Predictably, much of the pre-match hype surrounding the Euro 2012 qualifier between Switzerland and England this evening has centred on Wayne Rooney and his off-the-field activities.
There could though be a hugely interesting match-up should Steven Gerrard come close to Swiss striker Alexander Frei in Basle.
England’s 3-0 win over Switzerland at Euro 2004 saw the Three Lions secure a comfortable three points and Wayne Rooney claim a brace.
It wasn’t such a happy occasion for Alexander Frei who had a verbal encounter with the Liverpool midfielder and then spat at Gerrard - with the offence only caught by Swiss TV.
Frei was suspended for three games and Gerrard (who scored England’s third) said at the time: “I was furious. Spitting is degrading. I would rather be butted than spat at.”
Yesterday the England and Liverpool captain was a bit more forgiving, “At the time, I was obviously upset with what he did. But it’s six years ago, I don’t hold grudges and he’s apologised since, so we move on. You get heavily punished for spitting. So I suppose it is rare nowadays. Hopefully we won’t see it again.”
More than likely Frei will be eager to avoid a confrontation, with the spitting incident a low-point of his career where he has been Switzerland’s highest ever goal scorer.
The FC Basel striker was called a “Llama” by the Swiss press and then adopted two llamas at Basel zoo.
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