Rutashubanyuma
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Michezo magazetini leo...
Michezo magazetini leo...
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If Adebayor's celebration was good enough for World Cup bid, why was he fined?
By Simon Mullock
Published 17:55 03/12/10
England's failed bid to win the World Cup apparently cost £15million.
It could cost a few quid more if Emmanuel Adebayor sends a £25,000 bill to Wembley for services rendered.
That was how much the Manchester City was fined 14 months ago when he answered Arsenal's abusive fans by racing the full length of the pitch to celebrate a goal in front of his tormentors.
So it was typically hypocritical of England's bid team to include footage of the Togo striker's ‘hate crime' during the promotional film shown to FIFA delegates in Zurich on Thursday.
It was supposed to be an example of the passion that football generates in our country.
Instead it just highlighted the hypocrisy of the Football Association, especially when it comes to disciplinary matters.
When they hit Adebayor with a £25,000 fine and a two-match ban which was suspended until earlier this week, they proved they understand nothing about the emotions of the game they run.
By Simon Mullock
Published 17:55 03/12/10
England's failed bid to win the World Cup apparently cost £15million.
It could cost a few quid more if Emmanuel Adebayor sends a £25,000 bill to Wembley for services rendered.
That was how much the Manchester City was fined 14 months ago when he answered Arsenal's abusive fans by racing the full length of the pitch to celebrate a goal in front of his tormentors.
So it was typically hypocritical of England's bid team to include footage of the Togo striker's ‘hate crime' during the promotional film shown to FIFA delegates in Zurich on Thursday.
It was supposed to be an example of the passion that football generates in our country.
Instead it just highlighted the hypocrisy of the Football Association, especially when it comes to disciplinary matters.
When they hit Adebayor with a £25,000 fine and a two-match ban which was suspended until earlier this week, they proved they understand nothing about the emotions of the game they run.
Rutashubanyuma
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Why Mancini deserves to be given the same breaks afforded Arsene Wenger and Chelsea
By Simon Mullock
Published 09:24 26/11/10
Last week, just minutes after Tottenham had completed their remarkable north London derby comeback against Arsenal, I asked a colleague of mine whether he thought Arsene Wenger should be sacked.
The look of horror on his face was a joy to behold.
This was a highly-respected No 1 reporter from a rival newspaper. He is London-based and just happens to be a Gunners fan.
Less than seven days earlier I had heard him question Manchester City's wisdom in keeping faith with Roberto Mancini.
City had just fought out a dour, goalless draw with Manchester United.
Mancini's "crime" was that he had set his team out to play defensively against rivals who had won three of four Mancunian derbies last season in the last minute.
Apparently, Mancini was also to blame for the fact that City's drought without winning a major trophy was inching towards 35 years - even though the Italian was just 11 months into his own reign.
My observation was that Lord Arsene – as northern-based reporters like to refer to the one-eyed Arsenal manager in homage to Horatio Nelson – had just thrown away a two-goal lead against his major rivals.
On top of that Wenger hasn't won a trophy since boring Manchester United into a penalty shoot-out submission in Cardiff more than six years ago.
But let's not let the facts get in the way of a myth, hey?
Wenger's team do indeed play some beautiful football.
But what has Cecs Fabregas got to show for doing the dirty on Barcelona apart from a few near misses?
Teams may occasionally also play it a bit too rough on the Wenger boys.
But am I right in saying that Arsenal have got the worst disciplinary record in the Premier League this season?
At least Arsenal have a bit of class, I am told.
But I remember George Graham giving Adams, Bould, Winterburn and Dixon license to play anti-football.
Just for the record, Arsenal fans, I think Wenger is one of the top five managers in world football.
But five years ago, there was another club doing what City are doing now.
That club was Chelsea.
But it seems buying success somehow isn't quite as crass when it's a team from the smoke with the purchasing power.
By Simon Mullock
Published 09:24 26/11/10
Last week, just minutes after Tottenham had completed their remarkable north London derby comeback against Arsenal, I asked a colleague of mine whether he thought Arsene Wenger should be sacked.
The look of horror on his face was a joy to behold.
This was a highly-respected No 1 reporter from a rival newspaper. He is London-based and just happens to be a Gunners fan.
Less than seven days earlier I had heard him question Manchester City's wisdom in keeping faith with Roberto Mancini.
City had just fought out a dour, goalless draw with Manchester United.
Mancini's "crime" was that he had set his team out to play defensively against rivals who had won three of four Mancunian derbies last season in the last minute.
