Soccer Sorcery

For years, many have wondered about the secret to Andre Pirlo's impressive head of hair. And now, to mark the Halloween holiday, Juventus' official website has released this undoctored picture of Pirlo under a full moon. You see, Andre Pirlo is a werewolf. And not the silly Twilight kind -- a real one. Like Michael J. Fox. For more Juve players as various ghouls (and Gigi Buffon as The Crow), check the club's Facebook page .

Good news if you own a large mansion in the Alderly Edge area of Cheshire: Mario Balotelli just made your property price drop even further! Having recently moved from a city apartment to a sprawling countryside retreat presumably to provide more space for his " girlfriends " the impossible-to-predict Man City star has invested in a quad bike, seen above sitting in his driveway. The Sun has therefore decided that the striker has converted his delicately appointed back yard into a race track, finally giving them good cause for a Super Mario Kart headline. A completely made-up source said: "Mario absolutely loves playing sport, whether it's football, swimming, karate or judo. But with the quad bike he has the speed too. "He's moved from an apartment block to a country house and has been tearing around now there's no one to complain about the noise." Balotelli is currently staying in/destroying a hotel (you may recall that a recent incident with som

Good news if you own a large mansion in the Alderly Edge area of Cheshire: Mario Balotelli just made your property price drop even further! Having recently moved from a city apartment to a sprawling countryside retreat presumably to provide more space for his " girlfriends " the impossible-to-predict Man City star has invested in a quad bike, seen above sitting in his driveway. The Sun has therefore decided that the striker has converted his delicately appointed back yard into a race track, finally giving them good cause for a Super Mario Kart headline. A completely made-up source said: "Mario absolutely loves playing sport, whether it's football, swimming, karate or judo. But with the quad bike he has the speed too. "He's moved from an apartment block to a country house and has been tearing around now there's no one to complain about the noise." Balotelli is currently staying in/destroying a hotel (you may recall that a recent incident with som

Reported Manchester United target, 15-year-oldJordan Ibe, underlined his potential with a stunning goal for Wycombeagainst Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend. Ibe was linked with the Reds this summer and Wycombe boss Gary Waddock believes he can go on to play Premier League football. He told the BBC: "We just want to make sure he goes on and fulfils that potential he's got. "And possibly, with the talent he's got, he could go and play at the highest level." Click here to watch Ibe's goal Meanwhile, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has been linked witha doublefor United duo Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen in the Daily Mail. What moves should United be making to re-shape their squad, if any? Have your say. Tweet

Ji-sung Park battles with Johnny Heitinga Ji-sung Park has revealed that words of wisdom from Sir Alex Ferguson helped Manchester United bounce back from the derby defeat. The Reds followed up victory overAldershot in the Carling Cup with a gutsy 1-0 win at Everton in the Premier League on Saturday. We tried to forget that as quickly as possible and then get through the Carling Cup and the Everton match and we won both games, said Ji. The most important thing is to forget last weekend and just look forward to the future. We were shocked after last Sunday but we werent nervous coming into this game. The club have had defeats like that in their history and they have got over them. We had to win this game. It was very important. We had to get back to winning ways in the league after the defeat against City. It was good to do that. The boss encouraged us to be confident and we had to show it. We had to show fight and determination. Fro

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer guided Molde to the first Tippeligaen title in their history on Sunday. Solskjaer's men drew 2-2 with Stromsgodset while Rosenborg - the only side who could stop them - were thrashed 6-3 at home by Brann. The results gave Molde an eight-point advantage at the top with just two rounds to go. Molde almost threw away the chance to end the title race today when they conceded a last-minute equaliser to Stromsgodset's Anders Konradsen. But Rosenborg, kicking-off later, buckled under the pressure as Brann ran riot - Rudolph Austin and Birkir Mar Saevarsson scoring twice to stun the home crowd in Trondheim. "The club has waited 100 years for this," Solskjaer told VG afterwards. "We have been close several times so this was well deserved. "When Brann went 4-1 I realised we had done it. "It was a good atmosphere in the dressing room and we will enjoy oursel

