Euro 2012 briefs

Do I not like that?

Hungarian official Viktor Kassai has become a Facebook sensation after failing to give Ukraine a goal against England. A Kassai “dislike” page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Viktor-Kassai-dislike/311387815554737) has been approved by 32,000 visitors.

Ukrainian fans have also uploaded jokes about the hapless referee who did not give a goal after Marko Devic’s effort appeared to cross the line before being hacked clear by John Terry.

One joke depicts a cosmonaut watching from space who says: “There was a goal! Even we saw it”.

Ukrainian daily Segodnia said Ukrainian MPs were even working out how Kassai might be punished in some fashion with one suggesting he not be allowed to return to Ukraine - while another suggested on the contrary he be barred from leaving.

“Forced naturalisation - and then the people decide what to do with him,” said the opposition MP, quoted by Segodnia.

Fatal argument

A 40-year-old Ukrainian fatally knifed a friend after the pair became embroiled in an argument about football, police said.

Three men were watching a Euro 2012 match but started arguing, prompting one to grab a knife and lash out. One died of his injuries and another was hurt.

The attacker was arrested and faces 15 years jail for premeditated homicide.

Police said the men had been drinking.

All eyes on Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo was not at his side’s press conference ahead of their meeting with the Czechs - but he might just as well have been. Nobody from the assembled media wanted to talk about anybody else.

“It’s normal we talk all the time about him as he is the best player in the world,” said Joao Moutinho.

“But he places his talents at the service of the team. He has the same objective as we do and he is a leader. Ronaldo is a very complete player, I cannot see he has any weaknesses.

“He is two-footed, he is quick, he scores goals.”

Ronaldo has had to deal with rival team fans’ jibes about Lionel Messi, who outscored him in Spain last season - but Moutinho shrugged off the comparison.

“Messi? Well they are the two best players in the world - but I prefer Ronaldo!”

Paparazzi target? Moi?

Spain are a humble bunch - or so they say. Asked if they had been targets for paparazzi photographers Javi Martinez and Juanfran smiled and retorted: “Nope, not us.”

Then again, the pair would admit to being slightly less famous than the likes of Iker Casillas, Xavi or Fernando Torres.