Gavan Reilly, Killian Woods, Paul Fennessy, Richard Chambers and editor-in-waiting Bridget Fitzsimons discuss the climax of the Premier League season and José Mourinho’s inevitable move to Madrid; we preview Leinster’s upcoming glorious weekend – but tougher times on the horizon; we name our Premier League teams of the year and choose our World Cup tips; and Killian offers his Disgusting Team of the Season.

The Observer Sports Show is produced and presented by Gavan Reilly.

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April 5^th marked the tenth anniversary of one of the most harrowing moments in recent football history. Leeds United fans Christopher Loftus (35) and Kevin Speight (40) were fatally stabbed in Istanbul on the eve of the club’s UEFA Cup tie against Galatasaray.  The deaths caused outrage across the continent with many seeing it as an anomalous incident, a product of a bygone period when fan violence was commonplace. The ‘justice’ campaigns were credited with catalysing a movement to prevent any further deaths from football-related violence. It is unfortunate to recognise that despite these best efforts, the problem has resurged in Europe and continues to thrive in Latin America.

The extent of the problem in Argentina has been well documented. The fanatical supporter groups, the Barra Brava, dominate the sport, with many leading members linked to politicians. Riots are commonplace and firearms have superseded improvised weapons. This year has been particularly grievous for Argentinean football: five people, including a policeman, have died from their wounds. The government has long been criticised for failing to address the situation; a fresh scandal has emerged as it was announced that five hundred leaders of the Barra Brava would receive free trips to the World Cup in South Africa. The initiative was proposed by HUA, an umbrella group for supporters clubs – an organisation legitimised by the government.

Even clubs and nations without a notable history of hooliganism have experienced this upsurge. Berlin’s Olympiastadion, the stage for great moments of sporting endeavor from Jesse Owens to Usain Bolt, was reduced to the setting for a moment of significantly less glory just a few months ago. More than one hundred Hertha Berlin fans took to the field following their defeat to relegation rivals Nürnberg, using metal bars to damage hoardings and the dugouts. This instance has not been an isolated one this season. Historically, any disturbances in German football have been limited to the infiltration of supporters by far-right extremists; now, however, German football has been exposed to the subculture of the ‘casuals’.

Casualism, a brand of hooliganism that originated in Britain in the 1980s, takes its name from the attire of its participants. These firms forsake the replica shirts and garb of the traditional hooligan in favour of brands such as Stone Island and Lacoste, allowing for easier penetration of opposing fans and nonhooligans (or ‘scarfers’). For this reason, they are potentially the most threatening. The subculture has experienced a massive revival over the past decade, with films Green Street and The Football Factory inadvertently serving to glorify the phenomenon. The model has spread across the continent, including France where further loss of life can be attributed to fan violence.

A member of a casual firm loyal to Paris Saint Germain was the victim of a feud between two sections of the Parc des Princes Stadium, an arena already infamous for crowd trouble. The man, named only as ‘Yann L’ by authorities and a member of the Boulogne End gang, died as a result of head injuries sustained in a manifestation of this most superficial of tribal disputes. The firms boast of their ferocious pride in their clubs, and yet engage in the wanton murders of fellow fans. It is easy to see why observers claim that the hooligans are motivated solely by violence.

In a statement regarding the February 28^th riot, the French Sports Minister Rama Yade said “the worst had happened,” adding: “Passions transformed into sordid, senseless, murderous rage. Love of the jersey has become hate of the other, hate of sport and hate of life.” PSG’s response was swift, with the banning of all fans from away fixtures for the remainder of the season. The Parisian club’s method, like all prevalent methods to address violence, have been labelled purely reactionary and do nothing to pacify potential troublemakers.

Realistically speaking, there is little governments or UEFA can do to actively discourage those with criminal intent. Michel Platini recently met with the EU Commissioner responsible for sport, Androulla Vassiliou, where violence was among the most prominent items for discussion. Preventing hooligans from access to the vicinity of stadiums will only do so much to quell the escalating violence. Any European attempts to dislodge such activity from the sport must be mirrored internationally, less the World Cup be tarnished by an incident similar to that which befell Loftus and Speight. Should these fears be realised it would, as Rama Yade described the violence, be “a victory for barbarism and a defeat for sport, fraternity and civilisation.”

