Perhaps the most controversial end to a relegation struggle in the English Premiership’s short history transpired today at Old Trafford. For those who aren’t aware of the situation (where have you been, Mars?), The Premier League’s inquiry a couple of months ago found that West Ham had lied to them about the legality of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano’s registration with the London club, but, well, because they’re loveable East-End chappies (the club, not Tevez and Masche), it was alright really. As long as they don’t do it again. And of course, the inevitable transpired today. Read on for the goal.
West Ham were given a £5.5 million fine (value of staying in the Premiership due to the new TV deal starting this August: £30+ million) and no points deduction, despite Tevez having played a lot of matches for them and, for a large part of the season, none of their other players having bothered to turn up. They also failed to tell West Ham that Tevez couldn’t play any more games. Needless to say Wigan, Charlton, Sheffield United and Fulham weren’t happy. Fulham shut up about it once their own survival was assured last weekend but the threat of a court case from the other three continues in spite of the Premier League insisting any such case would be thrown out.
And today, at Old Trafford, against a strong but unmotivated Manchester United, Carlos Tevez – who if some reports are to be believed may even be joining the Red Devils this summer – scored the only goal of the game to ensure West Ham’s survival. How many times must we repeat – he probably shouldn’t have been allowed to be playing. As it is, he has been, and he’s kept the Hammers in the Premier League virtually single-handed. The best Argentine abroad this season? Keep an eye out for details of Hasta Lo Gol Siempre‘s upcoming awards later in the week, and help us decide.
Photo nicked from bbc.co.uk
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