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Champions League Final: Bayern Munich 2-1 Dortmund

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sun, 26 May 2013 02:35:00 +0000

A late Arjen Robben winner earned Bayern Munich the Champions League title with a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in an enthralling and action-packed contest on Saturday.


Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm lifts the trophy after winning the Champions League Final Photo: AFP/Getty Images

A captivating yet goalless first half at Wembley saw both Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and his Dortmund counterpart Roman Weidenfeller make a series of excellent saves.

The deadlock was finally broken on the hour mark as Robben drew Weidenfeller to the touchline before cutting the ball back across the box for Mario Mandžukić to tap home.

But Jürgen Klopp's men responded soon after with İlkay Gündoğan leveling from the penalty spot following Dante's clumsy lunge on Marco Reus inside the box.

Bayern looked certain to regain the lead in the 71st minute after a fine cross by Thomas Müller found Robben waiting to tap into an empty net at the far post, but somehow, Neven Subotić kept up to make a miraculous goalline clearance.

And just when the game looked certain to go into extra time, a smart back-heel from Franck Ribéry allowed Robben to split the Dortmund defense, beat the challenge of Mats Hummels before rolling the ball past Weidenfeller.


Bayern Munich player Arjen Robben scores the winner in the Champions League Final Photo: Reuters

Having missed a penalty in last season's final defeat by Chelsea after also losing the 2010 final to Inter Milan, the match-winning contribution was redemption for Robben.

The Dutchman told Sky Sports: "There are so many emotions, especially where we came from last year and such a disappointment.

"The last four years, Bayern have been in the final three times. It needed to happen but you still have to do it.

"It is a special feeling. You cannot describe it. Everything is going through your mind. It is hard to say but you do not want to be a loser."

Dortmund's second Champions League final ended in defeat, but a rueful Klopp was convinced that his side could triumph in the competition first won by the club in 1997 in the future.

He said: "I've told the players that we will come back - maybe not to Wembley but we will try to come back to another final. That's what I told them.

"Congratulations to Bayern and Jupp (Heynkes) - you can't begrudge him the win.

"We were right in it but at the end, everything came together for Bayern and they won the game."

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Santos accept bid for Neymar, let him decide his own future

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sat, 25 May 2013 08:52:00 +0000

Brazilian club Santos have confirmed that their superstar striker Neymar will be leaving the club and the player will decide where to play.


Neymar is on the verge of joining one of two unnamed clubs, likely to be Barcelona and Real Madrid Photo: Reuters

The 21-year-old, regarded as former Santos great Pelé's heir, has been a target of top European sides for at least three years.

So far Santos had rejected all offers and improved his deal, which included sponsorships, to stay at the club and he often attended marketing events.

However, the port city club announced on Twitter on Friday evening that they agreed to a transfer for Neymar, giving him the right to choose which offer to accept.

Santos are trying to sell Neymar as quickly as possible because in six months the player will be able to leave the club without a transfer fee.

"In the face of the offers and the player's contract, the management committee of the club decided to sell the player," Santos said in a statement.

"We await Neymar and his father at the Vila Belmiro stadium to choose which proposal the athlete is going to accept."

Santos did not say which clubs made the offers, but the runaway lead candidates would be Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Brazilian newspaper O Globo reported that representatives of the two top Spanish clubs were in Brazil awaiting Neymar's decision.

However, there was no clear indication of how long Neymar would take to make his choice known.

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Robbie Rogers joins LA Galaxy to become first openly gay player in MLS

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sat, 25 May 2013 08:35:00 +0000

Three months after coming out as gay and stepping away from the game, Robbie Rogers is returning as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy and will become the first openly gay player in the MLS.


Robbie Rogers will be the first active openly gay male athlete in an American professional team sport Photo: Getty Images

Rogers wrote a moving post on his personal blog in February announcing his retirement while simultaneously revealing his sexuality.

Now, the 26-year-old is reversing field and has agreed to terms with the Galaxy.

Rogers' epiphany to return to the game came when he spoke to a group of about 500 kids at the Nike Be True LGBT Youth Forum in Portland last month.

"I seriously felt like a coward," Rogers told USA TODAY Sports.

"These kids are standing up for themselves and changing the world, and I'm 25, I have a platform and a voice to be a role model. How much of a coward was I to not step up to the plate?"

But it was a conversation with longtime friend Landon Donovan that gave Rogers the final push to return.

He said: "I sat down with Landon and just wanted to get an idea of what he thought of me coming back and what the atmosphere might be like.

"Regardless of the perception, we both agreed that we are at our happiest when we are helping people. I believe I'm happy now because I know that I'm helping people."