KEY DECISION: Sir Alex Ferguson signs on at United In the latest part of our series to celebrate Sir Alex Ferguson's 25-year reign at Old Trafford, we look at 25 key decisions he has made in his time in charge. SAYING YES TO UNITED Ferguson was top man in Scotland having broken the Auld Firm domination with Aberdeen. His family were settled in the Granite City but the lure of Old Trafford was too big a pull when United came calling. SELLING PAUL MCGRATH AND NORMAN WHITESIDE Fergie walked into a drinking culture at United and chief culprits allegedly were fan favourites Whiteside and McGrath. It was unpopular but to cleanse the squad and prove his iron fist selling the pair was a vital early decision. KEEPING BRYAN ROBSON The drinking school Fergie discovered on his arrival allegedly featured Captain Marvel. Though Whiteside and McGrath were sent packing, Robsons commitment and performances never wavered despite off-field partying. Fergie stuck by his skipper and Robb

PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED: Javier Hernandez before the game Manchester Unitedin rehab is not pretty but it is only a temporary state while the wounds of the derby heal. The champions have gone from cavalier to cautious. From like a house on fire to safe as houses. Those superlatives used when Arsenal were crushed in August and when the free-scoring entertainers gave full value for money against Bolton and Chelsea in September have been packed away for another day. At the time it looked like theyd be worn out and that searching the thesaurus for a new way to laud the Reds was going to be the main task for freshening up match reports. But gradually thumbing lexicons wasnt necessary and they were completely abandoned after the trauma of the 6-1 defeat by City at Old Trafford. To avert a potential explosion of crisis stories it was a case of needs must at Goodison Park with Javier Hernandez even praying before Saturdays clash. Wounds from the derby were still raw and a back

A pitch invader was somehow able to casually jog onto the pitch after visiting Steaua Bucharest took a 2-0 lead on Petrolul Ploiesti just before halftime and punched unsuspecting defender George Galamaz in the head. He then took on a group of Galamaz's teammates and got the kicking he deserved before he could attack anyone else. After all that, police finally dragged the pitch invader away. The match was eventually abandoned when fans followed this up by throwing a flare at Steaua's goalkeeper. It might be time Petrolul increase their level of active security measures to "more than none." Via 101gg

Rafa Marquez hasn't made many friends this season. First he told the press that his teammates aren't good enough for him and now, after New York's 1-0 home loss in the first leg of their playoff tie against the L.A. Galaxy , he earned a red card for starting a post-match scuffle by throwing the ball at Landon Donovan. During the tiff, L.A.'s Juninho hit Stephen Keel in the face, causing Keel to fall over at the exact same time Marquez went down, seemingly for no good reason. Maybe he could feel his teammates pain. Like twins. The referee issued red cards to both Marquez and Juninho, which will keep them both out of the second leg in L.A. Which is something New York fans probably won't be too upset about.

A month ago, Valencia took Twitter account promotion to a new level by using their official club account in place of a shirt sponsor , but now Mexican Primera Division side Jaguares take that idea even further. In a bid to get their players (and beer sponsor) a few more followers, the club -- which was founded in 2002 -- replaced their actual names on the back of their shirts with each player's individul Twitter handle. The club also colored the lettering on the orange home shirts in a Twitter teal (or blue...whatever) along with the social networking site's bird logo. Some clubs and leagues around the world already publish player Twitter accounts on official websites and programs, so this is kind of a genius way to spread the word on that method of fan interaction even further. Of course, it also proves that we are all nothing more than Twitter accounts. Mine's @DirtyTackle, by the way.

Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in the first half hour of Barcelona's 5-0 win over Mallorca, but it was Dani Alves' stoppage time finisher that really stood out. It had an "Eh, why not?" quality to it and smacked the bottom of the crossbar, but it was quite a shot, nonetheless. This is also the perfect example of the kind of thing Barcelona do to crush their opponents' will to live.

