We’ve long been seeing the confluence of poker and soccer. But some of the football people just don’t quite get it yet … the whole gentleman’s game component. Outbursts are not uncommon in poker — but there’s an understanding, whatever you do, don’t mess with the chips … and if you’re gonna come to blows take it away from the table so you don’t slow down the action as authorities come to arrest you.

Check out what happened this weekend at the World Poker Tour’s stop in Bucharest. Football agent Giovani Becali was playing, but supposedly got frustrated at another player hogging the masseuse, and somewhere along the way lost it — throwing chips in the air and cocking his arm as an invitation for the altercation to come to blows:

This was the biggest poker tournament in the history of Romania — so having a brash Romanian sports agent playing seemed a great fit. But after seeing the video of Becali’s spitting in a sportscaster’s face, I can only imagine what it might be like doing a bust-out interview with him.

Earlier this year, Becali got into it with Fiorentina management over his public courting of Man City for his client Adrian Mutu.

Tags: Adrian Mutu, Fiorentina, football agents, Giovani Becali, manchester city, poker, Romania

So, looks like Daniel Sturridge may cost Chelsea a pretty British Pound. The Professional Football Compensation Committee ruled that the east Londoners owe Manchester City 3.5M for the July 2009 transfer and that number could balloon up to 7M if Sturridge reaches certain milestones.

Apparently, the two sides failed to reach an amount on an initial fee, and, as a result of Sturridge’s age, City is now due compensation.

That makes sense…

Tags: Chelsea FC, Daniel Sturridge, EPL, manchester city, Premier League

That’s right folks, Carlos Tevez claims Manchester United be scurred to play Manchester City.  In a recent interview, the Argentine striker continued his war-of-words against his former squad and, in particular, Man U manager Sir Alex Ferguson:

“Ferguson is history for me but I know that he is scared of playing against us,” Tevez told Globoesporte. “It’s dangerous for Ferguson’s objectives and for him to criticise Manchester City.”

Here’s some more kind words from Willow to A-Ferg:

“[Manchester City manager] Mark Hughes is only focused on his work and the team, he doesn’t get involved in the negotiations,” Willow said. “He has been a football player so there is a big difference in the way he treats each player.”

Tags: Carlos Tevez, manchester city, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson

Or they’re in talks with Barcelona about a 40 million GBP transfer for star striker Samuel Eto’o. Or not. Wait, now I’m confused.  Man City - are you trying to buy this guy or not?

Tags: Barcelona, manchester city, Samuel Eto'o

Big day for Robinho. The Crown Prosecution Service (British cops, I guess) cleared the Manchester City striker of serious sexual assault charges stemming from a January 14th incident at a Leeds nightclub.

How do you say “whew” in Portuguese?

Tags: manchester city, robinho