Apparently, Mancini was also to blame for the fact that City's drought without winning a major trophy was inching towards 35 years - even though the Italian was just 11 months into his own reign.
My observation was that Lord Arsene – as northern-based reporters like to refer to the one-eyed Arsenal manager in homage to Horatio Nelson – had just thrown away a two-goal lead against his major rivals.
On top of that Wenger hasn't won a trophy since boring Manchester United into a penalty shoot-out submission in Cardiff more than six years ago.
But let's not let the facts get in the way of a myth, hey?
Wenger's team do indeed play some beautiful football.
But what has Cecs Fabregas got to show for doing the dirty on Barcelona apart from a few near misses?
Teams may occasionally also play it a bit too rough on the Wenger boys.
But am I right in saying that Arsenal have got the worst disciplinary record in the Premier League this season?
At least Arsenal have a bit of class, I am told.
But I remember George Graham giving Adams, Bould, Winterburn and Dixon license to play anti-football.
Just for the record, Arsenal fans, I think Wenger is one of the top five managers in world football.
But five years ago, there was another club doing what City are doing now.
That club was Chelsea.
But it seems buying success somehow isn't quite as crass when it's a team from the smoke with the purchasing power.
Rutashubanyuma
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Martin Lipton's Premier League preview and predictions
By Martin Lipton in Laptop with Martin Lipton
Published 11:20 17/12/10
The Daily Mirror's chief football writer Martin Lipton will be here every Friday lunchtime to preview and predict the outcome of the weekend's Premier League fixtures. And come back the following Monday when Laptop will provide his expert analysis of what unfolded...
Match of the season? Not necessarily.
Decisive for the season? Quite possibly.
Ever since the advent of the Roman Abramovich era, Chelsea's clashes with Manchester United have had an extra resonance, for both clubs and of course since 2004/05 they have retained possession of the Premier League trophy exclusively between them.
Three titles each, even though Chelsea are on their fifth manager and Sir Alex Ferguson remains unchallenged at the Old Trafford helm.
But this time, without question, it is Chelsea who need the big result far more than United.
While Carlo Ancelotti confidently predicted a Blues win in the aftermath of last Sunday's draw at Spurs, the statistics do not look great.
That point at White Hart Lane meant Chelsea have dropped 15 points from their last seven games, while United, still unbeaten, remember, have picked up 17 out of the last 21.
A big swing and if United were to end their eight-year wait for a win at Stamford Bridge it might start to look both ominous and decisive - as well as casting further doubts over Ancelotti's length of tenure.
The big plus for Chelsea is the return of Frank Lampard to the starting side for the first time since August 28. You are always going to miss a 20-goal-a-season player for a few games, and when that becomes more than three-and-a-half months it becomes a critical absence.
While Lampard only made a cameo appearance at Spurs, he immediately altered the mood and mindset of the side, their opponents - Spurs dropped deeper - and the Chelsea fans, giving a far more identifiable shape and definition to Ancelotti's team.
With Didier Drogba, riled at being dropped, far more like his old self as well, Chelsea will go into the game knowing it is an opportunity to show they are back.
But United know what they want to do. Probably that means 4-5-1, with Wayne Rooney the lone striker, Nani and Park Ji-Sung buzzing down the flanks and willing to come inside, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Anderson backing themselves to nullify Chelsea in the middle.
And then comes the bigger problem for the home side - actually finding a way through the defence that saw off Arsenal with such ease on Monday night - pitch or no pitch.
While a win would take Chelsea above United on goal difference, a draw might be an acceptable result - were it not for the past seven matches.
United, on the other hand, having drawn an astonishing six of their seven away games, would certainly settle for another deadlock, even if they would then risk seeing that advantage at the top reduced to just goal difference. A draw does seem the likeliest outcome.
Should Chelsea win, however, then Arsenal would be top at Christmas if they can beat Stoke at The Emirates, in a game that may be overshadowed by the treatment handed out to Ryan Shawcross.
Expect a few fireworks - and a few meaty tackles from both Tony Pulis' men and the home team - but, in all probability, a win for Arsene Wenger to smile about.
Smiles may be in shirt supply at Blackburn , where the ever-happy Avram Grant and his West Ham side desperately need a win against manager-less Rovers.
Boardroom ultimatum or not, Grant knows results have not been good enough and while he has had no luck with decisions - think Wolves and Birmingham away - the Israeli also accepts excuses count for nothing.