Chris Smalling Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has been ruled out for a month with a broken foot, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed. The 21-year-old missed the Premier League win at Everton with the injury. Smalling's lay-off means he will miss England's November friendlies against Spain and Sweden. Ferguson told MUTV: "Smalling has a small fracture on his foot. "I think he'll be out for a month and it's unfortunate that one." Ferguson also revealed that he expects winger Ashley Young to be sidelined for at least another fortnight with his toe injury. The former Aston Villa player was also ruled out of the1-0 victory at Goodison Park. Ferguson said: "Ashley Young has a toe injury that is not going away so he could be out for a couple of weeks." Ferguson, however, was more upbeat about midfielder Tom Cleverley, who limped off during the second half on Merseyside with an ankle problem. The 2

MATCHWINNER: Javier Hernandez celebrates his goal Manchester United continued the re-building process after last week's derby with a disciplined victory over Everton at Goodison Park. Having got back to winning ways against Aldershot in midweek, the Reds netted a much-needed three Premier League points thanks to Javier Hernadez's goal. The Mexican pounced after 19 minutes, convertingPatrice Evra's cross. United were in control for themost part although Leighton Baines did hit the cross bar with a free-kick late in the first half. The only negative on the day for United was an ankle injury that forced midfielder Tom Cleverley off - although it is not thought to be serious. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson gaveJonny Evans a vote of confidence following his sending off against City by restoring him in defence after suspension. Evans took his place alongside Nemanja Vidic, himself sent off on Champions League duty recently, with Rio Ferdinand left on the bench

Chris Smalling Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has been ruled out for a month with a broken foot, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed. The 21-year-old missed the Premier League win at Everton with the injury. Smalling's lay-off means he will miss England's November friendlies against Spain and Sweden. Ferguson told MUTV: "Smalling has a small fracture on his foot. "I think he'll be out for a month and it's unfortunate that one." There was better news on Tom Cleverley despite the midfielder limping out of the Everton game. He has a tight ankle but is expected to be fit for the Champions League game against Otelul Galati at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Click here for the player ratings from the Everton game. What do you think? Have your say. Tweet

MATCHWINNER: Javier Hernandez celebrates his goal Manchester United continued the re-building process after last week's derby with a disciplined victory over Everton at Goodison Park. Having got back to winning ways against Aldershot in midweek, the Reds netted a much-needed three Premier League points thanks to Javier Hernadez's goal. The Mexican pounced after 19 minutes, convertingPatrice Evra's cross. United were in control for themost part although Leighton Baines did hit the cross bar with a free-kick late in the first half. The only negative on the day for United was an injury that forced midfielder Tom Cleverley off. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson gaveJonny Evans a vote of confidence following his sending off against City by restoring him in defence after suspension. Evans took his place alongside Nemanja Vidic, himself sent off on Champions League duty recently, with Rio Ferdinand left on the bench. Otherwise United's emphasis was on atta

Manchester United have been drawn at home against Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup quarter-finals. United, who beat Aldershot in midweek, have been given another kind draw. Palace are flying high in the Championship. The last times the teams met was back in March 2005 when they drew 0-0 at Selhurst Park. Carling Cup quarter-final draw: Arsenal v Manchester City Chelsea v Liverpool Man Utd v Crystal Palace Cardiff v Blackburn Ties to be played in week commencing November 28. What do youthink? Have your say. Tweet

Sir Alex Ferguson In the latest in our series celebrating Sir Alex Ferguson's 25 years in charge of Old Trafford - we reveal 25 things you may not know about the Reds boss. 1. As the good people of Scotland were preparing for Hogmanay, baby Fergie was born to parents Alexander and Elizabeth on December 31, 1941 in the working-class district of Govan, Glasgow. The family lived in tenement 667 Govan Road. 2. It was no surprise that the newcomer to the Ferguson family was christened Alexander. What was a surprise is that mum and dad didnt add on The Great. Or is that me being clever with hindsight? 3. Many years later Alex Jnr recalled his father as a quiet man who liked to read in silence. But he did admit that when his dad lost his temper it was like a volcano erupting. You know what they say like father, like son. 4. After completing his schooldays the teenage Fergie found employment as an apprentice toolmaker with the giant Remington Rand company. Within just a

