Bridge quits England Squad – Genuine Martyr or Immature?
By dixon9
February 25 2010
In the wake of the recent Terry/Perroncel scandal, Wayne Bridge has made a statement through his lawyer that he is not making himself available for England selection. Was this the only logical, moral option from a personal point of view? Or should Bridge be more professional and not let events in his personal life affect his professional England career?
.
The statement reads: “It has always been an honour to play for England.
“However, after careful thought, I believe my position in the squad is now untenable and potentially divisive."
“Sadly, for the sake of the team and what would be inevitable distractions, I have decided not to put myself forward for selection.
“I have thought long and hard about my position in the England football team in the light of the reporting and events over the last few weeks and have today informed the management of this decision.
“I wish the team all the best in South Africa.”Bridge was almost certain to be called-up for the game against Egypt which is also to serve for Capello to have one last look at his squad before deciding upon the initial 30 player pre-selection for the World Cup in the summer.
From Capello´s point of view, Bridge’s announcement must come as a significant headache given that Ashley Cole has a medium-term injury (although some would say that Bridge has not been playing that well anyway and there are other, more in-form options such as Villa’s Warnock and Everton’s Baines).
I would imagine Capello, despite probably feeling a degree of disappointment and even anger over Bridge’s decision may make an attempt to reconcile the situation between Bridge and Terry.
It is my view that the personal lives of football players should be private and the primary merit should be taken from what they do on the field –not off it (providing it is not criminal of course) but if we do look at the moral argument from Bridge’s position, it doesn’t really hold up that well:
Perroncel has stated that she and Bridge split up because he was following “too many bad influences up in Manchester”. According to the media, just weeks after the split, Bridge shacked up with another girl. A few months later, Bridge’s former colleague and friend Terry allegedly embarks on an affair with Perroncel – queue media revelations and Bridge gets very upset by this.
Now, to have a relationship with a mate’s ex is normally dodgy territory at the best of times, nevertheless, both Terry and Perroncel are adults and are not committing any crime. Then there is the question of what influence Bridge should have over who his ex has a relationship with – Perroncel is not his property after all and when his ex has new boyfriends and lovers in the future, Bridge would presumably know about these and possibly even meet some of them, given that he would have access to the child he has with her.
I can understand Bridge being upset – of course I can - but taking everything into account, to actually quit the England squad because of all this does smack of a certain lack of maturity.
Bridge’s decision to quit England also brings up another interesting chestnut – that of Terry and the England captaincy. The principle argument by Terry’s detractors who, whilst accepting that the private lives of players should not affect their professional lives, was that the atmosphere in the England dressing room would be detrimental to the squad with both Terry and Bridge present. Well, Bridge isn’t going to be there now is he?!
Terry won’t be re-awarded the captaincy though. We all know it was a media witch-hunt that had lost him the job. Capello had to take it off him because the media themselves would make his and other England players lives impossible - no other reason.
“As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour. However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad. What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice,” said Capello.
The Daily Mail´s Jeff Powell
Many sections of the media are all powerful –and all hypocritical. Having won the battle to remove the captaincy from Terry because of “immorality”, Terry is then replaced by somebody who has just as bad if not worse indiscretions. But in this country we are fortunate to have such prestigious compasses of morality such as the News of the World and the Daily Mail to provide guidance to the plebeian masses, who like clapping seals, hang on their every word. But in a declining press industry, stories such as these sell newspapers – and that’s what’s important after all isn’t it?
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:02:25:17:50:29 by dixon9.
Be interesting to see what happens if Bridge turns up at the Bridge on Saturday (no pun intended) - it is reported that he will not shake Terry's hand prior to kick-off.
Will Mancini risk playing him? What will be the reaction of the fans? After all JT is our captain and Bridgey scored THAT goal at Crybury. Perhaps better nothing said or mentioned could be the order of the day and be a sufficient compromise.
As for the answer to the ?. Bridgey hasn't got to be anyway near Terry in South Africa. He doesnt have to sit near him on the plane, he could ask for a room the other side of the hotel, he could sit at another table at mealtimes and basically hang out with other players, who are not hanging around with Terry.
It could be that Terry could suffer the most out there. Players ignoring him and keeping away from him, other than on the pitch or training.
Who knows.
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
Quote:An Arsenal Fan
You joking dude? Will you work with a colleague who has f**ked your wife, and the whole England knows it?
Not his wife - was his EX-girlfriend - and while Bridge was shacked up with someone else. Of course, very dodgy ground - but GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Quote:Since 66
it is reported that he will not shake Terry's hand prior to kick-off.
Opposite ends of the pitch perhaps?
Quote:dixon9
In any case, if it was me, I´d be upset BUT I wouldn´t quit the squad.]
I agree, expecially in a year that England have a good chance of winning the world cup.
Quote:cheerycherry
I think Bridge's decision is more to do with his ego and how he feels he will be recieved by the other England players. I am sure if it was anyone other than a team'mate' (and supposed leader) who had slept with his ex then it wouldn't of been a problem but as Cashley is also ably demonstrating, pro footballers dont tend to be too cerebral. I personally feel the whole thing does no-one any favours.
I do feel for him to some extent (obviously) although the press were very clever in keeping certain details from the public when they first released the story to stoke up the public more (i.e it was his ex-girlfriend, she split up with him because of stuff he was getting up to in Manchester, he shacked up with another girl just weeks after splitting-up...).
I wouldn´t be surprised if he wants to get back with her - and wants her to see how much he is hurting...call attention a bit. I might be wrong though.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.