Really Morgan is our best ever skipper, yes he did wrong but no way he should get vilified. Like someone in a post earlier said he should have his own statue of lifting the premier League title.
Am still Mr buckin angry
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I'm far from that.
If the incident happened in normal times I'd happily file it under lads will be lads.
But right now they are quite literally putting people's lives in danger.
No matter how you dress it up that's not acceptable
TartanFox
Roofer
It might not be the first time this has happened. I was told of a gathering back in January involving the exact same players, I dismissed it as bullshit then but seems more likely given the recent breaking news.
Can't be arsed getting angry about it, it'll make not a jot of difference to them or me.
Can't be arsed getting angry about it, it'll make not a jot of difference to them or me.
ClaphamFox
Roofer
Henry Winter is good on Maddison this morning:
Disgraced James Maddison is at a crossroads
James Maddison was on the pitch when England qualified for Euro 2020. It was a night of celebration at Wembley, and Maddison’s proud family were among the 77,277 crowd, revelling in the 7-0 win against Montenegro in England’s 1,000th international on November 14, 2019. “A very special feeling,” Maddison reflected afterwards, “a moment I won’t forget.”
The following day Maddison posted a photograph of himself a decade earlier, wearing an England No 10 shirt, and then a picture of him at Wembley. “Just a young lad from Coventry with a dream,” he tweeted. “Last night I fulfilled that dream of playing for my country. I can’t begin to try and describe the satisfaction it gave me.”
He has to remember what drove that young ladfrom Coventry with a dream and refocus. He will have a free summer to work out how. Any chance of being picked by Gareth Southgate for the Euros ended with his decision to break lockdown regulations and attend a party indoors.
Maddison’s furious Leicester City manager, Brendan Rodgers, dropped him for Sunday’s important game against West Ham United. When he should have been facing Jesse Lingard, a rival for a Euro 2020 place, in front of Southgate at the London Stadium, Maddison was in disgrace.
Lingard’s exceptional performance pushed Maddison further down the pecking order. He has to scrutinise his own thought process, or lack of, over why heading to a friend’s party would mean him missing Southgate’s party. Cameraphones are everywhere. People gossip. Stories get out. Maddison was either naive or arrogant.
Others were involved in the party, including Hamza Choudhury and Ayoze Pérez, but it is Maddison’s presence that carries most consequence. It is frustrating because his talent was certainly maturing, if apparently not his personality.
Maddison has the potential to be one of the best No 10s in the country, a player with the belief and technique to operate and create in tight spaces. He has a swagger to his play, reflecting his expressive personality. He has scored against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. Nothing scares him. He can deceive defenders with a no-look pass, with a dribble, or running at them, as he did against City’s Benjamin Mendy to win a penalty.
Maddison’s influence was growing from seven goals and seven assists in 2018-19, to nine goals and three assists last season and to 11 goals and 10 assists so far this campaign. His love of the game and of his own talent is seen in his joyous and varied goal celebrations, including the motion of throwing a dart. So this story is both a folly and a pity. It’s a cautionary tale for others.
Maddison had been building so promisingly with England, making nine appearances for the under-21s, including scoring in the European Championship in 2019. Yet, talk to some Coventry City fans and they will reflect on a likeable character from their home town, yet cocky. Talk to some England fans and they will swiftly mention how he missed an international trip through illness but was then spotted in a casino.
Southgate forgave him, pointing out the player would learn and that there is an “increased spotlight” on him given his England connection, and still picked him the following month against Montenegro. Maddison appeared to have learnt his lesson and proved a popular member of the squad. He spoke well in camp, revealing his passion for his profession, reminiscing about going on loan from Norwich City to Aberdeen, growing as a player and a man, taking responsibility as a teenager, curling in a free kick against Rangers at Pittodrie. He talked of his enjoyment of his time at Norwich and then the step up to Leicester, the £22.5 million move in 2018.
His career trajectory appeared ever upwards. He came on for his 36 minutes at Wembley aged 22 years and 356 days, replacing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It should have been the start for Maddison yet it is his only cap. Mason Mount, two years Maddison’s junior, also played that evening, and his professionalism has made him one of Southgate’s undroppables.
But Maddison? Rather than getting ready for June friendlies at the Riverside and the Euros, the 24-year-old is at a crossroads in his career, and he must be mindful he does not wander down the road that ends up as a cul-de-sac.
It will be a painful summer, watching from afar as Mount and company look to entertain the nation. It is just the sort of stage and limelight that Maddison would relish. He needed to be playing well, returning from a hip injury, playing catch-up as Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Lingard are ahead of him.
