Friday Fulham Stuff (21/10/11)...

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Dembele off in Fulham defeat
Wisla claim first points of the group phase through Biton strike

Fulham suffered a first defeat in the Europa League group phase after Moussa Dembele was controversially sent off in a 1-0 reverse away to Wisla Krakow.

Dembele was dismissed just before the half-hour mark for a push on Gervasio Nunez before David Biton scored the decisive goal for Wisla on the hour.

Wisla, who had lost their opening two matches in Group K, came close to opening the scoring on 11 minutes when Ivica Iliev's deflected shot bounced off the top of Mark Schwarzer'scrossbar.

The turning point arrived on 29 minutes when Dembele reacted to a challenge by pushing Nunez in the shoulder and the Wisla man went down clutching his face.

A straight red card was brandished by the referee and Fulham's resistance was eventually broken on 60 minutes when Biton was allowed time to collect a pass and turn towards goal before firing a low shot beyond Schwarzer's reach.

The hosts' Osman Chavez was sent off for a second bookable offence late on, but Fulham were unable to create any chances to avoid a defeat which still leaves Martin Jol's side in second spot in the group.

Unlucky

Martin Jol made six changes from the side that lost 2-0 at Stoke and his team were unlucky not to see Wisla reduced to 10 men within the opening two minutes.

With the ball seemingly going nowhere, Iliev planted his foot in Hangeland's chest in a challenge akin to that made by Nigel de Jong in the 2010 World Cup final.

The former Partizan winger only received a booking for the challenge, which was followed by a further two Wisla fouls within a minute.

Fulham did not seem to be rattled by the early challenges and Damien Duff stung the palms of Sergei Pareiko in the fifth minute.

Iliev struck a cross-shot that Mark Schwarzer held with ease at the other end, before the dangerous-looking winger hit the crossbar.

The 31-year-old was given time to run through the heart of the field and unleashed a speculative 25-yard drive that rebounded off Hangeland and looped over Schwarzer onto the bar.

The White Star continued to impress as they attacked the raucous North Stand, with Schwarzer forced to save another Iliev drive in the 20th minute.

Fulham began to come forward with more purpose as the half progressed, with Dembele almost capitalising on some incisive passing only for Pareiko to save his curling effort.

Controversial
Iliev again came close for Wisla moments later with a close-range drive, before Fulham received a controversial red card.

During an innocuous passage of play, Dembele was caught on the back of the ankle by Nunez and immediately pushed him to the floor.

The Argentinian midfielder went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height, leading referee Martin Hansson to hand the Belgium international a straight red card.

Fulham looked rattled by the decision and were penned in their own half for the remainder of the first period.

The start to the second period was delayed by 13 minutes after a power failure in the South East corner of Stadion Miejski.

When play finally resumed, Fulham looked livelier although Schwarzer had to be alert to thwart an audacious 35-yard effort from Wisla skipper Cezary Wilk.

Then the match begun to swing in Wisla's favour, as target man Orlando Sa pulled up with what looked to be a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Pajtim Kasami in the 58th minute.

The Cottagers' evening got even worse in the 60th minute when Biton picked up the ball in the middle and went on to break the deadlock, unleashing an unstoppable effort from 22 yards.

Wisla continued to press for a second and, after Andraz Kirm twice came close, Nunez fired a long-range effort straight at Schwarzer.

While only 16,577 were in the stadium, the home support were making themselves heard and would have had another goal to celebrate if Biton had not skewed wide.

The game became stretched as 10-man Fulham searched for an equaliser and Wisla defended in numbers.

Jol's side were given a glimmer of hope with three minutes remaining as Chavez received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Andrew Johnson.
However, the home side held out to secure a maiden victory against English opponents at the fourth attempt.




http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3447319,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham beaten, but disgraceful dive leaves a bitter taste

Europa League: Wisla Krakow 1 Fulham 0

Somewhere in Krakow there is a sniper on the loose. Beware, he is an ace shot with an excellent sense of timing.

After 29 minutes Mousa Dembele happened to place his hand on the shoulder of Wisla Krakow winger Gervasio Nunez after the Argentinean made a late challenge on the Whites midfielder.

The sniper knew this was his moment. He took aim and fired at his target. Bullseye.

The gutsy Argentinean was hit in the face and naturally like anyone else, was on the floor writhing in agony.

Referee Martin Hansson amazingly blamed Dembele, believing the Belgian hit his opponent in the face and sent him off for violent conduct.

The sniper had got away with it. Or had he? Nunez showed amazing courage and rose to his feet, the sniper had missed. It was too late though for Dembele, he was already halfway down the tunnel.

Things were already tough for Fulham. With Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Steve Sidwell rested it was very much a Fulham second XI playing on a heavy pitch on a bitterly cold night in eastern Europe.

Nunez's dive, one of the most embarrassing you will ever see, made things that much harder for the Whites.

In fairness to the hosts they had the lion's share of early possession and hit the bar after 11 minutes when an Iliev effort deflected off captain for the night Brede Hangeland and lobbed over Mark Schwarzer who was thankful to see the ball hit the bar and go over for a corner.

Post Nunez dive and the half time break, which was extended by 10 minutes or so due to floodlight failure and the hosts took the lead.

As Briton surged forward Fulham backed off and from 25 yards the Israeli hit a dipping shot which bounced just in front of a diving Schwarzer and into the corner of the net.

The referee angered Fulham once again after 65 minutes when he failed to show a second yellow card to Chavez.

The Honduran was outclassed by substitute Pajtim Kasami and although he pulled the midfielder back after he broke free, he was let off the hook, well temporarily at least. With two minutes left he went through Andy Johnson from behind and was given an inevitable red.

Krakow held their lead well and Fulham barely had a shot on target during the 90 minutes, but regardless the actions of Nunez will leave a bitter taste.

Expect a warm reception for the return game at Craven Cottage in a fortnight's time. Let's just hope the Argentinean is thick skinned, he will have to be.

Wisla Krakow: Pareiko, Jaliens, Chavez, Lamey, Diaz, Gargula, Nunez, Kirm, Wilk, Biton, Illiev. Subs: Jovanic, Boguski, Paljic, Jirsak, Genkov, Czekaj, Brud.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs (Frei 88), Duff, Gecov (Sidwell 75), Etuhu, Orlando Sa (Kasami 59), Dembele, Johnson. Subs: Etheridge, Riise, Baird, Trotta.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_beaten_but_disgraceful_dive_leaves_a_bitter_taste_1_1104726?

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Wisła off the mark against ten-man Fulham

Wisła Kraków 1-0 Fulham FC
David Biton earned the Polish champions their first Group K points at the expense of a Fulham side who played over an hour with ten men.

David Biton scored the only goal as Wisła Kraków recorded their first points in UEFA Europa League Group K against Fulham FC.

The Premier League side played a man down for over an hour following the dismissal of Moussa Dembélé for an altercation with Gervasio Núñez. Despite their numerical advantage, the Polish champions found Fulham a difficult proposition to break down until the in-form Biton took matters into his own hands with a long-range drive on the hour, his eighth goal in seven games.

