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Spitting Games
As Francesco Totti refuses to befriend Christian Poulsen, Steve Wilson wonders if a man sent-off for spitting can ever hold the moral high-ground
“It's too late to apologise,” wails Francesco Totti with regard to Juventus' new Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen. The Roma skipper's recent comments attempt to paint him as the wronged party - but let us not forget his disgusting spray of saliva arguably cost Italy their chances at Euro 2004. Surely it is time for Er Pupone to man up and take responsibility for his part in the incident?
Cast your memory back, or head to YouTube if your mind is not as accurate as it once was, and you will see what went down on June 14, 2004. As Totti jogged back up the pitch Poulsen childishly blocked him off with an unsubtle shoulder barge, how the Italy No 10 reacted though was beyond reproach. Glaring directly at the Dane he unleashed his phlegm right in his foe's face.
Now that Poulsen has signed for Juventus we are all counting down the days until November 2 when the Giallorossi head to Turin. Their reunion will certainly add an extra element of spice to that game and who would bet against one or two colourful challenges flying in. But wouldn't the more mature Totti strengthen his reputation by making peace with his nemesis?
The Scandinavian has been trying to win friends and influence people following his less than welcome arrival on the peninsula, even offering to shake the Roman icon's hand. However, his olive branch was angrily snapped in two by Totti who snarled: “It is easy to talk now, he could have come and told the truth at the hearing the day after.”
But what was there to tell? That he was antagonising Totti during the game? Surely a tactic used by every tenacious, rugged midfielder trying to shackle a fantasista. That he wasn't spat at by Totti? The video evidence spoke a thousand words. The Italian ace was horribly out of line on that sunny afternoon in Braga, it's time he accepted that fact and stopped spitting out his dummy.
By Steve Wilson
Channel 4