The impending summer brings with it the usual miscellany of international sporting events. Of these, the 97^th edition of Le Tour de France promises to be more compelling than ever. Lance Armstrong, seven-time winner, will be competing in the second season of his comeback, hoping to secure an incredible eighth victory. However, he will have to overcome the man who threatens his legacy as the greatest rider in the race’s illustrious history, ‘El Pistolero’ – Spain’s Alberto Contador.

The 27-year-old winner of two Tours de France already ranks among the greatest tourists in cycling history. In his short career as a team leader he has completed cycling’s equivalent of a Grand Slam, capturing the Vuelta a España, the Giro d’Italia and – of course – Le Tour.

Last year’s Tour will be remembered as the emergence of Contador as the true successor to Armstrong. As a member of Team Astana alongside the Texan, relations between the two deteriorated during the first week as debate engulfed the Tour about who the true leader of Astana was. To the surprise of many observers Armstrong actually led Contador for much of the early stages, until his antagonist launched a stunning attack contrary to team rules and captured the yellow jersey in Stage 7. Relations between the two remained sour after the race with Contador and Armstrong exchanging snipes in the media and via Twitter.

Armstrong, now with Team RadioShack, has built an accomplished squad of former rivals and Astana riders with which to challenge the Spaniard’s dominance. Despite this, Contador’s extraordinary innate attributes may serve to counteract the group effort of RadioShack. Since turning professional in 2003, Contador has become the sport’s purest climber. His explosive acceleration on the climbs has been key to his two previous victories. In addition to this, his high cadence is similar to, but perhaps more elegant than that of his bionic rival.

Though the more relaxed post-comeback Armstrong will not admit it, the adversaries have much in common. The ruthlessness that defined Armstrong’s ascent to the upper echelons of sporting greats is equally evident in the Madrileño. A newly acquired aptitude in time-trials is reminiscent of perhaps Lance’s greatest strength. In 2007, Contador showed remarkable composure to hold on to the yellow jersey in the penultimate stage, despite the challenge of more experienced time trialists – in the end winning the tour by a mere 23 seconds, a feat that would draw admiration even from Armstrong.

Following a 2009 route that was notably light on mountain stages, the 2010 edition was approved by Contador who remarked that it was a ‘tour for climbers’. The contentious omission of the team time-trial, to the chagrin of Armstrong, will please a rider who does not always enjoy the unreserved support of his teammates. If Contador capitalises on this favourable route to win a third Tour no one will doubt his position alongside Hinault, Mercx – and even Armstrong himself – as one of the sport’s most celebrated competitors.

It’s a bumper show this week with six in the studio, as Killian Woods, Richard Chambers and Paul Fennessy join Gavan Reilly to talk about UCD’s two successive 0-0 draws in the Airtricity League and the fortunes of the American Football Club – as well as Manchester United’s horror week in the Premier League and Champions Leagues, Tiger Woods’ return at the US Masters and the weekend’s Heineken Cup action and the Aintree Grand National. Bridget Fitzsimons and Catriona Laverty also drop by to keep us updated on their fortunes in the topsy-turvy world of Fantasy Premier League. All this plus Fenno’s Preddos, Killian’s Disgusting Team of the Week and more!

The Observer Sports Show is produced and presented by Gavan Reilly.

Click here to listen to the show, or click here to subscribe to the UO Sports Podcast in iTunes. Leave your comments in the field below, or send them to our Twitter!

Killian Woods, Paul Fennessy and Richard Chambers chat about the absence of Wayne Rooney, the chances of United’s Champions League, UCD’s recent triumph over Bray Wanderers, Argentina’s entry into the Tri Nations Tournament, the continuing controversy over Caster Semenya and the mixed fortunes of the Formula 1 season.

The Observer sports show is hosted and produced by Gavan Reilly.

Click this link to listen to the podcast… UO Sports Podcast: March 31st, 2010 …or click here to subscribe to the Observer sports show in iTunes.

(Apologies for the scratchy audio quality this week – the environs were quite loud with the UCD Musical Society production of Glee in the adjacent theatre!)