Playing their 20th match of the season, Fulham breathed a sigh of relief inside ten minutes, when a powerful effort from Ivica Iliev deflected off Brede Hangeland and onto the crossbar.

Having been booked early on for a high challenge on Hangeland and then bringing a full-stretch save out of Mark Schwarzer, Iliev was making his presence felt. On Wisła's next attack, the former Serbian international twisted Stephen Kelly inside out only to drag his shot wide of the near post.

Without the rested Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey, not to mention the injured Danny Murphy, Fulham's creative edge was somewhat blunted. Their only effort of substance in the opening 25 minutes was a tame shot from Dembélé, the Belgium striker's last significant act before he was dismissed for an off-the-ball incident.

A man down, Martin Jol's side were more than holding their own until Biton broke their resistance 15 minutes into the second half, advancing unopposed and rifling a low shot beyond Schwarzer.

The Fulham goalkeeper had previously been extended by Cezary Wilk's rasping drive, and two minutes after picking the ball out of the net he had to be alert to pluck Andraž Kirm's firm strike from the air. A second booking for Osman Chávez late on did little to quell the hosts' joy at moving to within a point of their second-placed opponents.




http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000272/match=2007345/postmatch/report/index.html?rss=1669305+Wisła+off+the+mark+against+ten-man+Fulham

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Fulham draw blank in Krakow as Dembele sees red

Wisla Krakow 1-0 Fulham - Europa League

FULHAM suffered their first real setback in this year's Europa League – going down to a goal on the hour from Israel striker David Biton, having had Moussa Dembele unjustly sent off.

The Whites' task was made much tougher when Dembele was sent off after half an hour for raising an arm in irritation at Wisla's Argentinian midfielder Gervasio Nunez.

It changed the complexion of what had been an even game, because after that, Fulham did not get forward in sufficient numbers to damage the home side, whose confidence visibly lifted.

The dismissal was a travesty. It was no more than a shove in the arm by the Belgian, after he had been kicked on the heel, but his opponent went down theatrically, clutching his face - 'like a big tart' in the words of TV pundit Gordon Strachan - and the Swedish referee brandished a red card.

After that, the home side – beaten in both their opening group games – put together some decent spells of pressure with some crisp passing to make their extra man count.

And the Poles got their reward when Biton picked up possession 25 yards out and unleashed a swerving low shot inside Schwarzer's left hand post before he could be closed down.

Wisla's Osman Chavez was sent off for a second yellow after a foul on Andy Johnson – but that evening up of the numbers only happened three minutes from time.

Fulham found Biton's fellow striker Ivica Iliev a real handful in the first half – a warning they might be in for a tough night.

Iliev's shot from distance early on deflected off stand-in skipper Brede Hangeland and looped onto the crossbar and the Krakow marksman also forced Schwarzer into a fine save with a good strike with the outside of his boot before cracking narrowly wide from eight yards after cutting inside a defender.

By comparison, Fulham seemed off colour. Martin Jol rested Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey with Sunday's game against Everton in mind, while Danny Murphy stayed at home with a knee injury and the Whites did not look as threatening as they would have liked.

Orlando Sa struggled to make an impact up front, while Andrew Johnson, who has been scoring freely in this season's Europa League games, had few real openings.

Before he departed, Dembele had one of the best chances in the first half when played in by Dickson Etuhu, but the goalkeeper was not seriously tested by an attempted left foot chip.

A partial floodlight failure caused a delay to the second half and did little to help the spectacle. The histrionic Nunez also did little to help Fulham's hopes of putting on a show either.



Line-up: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes; Briggs (Frei 87); Duff, Etuhu, Gecov (Sidwell 75), Dembele; Sa (Kasami 59), Johnson. Subs not used: Etheridge, Riise, Baird, Trotta.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/10/20/fulham-draw-blank-in-krakow-as-dembele-sees-red-64767-29632853/?#ixzz1bOW9fQCg

[WhiteJC]

 
Wisla Kracow 1 Fulham 0

Fulham crashed to defeat in Poland although they were hampered by a very poor referee.

The Group K encounter got underway on a cold evening in Kracow and it was a half that was to have a very contentious decision make it a very awkward final hour for Fulham.

Although Fulham had the greater possession it was the home side that created the few chances there were. Their forward, Illiev looked particularly lively.

As early as the fifth minute he saw a shot blocked after the home side had launched a quick counter-attack. Five minutes later he saw a low shot saved by Schwarzer and a minute late his eagerness to shoot on sight saw a shot, from distance, deflected onto the bar by Hangeland.

In the twentieth minute another shot, after a decent one-two with a team-mate, saw Schwarzer forced to pull off another save.

Midway through the half Briggs delivered a delightfully teasing ball into the danger area that just evaded everyone, before Dembele saw a low shot saved by the home keeper after some good work by Etuhu.

That man Illiev then shot wide from seven yards after cutting inside Kelly before the referee took centre stage.

With the action switching from end to end, Dembele tussled with Nunez, Dembele just pushed Nunez and the Argentine fell theatrically to the floor. The referee, Martin Hannsson, of Sweden, wasted no time in producing the red card.

Johnson switched to the flank to cover Dembele`s absence but the home side finished strongly with Gargula seeing a shot saved and Biton lifting a shot over the bar from inside the area.

Half Time - Kracow 0 Fulham 0

The second half was delayed for some ten minutes after a partial floodlight failure caused by a dodgy generator. When the half finally started Briggs forced an early corner, taken by Duff, bit it was easily cleared.

Schwarzer, on fifty-two minutes, pulled off a good save to run a long range shot from Wilk around the post.

Sa, seven minutes later, departed with a hamstring injury, replaced by Kasami, and a minute later our hosts went ahead.

The goal, a decent strike from twenty-two yards out, came from Biton with his low shot beating Schwarzer just inside the post.

Kracow were now pushing forward and Schwarzer had to pull off two saves from Kirm to keep Fulham in the game, whilst a bouncing shot from Nunez also forced the keeper into action.

A free kick won, and taken by Duff, went for a corner that was easily dealt with while Biton, hoping to double his tally for the night, shot high and wide after a swift break.

With fifteen minutes of normal time left, Jol introduced Sidwell for Gecov ad when Sidwell was fouled some twenty-five yards out another possible chance went begging when Johnson saw his shot blocked.

Four minutes from time it became ten-aside when Chavez was shown a second yellow card after a series of fouls, to add to the one he received in the first half.

Fulham pressed during the three minutes of stoppage time but couldn`t get that equaliser, despite the introduction of Frei.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=259583#ixzz1bOWRh2zR

[WhiteJC]

 
Dembele sent off as Fulham lose in Poland

Fulham suffered a Europa League setback in Poland, where Moussa Dembele was controversially sent off.

The Whites played for over an hour with 10 men after Dembele was given his marching orders for a reaction to a tangle with Gervasio Nunez that was petulant but probably not worthy of a dismissal.

And Martin Jol's side were denied a hard-fought draw by a second-half winner from David Briton, whose strike gave Wisla Krakow their first points in Group K.

The Polish champions themselves ended the game a man short after Osman Chavez fouled Andrew Johnson with four minutes remaining and received his second yellow card.

