Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has joined the growing list of people citing 'cultural differences' as a possible defence for Luis Suarez's comments towards Patrice Evra. Martinez - who was nicknamed 'El Judas by angry Swansea fans when he defected to Wigan in 2009 - outlined the problems overseas players sometimes face when settling into a new country.

Wigan Manager Roberto Martinez has revealed his admiration for the team Kenny Dalglish has put together this season, and he's expecting a very tough game at the DW stadium tomorrow. In his weekly press conference earlier today, Martinez - who was nicknamed 'El Judas by Swansea fans when he left for Wigan - was full of praise for Liverpool:"They are very impressive.

In a sport where players are increasingly deified, Fernando Torres was a God-like figure at Liverpool; the fans worshipped the ground he walked on, and in the eyes of his fawning disciples, he could no wrong. That all changed when El Nino left for Chelsea - he instantly became a traitor; an Anfield Judas, worthy of nothing but contempt and ridicule.

By Alan Duffy

After choosing to follow the big bucks and move to Flamengo rather than his boyhood club of Gremio, Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho was always going to get a rather interesting reception from the Gremio fans when the two clubs finally met.

The Israeli international, usually remembered in England for his time at West Ham United and Liverpool, but not Chelsea, was called a Judas by Chelsea fans. The inference being that because he is now an Arsenal player, and supporting his current team, he is a traitor.

Yossi Benayoun played only eleven times for Chelsea.

Arsenal loanee Yossi Benayoun has angered Chelsea fans after celebrating the Gunners' emphatic victory over his parent club via Twitter. Seemingly insensible towards the Blues and their fans, he tweeted "What a great win today!!! Well done guys!" This would be seen as fairly unwise act if aimed at a former club, but the fact [.

There was a full moon last night, which might go some way to explaining why every former Liverpool player within shouting distance of two turntables and a microphone decided it was time to talk about their former club. Either that or they turned into to werewolves—I have a hard time keeping stuff like that straight.

You made it through the international break, not to mention a mad end to the summer transfer window. Congratulations. To celebrate, let's hop right back into one of the touchiest subjects of the last two weeks...

*Over the weekend, Raul Meireles insisted he wasn't a Judas but said that he'd explain in more detail later.

Why Raul Meireles is no Judas

Following his move from Liverpool to Chelsea Raul Meireles has been quick to defend himself after being branded a Judas by some sections of the Anfield faithful. Of course, the comparisons with another ex-Red's recent departure are inevitable, but in reality the circumstances that led to the transfers of Meireles and Torres are poles apart.

Raul Meireles did not join Chelsea for the money

Raul Meireles insists he is no 'Judas' after trading Liverpool for Chelsea. The midfielder handed in a shock written transfer request on Wednesday night's deadline.

View the full story here: The Mail

A news article on 2011-09-04 18:18:48 from: The Mail

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

Raul Meireles insists he did not leave Liverpool for Chelsea because of financial reasons.
The Portuguese midfielder was a surprise departure from Anfield in the closing stages of transfer deadline day.
Meireles handed in a transfer request prior to sealing his move to Stamford Bridge just before the close of the transfer window.

Chelsea new boy Raul Meireles has moved to quash widespread suggestions that his departure from Liverpool was inspired by a more financially lucrative contract at Stamford Bridge.

Despite becoming a fan favorite within a short period of time due to his consistently impressive performances over the course of the Reds' troubled last season, the Portugal international fell down the pecking order at Anfield.

Meireles: I am no Judas for moving to Chelsea

Ex-Liverpool midfielder insists he did move to Stamford Bridge for the money

View the full story here: The Mirror

A news article on 2011-09-04 16:06:09 from: The Mirror

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

Meireles I am no Judas

Raul Meireles insists he did not leave Liverpool for Chelsea because of financial reasons.

View the full story here: Sky Sports

A news article on 2011-09-04 13:52:18 from: Sky Sports

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

Guest Writer Jennifer Sambell gives her views on the Raul Meireles transfer, and looks at the veracity of his reasons for leaving Anfield.
Just half an hour before the recent transfer window closed, Raul Meireles handed in a transfer request, and soon afterwards an agreement was made to sell the midfielder to Chelsea for 12 million pounds.

Raul Meireles has responded to claims by Liverpool fans that he is a judas for leaving the club and signing for Chelsea. In this article, the Portugese midfielder has indicated that while something happened that forced him to leave, he was more than happy that AVB came calling and is looking forward to the new challenge at Chelsea.

'I am not a Judas' Raul Meireles on trading Liverpool for Chelsea

The 28-year-old midfielder ensured he did not switch clubs to get a better contract and indicated he wants to win titles at Stamford Bridge

View the full story here: Goal

A news article on 2011-09-03 07:56:00 from: Goal

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

Arsene Wenger has announced the Samir Nasri is in the squad for tomorrow's game against Liverpool. This will be a very interesting game for Nasri, he will play in the playmaker position that he has wanted to play in for some time, yet the fans will not forgive him nor will they greet him with the adulation that they showed last season.

Last night Daniel Levy once more reitirated his stance on Luka Modric leaving Spurs. He's not. He's not going anywhere for any amount of money. Simple. All done and dusted then? No of course it isn't, to believe that is the end of it would be to display an embarassing amount of naievety.

A Wizard can't change his rainbow stripes
IN THE TUNNEL:
The main question coming out onto the pitch was whether the temperature would be colder than the reception for Teal "Judas" Bunbury - this is what it sounds like when two poor MLS clubs meet...
　
ON THE PITCH:
1' - This can't possibly be June as a less than capacity crowd actually need their scarves for warmth - not festivities, Kick-off.

Leonardo Feels The Hate As Milan Fans Call Him "Judas"
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit www.serieaweekly.com for full links, other content, and more! ]]

As a Manchester United fan, or even as a football fan, I feel like a modern day Judas, my hands trembling as I write these blasphemous words: Paul Scholes is no longer good enough for Manchester United, and the club have made the wrong decision by offering him a contract extension.

His technique is alive and well but his 36-year-old legs are not up to the pace.

One thing - one of the many things - that the Scottish Football Blog might occasionally lack is a "view from Gorgie."
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king. But I've never been a Hearts fan.
Thankfully, in this week of guest posts, Scott McIntosh has been and always will be.

After a manic January deadline day the fallout has begun on Tyneside following Andy Carroll's record breaking move to Liverpool.

Carroll sealed his shock transfer to Anfield late last night after ‘handing in' a transfer request earlier in the day, which resulted in Newcastle ‘reluctantly' accepting Liverpool's crazy £35m bid.