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When the draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League was announced, there was almost immediate talk of a repeat of last season’s final with the juggernauts of Manchester United facing the immaculately graceful Barcelona. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will have been delighted by news that they will meet old rivals Bayern Munich before a potential duel with either of the French sides left in the competition, Lyon or Bordeaux.

Many spoke of a prospective duel between two of the world’s finest players, Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi. While it has seemed at times that United are driven solely by the irrepressible will and talent of their talisman, there is more to the Red Devils’ European ambitions than first appears.

Ferguson’s tactical approach to European football has developed comprehensively since he first conquered the continent in 1999. His traditional 4-4-2 replaced over time with a five-man midfield and a lone striker in an effort to combat the creative ‘carousel’, as he referred to the midfield of Barcelona and other European giants. The disappointing failures in Europe preceding 2008’s victory over Chelsea have forced him to humbly reconsider his approach.

Wayne Rooney – and before him, Cristiano Ronaldo – has been the central force of his side, but behind these marquee names the harrying influence of Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung – and more recently the service provided by Antonio Valencia – are helping United to progress towards their goals of a fourth consecutive Premier League title and a fourth European Cup.

Fletcher, so sorely missed in last season’s final, was once billed as the new David Beckham in his early days at Old Trafford. He is now the combative midfielder that United have lacked since the departure of Roy Keane. The protestations of Arsène Wenger against Fletcher’s midfield aggression are as good an epithet as any that can be paid to Scotland’s captain.

Another international captain has an equally important role in United’s sojourns abroad. Korean Park Ji-Sung has often been criticised as a mere marketing ploy by Manchester United pandering to the lucrative fan base in the Far East, but he is far more valuable to Alex Ferguson than as a shirt salesman in Seoul. His role in the Champions League squad has been to frustrate and stifle threatening elements of the opposing midfield, regardless of position. His constant harrying of AC Milan’s Andrea Pirlo in the previous round is a fine example of why he has earned the nickname ‘Three-Lung Park’. It is likely that his manager will order him to ‘do a job’ on Bayern’s quick and imaginative wingers Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben in the upcoming tie.

The countless headed goals from Wayne Rooney can be attributed to hours of practice by the in form front man as well as the quality of the delivery by his teammates – none more prominent than Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian purchased as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo is a winger in the classical sense of the word. His attributes have reminded many of Andrei Kanchelskis, an archetypical winger for United in the early nineties. Following a slow start to his Old Trafford career, the former Wigan player has earned plaudits for his displays.

While no one can belittle the efforts of Wayne Rooney, these players offer the capability of United to challenge in Europe once again. United carry a reputation for attacking football, but the utilisation of Fletcher, Park and Valencia add a layer of responsibility prerequisite for success in the Champions League. Through this, progression to a third successive final – and perhaps more – should be a realistic goal.

Rowing:

The annual Colours Boat Race is scheduled to take place in Dublin on Saturday 6^th March. Organisers have chosen a route from O’Connell Bridge to the Guinness Brewery at St James’ Gate in what promises to be a dramatic event for spectators. The universities will battle for supremacy across four disciplines: Women’s Novices, Women’s Seniors, Men’s Novices and the blue Riband event, the Men’s Seniors. The prestigious Gannon Cup, named in honour of Ciarán Gannon of UCD, awaits the victors of the Men’s Seniors race. UCD have dominated the competition in recent years and will be hoping to complete a historic three-in-a-row over their city centre rivals from Trinity College.

American Football:

UCD American Football will kick off their Irish American Football League season on 14^th March in Belfield. Beginning their inaugural league campaign, UCD face the reigning champions, UL Vikings. Head Coach John Collins’ side face a difficult schedule, with an end-of-season return fixture against the Vikings following games against the veteran Cork Admirals and Carrickfergus Knights. The young UCD side will hope to make a positive impact following a successful season in the developmental league.

Handball:

UCD’s Hilary and Marianna Rushe and Declan Smith were triumphant at the World Collegiate Handball Championships in Phoenix, Arizona last weekend. Smith defeated UL’s John Fitzgerald in the Division 1 Intermediate final, while Hilary and Marianna Rushe overcame Missouri State in a tense women’s doubles final. Marianna was later imperious in the Ladies Division 1 final, defeating Bailey Chandler in two games to defend her crown.

