And then I apologised to him and acknowledged embarrassing myself on the WFPI

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Classy guy that he is, he accepted my apology too.

That I'd not slept for 48 hours had more than a bit to do with it... and as everyone on here knows, anger and phone-ins don't suit me at all well.

Why was I angry? Because there *was* a level of apologia about FIFA's goings-on, especially from Gleeson. Because the situation in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay at all levels of the game *is* appalling and indefensible. And because, as you could tell from Dotun's tone, no-one really cares (or actually, even wants to know) about Uruguay: which has been under lock, stock and barrel of a corrupt mafia gangster for 16 years and counting. A corrupt mafia gangster who's going to benefit more than almost anyone else in this continent from recent events - and whose acolytes threaten to kill those who try and tell the truth about him.

That apologia - which I nonetheless overreacted and took entirely the wrong tone to - is replicated in Brandonio's posts on here which get praised for their 'balance'. FIFA is an international criminal organisation, nothing less... and sorry, but I'm not about to praise that, whatever 'good' people claim that FIFA happen to do in passing. Especially when the exact opposite is seen on an almost daily basis where I (and even, where Tim Vickery) live. And given the President's just resigned less than 100 hours after being re-elected, said apologia and 'balance' look kinda ridiculous right now in any case.

As for what it says on my Twitter bio: well, I'd be delighted if someone introduced me to someone who was. As it is, the BBC and CNN both used my services last summer; the Telegraph hired an Argentinian football expert whose facts on Uruguay were almost all wrong, and is such a great guy that he acknowledged as much, and suggested they approach me instead; and I get plenty of enquiries from UK writers now too. I'm not saying this to boast or anything like it; as claims to fame go, 'Uruguayan football expert' is pretty crap and certainly obscure, and Spanish speakers here know much more than I do. But in English? Nope.

Beyond that: I don't post any longer because I'm an arsehole on here. This place brings out the absolute worst in and is the absolute wrong online environment for me. Misunderstandings and arguments happen far too easily; huge numbers of posters are judged not on what they say, but who they - or rather, what their reputations/stereotypes on here - are (exhibit A: just watch the response to the paragraph above), and who their Wrath 'mates' happen to be; and cliques and double standards are everywhere to be seen.

Which is all very human and perfectly normal... especially on a football messageboard. It's just the wrong place for me - and once someone's on the wrong side of key individuals on here, it's actually impossible for them to recover. Whether that'll ever be noted in the case of others who get similar treatment is entirely up to all of you - but I do believe we reap what we sow online, as anywhere else. So it's my fault; no-one else's.

So I shall bid you all farewell. I'm sure you'll all be absolutely devastated. Or something. :)

But just before I do: massive congratulations to everyone at the club on promotion and an extraordinary season. NCFC are back where we belong, it couldn't be more deserved... and we're back to stay. :)

Cheers all. So long - and always, always, OTBC.

Posted By: thebigfeller, Jun 3, 05:10:14