AAAAHHHHHHHH I AM ARTUR BORUC AND THIS IS A LIST OF THINGS THAT MADE ME ANGRY THIS WEEK: 1. MY HANDS HOVERING AROUND MY HIPS -- THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW I AM REALLY ANGRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M EVEN TOO ANGRY TO ACTUALLY TOUCH MY OWN HIPS IN A SHOW DISAPPROVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I ONCE TRIED TO HOVER STRANGLE SOMEONE BUT THEY JUST LAUGHED AT ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2. MARIO BALOTELLI'S FIREWORKS HOUSE FIRE -- STOP STEALING THE THINGS I DO!!!!!!!!!! I INVENTED SETTING YOUR HOUSE ON FIRE BY SHOOTING FIREWORKS OUT OF THE BATHROOM WINDOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY ARE YOU GETTING FAMOUS FOR SOMETHING I DO ALL THE TIME?!?!?!?!? IF YOU EVER STEAL MY IDEA FOR AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCE THAT INVOLVES HEADBUTTING A COW TO GENERATE POWER I WILL HOVER STRANGLE YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!! 3. MARIO BALOTELLI'S "WHY ALWAYS ME?" SHIRT -- IF I EVER SCORE A GOAL I WILL FINALLY REVEAL MY CELEBRATORY SHIRT THAT SAYS "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH STOP LOOKING AT ME!!!

Ashley Young Manchester United are hopeful that Ashley Young will recover from a toe injury in time to face Everton at Goodison Park. The England winger will be assessed before the match, but Nemanja Vidic and Tom Cleverley are both in contention after playing against Aldershot in the Carling Cup in midweek. Rafael is back in training after an operation on a shoulder injury but needs some reserve games under his belt before he is considered for the first team again. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his side to bounce back from last week's derby disaster. "It's been a tough week for everybody," said Ferguson. "It was a bad result. "But we have to get over that. That's the name of the game. "Players, supporters and staff, everybody has been involved in that disappointment, but we have to kick on." Everton will be without Phil Neville and Tim Cahill for the game. Toffees captain Neville was taken

Paul Scholes (second right) celebrates his stunner against Barcelona in 2008 v NOTTM FOREST, FA CUP THIRD ROUND 1990 A myth has grown surrounding this fixture. It is labelled the one Fergie had to win or else he was going to be sacked. Old Traffords hierarchy deny this but there is no doubt the Reds boss, without a trophy in four years, was sailing close to the wind. Mark Robins goal at the City Ground was the saviour and set Sir Alex on road to his first United trophy. V CRYSTAL PALACE, FA CUP FINAL REPLAY 1990 The first United piece of silverware was vital to stave off growing fan unrest and to instil belief in Fergies new-look side. After a thrilling 3-3 final on the Saturday, United came back to Wembley to secure the trophy with a 1-0 win thanks to Lee Martins winner. V SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY, PREMIER LEAGUE 1993 Following the trauma of the late title collapse in 1992, the burden on Uniteds shoulders was getting unbearably heavy. When Sheffield Wednesday were leading 1-0

Rio Ferdinand (left) and Patrice Evra suffer derby day humiliation It was arguably the worst defeat in Uniteds history a derby humiliation that left Sir Alex Ferguson seething in his condemnation of his team. Fergies public hairdrying after Sundays historic 6-1 hammering by City was followed up by a straight forward Carling Cup win at League Two Aldershot. As predicted, and no doubt planned pre-Black Sunday, it was all change for the trip to Hampshire. Normally a 3-0 fourth round win would barely raise a Fergie eyebrow never mind a selection dilemma ... but it has, and all over the pitch, with at least FIVE first- choice players facing being dropped. Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra head the list with Nani, Anderson and Danny Welbeck all fearing the worst if the boss decides there wont be any second chances following the embarrassing derby performance when he was particularly distraught over the defending describing it as suicidal and crazy. Former Old Tra