The former Columbus Crew midfielder returned to professional football in May, joining the Galaxy for training.

Rogers added: "I was a little scared to put myself back in that situation but after the first few days I was like, 'Wow, I miss this, I love this'.

"Once I got on the field, I felt really normal. More normal than I ever did in the past.

"I want to compete and be successful. I just want to be able to compete. Every day in training, make my team better and prove myself."

With 18 caps for the USA national team to his credit, he was to resume his international career and hopes to play in the 2014 World Cup.

Rogers said: "I want to get past the point where I was before. I want to get back to the national team. I was so close to making the World Cup in 2010, I want to be there for the next one."

He also hopes to be a role model for gay teens while playing.

"I want to come back and be that voice, be that role model," Rogers concluded.

"I want to compete on the field. I want to make it back to the national team. I want to be a role model. I have a lot of motivating factors working for me right now.

"There's a lot to be excited about. It's awesome to be part of a movement that is changing our society."

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Piers Morgan gets trolled by Robin van Persie

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sat, 25 May 2013 08:15:00 +0000

After a season of being trolled by mouthy Arsenal supporter Piers Morgan, it appears that Robin van Persie finally got a measure of revenge in his own very special way.


Manchester United striker Robin van Persie poses with the Premier League trophy Photo: PA

Anyone who follows Morgan on Twitter will know that the CNN talk-show host has been vocal in his criticism of van Persie's decision to join Manchester United, insisting on referring to him as "Van Pursestrings".

However, it looks as though the Dutchman has had the last laugh.

So. I just received a package from Manchester United press office. 'Robin wanted you to have to this.'
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 24, 2013

The package contained a double sided framed photograph. Of Van Pursestrings kissing the Premier League trophy.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 24, 2013

'Piersy my man, thanks for all the support! You made this day even more special! All the best, Van Pursestrings.' twitter.com/piersmorgan/st…
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 24, 2013

Side 2: 'Great to be a champ.. so many #Tears4Piersy ' twitter.com/piersmorgan/st…
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 24, 2013

Morgan, who has over 3.5 million followers on Twitter, has already found a home for his gift.

I will of course afford Van Pursestrings' gift the respect it deserves. And use it as my loo doorstop in Beverly Hills... @persie_official
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 24, 2013

In fairness to Morgan, he took the prank in good spirits.

After all the grief I've given Van Pursestrings, he's allowed a whack back.I'll just have to take it on the chins.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 24, 2013

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Pics of the day: How Dortmund have taken over London

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sat, 25 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Borussia Dortmund have offered Londoners a reason to get behind their side for tonight's Champions League final.






Photos: @BVB

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Your Champions League Final Soundtrack: Kloppo You Rockstar!

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sat, 25 May 2013 07:45:00 +0000

German comedian Matze Knop has released this tune in honour of Borussia Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp ahead of the Champions League final against Bayern Munich tonight.

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Andros Townsend charged over alleged breaches of betting

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sat, 25 May 2013 07:40:00 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Andros Townsend has been charged by the FA over alleged breaches of its rules regarding betting.


Andros Townsend has been withdrawn from England's squad for the U-21 European Championship Photo: Getty Images

Townsend, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Queens Park Rangers, has been charged in relation to what the FA described as "a number of betting offenses".

He has subsequently withdrawn from England's squad for the U-21 European Championship next month, with his place going to Birmingham City's Nathan Redmond.

"The FA has announced it has charged Andros Townsend in relation to alleged breaches of its rules governing misconduct and betting," read an FA statement.

"Townsend will receive the full support of The FA and Tottenham Hotspur FC in seeking rehabilitation whilst responding to the allegations."

The charges against Townsend are believed not to relate to match fixing or placing bets on matches in which he was involved.

However, it is believed that the 21-year-old may have been placing large bets on other top-flight matches.

Football's gambling culture has come under increasing scrutiny as the salaries of players have soared, with some calling for an outright ban on any betting by professional players in order to protect the image of the sport and prevent problem gambling.

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'Psychic' elephant Nelly predicts Bayern Munich to win Champions League

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sat, 25 May 2013 07:30:00 +0000

A young elephant called Nelly has predicted Bayern Munich to lift the Champions League trophy in an all-German affair at Wembley tonight.


Dortmund are destined for heartbreak in the Champions League final, predicts Nelly the Elephant Photo: YouTube

The latest in a long line of "psychic" animals, Nelly, has made the bold prediction in its home at Serengeti Park in Germany.

With two full-sized goals to select from, she booted a shot into the goalpost meant for Borussia Dortmund, indicating cruelly that they now cannot win the match.