He could argue that others heading to the Euros, players such as Foden, Grealish and Kyle Walker, have also been caught breaching lockdown or bubble regulations, and Southgate is undeniably selective but their mistakes were earlier in the season, they’ve done their penance, they’ve proved their worth. Maddison could not have timed his indiscretion worse.
Leicester are better with him, and might have secured a point against West Ham United, but Rodgers has handled the situation well, not bothering to fine the players as they are wealthy enough not to worry about the loss of a couple of weeks’ wages. Denying them football was more of a punishment.
For a squad to thrive, there has to be discipline and accountability. Actions should have consequences. Rodgers has to show support for those in his squad who do abide by the rules. For a player whose judgment under pressure on the field is generally astute, Maddison’s decision-making off it can be suspect.
“You have to respect what the nation is going through and you have to respect what our values are in the club,” Rodgers said. One of Leicester’s key values is respect, for team-mates and staff.
Maddison owes it to Rodgers to make amends by focusing harder off the field and delivering more on it. Leicester are in a dogfight with some pedigree rivals for a Champions League place. The difference between finishing in the Champions League and Europa League places could be worth £30 million upwards. Leicester face Southampton at Wembley on Sunday for a place in the FA Cup final.
Maddison owes it to those team-mates he has let down to get their season going again. He owes it to the fans too. He needs to be thought of as the James Maddison who shines for the first team and loves the club so much that he attends under-23 games to show his support. He does not want to be thought of as the fans’ mocking meme with his head superimposed on John Travolta in the Saturday Night Fever white disco suit.
Maddison has the ability to wrest the narrative back and make his story positive again. Ultimately, Maddison owes it to himself to do his special talent justice, and that involves greater dedication than currently demonstrated.
Disgraced James Maddison is at a crossroads
James Maddison was on the pitch when England qualified for Euro 2020. It was a night of celebration at Wembley, and Maddison’s proud family were among the 77,277 crowd, revelling in the 7-0 win against Montenegro in England’s 1,000th international on November 14, 2019. “A very special feeling,” Maddison reflected afterwards, “a moment I won’t forget.”
The following day Maddison posted a photograph of himself a decade earlier, wearing an England No 10 shirt, and then a picture of him at Wembley. “Just a young lad from Coventry with a dream,” he tweeted. “Last night I fulfilled that dream of playing for my country. I can’t begin to try and describe the satisfaction it gave me.”
He has to remember what drove that young ladfrom Coventry with a dream and refocus. He will have a free summer to work out how. Any chance of being picked by Gareth Southgate for the Euros ended with his decision to break lockdown regulations and attend a party indoors.
Maddison’s furious Leicester City manager, Brendan Rodgers, dropped him for Sunday’s important game against West Ham United. When he should have been facing Jesse Lingard, a rival for a Euro 2020 place, in front of Southgate at the London Stadium, Maddison was in disgrace.
Lingard’s exceptional performance pushed Maddison further down the pecking order. He has to scrutinise his own thought process, or lack of, over why heading to a friend’s party would mean him missing Southgate’s party. Cameraphones are everywhere. People gossip. Stories get out. Maddison was either naive or arrogant.
Others were involved in the party, including Hamza Choudhury and Ayoze Pérez, but it is Maddison’s presence that carries most consequence. It is frustrating because his talent was certainly maturing, if apparently not his personality.
Maddison has the potential to be one of the best No 10s in the country, a player with the belief and technique to operate and create in tight spaces. He has a swagger to his play, reflecting his expressive personality. He has scored against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. Nothing scares him. He can deceive defenders with a no-look pass, with a dribble, or running at them, as he did against City’s Benjamin Mendy to win a penalty.
Maddison’s influence was growing from seven goals and seven assists in 2018-19, to nine goals and three assists last season and to 11 goals and 10 assists so far this campaign. His love of the game and of his own talent is seen in his joyous and varied goal celebrations, including the motion of throwing a dart. So this story is both a folly and a pity. It’s a cautionary tale for others.
Maddison had been building so promisingly with England, making nine appearances for the under-21s, including scoring in the European Championship in 2019. Yet, talk to some Coventry City fans and they will reflect on a likeable character from their home town, yet cocky. Talk to some England fans and they will swiftly mention how he missed an international trip through illness but was then spotted in a casino.
