Training, A Luncheon, Juan Mata Profile & More

I’m leaving for the airport in an hour or so if I can peel Max the Cat off me. He’s very sad. I hate leaving him behind but he’s not a beach sort of cat! Maisougio will be your daily Perv Concierge while I’m sunning my rivaling-Iker-Casillas-pallor in Mexico for a couple of days with watishista P. So this will be a drive by. The day has been textbook Lozil thus far. I tripped over my suitcase earlier and nearly knocked myself out. Never fails. I am the world’s biggest klutz. So I’ll be starting the vacation bruised but hopefully I’ve gotten all the drama out of the way. If I owe you an email, please forgive me – I’m totally behind on work, packing, everything. I’ll get on it when I return next week.

The team trained again today and the good news is that Mesut was back with them – hooray! Looks like he’ll be just fine for the final on Friday.

Robbie Rogers In The Press

Robbie Rogers by Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Out former ‘baller Robbie Rogers was the subject of two great articles today in the Guardian and New York Times which talked about his coming out and the aftermath. Sam Borden from NYT also chatted with Robbie via video.

MLS: Don’t Cross The Line 2013 PSA

Been meaning to post this for the past couple of weeks. MLS and MLS Works have produced the 2013 PSA for their “Don’t Cross the Line” Campaign which promotes equality and acceptance in the sport.

Zenit Fan Club Landscrona Pull The Old “I’m Not Racist But…”

Sadly, they really, really are. Add to that a hefty dose of homophobia and xenophobia to make a potent cocktail of utter fuckery.

UPDATED: Thank You, Toronto FC, DC United & Dutch FA!

I was delighted to see Toronto FC had made a video for the wonderful You Can Play Project which works to create a safe environment for gay athletes. Their motto is direct: “If you can play, you can play.” And it should be that simple, shouldn’t it? Sadly it’s not. Toronto FC’s spot is terrific and multilingual. I really wish more teams would make videos like this.

Hot Chip & Footy Man Love, FTW

Hot Chip’s new video for Don’t Deny Your Heart is full of awesomeness. Would that the Manchester derby turned out this amicable in real life, eh? I can imagine it’s going to make some jaws drop, but fuck it, Hot Chip has always been upfront about their support of the gay, lesbian, bi and transgender community so people can just deal.

- Lozil

Bits & Bobs: True Love, A Picturesque View, The Ox, El Pirata, Supermodel Nando, Help A Madridista Out, David Testo’s Story

D’awwwww!

Ah, Clarice & Marcelo! Ain’t love grand? I love these two and looking at them being so happy together gives even my hard grumpy heart the warm fuzzies. On to the bits and bobs…

The Man Who Doesn’t Actually Exist: A Conversation With A Gay Bundesliga Footballer

Our good pals Jenny_Jenkins & Sashatwen did this great translation of an article that appeared on Tuesday on German website Fluter. Everything in italics after the jump is their translation. Thank you so much ladies, this is important stuff.

Steps In The Right Direction: Combating Racism & Homophobia In The Sport

Although I’m very wary of the promises of FIFA, I was heartened today to read this article about them partnering with Kick It Out to address racism in football.

Cassano Fined By UEFA For Homophobic Comments

 

In a move that surprised and pleased me, the UEFA got their heads out of their arses long enough to fine Antonio Cassano for his homophobic remarks during a Euro 2012 presser.