The 18-month-old predicting pachyderm has so far picked the winner of every German match and the semi-final victors' in the Women's World Cup.

Nelly is not the first of God's own creatures to find success in the "psychic" game.

There was Paul the Octopus, who left his tentacled mark on the 2010 World Cup, and Sonny Wool a New Zealand sheep who worked his mystical magic during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

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Best Goals of Week #4 May 2013

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:09:00 +0000

Here are the best goals from week #4 May 2013, courtesy of TVGOLO.com.

Goal#1	Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)	vs Sunderland
Goal#2	Massimo Gobbi (Parma)	vs Palermo
Goal#3	Viktor Fayzulin (Zenit Saint Petersburg)	vs Volga Nizhny Novgorod
Goal#4	Özgür Çek (Eskişehirspor)	vs Antalyaspor
Goal#5	Jonny Howson (Norwich City)	vs Manchester City
Goal#6	Antonio Di Natale (Udinese)	vs Inter Milan
Goal#7	Michel (FC Dallas)	vs Seattle Sounders
Goal#8	Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)	vs Wigan Athletic
Goal#9	Hélder Postiga (Real Zaragoza)	vs Athletic Bilbao
Goal#10	Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich)	vs Borussia Mönchengladbach

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Caption This: Real Madrid welcome One Direction boys

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Please submit your captions in the comments section below.


Photo: @NiallOfficial

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Manchester City visit New York Giants training

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:51:00 +0000

American professional football team New York Giants welcomed Manchester City to the Timex Performance Center on Wednesday, giving the Premier League club a taste of the gridiron.

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David Luiz goes on crazy drive with Torres & Benayoun

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:46:00 +0000

David Luiz is of one of the maddest players in the Premier League and lived up to his billing with some ridiculous driving at Chelsea's Cobham training ground last week.

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Barcelona release new kits for 2013/14 season

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:12:00 +0000

The home kit is inspired by Barcelona's traditional red and blue, while the away shirt is based on the red and yellow of the Catalan's Señera flag.

Pictures below.

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Angry fan in Argentina throws false teeth onto field

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:01:00 +0000

An Argentine football fan on Monday night had an unusual way to show his displeasure with the performance of his underachieving team by chucking his teeth at the coach.


A false teeth thrown by a fan is spotted on the surface of the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona Photo: YouTube

A game between Argentinos Juniors and Belgrano at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona ended in a 3-1 defeat for the hosts.

It was a fifth straight defeat for the side and one fan decided to take out his aggression on coach Ricardo Caruso Lombardi.

Just after Belgrano scored their third goal of the night, the camera man panned to Lombardi, spotted something on the grass and zoomed in on the denture, sitting proudly upright just away from the playing surface.

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Goal of the day: Massimo Gobbi (Parma) vs Palermo

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:44:00 +0000

Parma midfielder Massimo Gobbi had to wait until the last match for his first goal of the season, and what a goal it was.


Massimo Gobbi celebrates with Parma teammates after scoring the opening goal against Palermo Photo: Getty Images

Playing at Palermo on Sunday, Gobbi put Parma ahead with a moment of real class in the 38th minute.

Following a free-kick into the Palermo penalty area, the ball broke to Gobbi on the edge of the area and he unleashed an unstoppable volley into the top corner.

It was a goal which even drew applause from some of the home fans in the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

Jaime Valdés doubled the lead three minutes later on the counter-attack before Ishak Belfodil added a third in the last minute of the first half to finish Palermo off.

Fabrizio Miccoli netted a consolation with 15 minutes remaining in what was probably his last appearance for the Rosaneri.

"The goals were beautiful; the one of Gobbi was scored with a scheme that we tried during the week and for that I am very content," said Parma coach Roberto Donadoni.

Gobbi added: "I wanted to score but didn't expect such a nice one."

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Le Magnifique Free-Kick! Clément Grenier (Lyon) vs Nice

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:35:00 +0000

A majestic Clément Grenier free-kick helped 10-man Olympique Lyon snatch a 1-1 draw at Nice on Sunday and keep themselves in pole position for the final Champions League spot.


Clément Grenier celebrates after scoring the equalizer for Lyon against Nice Photo: Reuters

After a scoreless opening period, the home side got off the mark after 47 minutes with Darío Cvitanich breaking the deadlock from the penalty spot.

A red card for Maxime Gonalons in the 73rd minute gave Les Gones even greater cause for concern, but the visitors managed to climb level three minutes later with a magical free-kick from Grenier.

The 22-year-old has often been compared to Brazil star Kaká, but his goal from a free-kick was rather more akin to a Brazilian somewhat closer to former Lyon hero Juninho.