Bolton have the chance to leapfrog Spurs - who travel to Blackpool on Sunday - once again when they go to Sunderland , who would themselves jump to fifth with a two-goal win - proof of how congested things are at both ends.
Birmingham must demonstrate last week's shocker at Wolves was a one-off as the real merits of Alan Pardew's appointment as Newcastle manager start to become clearer a week into the job, while Wigan will aim to continue their recent points-gathering run at the expense of an Aston Villa side who are not exactly pulling up any trees.
But the earthquake tomorrow would come at Anfield if Liverpool cannot beat Roy Hodgson's former club Fulham, with potentially seismic ramifications if the Merseysiders were to lose to a side that has not won away since the opening game of last season.
Sunday starts at The Hawthorns, Black Country passion replacing season jollity when West Brom seek to put Wolvesin their place before attention moves to Bloomfield Road, where any party hangovers for Spurs will leave Blackpool delighted and Harry Redknapp furious.
The Stamford Bridge finale, though, is where all the action is. We may know a lot more about what we will be thinking in May by 6pm on Sunday.
Laptop's Premier League predictions in full (all kick-offs 3pm on Saturday, unless stated):
Arsenal v Stoke: Home win
Birmingham v Newcastle: Home win
Blackburn v West Ham: Draw
Blackpool v Tottenham (Sun 1.30pm): Draw
Chelsea v Manchester United (Sun 4pm): Draw
Liverpool v Fulham (Sat 5.30pm): Home win
Sunderland v Bolton (Sat 12.45pm): Draw
West Brom v Wolverhampton (Sun 12pm): Home win
Wigan v Aston Villa: Home win
By Martin Lipton in Laptop with Martin Lipton
Published 11:20 17/12/10
The Daily Mirror's chief football writer Martin Lipton will be here every Friday lunchtime to preview and predict the outcome of the weekend's Premier League fixtures. And come back the following Monday when Laptop will provide his expert analysis of what unfolded...
Match of the season? Not necessarily.
Decisive for the season? Quite possibly.
Ever since the advent of the Roman Abramovich era, Chelsea's clashes with Manchester United have had an extra resonance, for both clubs and of course since 2004/05 they have retained possession of the Premier League trophy exclusively between them.
Three titles each, even though Chelsea are on their fifth manager and Sir Alex Ferguson remains unchallenged at the Old Trafford helm.
But this time, without question, it is Chelsea who need the big result far more than United.
While Carlo Ancelotti confidently predicted a Blues win in the aftermath of last Sunday's draw at Spurs, the statistics do not look great.
That point at White Hart Lane meant Chelsea have dropped 15 points from their last seven games, while United, still unbeaten, remember, have picked up 17 out of the last 21.
A big swing and if United were to end their eight-year wait for a win at Stamford Bridge it might start to look both ominous and decisive - as well as casting further doubts over Ancelotti's length of tenure.
The big plus for Chelsea is the return of Frank Lampard to the starting side for the first time since August 28. You are always going to miss a 20-goal-a-season player for a few games, and when that becomes more than three-and-a-half months it becomes a critical absence.
While Lampard only made a cameo appearance at Spurs, he immediately altered the mood and mindset of the side, their opponents - Spurs dropped deeper - and the Chelsea fans, giving a far more identifiable shape and definition to Ancelotti's team.
With Didier Drogba, riled at being dropped, far more like his old self as well, Chelsea will go into the game knowing it is an opportunity to show they are back.
But United know what they want to do. Probably that means 4-5-1, with Wayne Rooney the lone striker, Nani and Park Ji-Sung buzzing down the flanks and willing to come inside, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Anderson backing themselves to nullify Chelsea in the middle.
And then comes the bigger problem for the home side - actually finding a way through the defence that saw off Arsenal with such ease on Monday night - pitch or no pitch.
While a win would take Chelsea above United on goal difference, a draw might be an acceptable result - were it not for the past seven matches.
United, on the other hand, having drawn an astonishing six of their seven away games, would certainly settle for another deadlock, even if they would then risk seeing that advantage at the top reduced to just goal difference. A draw does seem the likeliest outcome.
Should Chelsea win, however, then Arsenal would be top at Christmas if they can beat Stoke at The Emirates, in a game that may be overshadowed by the treatment handed out to Ryan Shawcross.
Expect a few fireworks - and a few meaty tackles from both Tony Pulis' men and the home team - but, in all probability, a win for Arsene Wenger to smile about.
