So Much Effing Dida
By: Martha | October 11th, 2007
Apart from having an opposing keeper play much, much worse than he did last weekend, not much has gone right for Nelson Dida since his poor play and subsequent dramatic dive terrible injury in Milan’s loss to Celtic. Since that day, he’s been criticized by teammates for his poor form — particularly shocking given the tight control Milan usually have over their players — and publicly adored by Adriano Galliani, who insisted that Dida would be in goal as long as he was in charge of the club. (Of course, since Galliani was also a big fan of Andriy Shevchenko, that might not be very encouraging to hear).
This week, despite Galliani’s pledge of support, rumors in the press are connecting Milan with every keeper under the sun. Among them are Fiorentina’s Sebastian Frey, a possible target for a summer bid. Frey is probably the best keeper in Serie A not named Gigi Buffon, but he won’t go anywhere until Milan offer an amount so massive the Viola won’t be able to say no. (In other words, if Galliani decides he really wants him and Fiorentina can find a reasonably price replacement, the Rossoneri just might have a deal.) If things with Frey don’t work out — or even if they do — Milan apparently also have their eye on highly regarded Brescia youngster Emiliano Viviano, and may or may not have already made a £5 million offer for the 21-year-old starlet. They’ve got competition for Viviano, though, and Brescia are demanding at least £7 million for the keeper, who just signed a deal to keep him at the club through 2012.
And, as if these constant blows to his self-esteem weren’t already enough, Dida will find out later this afternoon if he will be punished by UEFA for his collapse to the Celtic Park turf last week, with a suspension — leaving Milan in the not-so-able hands of Željko Kalac — very much a possibility.
Edit: According to Sky News, the verdict’s just come down; Dida’s been banned for two games. I’m guessing that hurts a whole lot more than the actual blow did.
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Comments
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I’m not a Milan hater or supporter but I have to say that a two-match ban for Dida’s actions are fair. I am shocked though that Celtic only got away with a fine. That absolutely threw me for a loop. I support Celtic so I’m happy about it but none of the Celtic supporters I knew were even remotely hoping to get away with a fine.
I heard also that Milan is appealing the decision. Shocker. That was one of the most pathetic displays of sportsmanship I’ve seen since the last time I saw something so pathetic. Given we’re calcio fans, that equates to worse thing you’ve seen this week.
Posted from
United States
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fantastico. Che cazzo Dida -_-
Like Milan weren’t in enough trouble as it is.
I still think it’s absurd that Celtic aren’t being punished for anything, even if Dida dived. They still let a fan run across the pitch and strike a player, even if it was only a love tap, it could have been much more serious.Posted from
United States -
This ban is so stupid! What if that guy had a knife or something, which he easily could have! What a joke! I’m so pissed.
Posted from
United States -
EXACTLY my thinking Ashley! That’s why Celtic should have MUCH tougher consequences than a silly fine…
Posted from
United States -
The funny thing is that if you read the comment threads at UK papers, Celtic fans are furious the ban’s not longer, to “send a message” against diving.
Posted from
Germany -
That’s because they’re stupid fools and watch Scottish football. But us over here on the Serie A side, we’re the smart ones ; ]
Posted from
United States -
I too was surprised by the punishment. It’s not like FIFA is really that judicious with its decisions or anything. Look, the fan has a lifetime ban, which is appropriate and Celtic were fined, which is also appropriate. I think that the fine should have been more, but Celtic as a club should not be punished for the lone lunacy of a lone fan. And yes, I believe that.
Dida’s punishment is a message. Although he was hit with the flare the other year, his absurd sniper wound was an attempt to trick FIFA into giving Milan the match. The “what ifs” are just that, “what ifs.” What happened was obvious to the viewers of the match.
Hell, is Milan even going to miss him? He’s got a name (like Paul Robinson), but he sucks if you ask me.
And no…I don’t like Celtic nor Milan.
Posted from
United States -
Milan did send one of their backups on loan to La Liga in the form of Christian Abbiati, who admittedly dropped a clanger last weekend but otherwise has done alright. They could get him back in.
Posted from
Australia
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