But Fulham were unable to cancel out Briton's goal, which came when they were slow to close down the Israeli as he received the ball midway inside their half and he took full advantage, moving towards the edge of the penalty area before belting a shot beyond Whites goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

In a sense, however, the game's decisive moment came in the 29th minute when Dembele angrily pushed the shoulder of Nunez, who went down clutching his face, prompting Swedish referee Martin Hansson to produce the red card.

Dembele was looking dangerous and had Fulham's best chance of the first half.

It was created by Dickson Etutu, who broke from midfield and exchanged passes with Johnson before laying the ball wide to the Belgian, whose weak left-footed shot was comfortably saved by keeper Sergei Pareiko.

But Wisla were the better team before the break and Invica Iliev went close to scoring for them on three occasions.

His 10th-minute shot deflected off stand-in captain Brede Hangeland and struck the bar, and Schwarzer then dived full stretch to hold onto another effort by the Serbia international.

And after Dembele's tame attempt at the other end, Iliev created a great chance for himself by skipping inside Stephen Kelly only to fire wastefully wide of the near post from eight yards out.

Dembele's exit then forced Fulham into a reshuffle, with Johnson dropping off the front.

Manager Jol was already limited in his attacking options, with Bryan Ruiz cup-tied and both Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey rested.

And 13 minutes into a second half that was delayed because of a floodlight problem, those attacking options were further reduced when Orlando Sa hobbled off with an apparent hamstring strain.

Johnson was therefore moved back up front, with midfielder Pajtim Kasami coming off the bench.

Yet despite the difficulties they faced, Fulham looked comfortable prior to Briton breaking the deadlock on the hour mark.

Shortly after diving to his right to push away captain Cezary Wilk's 30-yarder, Schwarzer was unable to stop Briton's fiercely-struck drive hitting the bottom corner of the net.

With their lead and numerical advantage, Wisla were content to sit back and defend, and Fulham's under-strength side rarely looked like finding an equaliser.

Fulham's loss and a 4-1 victory for FC Twente in Odense means the Dutch club are three points clear at the top with three matches to play.

Second in the group, with home games against Wisla and Odense and a trip to Twente to follow, Fulham are still in a strong position.

But it was nevertheless a frustrating night for Jol's men and Wisla can count themselves fortunate – not least because Chavez might have been sent off earlier for a crude challenge on Kasami.




http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/dembele-sent-off-as-fulham-lose-in-poland/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wisla Krakow 1 Fulham 0: It's awful for Jol as Dembele sees red

Martin Jol admitted Fulham suffered an 'awful night' in Poland after Moussa Dembele's red card saw Wisla Krakow inflict their first defeat in Group K.

The Belgium striker's controversial dismissal paved the way for the Polish champions to secure the win, with David Biton scoring what turned out to be the winner on the hour.


Red mist: Fulham striker Dembele is sent for an early bath after appearing to raise an arm to Gervasio Nunez


Ref justice: The Belgium striker cannot hide his disbelief after he is controversially dismissed in the first half

MATCH FACTS
Wisla Krakow: Pareiko, Jaliens, Chavez, Lamey, Diaz, Gargula (Brud 79), Nunez, Kirm (Czekaj 90),Wilk, Biton, Illiev (Boguski 86).
Subs Not Used: Jovanic,Paljic,Jirsak,Genkov.
Sent Off: Chavez (87).
Booked: Illiev,Chavez.
Goals: Biton 60
Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs (Frei 87), Duff, Gecov (Sidwell 75), Etuhu, Orlando Sa (Kasami 58), Dembele, Johnson.
Subs Not Used: Etheridge, Riise, Baird, Trotta.
Sent Off: Dembele (29).
Att: 28,000
Ref: Martin Hansson (Sweden).

The incident occurred when an innocuous passage of play flared up, with Dembele pushing over Gervasio Nunez after he caught the Argentine midfielder on the back of the ankle. Nunez went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height, leading referee Martin Hansson to show Dembele a straight red.

'Before the sending-off I think we were in control,' said Jol. 'Then we got a red and that makes it difficult for any team. After that they had more confidence and it was an awful night for us. We would never complain about the red card but it was a push on the shoulder. After being kicked he made a meal of it.'

Jol's sense of injustice was strengthened by the Swedish referee's failure to send off Ivica Iliev in the opening minutes and his decision not to give Osman Chavez a second booking earlier than the 87th minute.

Dembele will miss the rematch on November 3, while striker Orlando Sa could also be a doubt after he hobbled off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Asked if Nunez had play acted, Wisla manager Robert Maaskant said: 'Jol just has to look back at it. I don't think you're supposed to hit players on the pitch.'


Jumping for joy: David Biton embraces manager Robert Maaskant after scoring the winning goal

Martin Jol made six changes from the side that lost 2-0 at Stoke and his team were unlucky not to see Wisla reduced to 10 men within the opening two minutes.

With the ball seemingly going nowhere, Iliev planted his foot in Hangeland's chest in a challenge akin to that made by Nigel de Jong in the 2010 World Cup final. The former Partizan winger only received a booking for the challenge, which was followed by a further two Wisla fouls within a minute.

Fulham did not seem to be rattled by the early challenges and Damien Duff stung the palms of Sergei Pareiko in the fifth minute.

Iliev struck a cross-shot that Mark Schwarzer held with ease at the other end, before the dangerous-looking winger hit the crossbar. The 31-year-old was given time to run through the heart of the field and unleashed a speculative 25-yard drive that rebounded off Hangeland and looped over Schwarzer onto the bar.

   
Contrasting fortunes: Hangeland holds his head in his hands after seeing Biton fire the eventual winner

The White Star continued to impress as they attacked the raucous North Stand, with Schwarzer forced to save another Iliev drive in the 20th minute.

Fulham began to come forward with more purpose as the half progressed, with Dembele almost capitalising on some incisive passing only for Pareiko to save his curling effort. Iliev again came close for Wisla moments later with a close-range drive, before Fulham received a controversial red card.

During an innocuous passage of play, Dembele was caught on the back of the ankle by Nunez and immediately pushed him to the floor. The Argentinian midfielder went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height, leading referee Martin Hansson to hand the Belgium international a straight red card.


Up for the battle: Junior Diaz vies for the ball with Andrew Johnson

Fulham looked rattled by the decision and were penned in their own half for the remainder of the first period. The start to the second period was delayed by 13 minutes after a power failure in the south-east corner of Stadion Miejski.


Tough night: Jol's Fulham were beaten in Krakow

When play finally resumed, Fulham looked livelier although Schwarzer had to be alert to thwart an audacious 35-yard effort from Wisla skipper Cezary Wilk.

Then the match begun to swing in Wisla's favour, as target man Orlando Sa pulled up with what looked to be a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Pajtim Kasami in the 58th minute.

The Cottagers' evening got even worse in the 60th minute when Biton picked up the ball in the middle and went on to break the deadlock, unleashing an unstoppable effort from 22 yards.

Wisla continued to press for a second and, after Andraz Kirm twice came close, Nunez fired a long-range effort straight at Schwarzer.

While only 16,577 were in the stadium, the home support were making themselves heard and would have had another goal to celebrate if Biton had not skewed wide.