Southgate forgave him, pointing out the player would learn and that there is an “increased spotlight” on him given his England connection, and still picked him the following month against Montenegro. Maddison appeared to have learnt his lesson and proved a popular member of the squad. He spoke well in camp, revealing his passion for his profession, reminiscing about going on loan from Norwich City to Aberdeen, growing as a player and a man, taking responsibility as a teenager, curling in a free kick against Rangers at Pittodrie. He talked of his enjoyment of his time at Norwich and then the step up to Leicester, the £22.5 million move in 2018.
His career trajectory appeared ever upwards. He came on for his 36 minutes at Wembley aged 22 years and 356 days, replacing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It should have been the start for Maddison yet it is his only cap. Mason Mount, two years Maddison’s junior, also played that evening, and his professionalism has made him one of Southgate’s undroppables.
But Maddison? Rather than getting ready for June friendlies at the Riverside and the Euros, the 24-year-old is at a crossroads in his career, and he must be mindful he does not wander down the road that ends up as a cul-de-sac.
It will be a painful summer, watching from afar as Mount and company look to entertain the nation. It is just the sort of stage and limelight that Maddison would relish. He needed to be playing well, returning from a hip injury, playing catch-up as Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Lingard are ahead of him.
He could argue that others heading to the Euros, players such as Foden, Grealish and Kyle Walker, have also been caught breaching lockdown or bubble regulations, and Southgate is undeniably selective but their mistakes were earlier in the season, they’ve done their penance, they’ve proved their worth. Maddison could not have timed his indiscretion worse.
Leicester are better with him, and might have secured a point against West Ham United, but Rodgers has handled the situation well, not bothering to fine the players as they are wealthy enough not to worry about the loss of a couple of weeks’ wages. Denying them football was more of a punishment.
For a squad to thrive, there has to be discipline and accountability. Actions should have consequences. Rodgers has to show support for those in his squad who do abide by the rules. For a player whose judgment under pressure on the field is generally astute, Maddison’s decision-making off it can be suspect.
“You have to respect what the nation is going through and you have to respect what our values are in the club,” Rodgers said. One of Leicester’s key values is respect, for team-mates and staff.
Maddison owes it to Rodgers to make amends by focusing harder off the field and delivering more on it. Leicester are in a dogfight with some pedigree rivals for a Champions League place. The difference between finishing in the Champions League and Europa League places could be worth £30 million upwards. Leicester face Southampton at Wembley on Sunday for a place in the FA Cup final.
Maddison owes it to those team-mates he has let down to get their season going again. He owes it to the fans too. He needs to be thought of as the James Maddison who shines for the first team and loves the club so much that he attends under-23 games to show his support. He does not want to be thought of as the fans’ mocking meme with his head superimposed on John Travolta in the Saturday Night Fever white disco suit.
Maddison has the ability to wrest the narrative back and make his story positive again. Ultimately, Maddison owes it to himself to do his special talent justice, and that involves greater dedication than currently demonstrated.
LGFOX
Roofer
I was ironically Daz the one who said he should have HAD a statue with Claudio.
I’m not sure what business you’re in, but in pretty much every business I know plus the armed forces, police, medical services etc a ‘captain’ or manager is there to manage. I certainly had to make some unpopular decisions in my work life when it came to managing colleagues and having to support my superiors. It’s not easy at times but that’s what your title is. Manager. To not try to stop it in the first place and then to be completely involved shows he’s no captain to me, not a manager nor leader and certainly not an ambassador for the future. This is not a vilification. It’s real.
On top of this, 1000’s have died including my dear Godmother from Covid. There are many others including close relatives of a lot on this board. So even though they could potentially put themselves or anyone else at risk they/he decided to ignore it. Awful.
Agree to a point LGFOX but until we get all the facts we can't vilify him. Perez, Maddison and Choudary yes but we don't even know how Morgan was involved if he was
Silver Fox
Roofer
You don’t think for one minute I was being serious do you?
Wind up. Hook Line and sinker!
Running Fox
Roofer
I think Rogers wont really address the players in question actions until the season is over, for now he has to use the players involved and get the best from them and the rest of the squad. This is for the club and his own career. In the summer he may be best to get rid of those involved as a warning to others and to protect himself from players he cannot trust.
ClaphamFox
Roofer
In the Mercury today there is a double-page roasting of Maddison, Perez and Choudhury. It makes no mention whatsoever of Morgan or Barnes.
I've read elsewhere that none of the players have been fined - the only punishment was missing Sunday's game. Maybe the club felt compelled to explain why Maddison, Perez and Choudhury were dropped from the squad on Sunday, but didn't feel the need to say anything about Morgan and Barnes because they haven't been punished due to being injured anyway...