The victory was blemished by an injury to former UCD number eight Sean O’Brien – the Ireland international forced off in the opening minutes after suffering a fractured leg.  Stephen Keogh, who filled in capably, replaced him. The injury deepens the hole left in the back row following the departure of Rocky Elsom and a string of injuries and suspensions.

Sexton and his Scarlets counterpart Rhys Priestland exchanged penalties as the visitors started the brighter. The Scarlets set out to attack Leinster from deep, and were eager to let centres Regan King and Jon Davies instigate breaks.

A rare lapse in an impressive defensive display by Leinster allowed the Welsh region to recycle the ball quickly through King and the backrow before Wales hopeful Ken Owens finished the magnificent move. The sideline conversion attempt was put wide by a decidedly out of form Rhys Priestland to leave the hosts in the arrears by 8-3.

Nigel Davies’ outfit were unable to extend their lead as Priestland missed from inside his own half. The Scarlets’ pack then bludgeoned from close range off a lineout but were repelled by the stodgy home side.

The clinical nature of Leinster came to the fore on the half hour. Eoin Reddan delivered quick balll before fan favourite Isa Nacewa finished in the corner with Sexton involved in the build-up. A perfect conversion by the fly-half gave Leinster a 10-8 lead as Leinster made their first meaningful incursions into Scarlets territory. Another penalty increased the advantage; referee Adam MacPherson keen to clamp down on infringements at the breakdown. Priestland replied with a penalty of his own as the first half ended as the visitors entered the break with a narrow 13-11 deficit.

They regained the lead soon after the restart, Priestland’s straightforward placekick coming after Leinster’s defensive exertions were undone by prop Stan Wright’s failure to roll away. However, another Sexton effort eliminated the Scarlet’s lead. The region was frustrated as they failed to convert their chances throughout the encounter. Winger Daniel Evans poorly executed to Regan King just metres from the goal line. His pass intercepted by the patient Fergus McFadden.

The Scarlets continued to press Leinster but lacked the incisiveness to cause any real threat. Fouls in the ruck plagued both sides as such a Scarlets transgression allowed Sexton to extend the lead by three.

Leinster pulled away from the Scarlets as they entered the final quarter of an hour. Shane Horgan continued his fine season with a break that set up another penalty, giving Leinster a two score advantage to the delight of the 14,000 in attendance.

The match effectively ceased as a contest on 70 minutes. Flanker Rob McCuskey knocking on with the line at his mercy after charging down Shaun Berne’s attempted clearance leaving coach Nigel Davies visibly frustrated.

Berne atoned for his concentration lapse moments later. His swift line break set prodigious talent Andrew Conway free, the winger contributing a notable cameo. Conway offloaded to man of the match Jonathan Sexton, who encapsulated a magnificent performance by touching down for a try. The final score of 27-14 probably flattered the home side but is testament to the strength of their defensive effort and the opportunism they demonstrated.

Speaking to The University Observer after the game, stand in captain Shane Jennings was full of praise for his outhalf. “Jonny kicked very well today and controlled the game well,” the flanker noted, adding “hopefully he can keep it up for us.”

With performances like this one, it will not be long before he can attempt the same for Ireland as well.

The Irish women’s bobsleigh team were last week cleared to enter the Winter Olympics despite an appeal lodged by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) as well as a further challenge by Brazil. The two-women team, compromising of Claire Bergin and pilot Aoife Hoey, will now participate in an expanded event at the Whistler Sliding Centre.

The initial dispute centred on Ireland’s qualification as the twentieth entrant ahead of Australia. The AOC contended that as the only representative of Oceania at the Vancouver Games, under the guidelines of the FIBT (the sport’s international governing body) they were entitled to be part of the women’s bobsleigh event. This argument was deemed justified by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), who approved of a 21-team competition including both the Irish and Australian crews.