The game became stretched as 10-man Fulham searched for an equaliser and Wisla defended in numbers. Jol's side were given a glimmer of hope with three minutes remaining as Chavez received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Johnson.

However, the home side held out to secure a maiden victory against English opponents at the fourth attempt.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2051518/Wisla-Krakow-1-Fulham-0-Moussa-Dembele-sent-Europa-League-defeat.html#ixzz1bOXIIGTX

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Wisla Krakow 1-0 Fulham: Dembele dismissed in first-half as Martin Jol's side lose first group match of Europa League campaign
Both sides finish with 10 men as Osman Chavez sees red for the hosts, while defeat for the London outfit sees them drop from top spot

Ten-man Fulham suffered their first defeat of this season's Europa League group stages, after a Dudu Biton goal on the hour-mark handed Wisla Krakow their first three points.

Martin Jol's side had to play for over an hour a man light after Moussa Dembele received his marching orders for a seemingly innocuous clash with the Krakow's Gervasio Nunez.

Despite making six changes from their weekend 2-0 defeat at the hands of Stoke City, Fulham started the match brightly and passed the passed the ball around in a confident manner. The Londoner's came close to scoring after five minutes when Damien Duff forced Sergei Pareiko into the first save of the game after hitting a stinging shot from 25 yards out.

The home side's danger man Ivica Iliev came agonisingly close to breaking the deadline five minutes later. The Serbian picked up the ball close to the half-way line before driving towards Fulham's goal and unleashing a shot which took a wicked deflection off Brede Hangeland's leg, only to bounce onto Mark Schwarzer's crossbar and out for a corner.

This seemed to spark the home fans into life and Ilivev again came close to finding the net on the 20-minute mark, this time drilling another long-range shot to  Schwarzer's left-hand side which the Australian did well to parry out.

The visitors were harshly reduced to 10 men a third of the way through the game when Dembele received his marching orders for an off-the-ball clash with Argentine Nunez close to the half way line.

The Belgian forward shoved his opponent's shoulder but Nunez fell to the ground holding his face, and Swedish referee Martin Hansson adjudged there was enough in it to send him off. Fulham struggled to settle and were glad to go into the half-time interval level.

The second-half begun in an even fashion but the Polish side were again the team who worked their opposition keeper. Captain Cezary Wilk drove into Fulham's half before hitting a thumping long-range effort which again had Schwarzer scrambling to put the ball past his post for a corner.

The home side's pressure finally told on the  hour mark through a cracking goal by their star striker Biton. Fulham lost the ball cheaply in their own half and the on-loan Israeli made them pay unleashing a stunning dipping long-range effort which gave Schwarzer no chance.

The Polish side continued to push forward for a second but were themselves to ten-men after Osman Chavez received his marching orders for a second bookable offence after one late tackle too many with three minutes remaining.

However they managed to hang on to the win which inflicts defeat on Fulham for the first time in this season's Europa League group stages. Jol's side will be keen to reverse the results when the two teams meet again in two weeks time.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/66163/wisla-vs-fulham/report

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Wisla Krakow 1 Fulham 0: match report
Read a full match report of the Europa League match between Wisla Krakow and Fulham at Stadion Miejski on Thursday October 20, 2011.


Seeing red: Moussa Dembele is sent off in Poland on a frustrating night for Fulham
Photo: REUTERS

Moussa Dembele's red card turned a difficult night for Fulham into a frustrating Europa League defeat in Poland against Wisla Krakow.

The Belgium international's harsh-looking sending off paved the way for the Polish champions to secure their first Group K points, with David Biton striking the all-important goal at Stadion Miejski.

Wisla were fortunate not to lose a man themselves in the opening two minutes after Ivica Iliev planted his foot in Brede Hangeland's chest.

Fulham's feeling of injustice was strengthened just before the half-hour mark when Dembele was harshly sent off for a push on Gervasio Nunez.

The man advantage gave Wisla the emphasis and, after a 13-minute delay to the second period due to a power failure, Biton's 22-yard effort condemned Fulham to defeat on their 20th competitive match of the season.

The visitors' disappointment was compounded shortly before the Israeli's goal when target man Orlando Sa hobbled off with what looked to be a hamstring injury, before Wisla's Osman Chavez was sent off late on.

Martin Jol made six changes from the side that lost 2-0 at Stoke and his team were unlucky not to see Wisla reduced to 10 men within the opening two minutes.

With the ball seemingly going nowhere, Iliev planted his foot in Hangeland's chest in a challenge akin to that made by Nigel de Jong in the 2010 World Cup final.

The former Partizan winger only received a booking for the challenge, which was followed by a further two Wisla fouls within a minute.

Fulham did not seem to be rattled by the early challenges and Damien Duff stung the palms of Sergei Pareiko in the fifth minute.

Iliev struck a cross-shot that Mark Schwarzer held with ease at the other end, before the dangerous-looking winger hit the crossbar.

The 31-year-old was given time to run through the heart of the field and unleashed a speculative 25-yard drive that rebounded off Hangeland and looped over Schwarzer onto the bar.

The White Star continued to impress as they attacked the raucous North Stand, with Schwarzer forced to save another Iliev drive in the 20th minute.

Fulham began to come forward with more purpose as the half progressed, with Dembele almost capitalising on some incisive passing only for Pareiko to save his curling effort.

Iliev again came close for Wisla moments later with a close-range drive, before Fulham received a controversial red card.

During an innocuous passage of play, Dembele was caught on the back of the ankle by Nunez and immediately pushed him to the floor.

The Argentinian midfielder went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height, leading referee Martin Hansson to hand the Belgium international a straight red card.

Fulham looked rattled by the decision and were penned in their own half for the remainder of the first period.

The start to the second period was delayed by 13 minutes after a power failure in the south-east corner of Stadion Miejski.

When play finally resumed, Fulham looked livelier although Schwarzer had to be alert to thwart an audacious 35-yard effort from Wisla skipper Cezary Wilk.

Then the match begun to swing in Wisla's favour, as target man Orlando Sa pulled up with what looked to be a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Pajtim Kasami in the 58th minute.

The Cottagers' evening got even worse in the 60th minute when Biton picked up the ball in the middle and went on to break the deadlock, unleashing an unstoppable effort from 22 yards.

Wisla continued to press for a second and, after Andraz Kirm twice came close, Nunez fired a long-range effort straight at Schwarzer.

While only 16,577 were in the stadium, the home support were making themselves heard and would have had another goal to celebrate if Biton had not skewed wide.

The game became stretched as 10-man Fulham searched for an equaliser and Wisla defended in numbers.

Jol's side were given a glimmer of hope with three minutes remaining as Chavez received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Johnson.

However, the home side held out to secure a maiden victory against English opponents at the fourth attempt.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/europa-league/8839296/Wisla-Krakow-1-Fulham-0-match-report.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham lose in Poland

Moussa Dembele's red card turned a difficult night for Fulham into a frustrating Europa League defeat in Poland against Wisla Krakow.

The Belgium international's harsh-looking sending off paved the way for the Polish champions to secure their first Group K points, with David Biton striking the all-important goal at Stadion Miejski.