Over 35 yards from goal, Nice goalkeeper David Ospina would have been entitled to expect little danger.

Grenier had other ideas though, thumping in a spectacular long range effort that found the top corner before Ospina could react.

"It was Juninho-esque," said Lyon coach Rémi Garde. "He has been working hard in training on set pieces and he was rewarded. I'm happy for him."

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Epic 'Iron Man' promo for Champions League Final

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:18:00 +0000

This is what happens when Iron Man fused with Champions League final. Awesome!

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Ross Turnbull's son scores solo goal, gets massive cheer from crowd

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:11:00 +0000

Josh Turnbull, the son of Chelsea goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, took the opportunity post-match 2-1 win over Everton on Sunday to go down field for his first goal.

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Straight From Corner! Michel (Dallas) vs Sounders

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:33:00 +0000

FC Dallas defender Michel scored his first MLS goal in a 4-2 loss at Seattle Sounders on Saturday night - and what a beauty that was.


Sounders goalkeeper Michael Gspurning is unable to save a goal straight from the corner Photo: YouTube

Eddie Johnson put the Sounders on the board after 16 minutes and Lamar Neagle made it 2-0 in the 30th minute.

But then Dallas stunned the hosts by scoring two set piece in seven minutes.

In the 54th minute, Kenny Cooper redirected a long Michel free-kick with a glancing header to claw one back.

Seven minutes later, Michel drew Dallas level with an olimpico straight from a corner.

The 31-year-old Brazilian drilled a corner kick from the right side that went just over the outstretched fingers of Sounders goalkeeper Michael Gspurning and into the far side netting.

But before the crowd could appreciate what had just happened, the Sounders regained the lead through Johnson.

Second-half substitute Obafemi Martins then settled things in the 83rd minute with his third goal of the season.

"You don't want to squander a two-goal lead, but we knew they were dangerous on set pieces," said Sounders coach Sigi Schmid.

"We lost our mark on the first one; and obviously Michel hits a great ball on the second and Michael (Gspurning) got tied up."

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Au Revoir David! Beckham signs off to tears & cheers

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:15:00 +0000

David Beckham was reduced to tears after playing what could be his final game as a professional footballer on Saturday night.


David Beckham breaks down in tears as he leaves the pitch after being substituted Photo: Getty Images

Made captain for the night by Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti, Beckham played his full part in a 3-1 win against over Brest.

Beckham played a small part in Zlatan Ibrahimović's opener and struck the corner which led to Blaise Matuidi's second.

With nine minutes remaining, the fourth official indicated that it was time for PSG's No 32 to leave the field and nearly 45,000 crowd at the Parc des Princes rose as one to salute the 38-year-old.

With the realization that his glittering 847-game career was winding down, the raw emotion of the moment got the better of the most iconic player of his generation.

Beckham embraced teammates and opponents before being substituted by Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Family and friends, including his pop star wife Victoria, were in the stands to watch him.


David Beckham is thrown in the air by his PSG teammates Photo: Getty Images

"I want to say thank you to everybody in Paris. To my teammates, to the staff, to the fans," said Beckham.

"It's been very special to finish my career here. It could not have been any more special.

"I just feel that it's the right time. I feel that I've achieved everything that I could in my career. I wanted to go out as a champion.

"I've finished my career in a team that has treated me like I've been here for 10 years.

"After 22 years of playing football I'm going to take a few months to enjoy time with my family.

"It's been a very special place for me."

After the final whistle, teammates hoisted Beckham off the ground and repeatedly tossed him in the air, putting a smile back on his face.

Though PSG still has one more match at Lorient, it seems unlikely that Beckham will feature in the game on 26 May.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said afterwards: "It's up to the coach but I think that will be David's last match."

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Goal of the day: Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich) vs Gladbach

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:58:00 +0000

Franck Ribéry scored a late contender for goal of the season as Bayern Munich came from behind to end their victorious Bundesliga campaign with a 4-3 win at Borussia Mönchengladbach.


Bayern Munich player Franck Ribéry celebrates after scoring the equalizer against Mönchengladbach Photo: fcbayern.de

The hosts made a flying start and opened up a two-goal lead within the first five minutes thanks to Martin Stranzl and Mike Hanke.

Javi Martínez calmly pulled one back two minutes later, but Håvard Nordtveit restored Gladbach's two-goal advantage on a counter-attack three minutes after that.

Ribéry cut the deficit to 3-2 after 18 minutes to round off an exhilarating opening period, but although the visitors dominated the rest of the first half and created a number of chances, there were no more goals before the break.