Smiles may be in shirt supply at Blackburn , where the ever-happy Avram Grant and his West Ham side desperately need a win against manager-less Rovers.
Boardroom ultimatum or not, Grant knows results have not been good enough and while he has had no luck with decisions - think Wolves and Birmingham away - the Israeli also accepts excuses count for nothing.
Bolton have the chance to leapfrog Spurs - who travel to Blackpool on Sunday - once again when they go to Sunderland , who would themselves jump to fifth with a two-goal win - proof of how congested things are at both ends.
Birmingham must demonstrate last week's shocker at Wolves was a one-off as the real merits of Alan Pardew's appointment as Newcastle manager start to become clearer a week into the job, while Wigan will aim to continue their recent points-gathering run at the expense of an Aston Villa side who are not exactly pulling up any trees.
But the earthquake tomorrow would come at Anfield if Liverpool cannot beat Roy Hodgson's former club Fulham, with potentially seismic ramifications if the Merseysiders were to lose to a side that has not won away since the opening game of last season.
Sunday starts at The Hawthorns, Black Country passion replacing season jollity when West Brom seek to put Wolvesin their place before attention moves to Bloomfield Road, where any party hangovers for Spurs will leave Blackpool delighted and Harry Redknapp furious.
The Stamford Bridge finale, though, is where all the action is. We may know a lot more about what we will be thinking in May by 6pm on Sunday.
Laptop's Premier League predictions in full (all kick-offs 3pm on Saturday, unless stated):
Arsenal v Stoke: Home win
Birmingham v Newcastle: Home win
Blackburn v West Ham: Draw
Blackpool v Tottenham (Sun 1.30pm): Draw
Chelsea v Manchester United (Sun 4pm): Draw
Liverpool v Fulham (Sat 5.30pm): Home win
Sunderland v Bolton (Sat 12.45pm): Draw
West Brom v Wolverhampton (Sun 12pm): Home win
Wigan v Aston Villa: Home win
Rutashubanyuma
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Ghana's Asamoah Gyan is named as 2010 BBC winner
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Gyan thanks fans for his award
Ghana and Sunderland star Asamoah Gyan has been crowned BBC African Footballer of the Year for 2010.
The Black Stars striker clinched the title with an overwhelming majority - receiving more than half of the vote.
He finished well ahead of fellow Ghanaian Andre 'Dede' Ayew, Ivorians Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon.
"I'm so happy, I can't believe it," he said. "I'm so thankful to all the fans who voted for me."
He added: "It was really hard to win this award, especially because of all the other players I was up against.
"So I'm so appreciative to all my fans in Africa - especially my family and fans in Ghana."
Gyan had a memorable year internationally, leading Ghana to second place at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, scoring three of the four goals that helped Ghana reach their first final in 18 years.
At the World Cup in South Africa, the 24-year-old grabbed the world's attention as another three goals helped the Black Stars progress from the group and into the quarter-finals.
But he shot to prominence through unfortunate circumstances as his missed penalty against Uruguay with the last kick of the game denied Africa its first semi-final berth.
He then earned widespread praise and went some way to redeeming his error when he recovered his composure to score in the shoot-out following a 1-1 draw.
Despite the disappointment of the World Cup exit, the finals boosted his career as he left French side Rennes to become Sunderland's record signing at £13m.
"Asamoah has been a fantastic addition to the Sunderland squad," said Sunderland coach Steve Bruce, who presented Gyan with the African Footballer of the Year trophy.
"As our record signing, he had a lot of expectation placed on his shoulders but he has embraced the club wholeheartedly and has settled in very well.
"He's a strong, quick player and brings something different to the side.
"He has formed positive partnerships with other strikers and he's a real bright spark around the place too - always smiling and happy.
"He has an infectious joy for football, and we are reaping the rewards of that.
"I'm thrilled for Asamoah that he has been awarded this honour, it is thoroughly deserved."
The search for BBC African Footballer of the Year 2010 began on 15 November when fans were given a chance to choose their African football hero from a shortlist selected by experts from each of the continent's 52 countries.
Public voting closed on 10 December 2010 - with votes cast online at bbc.com/africanfootball or via text messages.
Gyan's contrasting fortunes at World Cup
Rutashubanyuma
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Page last updated at 09:52 GMT, Friday, 17 December 2010
Fifa boss Sepp Blatter sorry for Qatar 'gay' remarks
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Blatter apologises for gay comments
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has apologised for saying gay fans should "refrain from sexual activity" if they go to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and Blatter's original comments provoked outrage among gay rights groups who said he should apologise or resign.
