Hakeem Al-Araibi
Following Hakeem Al-Araibi's appearance in a Bangkok Court yesterday, Australian Ambassador designate, Allan McKinnon, publicly urged the Thai Prime Minsiter, Prayuth Chan-O-Cha “to consider the ramifications” for Thailand if he does not intervene to end the detention of Al-Araibi. Failing the Thai Prime Minsiter's intervention, Al-Araibi's next court appearance will be on April 22, and he will remain in jail until then after prosecutors again opposed bail.
Al-Araibi pleaded for help ($) as he was led from the police van in shackles and a fading prison t-shirt; and has been remanded in custody to face Court again on 22 April. He was heard to cry out “Tell my wife I love her”.
Refereeing
Taylor Regan asked the question on #sokkahtwitter on Saturday night about why A-League players couldn't/shouldn't/didn't become first-class referees. He was commenting on the decision to give Adelaide United player Ken Ilso a straight red card against Brisbane Roar – from Malaysia, where it's safe for him to have a view on the standard of refereeing in Australia. Answer? He thinks some players should make the shift.
W-League
The final game of the W-League regular season is being played this afternoon in Canberra between Canberra United and premiers Melbourne Victory, after bad weather caused its abandonment last month. Canberra United, who has finished second last in the standings, says that's not a reflection of the quality of their team and striker Nikki Flannery says they can beat Melbourne Victory.
This might be assisted by the fact that Melbourne will rest some of their stars and give some of their younger players a run, as they prepare for the semi-final against Perth Glory on Sunday.
There's Princess Ibini and there's a genuine princess in the W-League – Canberra United striker, Rhoda Mulaudzi from South Africa. Her grandfather was the king of the Venda people from the Limpopo province near the South African-Zimbabwe border. She says she has enjoyed playing in the W-League and Canberra, and she hopes to return next season.
A-League
Sydney FC
Everyone knows you have to be a little crazy to be a goalkeeper ($) and Ray Gatt reckons Andrew Redmayne is right on song with his use of a “Dolly Parton quote to sum up a remarkable turnaround in form”. We'll save you reading the entire piece and let you know that 'Redders' is inspired by something he heard Parton say in a documentary (yes, really) about her life, that is: 'Find who you are and do it on purpose'.
By contrast – and here's one for the budding journos to compare and contrast – much the same story but with the Parton quote up front in the piece.
Bingo. Here's the third one with the same interviewee and the same quote.
Before you blame the journos – DON'T. It's the 'system' clubs use to give them access to players and a story. Even the most creative of journalists wanting to chase a good news story with a club can only do what the club serves up.
Brisbane Roar
Still on goalkeepers, Brisbane Roar's number 1, Jamie Young, has been given a three-match ban for the straight red card he receievd agaisnt Adelaide United for rushing out of his area and taking out Craig Goodwin. Brisbane Roar are considering the potential for an appeal.
Newcastle Jets
Ernie Merrick was happy to see his Newcastle Jets in fine form ($) last Friday against Western Sydney Wanderers, but he makes the point that it doesn't mean a thing if they don't keep up the same level of play and “attacking mojo”.
Ernie again. Here he says the next three games are 'season-defining' with matches against Wellington, Melbourne City and Adelaide United.
Melbourne Victory
Yay! It looks as if Keisuke Honda may be available for the top-of-the-table clash between Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory on Sunday.
Wellington Phoenix
The inclusion of Wellington Phoenix chairman, Rob Morrison, on the new leagues' working group (NLWG) announced last week, is a sign that Wellington Phoenix is not going anywhere soon and is seen as a “huge boost for the club”. Morrison is confident that a new operating model for the A-League will be good for his club (and others). The other A-League clubs have made it clear they see a future in the A-League that includes Wellington. The NLWG aims to complete their work by the end of March.