Wisla were fortunate not to lose a man themselves in the opening two minutes after Ivica Iliev planted his foot in Brede Hangeland's chest.

Fulham's feeling of injustice was strengthened just before the half-hour mark when Dembele was harshly sent off for a push on Gervasio Nunez.

The man advantage gave Wisla the emphasis and, after a 13-minute delay to the second period due to a power failure, Biton's 22-yard effort condemned Fulham to defeat on their 20th competitive match of the season.

The visitors' disappointment was compounded shortly before the Israeli's goal when target man Orlando Sa hobbled off with what looked to be a hamstring injury, before Wisla's Osman Chavez was sent off late on.

Martin Jol made six changes from the side that lost 2-0 at Stoke and his team were unlucky not to see Wisla reduced to 10 men within the opening two minutes.

With the ball seemingly going nowhere, Iliev planted his foot in Hangeland's chest in a challenge akin to that made by Nigel de Jong in the 2010 World Cup final.

The former Partizan winger only received a booking for the challenge, which was followed by a further two Wisla fouls within a minute.

Fulham did not seem to be rattled by the early challenges and Damien Duff stung the palms of Sergei Pareiko in the fifth minute.

Iliev struck a cross-shot that Mark Schwarzer held with ease at the other end, before the dangerous-looking winger hit the crossbar.

The 31-year-old was given time to run through the heart of the field and unleashed a speculative 25-yard drive that rebounded off Hangeland and looped over Schwarzer onto the bar.

The White Star continued to impress as they attacked the raucous North Stand, with Schwarzer forced to save another Iliev drive in the 20th minute.

Fulham began to come forward with more purpose as the half progressed, with Dembele almost capitalising on some incisive passing only for Pareiko to save his curling effort.

Iliev again came close for Wisla moments later with a close-range drive, before Fulham received a controversial red card.

During an innocuous passage of play, Dembele was caught on the back of the ankle by Nunez and immediately pushed him to the floor.

The Argentinian midfielder went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height, leading referee Martin Hansson to hand the Belgium international a straight red card.

Fulham looked rattled by the decision and were penned in their own half for the remainder of the first period.

The start to the second period was delayed by 13 minutes after a power failure in the south-east corner of Stadion Miejski.

When play finally resumed, Fulham looked livelier although Schwarzer had to be alert to thwart an audacious 35-yard effort from Wisla skipper Cezary Wilk.

Then the match begun to swing in Wisla's favour, as target man Orlando Sa pulled up with what looked to be a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Pajtim Kasami in the 58th minute.

The Cottagers' evening got even worse in the 60th minute when Biton picked up the ball in the middle and went on to break the deadlock, unleashing an unstoppable effort from 22 yards.

Wisla continued to press for a second and, after Andraz Kirm twice came close, Nunez fired a long-range effort straight at Schwarzer.

While only 16,577 were in the stadium, the home support were making themselves heard and would have had another goal to celebrate if Biton had not skewed wide.

The game became stretched as 10-man Fulham searched for an equaliser and Wisla defended in numbers.

Jol's side were given a glimmer of hope with three minutes remaining as Chavez received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Johnson.

However, the home side held out to secure a maiden victory against English opponents at the fourth attempt.



http://www.eecho.ie/news/sport/fulham-lose-in-poland-525204.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wisla Krakow 1-0 Fulham

Bah. One of those annoying games that you wish hadn't happened. A decent looking encounter was spoiled by the needless dismissal of renowned hard-man Moussa Dembele, whose wayward arm sent Wisla's Nunez spiralling into deep agony.  That Dembele barely touched Nunez, that the touch was on his shoulder, not in his face (as suggested by Nunez in his distressed state), perhaps suggests a mistake by the referee, and with that mistake went the game: we lost 1-0 to a team that lost to Odense.

Another argument is that Fulham's attacking 'force' essentially amounts to Danny Murphy controlling attacks, and Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey finishing them off.  These three were all rested tonight, so it became a case of "Hangeland from a corner or nothing".   We can look woefully unimaginative on occasion, and while the ten men thing didn't help, we played more as if we were down to nine.  There was no cohesion, the midfield, with Etuhu and Gecov sitting and Duff supporting Sa and Johnson (Dembele absent, of course), seemed so distant from everything, neither fish nor fowl.  It's hard to remember us creating any good chances, much less missing them.

So set pieces became crucial, but we wasted those.  We even ended up with the bizarre site of Andy Johnson shooting from a free-kick.  Senior pro perhaps but there are others in the team (or are there?) who can do that better.  It all feels a little chaotic.

Reasons to be cheerful: another game (albeit a quiet one) for Gecov, who looks tidy; ditto Kerim Frei; Briggs looked alright again; Aaron Hughes back in; Kelly looked decent; Etuhu passed well; we should still qualify anyway.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/10/20/wisla-krakow-1-0-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wisla hold on to beat ten-man Fulham

Moussa Dembele's red card turned a difficult night for Fulham into a frustrating UEFA Europa League defeat in Poland with Wisla Krakow clinching a 1-0 victory.

The Belgian international's sending off paved the way for the Polish champions to secure their first points in Group K, with David Biton striking the all-important goal at Stadion Miejski.

Wisla were fortunate not to lose a man themselves in the opening two minutes after Ivica Iliev planted his foot in Brede Hangeland's chest. And in turn, Fulham's frustrations grew just before the half-hour mark when Dembele was sent off for a push on Gervasio Nunez.

The man advantage gave Wisla the emphasis and, after a 13-minute delay to the second half due to a power failure, Biton's 22-yard effort condemned Fulham to defeat on their 20th competitive match of the season.

The visitors' disappointment was compounded shortly before the Israeli's goal when target man Orlando Sa hobbled off with what looked to be a hamstring injury, before Wisla's Osman Chavez was sent off late on.

Martin Jol made six changes from the side that lost 2-0 at Stoke City and his team were unlucky not to see Wisla reduced to ten men within the opening two minutes. With the ball seemingly going nowhere, Iliev planted his foot in Hangeland's chest.

The former Partizan winger received a booking for the challenge, which was followed by a further two Wisla fouls within a minute. Fulham did not seem to be rattled by the early challenges, though, and Damien Duff stung the palms of Sergei Pareiko in the fifth minute.

Iliev struck a cross-shot that Mark Schwarzer held with ease at the other end, before the dangerous-looking winger hit the crossbar. The 31-year-old was given time to run through the heart of the field and unleashed a speculative 25-yard drive that rebounded off Hangeland and looped over Schwarzer onto the bar.

The White Star continued to impress as they attacked the raucous North Stand, with Schwarzer forced to save another Iliev drive in the 20th minute. Fulham began to come forward with more purpose as the half progressed, with Dembele almost capitalising on some incisive passing only for Pareiko to save his curling effort.

Dembele sees red
Iliev again came close for Wisla moments later with a close-range drive, before Fulham received a red card. During an innocuous passage of play, Dembele was caught on the back of the ankle by Nunez and immediately pushed him to the floor.

The Argentinian midfielder went down clutching his face, leading to the referee to hand the Belgian a straight red card. Fulham looked shaken by the decision and were penned in their own half for the remainder of the first period.