Tim Tebow is a popular NFL player, quarterback for the Denver Broncos and very good friends with Jesus . He's inadvertently started a new thing dubbed "Tebowing," which the website devoted to the practice defines as "to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different." So, random people have started doing this in random places -- not so much out of religious zeal, but more because human beings like to do things they see on the Internet. And in Thursday night's MLS playoff match against Columbus, Colorado's Omar Cummings celebrated with a bit of Tebowing (in Denver, no less) after scoring the match's only goal just before halftime. With the 1-0 win, Colorado advance to a conference semifinal against Sporting Kansas City. There will probably be more Tebowing. Video of Cummings' goal and celebration right this way... Photo: @ColoradoRapids

At the end of last season we saw Kevin-Prince Boateng dress up and try to dance like Michael Jackson and now we see that he spent his summer taking lessons at the Neverland School of Singing. Backed by a beatboxing Robinho, along with Pato and Thiago Silva doing...something, Boateng shares his vocal stylings with a rendition of The Birthday Song for Al Jazeera and he's not half bad either! I think Las Vegas just found its next King of Pop impersonator. Thanks to Ahmad for the tip!

What's up, crackers? I'm joking, I don't really talk like that. Forget it -- I'm Carlo. Hello, how are you? Nice to meet you and all that. Since Chelsea sacked me for winning the double, I've had a lot of free time on my hands and I've been using that time to read the papers and surf the spiderwebs and sometimes I have a coffee, but that's neither here nor there, so just stop it and pay attention. The point is, I've got all this news inside of me and it's got nowhere to go. I feel like I'm leaking news -- oozing news -- so, I'm going to share some of it with you now. Everybody's angry with John Terry -- What else is new? Am I right or am I right? Yeah, John Terry said something or maybe he didn't and now everybody's angry at him again. Rio Ferdinand won't talk to him , but that's pretty much the only good thing to come out of this for him. My advice for John? Carry around a puppy. People like puppies. Call it Mandy or Jim

For as long as people want to talk about athletes having sex, there will be debate as to whether having it before a game is good or bad. During the last World Cup, Argentina's team doctor made it clear that sex in itself isn't harmful and wasn't a big deal during the tournament. But now, one of the world's experts on such matters, Ronaldo, has offered his opinion on the matter and highlighted a problem with the alternative to sex (with another person) that few seem to consider. Said the retired legend (via Mundo Deportivo ): "It's not true that sex is detrimental to performance [on the pitch]. Masturbation is more tiring." I guess that depends on technique in both fields (or lack thereof), but maybe this was a key to Ronaldo's greatness on the pitch. Instead of exerting himself, he would just have someone else come by and do sex to him. Of course, that strategy can lead to a whole different set of problems and surprises . Photo: AP

Pele played against some of the best footballers in the history of the game over his 21-year career and 92 appearances with the Brazilian national team. At the launch of the Pele Sports boot, he was asked who the toughest opponent he ever faced. Surely that can't be an easy one to answer, but Pele came up with one name above all the rest. From Goal.com : "Sylvester Stallone during the filming of Escape to Victory . He was very strong." He was joking, of course. I think. Then again, how many actual goalkeepers could make a save like this -- in slow motion, no less -- and then go on to defeat Mr. T in the boxing ring in their very next film? Only Stallone. And maybe Gordon Banks Anyway, since Pele can't speak without putting Lionel Messi down, he also said this: "I would love to play with Lionel Messi. But Messi is an incomplete player because he can't use his head. Also I played football for 20 years, Messi has only played for several years." Yes, if o

Ji-sung Park Ji-sung Park admits Saturday's lunchtime clash at Everton has taken on a new importance in the light of last week's derby defeat. The Reds were humbled 6-1 by Manchester City and next travel to Goodison Park, which has been a troublesome ground for United in recent season. You have to go back to September 2007 for United's last victory there, and last season they conceded twolate goals to draw 3-3. Park told www.manutd.com : "We have to concentrate and everyone has to turn up to show the City game has not affected us. We have to get over that. "We have to put it right on the pitch and we have to prove it. Its a very important game to us and we have to go there and fight to get the points." Park added: "Its not an easy game at Goodison Park its always difficult there. Just look at last season, when we were winning 3-1 and in injury-time they scored two goals." Will United bounce back agai