This was not to be the end of the legal wrangling. Following the success of the AOC’s appeal, Brazilian Ice Sports Federation launched a petition, believing that Ireland’s participation at the women’s bobsleigh was invalid owing to Ireland’s late replacement of France in qualification.  In a decision released ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony the CAS rejected the plea of the Brazilians, allowing the event to commence as planned. The decision was praised by OCI Chief Executive Stephen Martin, adding that it had been a “difficult week, but now we can look forward to the Games commencing.”

For Hoey there was an added reason to be cheerful, as the Portarlington native was selected as the flag bearer for Friday’s spectacular opening ceremony. The 26-year old-was overjoyed with the honour. “It’s been a rough few days out here in Vancouver with all the legal action swirling around the bobsleigh team,” she said, “but this move has lifted our spirits in a big way.”

The opening ceremony of the Vancouver games itself was overshadowed by the tragic death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. Despite the death of the 21-year-old, the ceremony carried on with the full participation of the Georgian contingent, who were greeted with an emotional standing ovation at the BC Place Stadium. The 2,500 athletes representing 82 nations at the Winter Olympics, as well as the thousands in attendance, united in a minute’s silence for Kumaritashvili.

The passing of the Georgian is the latest in a line of controversies surrounding the Vancouver Games. These incidents have included anti-globalisation demonstrations, arguments over practice times allotted to Canadian athletes, as well as the women’s bobsleigh quagmire.

The attention garnered is seen as a positive by Stephen Martin, a man who believes that all publicity is good publicity. “The profile of winter sports has certainly been to the fore over the last week or so”, he told the press at the CAS hearing, “and that has to be a good thing.” The Irish women’s crew is the first of its kind to participate at an Olympics. As the final team to qualify for the Games, Ireland may not be favoured to win medals, but the fact that they are in Vancouver at all is a fine achievement.

When he takes to the field in Miami on 7^th February with the task of ending the Saints’ 43-year wait for a Super Bowl, quarterback Drew Brees will carry the hopes of a city that is ready to celebrate. With the destitution inflicted upon the area still a recent memory, and with the continuing plight of the Lower Ninth Ward still a reality, the rise of Brees and his talented Saints team has rekindled the famous festive atmosphere in New Orleans.

The transformation of the New Orleans Saints has been remarkable. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina during late August 2005, the Saints were forced to fulfil their home fixtures in various locations while the Superdome served as the ‘shelter of last resort’ for 30,000 people. The torn roof of the Superdome became one of the enduring images of the suffering inflicted upon Louisiana during the hurricane, but the dome has now become a symbol of unity and hope in the embattled city.

The return of the Saints to the Superdome in the 2006 season was a source of considerable pride to the Gulf coast. The 30,000 beleaguered replaced with 70,000 fans displaying the same ‘vive’ that defines New Orleans as the home of jazz and Mardi Gras. The acquisition of coach Sean Payton, college superstar Reggie Bush and Drew Brees was to prove a significant milestone in the history of the team.

Brees, jettisoned by the San Diego Chargers, was forced to choose between a career in tropical Miami or the ravaged New Orleans. The quarterback made it a personal mission to restore pride to a city that has lost so much. The devastation he was met with did little to daunt his resolve.

“For me, I looked at that as an opportunity to be part of the rebuilding process,” he enthused at the time. “How many people get that opportunity in their life to be a part of something like that?” The charity work of his foundation and his unique talent on the field has not gone unnoticed by the faithful. His rapport with the fans and teammates is peerless in modern sport: hailed as a saviour both on and off the field by the city, it is little wonder that fans have gifted him the nickname ‘Breesus’.

The financial and emotional lift that a Super Bowl victory would bring to New Orleans is immeasurable. The economic benefit of hosting two major playoff games has been obvious in the French Quarter, where tourism revenue has seen a significant increase – a fact that Brees was quick to note immediately following his team’s dramatic victory over Minnesota, which took them to the season finale.

Swathes of revellers on Bourbon Street have chanted Brees’ name and the team’s unofficial anthem “Who Dat?”. Their joy at seeing their team capture the NFC Championship could only be surpassed by an unlikely victory over the Colts. But for Brees and his Saints, a Super Bowl ring would be a fitting reward for their endeavour.