When play finally resumed after a 13-minute delay, Fulham looked livelier although Schwarzer had to be alert to thwart an audacious 35-yard effort from Wisla's Cezary Wilk. Then the match begun to swing in Wisla's favour as target man Orlando Sa pulled up with what looked to be a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Pajtim Kasami in the 58th minute.

Wilsa go ahead
The Cottagers' evening got even worse in the 60th minute when Biton picked up the ball in the middle and went on to break the deadlock, unleashing an unstoppable effort from 22 yards. Wisla continued to press for a second and after Andraz Kirm twice came close, Nunez fired a long-range effort straight at Schwarzer.

The home support were making themselves heard and would have had another goal to celebrate if Biton had not skewed wide. The game became stretched as ten-man Fulham searched for an equaliser and Wisla defended in numbers.

Jol's side were given a glimmer of hope with three minutes remaining as Chavez received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Johnson. However, the home side held on to secure a maiden victory against English opponents at the fourth attempt.



http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1530157.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

[WhiteJC]

 
EUROPA LEAGUE: Dembele sees red as Fulham gives Wisla first points

Fulham were tonight beaten 1-0 by Polish club Wisla Krakow in their third group stage match of the Europa League.

Moussa Dembele was harshly sent off on the half-hour mark for a soft push on Gervasio Nunez after teammate Ivica Iliev was lucky not to be sent off for his second-minute challenge on Brede Hangeland.

The red card to the Belgian attacker made life very difficult for Martin Jol's men who conceded in the 60th minute when Dudu Biton gave Mark Schwarzer no chance with his 22-yard effort after picking up the ball in midfield.

The Cottagers were already without the rested Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey and it only got worse when replacement forward Orlando Sa had to come off early in the second half with a hamstring problem.

Wisla had a man of their own sent off in the 87th minute when Osman Chavez received a second booking, however, the Poles were the team who had the score on the board and managed to secure their first win in four attempts against English clubs, allowing them to join Odense on three points as Dutch club FC Twente went to the top of Group K with a 4-1 win in Denmark.

Europa League Group K

Wisla Krakow (POL): 1 (Dudu Biton 60')
Fulham (ENG): 0
Stadion Miejski im, Krakow

Yellow cards: WIS - Ivica Iliev 2', Osman Chavez 27'/87'
FUL - nil
Red cards: WIS - Osman Chavez 87'
FUL - Moussa Dembele 29'



http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/europa-league-dembele-sees-red-fulham-gives-wisla-first-points-1995451?utm_source=main_feed

[WhiteJC]

 
Dembele off in Fulham defeat

Moussa Dembele's red card turned a difficult night for Fulham into a frustrating Europa League defeat in Poland against Wisla Krakow.

The Belgium international's harsh-looking sending off paved the way for the Polish champions to secure their first Group K points, with David Biton striking the all-important goal at Stadion Miejski.

Wisla were fortunate not to lose a man themselves in the opening two minutes after Ivica Iliev planted his foot in Brede Hangeland's chest.

Fulham's feeling of injustice was strengthened just before the half-hour mark when Dembele was harshly sent off for a push on Gervasio Nunez.

The man advantage gave Wisla the emphasis and, after a 13-minute delay to the second period due to a power failure, Biton's 22-yard effort condemned Fulham to defeat on their 20th competitive match of the season.

The visitors' disappointment was compounded shortly before the Israeli's goal when target man Orlando Sa hobbled off with what looked to be a hamstring injury, before Wisla's Osman Chavez was sent off late on.

Martin Jol made six changes from the side that lost 2-0 at Stoke and his team were unlucky not to see Wisla reduced to 10 men within the opening two minutes.

With the ball seemingly going nowhere, Iliev planted his foot in Hangeland's chest in a challenge akin to that made by Nigel de Jong in the 2010 World Cup final.

The former Partizan winger only received a booking for the challenge, which was followed by a further two Wisla fouls within a minute.

Fulham did not seem to be rattled by the early challenges and Damien Duff stung the palms of Sergei Pareiko in the fifth minute.

Iliev struck a cross-shot that Mark Schwarzer held with ease at the other end, before the dangerous-looking winger hit the crossbar.

The 31-year-old was given time to run through the heart of the field and unleashed a speculative 25-yard drive that rebounded off Hangeland and looped over Schwarzer onto the bar.

The White Star continued to impress as they attacked the raucous North Stand, with Schwarzer forced to save another Iliev drive in the 20th minute.

Fulham began to come forward with more purpose as the half progressed, with Dembele almost capitalising on some incisive passing only for Pareiko to save his curling effort.

Iliev again came close for Wisla moments later with a close-range drive, before Fulham received a controversial red card.

During an innocuous passage of play, Dembele was caught on the back of the ankle by Nunez and immediately pushed him to the floor.

The Argentinian midfielder went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height, leading referee Martin Hansson to hand the Belgium international a straight red card.

Fulham looked rattled by the decision and were penned in their own half for the remainder of the first period.

The start to the second period was delayed by 13 minutes after a power failure in the south-east corner of Stadion Miejski.

When play finally resumed, Fulham looked livelier although Schwarzer had to be alert to thwart an audacious 35-yard effort from Wisla skipper Cezary Wilk.

Then the match begun to swing in Wisla's favour, as target man Orlando Sa pulled up with what looked to be a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Pajtim Kasami in the 58th minute.

The Cottagers' evening got even worse in the 60th minute when Biton picked up the ball in the middle and went on to break the deadlock, unleashing an unstoppable effort from 22 yards.

Wisla continued to press for a second and, after Andraz Kirm twice came close, Nunez fired a long-range effort straight at Schwarzer.

While only 16,577 were in the stadium, the home support were making themselves heard and would have had another goal to celebrate if Biton had not skewed wide.

The game became stretched as 10-man Fulham searched for an equaliser and Wisla defended in numbers.

Jol's side were given a glimmer of hope with three minutes remaining as Chavez received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Johnson.

However, the home side held out to secure a maiden victory against English opponents at the fourth attempt.



http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/332088?cc=5739

[WhiteJC]

 
Moussa Dembélé sent off as Fulham are beaten in Poland


Orlando Sa of Fulham, right, scuffles with Michael Lamey of Wisla Krakow.
Photograph: Kacper Pempel/Reuters

Martin Jol said Fulham had been "hard done by" after Moussa Dembélé's red card turned a difficult night for them into a frustrating Europa League defeat in Poland against Wisla Krakow. The Belgium international's harsh-looking sending off paved the way for the Polish champions to secure their first Group K points, with David Biton striking the goal at Stadion Miejski.

Wisla were fortunate not to lose a man themselves in the opening two minutes after Ivica Iliev planted his foot in Brede Hangeland's chest. Fulham's feeling of injustice was strengthened just before the half-hour when Dembélé was harshly sent off for a push on Gervasio Núñez, who appeared to exaggerate the effect of the Fulham striker's offence.

After a 13-minute delay to the second period due to a power failure Biton's 22-yard effort condemned Fulham to defeat in their 20th competitive match of the season. The visitors' disappointment was compounded shortly before the Israeli's goal when their striker Orlando Sa hobbled off with what looked to be a hamstring injury, before Wisla's Osman Chávez was also sent off.