Bayern were back on level terms eight minutes into the second half in stunning fashion through Ribéry.

Arjen Robben burst down the right before cutting back to Philipp Lahm, whose deep cross found Ribéry on the edge of the box.

And the Frenchman crashed home a stunning left-footed volley across Marc-André ter Stegen and into the back of the net.

Robben completed the comeback seven minutes later with a tidy back-post finish from Ribéry's cross.

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Pic of the day: Roberto Mancini thanks Man City fans with full-page newspaper ad

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:43:00 +0000

Roberto Mancini, who has yet to speak publicly since his sacking last week, broke his silence with a full-page ad in the Manchester Evening News to say thank you and goodbye to the fans.


Photo: Manchester Evening News

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Comedy Own Goal: Julian Schuster (Freiburg) vs Schalke

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:36:00 +0000

Freiburg midfielder Julian Schuster recorded his first-ever Bundesliga own goal in a 2-1 defeat to Schalke 04 on Saturday at the MAGE-Solar Stadion.


Schalke players celebrate after Freiburg midfielder Julian Schuster had scored an own goal Photo: Facebook

Knowing that only victory would book their place in the Champions League play-off round, the hosts tried to seize the initiative early on, but they never truly threatened a well-organised Schalke defense.

Schalke showed them how it was done with their first meaningful attack, as Julian Draxler netted his tenth of the season on 20 minutes.

The tied appeared to turn in the 54th minute when Jonathan Schmid equalized on an excellent counter attack to keep the home side's dream of Champions League football alive.

But less than two minutes passed before Schalke restored their lead with help from Schuster.

Jermaine Jones' shot was not on target, but Immanuel Höhn got caught in two minds.

He didn't see Schuster running back, and the latter didn't seem to be paying much attention to what was going on.

And Höhn's attempted clearance went right to Schuster, who nudged the ball into the back of his own net.

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Emmanuel Eboué thinks he is a boxer!

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:23:00 +0000

Seriously, how can you not love this guy?

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Pig head prank gone terribly wrong in Stoke locker room

noreply@blogger.com (r1ooooo) — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:53:00 +0000

Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones was so unimpressed with a locker room prank that he walked outside and reportedly threw a brick through teammate Glenn Whelan's windshield.


Brek Shea is seen holding the pig's head which offended Stoke teammate Kenwyne Jones Photo: Instagram

Winger Brek Shea posted a picture on Instagram of himself with a real life pig's head, allegedly found in Jones' locker, with the caption "Locker room banter gone wild!"

But the Trinidadian, who is a Rastafarian and does not eat pork, didn't see the funny side of the joke and allegedly smashed the windshield of a car belonging to Whelan, who Jones was convinced was behind the prank.

Jones' girlfriend, Kissa Abdullah, obviously angered by the incident in the locker room and expressed her displeasure on Twitter.

Big men acting like kids a pigs head is not a prank its just disgusting!!!!! Wtf??? I don't get how was that sup 2 be funny!!!! Really???
— Kissa Abdullah (@kissakj) May 17, 2013

@theswin they put a huge bloody pigs head in his clothes at training! He warned them 2 keep him out of the banter or else! u kno the rest
— Kissa Abdullah (@kissakj) May 17, 2013

Listen 4 all those who don't get it lay the f! back! Where I come from that's not anywhere close 2 funny! Esp not knowing religious beliefs
— Kissa Abdullah (@kissakj) May 17, 2013

It just takes a minute to be sensitive to someone's beliefs no one says u can't have a sense of humour but let it be a joke! This wasn't!
— Kissa Abdullah (@kissakj) May 17, 2013

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions mine is I don't agree wrapping a pigs head in his clothes!
— Kissa Abdullah (@kissakj) May 17, 2013

Stoke are now set to investigate the incident to discover what happened at the club's Clayton Wood training ground.

"The club takes seriously reports of an incident at our training ground this afternoon," read a statement on the Potters' website.

"A full internal investigation will be carried out and those responsible for any unacceptable behavior will be dealt with in accordance with the club's disciplinary procedures."

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live on Friday, Stoke manager Tony Pulis also vowed to get to the bottom of exactly what had gone on.

He said: "We have a smashing dressing room, and there are four or five lads who are always up to something. There is always banter going on.

"I honestly don't know what's gone on this morning, I've missed all of what's happened. I try to stay away from the home dressing room as much as I possibly can, I let the lads get on with it.

"We will look at it tomorrow, I will have a chat with the lads and find out exactly what has happened. From that point onwards we'll let everybody know exactly what the situation was."

The incident comes just days after retiring Stoke striker Michael Owen had his car covered in eggs and flour by teammates.

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