Campo Quakes in his Boots

After a week in which Atletico Madrid have turned whining and bad sportsmanship into an art form, it is the most heinous of threats. Maxi Rodriguez is demanding an apology from Ivan Campo after he branded Sergio Aguero a fool, for getting himself sent off in the first leg of the UEFA cup tie against Bolton.

‘I expect him to apologise for his words when he comes to Madrid for the return game,` said the Argentinian, ‘our fans will taunt him in the game if he does not retract his words.` Poor Ivan. What are they going to do? Call him fat and make fun of his hair? He gets that at Bolton. It`s hard to see what Campo has done wrong. Does Rodriguez think that gobbing at opponents in full view of the linesman is a good idea?

Win or lose, the Spanish side have brought disgrace upon themselves with their conduct. Coach Javier Aguirre started the ball rolling with his complaints about the referee and Bolton`s style of play after his side were deservedly beaten at the Reebok. Strangely, he made no comment about the spitting and play acting that are a central part of team`s style of play. Madrid have continued the campaign by publishing details of Bolton`s itinerary, something they`ve done with previous European opponents.

Bolton will be without Ricardo Gardner and Heidar Helguson who are both injured. Gretar Steinson and Tamir Cohen are cup tied. For Madrid, Luis Garcia is available after suspension, but Raul Garcia is banned. Thiago Motta, Samoa, Leo Franco, Ze Castro, Juan Valera and Giourkas Seitaridis are expected to miss out through injury.

A victory for Bolton would be good for them and for football. Regardless of the result, UEFA should impose sanctions on Atletico Madrid for their behaviour. Anyone think that they will?