Defeat left Jol, the Fulham manager, lamenting "an awful night" in which he felt a string of refereeing decisions went against his side.

"Referees make decisions but I would say that in the first minute one of my players was kicked and it should have been a red card," he said. "OK, he didn't give it. There were three other fouls but we didn't complain. We are an English team, we stood up and got on with the game.

"But it was disappointing in the second half. Pajtim Kasami had his shirt pulled and it should have been [Chávez's] second yellow card but he didn't do it. It was probably the big difference tonight.

"Of course we would never complain about the red card but it was a push on the shoulder – after being kicked. He [Núñez]made a meal of it," holding his head.

Jol made six changes from the side that lost 2-0 at Stoke in the league and his team were unlucky to see Wisla's Iliev receive only a booking for the challenge on Hangeland, which was followed by a further two Wisla fouls within a minute. Fulham did not seem to be rattled by the early challenges and Damien Duff stung the palms of Sergei Pareiko in the fifth minute.

Iliev struck a cross-shot that Mark Schwarzer held with ease at the other end before the dangerous-looking winger hit the crossbar. The 31-year-old was given time to run through the heart of the field and unleashed a speculative 25-yard drive that rebounded off Hangeland and looped over Schwarzer on to the bar.

The White Star continued to impress as they attacked the raucous North Stand, with Schwarzer forced to save another Iliev drive in the 20th minute. Fulham began to come forward with more purpose as the half progressed, with Dembélé almost capitalising on some incisive passing only for Pareiko to save his curling effort.

Iliev again came close for Wisla moments later with a close-range drive before Fulham received a controversial red card. During an innocuous passage of play Dembélé was caught on the back of the ankle by Núñez and immediately pushed him to the floor.

The Argentinian midfielder went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height but the referee, Martin Hansson, handed Dembélé a straight red card. Fulham were penned in their own half for the remainder of the first period.

When play finally resumed in the second period Fulham looked livelier although Schwarzer had to be alert to thwart an audacious 35-yard effort from the Wisla captain, Cezary Wilk. Then the match began to swing in Wisla's favour, as Sa pulled up with what looked to be a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Pajtim Kasami in the 58th minute.

Fulham's evening got even worse in the 60th minute when Biton picked up the ball in the middle and went on to break the deadlock, unleashing an unstoppable effort from 22 yards. Wisla continued to press for a second and, after Andraz Kirm twice came close, Núñez fired a long-range effort straight at Schwarzer.

While only 16,577 were in the stadium, the home support were making themselves heard and would have had another goal to celebrate if Biton had not skewed wide. The game became stretched as 10-man Fulham searched for an equaliser and Wisla defended in numbers.

Jol's side were given a glimmer of hope with three minutes remaining as Chávez received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Andy Johnson. However, the home side held out to secure a first victory against English opponents at the fourth attempt.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/20/wisla-krakow-fulham-europa-league?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29

[WhiteJC]

 
Krakow Reaction

Martin Jol looked back on a frustrating evening in Krakow where the first-half sending-off of Mousa Dembele arguably swung the game in favour of the Polish champions.

A brief physical exchange between Dembele and Gervasio Nunez midway through the first-half resulted in the Wisla player dramatically collapsing to the ground holding his face following a push on the shoulder – earning Dembele a straight red.

"It was an awful night for us," Jol said after the game. "We didn't complain, we are an English team, we stood up and got on with the game but it was a bit disappointing in the second-half that Chavez pulled the shirt of Pajtim Kasami and could have got a second yellow card. That was probably the big difference tonight – and that was after 60 minutes
.
"Of course, we will never complain after a red card but it was a push on the shoulder – after being kicked. You shouldn't raise your hand, he [Dembele] pushed him [Nunez] on the shoulder and you shouldn't do that. The referee gave us a red card, but we felt hard done by."

The Whites also had a good penalty appeal turned down when Brede Hangeland was brought to ground in the Wisla penalty area.

"Sometimes you are a bit lucky with the situation," said Jol. "With Brede Hangeland it was probably a penalty but he didn't give it. You depend on a few situations like that, but they didn't go our way so that was unfortunate.

"But we will get on with it – we'll get them at home and we'll wait and see..."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/October/JolWislaKrakowAwayReaction.aspx?#ixzz1bObuqXuk

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol - A frustrating evening
Dembele sent off and Sa injured in Europa League defeat

Martin Jol felt Fulham endured a 'frustrating evening' after Moussa Dembele was sent off and Orlando Sa suffered an injury in the 1-0 defeat by Wisla Krakow.

David Biton struck the only goal of the Europa League Group K tie on the hour mark after Dembele had been dismissed in the first half for pushing Gervasio Nunez.

The Argentinian midfielder went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height, leading referee Martin Hansson to hand Dembele a straight red card.

"You could say it was a frustrating evening," Jol said after the match. "Before the sending off I think we were in control.

"The pace was good, possession play was good and I was very satisfied.

"Then we got a straight red card and that makes it difficult for any team.

Awful night

"After that they had more confidence, of course, because they played with 11 players and it was an awful night for us.

"Even after that we should have had a couple of decisions. You can't say anything about the referee, bad or good."

Jol's sense of injustice in Poland was strengthened by the Swedish referee's failure to send off Ivica Iliev in the opening minutes and decision not to give Osman Chavez a second booking sooner, as well as the Dembele incident.

"Referees make decisions but I would say that in the first minute one of my players was kicked and it should have been a red card," he added.

"Okay, he didn't give it. There were three other fouls but we didn't complain.

"We are an English team, we stood up and got on with the game. But it was disappointing in the second half. Pajtim Kasami had his shirt pulled and it should have been [Chavez's] second yellow card but he didn't do it. It was probably the big difference tonight.

"Of course we would never complain about the red card but it was a push on the shoulder.

"After being kicked. He made a meal of it."

Target man Orlando Sa could also be a doubt for the rematch with Wisla in a fortnight's time after he hobbled off with what looked to be a hamstring injury in the second half.

"It could be a real problem," Jol said of the injury. "It could be weeks [he is out for]."




http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7255609,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham aggrieved as Moussa Dembélé sees red in Wisla Krakow defeat
• Fulham 'hard done by' as Moussa Dembélé is sent off
• Chris Wood's late winner gives Birmingham victory at Brugge


Fulham's Moussa Dembélé is shown a red card by the referee Martin Hansson at
Wisla Krakow. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Action Images

The Fulham manager Martin Jol said he felt "hard done by" after Moussa Dembélé was sent off in the first half of their 1-0 defeat at Wisla Krakow.

The Belgium international's dismissal paved the way for the Polish champions to secure their first Group K points, with David Biton striking the winner at Stadion Miejski.

Dembélé was sent off after half an hour for a push on Gervasio Núñez, who made a meal of the challenge, and though Jol acknowledged that his striker was at fault he said Dembélé had been kicked first. "Of course, we will never complain after a red card but it was a push on the shoulder – after being kicked. You shouldn't raise your hand, he [Dembélé] pushed him [Núñez] on the shoulder and you shouldn't do that ... we felt hard done by."