UEFA have delayed giving the FA their written reasons behind Wayne Rooneys three-match international ban. The explanation for the ban imposed on the England striker for kicking Miodrag Dzudovoic during the 2-2 draw with Montenegro was due today. But last night the FA revealed the news had been delayed. We may not be provided with the written reasons regarding Wayne Rooneys three-match suspension for another week at a minimum, read an FA statement. Once the reasons are received, the FA will determine on any appeal after discussions with Fabio Capello and Wayne Rooney. The FA will make a decision based on the full reasons but it would be a surprise if there is no appeal, given that a three-match international ban would rule the United player out of all England's group matches at the Euro 2012 finals. Boss Capello last week dropped a clear hint Rooney will be going to next summers tournament regardless. The young players are really good and ready to

Chris Smalling The Euro 2012 versus Olympics debate has caused ructions in football. Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger joined forces last week to condemn the notion that players could be asked to squeeze in both next summer. The European Championships begin in Warsaw on June 8 and end in Kiev on July 1. Just 24 days later the London Olympic football tournament starts, running until August 12, with the Premier League beginning a week later. Although the bulk of the Olympic squad have to be under 23, boss Stuart Pearce can pick three over-age players for the tournament. The FA refuse to be locked into a policy of ruling out any player for the Olympics if they were in Englands Euro 2012 squad. However, it seems likely that players will only be selected for one or the other. While the debate rages on. Uniteds Chris Smalling simply would like the opportunity to make one of the major showpiece tournaments. The 21-year-old defender has broken into Fabio Capellos Eng

The traveling fans of newly promoted 2. Bundesliga side Dynamo Dresden were feeling rowdy on Tuesday when their team visited Borussia Dortmund for a DFB Pokal match. And though Dortmund won 2-0, it was the Dresden fans who did the most damage on the day, leading to 15 arrests and two injured police officers. Oh, and they also set toilets on fire. From the AP : The match was briefly interrupted several times when Dresden fans threw firecrackers and flares onto the field. Dortmund's chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said the troublemakers from Dresden caused damage estimated at 150,000 ($208,905). The visitors destroyed about 200 seats, damaged kiosks and set toilets on fire, Watzke said. Dortmund won the match and the Bundesliga last season, but they can't go to the bathroom if all their toilets are on fire. Flawless logic, Dresden supporters. Photo: Reuters

All the stuff being covered outside the unfriendly confines of the award-winning Dirty Tackle... Neymar was recently in Rio to judge a freestyling competition won by Frenchman Sean Arnaud Garnier. After the competition, the two went one on one and Garnier ended fooling Neymar with a move resulted in the ball being in his shirt and Neymar unable to find it. [YouTube] PSG already ordered a bunch of Davey Becks shirts just in case they sign him. [ KCKRS ] Sarah Brandner. [ Kickette ] Why Andrea Pirlo is the most important player of his generation. [ ESPN ] In case you were wondering, the Daily Mail is still awful. [ The Score ] The Rooney Rule: Andrew Palmer's story. [ Think Football ] The amazing story of La Liga leading Levante. [ Sports Illustrated ] Price drop on Manchester United. [ BtFM ] Everyone suddenly a lip-reading expert. [ NewsThump ] I like this version of the Balotelli shirt a lot more. [ Studs Up ]

Chelsea escaped their Carling Cup fourth round tie with a 2-1 win over Everton in extra time thanks to a Daniel Sturridge winner in the 116th minute. But according to Everton manager David Moyes, his side's loss had more to do with Andre Villas-Boas' strange facial contortions than anything that happened on the pitch. "It was terrifying," Moyes told the press after the match, clearly shaken. "I've never seen anything like that and I know it distracted our players because they kept looking over. Jan Mucha wet himself and I'm certain Drenthe got sent off on purpose just to get away from Andre. The man's got a demon in him. A mental, mental demon." Chelsea were first to be reduced to 10-men when goalkeeper Ross Turnbull was shown a straight red in the 58th minute. The teams were evened back up when Royston Drenthe was booked for a second time in the 107th minute. "His face is going to haunt my dreams," Moyes continued, a distant look in hi

