst Striker” while at Leicester. This meant he spent the following years at Crystal Palace, Stoke City, Sheffield United and Burnley rather than achieving his Top Four potential. As well as shelling out £50 million in damages The Sun would be forced to refer to Akinbiyi as “The Football League’s Best Striker” to compensate for past criticism.
5) Derby demand £30 million compensation for their relegation
If Sheffield United can sue for being one the three worst teams in the Premier League, why can’t Derby do the same? The Derby board could tamper with Paul Jewell’s managerial contract and leak to the media that he was actually signed from a Kia Joorabchian-run third party. The Rams would then be in a position to demand compensation for the 67 points they dropped in Paul Jewell’s 24 Premier League games in charge.
Have your club got a reason to sue someone? Has the Tevez saga set a precedent for football results being overturned off the field? Let us know your thoughts with a comment below.