The man advantage gave Wisla the upper hand and, after a power failure delayed the second half by 13 minutes, Biton's 22-yard effort condemned Fulham to defeat.

The visitors' disappointment was compounded shortly before the Israeli's goal when their forward Orlando Sa hobbled off with what looked to be a hamstring injury. Wisla were also reduced to 10 men when they had Osman Chávez sent off late on.

Chris Wood scored a stunning winner in the 10th minute of stoppage time to secure Birmingham City an excellent win at Club Brugge that lifted them to the top of Group H.

The Championship side had trailed to Joseph Akpala's third-minute opener but they equalised with David Murphy's slick finish in the 26th minute. Then, following more than six minutes of treatment for Pablo Ibáñez after he was knocked unconscious, Wood stole in at the near post to score a dramatic winner. The Birmingham manager Chris Hughton confirmed afterwards that Ibáñez had suffered no lasting damage.

Joe Ledley's second-half header gave Celtic a merited point in Group I at Rennes but again Neil Lennon was left to rue a costly defensive mistake. On the half-hour mark a long punt by the home goalkeeper Benoît Costil appeared to be sailing through to Fraser Forster only for Cha Du-ri to divert the ball past his keeper into the net in a calamitous misunderstanding.

The South Korean was playing in midfield and had only dropped back as last man as Glenn Loovens and Charlie Mulgrew were still up the other end following a set-piece. But in the 70th minute Ledley flicked Charlie Mulgrew's free-kick into the net Celtic earn a point.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/20/fulham-wisla-krakow-europa-league?

[WhiteJC]

 
A 'frustrating evening' for Jol

Martin Jol admitted Fulham suffered an "awful night" in Poland after defeat to Wisla Krakow was compounded by Moussa Dembele's red card.

Orlando Sa also picked up an injury on a miserable night for the Cottagers.

The Belgium international's controversial sending off paved the way for the Polish champions to secure their first Group K points, with David Biton striking the all-important goal in a 1-0 win at Stadion Miejski.

The incident occurred when an innocuous passage of play flared up, with Dembele pushing over Gervasio Nunez after he caught him on the back of the ankle.

The Argentinian midfielder went down clutching his face despite being pushed at shoulder height, leading referee Martin Hansson to hand the Belgium international a straight red card.

"You could say it was a frustrating evening," Jol said after the match. "Before the sending off I think we were in control.

"The pace was good, possession play was good and I was very satisfied.

"Then we got a straight red card and that makes it difficult for any team.

"After that they had more confidence, of course, because they played with 11 players and it was an awful night for us.

"Even after that we should have had a couple of decisions. You can't say anything about the referee, bad or good."

Hansson has been in the spotlight before after famously missing Thierry Henry's handball during France's World Cup play-off victory against the Republic of Ireland.

Jol's sense of injustice in Poland was strengthened by the Swedish referee's failure to send off Ivica Iliev in the opening minutes and decision not to give Osman Chavez a second booking sooner, as well as the Dembele incident.

"Referees make decision but I would say that in the first minute one of my players was kicked and it should have been a red card," he added.

"Okay, he didn't give it. There were three other fouls but we didn't complain.

"We are an English team, we stood up and got on with the game.

"But it was disappointing in the second half. Pajtim Kasami had his shirt pulled and it should have been [Chavez's] second yellow card but he didn't do it. It was probably the big difference tonight.

"Of course we would never complain about the red card but it was a push on the shoulder.

"After being kicked. He made a meal of it."

Dembele receives an automatic one-match ban for his straight red card, meaning he will miss the rematch with Wisla on November 3.

Target man Orlando Sa could also be a doubt for the clash after he hobbled off with what looked to be a hamstring injury in the second half.

"It could be a real problem," Jol said of the injury. "It could be weeks [he is out for]."

While Jol was left disappointed by the evening's proceedings, fellow Dutchman and Wisla Krakow manager Robert Maaskant was more philosophical.

Asked whether Nunez had play acted after Dembele's push, he smiled and after a brief pause said: "[Jol] probably just has to look back at the situation.

"I don't think you're supposed to hit players on the pitch.

"We will never know [whether the red card changed the course of the match].

"I still believe Fulham have a better squad than what we have, for example just look at their budget.

"But before the red card we created chances. We played very compact and I think we did a great job.

"We will never know [what swung it]. We were the better team today but of course we have to see what happens when we go to London."



http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/7255600/A-frustrating-evening-for-Jol?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Everton Tactical Preview

Sunday sees us head to Fulham in a game which offers some respite from the gruesome run of fixtures the Blues currently find themselves caught up in. This quick preview will look at the Cottagers strengths and weaknesses and how we will approach the fixture.....



Fulham Strengths

Fulham will predominantly attack down their right side and use counter attack as their main attacking weapon.  As fans we are constantly told by the pundits that defending pace is a 'defenders nightmare'....so how best to stop it? Well I'd expect Distin and co to drop deeper to deny the space in behind for Andy Johnson to exploit rather than run the risk of a straight race which would favour the former Toffee.

Fulham have played 9 games in all competitions at home already this campaign and are still unbeaten with 6 clean sheets to boot. Jol's outfit will look to Danny Murphy in the middle of the park to pull the strings – he has created a chance for a teammate on average 3.1 times per game this campaign with 3 assists so far.

Dempsey provides the most penetrative threat in Fulham's ranks. Last season he scored 5 goals from corners  – the most in the division. He'll start wide left but will cut inside and his runs will need to be tracked – we didn't do this last season and it cost us as he slotted at Goodison – giving Rodwell the slip in the build up to the goal (left).

Fulham Weaknesses

Fulham can be a tad negative and there is still a Roy Hodgson feel about the side in their focus and borderline obsession with defensive shape. They will be happy for us to have the ball in defence and take the game to them. The chalkboard (left) shows their interceptions in a recent defeat at Wolves when almost all their pressing is applied in their own half to bring teams onto them meaning we will have time and space to bring the ball out of defence.

As noted above I would expect us to defend deep to cope with Johnson – with Fulham not playing a high line either there will be a lot of space in the middle of the park which could mean we see a fair bit of the ball if Cahill drops to give us a 3 v 2 advantage in midfield.

Everton Personnel & Strategy

With just 4 goals from open play this season (only Stoke and Swansea have registered fewer) we have looked really toothless at times. 50% of these goals have been scored by Greek youngster Apostolos Velios in the 58 minutes he has appeared. I just can't see Moyes starting with him though and would expect Saha to continue alongside Cahill who will pivot between the striker and midfield zones.

There seems to be a question mark over Drenthe's fitness hence his role so far has been restricted to that of an impact substitute. In every game he has made an impact though and surely he will be given an opportunity from the off in this fixture. He could potentially be pitched in on the right cutting in on his left as Coleman has struggled to make an impact lately.

Verdict

With Fulham having played the majority of a European away game on Thursday night with ten men, the Blues certainly have an advantage going into this one. Nobody drew more top flight games than these two last season – 31 in total – and Fulham have carried this on this season with 50% of their league games so far deadlocked. I think Moyes would settle for a point to stop the recent rot. 1-1.



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