Roy Hodgson has become involved in a bizarre row over a space monkey joke and England World Cup hero Andros Townsend.
England boss Hodgson - who is believed to be upset over reaction to the joke - told it in the Wembley changing rooms at halftime of the Three Lions’ dramatic qualifying victory over Poland on Tuesday.
It was intended to illustrate the idea that Hodgson wanted right-back Chris Smalling to play the ball more often to Townsend, who was terrorising the Polish defence.
But it is believed at one least one player was shocked, because he thought it carried racist connotations.
Both Hodgson and the FA are mortified that what they insist is a horrible misunderstanding has become an issue.
The joke, which Hodgson is believed to have told in full, is one that was popular at American space agency NASA.
“NASA decided they’d finally send a man up in a capsule after sending only monkeys in the earlier missions,” the joke goes.
“They fire the man and the monkey into space.
“The intercom crackles, 'Monkey, fire the retros.'
“A little later, 'Monkey, check the solid fuel supply.'
“Later still, “Monkey, check the life support systems for the man.'
“The astronaut takes umbrage and radioes NASA, 'When do I get to do something?'
“NASA replies, 'In 15 minutes - feed the monkey.'”
Hodgson was trying to use the joke to emphasise to the England team that Townsend, who was having another brilliant game, held the key to victory.
Townsend and his father, Troy - who works for the anti-racist Kick It Out organisation - are not thought to have been angered by the remarks, but could not be reached for comment at the time of writing.
Hodgson, who achieved perhaps the best moment of his career on Tuesday when England qualified for next year’s World Cup, is upset about the furore.
The joke is insensitive, perhaps, in the current highly charged racial climate in football.
But Hodgson is an urbane, enlightened man, who may now be regretting using the wrong analogy.
dont know if im missing it but, how the f*ck does that story in anyway relate to townsend's performance?
whos meant to be the man?
The monkey is doing all the work and the only thing the astronaut should do is feed the monkey = Townsend is on fire at the moment so the players should just give him the ball
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Nidge Weasle
dont know if im missing it but, how the fuck does that story in anyway relate to townsend's performance?
whos meant to be the man?
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Yoshie
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Flojo
Bizarre as fuck.
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Agony
The monkey is doing all the work and the only thing the astronaut should do is feed the monkey = Townsend is on fire at the moment so the players should just give him the ball
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8BALL
Woy wasn't lieing when he said he talks a lot of nonsense in his interview earlier on today.
Decent joke but a terrible footballing analogy.
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Zizouz
...
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Agony
Hodgson gon' Hodg
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