12 March ~ During England v Egypt last week, Clive Tyldesley talked mockingly about Mohamed Zidan's father/agent having the gall to suggest that the player was a target of both Manchester United and Barcelona. Tyldesley's reaction was something along of the lines of "My dad thinks that Manchester United and Barcelona want to sign me too". Imagine my delight when, only minutes later, Zidan gave Egypt the lead. And it was genuine delight – the fortunes of the national team were secondary to Tyldesley being embarrassed.

In England's opening match of Euro 2004, after leading for most of the game against France, Tydesley's gloating became so unbearable that I found myself hoping for a French equaliser, just to teach him a lesson. Of course, France ruined it for both of us by scoring twice in the dying minutes to win the game.

Can I request that Clive Tyldesley just commentates on the match, as he is paid to do, rather than mocking the aspirations of a footballer who was talented enough to score twice against Brazil in the Confederations Cup last year? And please, Clive, you don't have to tell us how happy we are when England win and how sad we are when they lose. Likewise, gloating about victories before they actually happen has a terrible habit of making one look like a fool, not that you need much help in that department. If you could at least remember to adhere to these rules when there is a player named Zidan(e) involved, it would be a start. From Gavin Duenas

Taken from this week's WSC Weekly Howl

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