The MLS playoffs have arrived and the New York Red Bulls are trying to sell as many tickets as they can for their home semifinal match against the L.A. Galaxy on October 30 with a giant ad at the top of their official website. The only problem is that New York has the small matter of a first round match in Dallas on October 26 to get through first. Yes, hours before they start their playoff campaign, they're already selling tickets for the next round without so much as an "if we make it..." That's confidence. Spotted by the Galaxy's @JaimeACardenas

He's no Zidane, but Julian Bursuc of Moldovan side Sfintul Gheorge ended his career by punching a referee square in the face right in front of a police officer during a 3-0 loss. The officer quickly apprehended him and the referee stayed on his feet, a combination of embarrassments that might have caused Bursuc to call it quits. So what's next for Julian Bursuc? A combination anger management/strength training class. So if he can't keep his cool, at least his punches to the face will feel like more than angel kisses. Video via 101gg

Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen have given Sir Alex Ferguson food for thought ahead of Uniteds Premier League game at Everton on Saturday, writes Stuart Mathieson. The duo set up a comfortable 3-0 Carling Cup fourth round win at Aldershot last night. And with all Fergusons starting XI in the 6-1 Old Trafford demolition by City at home nursing mental scars in Manchester, the Anglo-Bulgarian spearhead gave the Old Trafford boss a timely reminder of what they can do. Berbatov opened the scoring with his first goal since April and Owen added to his brace against Leeds at Elland Road in the previous round. Antonio Valencia added a third in the second half but Fergie admitted his attacking duo had effectively put their names in the frame for Goodison. The players will always give me a nudge, said Ferguson. We have a fantastic squad and that is why we have played these players against Aldershot. They need the matches. They have not had many first-team ga

A canine pitch invader brought Independiente Santa Fe's Copa Sudamericana match against Botafogo to halt for a solid three minutes while he ran around, evading all humans who tried to stop him. With Santa Fe up 4-0 in the 67th minute, the dog decided to commandeer the pitch and just run around for a while as everyone stood around and watched like dopes. Several players made weak attempts to lure the dog into their clutches, but he was too smart for them. It was kind of like watching a bull fight where the bull just toys with the matador and tries to bore all the people to death. Continuing on that theme, someone tried to lead the dog off the pitch by having him chase a red bag. It worked too. Until the dog reached the corner and said, "Eff that mess, I'm running around some more." Which he did. The guy with the bag tried again and failed again, but after weaving through another gang of lumbering humans, the dog finally got bored and ran off on his own into the stands.

Model Macarena Lemos briefly dated Lionel Messi around the time of the 2006 World Cup after they met in their hometown of Rosario. And though they've long since broken up, Messi's mother apparently still holds some kind of grudge against her because Lemos says Mamma Messi followed her through an electronics store with a frying pan on Sunday. A translation of her harrowing tale (via Goal.com ): "She was following me and taking photos until I turned around and asked her what was going on," the model explained on Telenoche. "That's when she started insulting me. What was she doing there in the electronics section, with a frying pan in her hand? She was following me with a telephone and a frying pan." "I have never came out and said whether I had slept with her son. I was 14 and he was 18 - and I didn't reveal anything about our relationship," she added. "She treated me like I was nothing, as if I were hanging from her son's ribs. She

Four ticket touts were arrested, fined and banned from Old Trafford after they were caught illegally selling tickets outside the stadium last season. Nothing unusual there, but what is odd is that some of the tickets found in their possession were a part of Alex Ferguson's own allocation. From the Manchester Evening News : The Reds boss who is not suspected of any wrong-doing was named at the court case of four men convicted over a huge illegal operation outside Old Trafford. A total of 16 tickets printed with Sir Alex's name were uncovered after a covert police operation into illegal activities on match days close to the Theatre of Dreams. It is understood Manchester United launched a top secret internal investigation after police told them of their findings. Sir Alex was interviewed by club bosses as part of the probe. He said he had given the tickets to acquaintances and had no knowledge of the illegal operation. The club confirmed the tickets were legitima