Blatter said: "It was not my intention and never will be my intention to go into any discrimination.
"If somebody feels hurt, then I regret [it] and present apologies."
Blatter sparked the controversy when, earlier this week, he apparently joked: "I'd say they [gay fans] should refrain from any sexual activities" if they go to the Gulf Nation for the 2022 tournament.
Then, speaking seriously, he said he was sure there would be no problems.
Fifa has come in for criticism after making the decision to take the World Cup to the Middle East for the first time.
Concerns were raised about hosting the tournament during the summer months in a country where temperatures can reach 40C to 50C and where current laws mean drinking alcohol in public is forbidden.
Gay groups are also worried about the acceptance of homosexual fans, and the Gay Football Supporters' Network (GFSN) say Blatter's original comments showed naivety about gay discrimination.
Former British basketball star John Amaechi, who is one of the world's most high-profile gay athletes, was also critical of Blatter's original comments, telling BBC Radio 5 live that it was the most childish response he could imagine.
However, Blatter, who is in Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup, does not foresee any difficulties, saying: "You see in the Middle East the opening of this culture, it's another culture because it's another religion, but in football we have no boundaries.
"We open everything to everybody and I think there shall not be any discrimination against any human beings be it on this side or that side, be it left, right or whatever.
"If they want to watch a match somewhere in Qatar 2022, I'm sure they will be admitted to such matches."
Qatar was the surprise winner of the race to host the 2022 World Cup, beating Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States when the 22-man Fifa executive committee voted in Zurich on 2 December.
Fifa boss Sepp Blatter sorry for Qatar 'gay' remarks
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Blatter apologises for gay comments
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has apologised for saying gay fans should "refrain from sexual activity" if they go to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and Blatter's original comments provoked outrage among gay rights groups who said he should apologise or resign.
Blatter said: "It was not my intention and never will be my intention to go into any discrimination.
"If somebody feels hurt, then I regret [it] and present apologies."
Blatter sparked the controversy when, earlier this week, he apparently joked: "I'd say they [gay fans] should refrain from any sexual activities" if they go to the Gulf Nation for the 2022 tournament.
Then, speaking seriously, he said he was sure there would be no problems.
Fifa has come in for criticism after making the decision to take the World Cup to the Middle East for the first time.
Concerns were raised about hosting the tournament during the summer months in a country where temperatures can reach 40C to 50C and where current laws mean drinking alcohol in public is forbidden.
Gay groups are also worried about the acceptance of homosexual fans, and the Gay Football Supporters' Network (GFSN) say Blatter's original comments showed naivety about gay discrimination.
Former British basketball star John Amaechi, who is one of the world's most high-profile gay athletes, was also critical of Blatter's original comments, telling BBC Radio 5 live that it was the most childish response he could imagine.
However, Blatter, who is in Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup, does not foresee any difficulties, saying: "You see in the Middle East the opening of this culture, it's another culture because it's another religion, but in football we have no boundaries.
"We open everything to everybody and I think there shall not be any discrimination against any human beings be it on this side or that side, be it left, right or whatever.
"If they want to watch a match somewhere in Qatar 2022, I'm sure they will be admitted to such matches."
Qatar was the surprise winner of the race to host the 2022 World Cup, beating Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States when the 22-man Fifa executive committee voted in Zurich on 2 December.
Rutashubanyuma
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Page last updated at 16:19 GMT, Friday, 17 December 2010
Gerard Houllier denies Aston Villa player rebellion
Houllier quit his post at the French Football Federation to join Villa
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has denied reports of a major player rebellion at Villa Park.
Houllier has had a troubled start to his Villa reign, not helped by suggestions that the playing squad are unhappy with his training methods.
And Richard Dunne was reportedly involved in a training-ground row after being dropped at the weekend.
But Houllier said: "I've read about dissent in the squad over training methods but it is not true."
"I know it is different to what it was before but it is not true and the players will adapt gradually.
"We do a lot of work with the ball, we play a lot of games, we do some tactics as well.
"Do people have to adapt to a new manager and methods? In a way, yes. You adapt or you die. We are changing a lot of things and that upsets the comfort of some players.
606: DEBATE
Give your reaction to Houllier's comments
"I am not going to talk about the players who are dissenting and not happy. Any manager who runs a team knows the players who are playing are happy, and the players who are not playing are not happy.