Disregard for fans made Brendan Rodgers take crucial Leicester City decision
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LGFOX
Roofer
Vilify him? For not managing a group of his colleagues in a potentially dangerous medical environment but instead joining in. He was there? Yes? That’s enough for me.
I’m assuming none of them have lost a dear relative or friend to this bastard disease like a lot of us on here have.
Sohofox
Roofer
And that Henry Winter article tell you exactly why Morgan when he was invited to that party should have put his arm round Maddison & Co and persuaded them (especially Maddison and Barnes) to not even think about attending that mad event.
That he didn't do that and whats more he actually attended himself tells you everything.
Rodneyfernsfeet
We must be in heaven man
Anyway, who shopped them to Brendan?
I blame Bnet he likes snitching LOL
essingtonblue
Roofer
What would gut someone like Maddison the most? He clearly wants to be famous.
So how about brendan takes him to the side this week & says listen, you have some big bridge building to do sunny jim. Start by getting us to this fa cup final, you have the talent to win us this game, so do it!!
Hopefully he does it , then drop him for the final.
So how about brendan takes him to the side this week & says listen, you have some big bridge building to do sunny jim. Start by getting us to this fa cup final, you have the talent to win us this game, so do it!!
Hopefully he does it , then drop him for the final.
Muzzdog
Roofer
As I said on another thread they were doing what the vast majority of 20 somethings are doing anybody who thinks otherwise is being nieve. Now I'm not excusing their actions but I think the vilification is over the top ...no one here know the precise circumstances or indeed the current mental health of the people involved so just take a step back and stop being so judgement .
As for putting putting people's lives in danger personally I think that is a ridiculous statement
Sohofox
Roofer
Morgan is not a "20 something".
He is 37. He is Club Captain.
He is studying football administration.
He wants to be a PFA representative.
The Club were planning to offer him an ambassadorial role.
Apparently Perez instructed all the guests to put their mobile phones in a plastic bag. Presumably so the tracing app wouldn't work. And presumably so no one could take photos. So they all knew this was dodgy. And still Morgan didn't intercede.
It beggars belief.
Perhaps he can get one of his staff to tattoo "TWAT" across his forehead down his tattoo parlour to warn anyone in the future tempted to offer him a job?
He is 37. He is Club Captain.
He is studying football administration.
He wants to be a PFA representative.
The Club were planning to offer him an ambassadorial role.
Apparently Perez instructed all the guests to put their mobile phones in a plastic bag. Presumably so the tracing app wouldn't work. And presumably so no one could take photos. So they all knew this was dodgy. And still Morgan didn't intercede.
It beggars belief.
Perhaps he can get one of his staff to tattoo "TWAT" across his forehead down his tattoo parlour to warn anyone in the future tempted to offer him a job?
Oadlad
Roofer
I know no more about Prez and Hamza than anyone else on here but do know a little about Madds and his character.
His involvement surprised me not just because he has the most to lose by a long chalk but seems really out of character.
Yes, he comes over as a bit arrogent when playing but that is really just self confidence from a lad from a balanced, grounded background.
So I am confident he will be fully aware of his serious lapse and be determined to compensatae in the best, in fact, only, way he can.
In any event, you should never write off those who offend, we are all human and capable of learning.
His involvement surprised me not just because he has the most to lose by a long chalk but seems really out of character.
Yes, he comes over as a bit arrogent when playing but that is really just self confidence from a lad from a balanced, grounded background.
So I am confident he will be fully aware of his serious lapse and be determined to compensatae in the best, in fact, only, way he can.
In any event, you should never write off those who offend, we are all human and capable of learning.
Oadlad
Roofer
Obviously.
ElmetFox
Roofer
Yes, everyone deserves a second chance. Southgate will say he has had one following the Casino incident. The need to comply with the Covid restrictions and the rationale for this has been drilled into the heads of Professional footballers. What is it that he has to learn, please ? Unless they really are thick as mince. Which in the case of Maddison I doubt.
ClaphamFox
Roofer
What 'casino incident'? He literally didn't do anything wrong there.
Hampshirefox
Roofer
I've no doubt the Squad have their own fines system. Basically if we don't win the FA Cup hang their collective testicles
up over the entrance to Seagrave.
I've assumed they have a pair each although based on the amount of time Perez spends on his arse I may be wrong.
Southampton players must be well happy. What a great boost of confidence for them. What a lovely unexpected gift from us. Could not make it up.
ClaphamFox
Roofer
On the contrary, I think we’ll see a proper performance and win from us on Sunday.