Football: The Hoddle Sacking - Glenn's Gaffes

Tuesday 02 February 1999 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

December 1997: States that Michael Owen cannot be guaranteed a place in the World Cup squad. Hoddle says: "There are certain things he needs to stamp out of his game and from his off-the-pitch situation as well. He is not the finished article that everyone thinks he is." He later telephones Liverpool manager Roy Evans to explain he has "been misinterpreted."

May 1998: Hoddle names his World Cup squad in La Manga, leaving out Paul Gascoigne, who he claims is overweight. He also criticises the player's drinking habits, Gascoigne having got drunk while playing a round of golf the previous day.

June 1998: Criticises David Beckham, saying he "was not focused, he was vague, and maybe his club need to look at that further. He's got to understand that football comes first."

August 1998: Hoddle says his only mistake in the World Cup was not taking faith-healer Eileen Drewery to France, claiming she "could have brought us that extra 20 per cent."

January 1999: Hoddle is quoted in The Times as saying that disabled people are suffering as a result of sins in a past life. Later he claims he has been misquoted and threatens legal

action.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in