"They think the methods are not good and they think the manager is not the right person but we have to live with that.
"We know that we are changing things, we know that sometimes people are whingeing and moaning but they have a fantastic job.
"They are paid high wages to play and enjoy football. This is a fantastic job and sometimes you forget that."
The 63-year-old Frenchman has had a difficult time since taking over at Villa Park in September following Martin O'Neill's shock resignation in August.
His side have struggled for results, a 2-1 victory over West Brom on Sunday halting a run of three league defeats, while Houllier was forced to clarify comments which angered fans following the 3-0 defeat by his former club Liverpool.
And it was reported during the week that Dunne reacted angrily to being dropped for the West Brom game and being stripped of the club captaincy.
I had a lot of players who either had not played for a long time or needed a game
Gerard Houllier
But Houllier said: "There was not an incident with Richard Dunne. Not at all. I took a football decision not to play him and [Carlos] Cuellar came in and did extremely well and he will be playing against Wigan [on Saturday]."
And Houllier insisted that playing some of his out-of-favour senior players in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Leicester was not a punishment but was intended to help them maintain match fitness.
"It is not a punishment when you play a behind-closed-doors game to help players keep their fitness," he added.
"It is a punishment when you don't play at all, when you are left out, but I had a lot of players who either had not played for a long time or needed a game to restart like Nigel Reo-Coker.
"We wanted to have that game. We would probably have done it a week or two earlier but because of the snow we couldn't do it so it was an ideal opportunity to have it with Leicester.
"Robert Pires, John Carew, Nathan Delfouneso, Stephen Ireland; all those not involved for a long time played that game. Some we gave 70-80 minutes, others played the full game.
"It was just an ideal means of training and keeping the match fitness because the problem is the reserves don't have many games and, because of the weather, a lot of games have been called off."
Gerard Houllier denies Aston Villa player rebellion
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has denied reports of a major player rebellion at Villa Park.
Houllier has had a troubled start to his Villa reign, not helped by suggestions that the playing squad are unhappy with his training methods.
And Richard Dunne was reportedly involved in a training-ground row after being dropped at the weekend.
But Houllier said: "I've read about dissent in the squad over training methods but it is not true."
"I know it is different to what it was before but it is not true and the players will adapt gradually.
"We do a lot of work with the ball, we play a lot of games, we do some tactics as well.
"Do people have to adapt to a new manager and methods? In a way, yes. You adapt or you die. We are changing a lot of things and that upsets the comfort of some players.
Give your reaction to Houllier's comments
"I am not going to talk about the players who are dissenting and not happy. Any manager who runs a team knows the players who are playing are happy, and the players who are not playing are not happy.
"They think the methods are not good and they think the manager is not the right person but we have to live with that.
"We know that we are changing things, we know that sometimes people are whingeing and moaning but they have a fantastic job.
"They are paid high wages to play and enjoy football. This is a fantastic job and sometimes you forget that."
The 63-year-old Frenchman has had a difficult time since taking over at Villa Park in September following Martin O'Neill's shock resignation in August.
His side have struggled for results, a 2-1 victory over West Brom on Sunday halting a run of three league defeats, while Houllier was forced to clarify comments which angered fans following the 3-0 defeat by his former club Liverpool.
And it was reported during the week that Dunne reacted angrily to being dropped for the West Brom game and being stripped of the club captaincy.
Gerard Houllier
But Houllier said: "There was not an incident with Richard Dunne. Not at all. I took a football decision not to play him and [Carlos] Cuellar came in and did extremely well and he will be playing against Wigan [on Saturday]."
And Houllier insisted that playing some of his out-of-favour senior players in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Leicester was not a punishment but was intended to help them maintain match fitness.
"It is not a punishment when you play a behind-closed-doors game to help players keep their fitness," he added.
"It is a punishment when you don't play at all, when you are left out, but I had a lot of players who either had not played for a long time or needed a game to restart like Nigel Reo-Coker.
"We wanted to have that game. We would probably have done it a week or two earlier but because of the snow we couldn't do it so it was an ideal opportunity to have it with Leicester.
"Robert Pires, John Carew, Nathan Delfouneso, Stephen Ireland; all those not involved for a long time played that game. Some we gave 70-80 minutes, others played the full game.
"It was just an ideal means of training and keeping the match fitness because the problem is the reserves don't have many games and, because of the weather, a lot of games have been called off."
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