Handbags at dawn

By James Pearson   Last updated: 11th July 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Handbags at dawn

Ebanks-Blake: Handyman

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When you think of tough footballers the names Vinnie Jones, Neil 'Razor' Ruddock and Ron 'Chopper' Harris spring to mind, but there's a new name to add to that exclusive list.

Wolves' Sylvain Ebanks-Blake! The one-time Manchester United ace proved it when holding his own outside a nightclub in Plymouth last November.

Shortly after being ejected from the 'Candy Store' with friends at around 4am his strength and speed of thought were tested when an argument started.

Ebanks-Blake reacted like anyone would have by using his girlfriend's handbag, yes his girlfriend's handbag, to attack 37-year-old doorman Greg Smith.

"It was his girlfriend's handbag," said prosecuting barrister David Gittins. "We do not know what was in the handbag."

After pleading guilty to causing actual bodily harm and a second public order offence of using threatening or abusive language the striker was ordered to pay a fine of £1,350, compensation of £500 and prosecution costs of £650.

Rather more expensive than your average night out.

Consummate professionals

Spanish authorities proved a little encounter between Spain and Italy at Euro 2008 would not let them take their eye of the ball and allow their guard to drop.

While Spain were booking a semi-final clash with Russia via a thrilling penalty shoot-out success over the Azzurri, around 20 people tried to rush the border between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla.

Despite the apparently clever thinking of the group, Spain's security had not dropped during their crucial Euro 2008 encounter as police quickly closed their side of the border ensuring no-one got through.

Check your spell-checker

This summer sees the arrival of a World Cup winning coach to our coveted Premier League competition in the shape of Luiz Felipe Scolari.

But journalists beware, Chelsea's new manager can get a little ticked off if he sees his nickname in the public domain.

No longer can the words 'Big Phil' be used in a headline about the former Portugal and Brazil coach.

"I don't want to see my name spelt with a 'Ph', I want to see it spelled with an F. It is Felipe not Phil. I will not allow anyone in England or anywhere else to change my name," he insisted.

Journalists beware!

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Comments (7)

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Mark Elliott says...

Good to see another jumped up english footballer giving it the "big'un" on a night out! Maybe if they concentrated on improving themselves as footballers we'd be able to qualify for major tournaments. Couldn't really imagine David Villa swinging his bird's handbag at a bouncer, could you?

Posted 04:20 8th July 2008

Gary Brotheridge says...

Maybe big phil should lose a phew pounds if he doesn't appreciate his nickname. Cutting down on the pies wouldn't make him look half as phull.

Posted 21:09 7th July 2008

Robert Corrance says...

'Big Phil' mustnt realise he is coming to England then does he? I give one possibly two seasons before he steps down due to overwhelming pressure and "the press". Ha, ha! Ebanks-Blake...he should have just took a hiding from the bouncer, got back up and walked away...would have been more heroic than using a handbag - hilarious!

Posted 19:12 5th July 2008

Paul Newman says...

I'm sure Phil will learn that by coming out with things like this will only make people do it more... I can imagine the away game to Fulham will have some entertaining banners!

Posted 15:50 5th July 2008

Golden Bhoy says...

Coming from Glasgow I just couldn't see Bobo Balde swinging a handbag about in Sauchiehall Street he would more than likely be bench pressing the doorman. Can't wait to see "Big Fil" in the Prem. Football needs these guys, sometimes the war of words between Wenger and Ferguson is entertaining and now you through this guy into the mix. Roll on the new season.

Posted 18:13 4th July 2008

James Leach says...

Sorry Phil...

Posted 17:31 4th July 2008

Paul Johnson says...

Welcome to England Phil, maybe Syl can lend Phil his handbag to fight off the journalist.

Posted 17:26 4th July 2008
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