July 19th, 2010
Sergio Ramos: Charity Win, Follicular Fail
Images via Reuters/ONTD Football
We never want to mock or scorn footballers who take time out from their holidays to do charity work. That’s why we’re saying nothing. Nothing at all. Not a corn-rowed, plaited, braid of a word about Sergio Ramos and his head game situ in Senegal while working with UNICEF.
We will, however, say a few words about home-girl on Sergio’s right: Caught in the blinding headlights of Sergio’s hair crime; riveted, unable to move nor blink; transfixed; dazed, yet also intrigued and a little curious. And possibly itchy.
We have much to catch up on today, from weddings to engagement rumours to abs that need judging, so we will be brief: there is nothing Sergio can do that will stop us from loving him and wanting to have mad, hot monkey sex with him. We survived the green jeans, and God willing, we will survive this hair travesty of the highest order.
Bonus: Compare and contrast Sergio’s 2010 plaits with David Beckham’s 2003 version.
So apparently he is now seeing some flamenco singer/dancer.
WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!! How do u know this?
Nvm I just read somewhere else it was a big misunderstanding they confused the singer with his sister. PHEW
I will always love this man no matteer what!!! He is so amazing, and yes i will rip off his green jeans and proceed to have devilshly hot monkey sex with him all night while running my fingers all over his rows!!! Ramosita for life!!!
I’ll go out on a limb and endorse the hair. I had a similar ‘do in 2000-2001ish. Lmao. I still love him.
i actually like it way more.
i now understand why people think hes attractive
i love el ramos no matter what he does with his hair! i think its great that hes doing charity work esp in africa..overall, kickettes, sergio is a perect example of a thoroughly good guy..and hes a great party animal..doesnt hurt that hes hot either..a true man
Nah, I still adore the Ramos.
And UNICEF is one of my fave orgs that I support too. Adore him with all his supposed foibles, right? Carry on Ramos…
The man can make braids look gorgeous.
I just dont want to see the pictures of the explosion his hair will be when he takes them out..
But he probably owns enough product to keep it under control
Oh come on kickettes!…seriously? Just take a look at Golden Balls and then at Ramos. Becks looks so cheap and mannequin-like it scares me! Whereas Sergio looks utterly Earthy and classy.
Its not to be taken seriously; he probably has no time to do his hair in the morning any more…he’s there to do charity work not indulge in himself as per usual. I personally find it awe-inspiring!
Keep up the good work my Gypsy ‘Gitano’…Its not long until you reunite with your BF Guti! x
Honestly It looks fine to me. He is out in Senegal doing charity work And got his hair braided. Its not like its is his permenant new do. It suits the occasion. & his face is amazing nomatter what hair.
oh he can do whatever he wants to his hair, i’ll still love this man just the same way… it doesnt look that bad and corn rows arent permanent =)
He is so adorable and such a good sport for letting them do that to his hair.
Exactly.
OG he has those perfect white teeth, girls fall for hahaa. aww his just So perfect =D <3
I may have finally gone crazy from this post-WC Ramos fever, but I really don't think it looks that bad (at least compared to that…feathered designer mullet he got back in 2008?)…
In fact, I don't think it looks bad at all!
In any case, that gorgeous cheeky trademark grin of his cancels out any sort of follicular failure.
Plus, I've already lived through the deluge of man bags, green jeans, and other heinous fashion crimes. This is nothing.
Sergio Ramos, oh you dastardly man you, never change <3
May I please just say your screen name is the shiznit?????!!!
I’ve been laughing at it for so long I can’t remember what I was gonna comment on!
But thanks!!!
SergioRamos_4 Hogar dulce hogar….visita rápida a valdebebas y el miércoles estaré en mi tierra…..espero veros por allí
If only…if only…**sighs**
ugghhh gosh idc i just love RAMOS!!!!!
he has a very pretty smile…and im not gonna say anything about the cornrows lol…
he has a very pretty smile hehehehe
I can always count on Sergio to pick up my day… I don't think anything will change my love for him… All started from those green pants.. Ever since that day I've been continuously in awe of him.. OHhhhhh, gosh Sergio. You never cease to amaze me. <3
Can somebody PLEASE post the link to his twitter. I can’t seem to find it
SergioRamos_4
Thank YOU!
Is that his official twitter? cause its not verified :O
I'm 98% sure it's him if you read all of his tweets and who he is following it all adds up. The reason he isn't verified is because a person needs 5000 followers and his account is fairly new. Hopefully we all find out soon though.
Thanks hun! i love the way he tweets! :$
No problem! lol have you noticed that once his tweets are translated to english it sounds kinda broken? for example here is one of his recent ones “He plays a little sleep ….. music ….. and not last two minutes or tomorrow …. .. tuiteros” I don’t understand. lol
Ay dios mio! I’m confused!!
Which is Sergio’s real Twitter?
http://twitter.com/SergioRamos
OR
http://twitter.com/SergioRamos_4
hey follow http://twitter.com/SergioRamos that is the offical Sergio Ramos twitter he just verified it with a pic of his account…….. the other one just stole his background oh and also he has an official youtube channel and a website in progress and they are also working on a facebook page!
Ahhh Thats so nice to hear! Thank you ladies; who would of thought? A lil discussion about our man Ramos' social networking?
I cannot wait for his official facebook page; there is 'one' and I am a fan but its from a 3rd party, so I hope he'll do what Cristiano done and actually update his doings himself!
Oh things are really looking up….and I am definitely going to Brazil 2014..!
That’s just what I was going to say.
Saw it this morning! Oh, they’re working on an official FB page? Awesome. Like JamilaRamos said, hopefully he’ll update it himself and stuff. Like some of the other guys’s pages.
Thanks a million Shay! So was the other one that we originally thought was him just a fan page?
I was following the SergioRamos twitter page but then someone here said it was the SergioRamos_4 page. Now today, I see that the SergioRamos_4 page has been renamed to Nadie_4. On the SergioRamos page there is a link to this pic http://twitpic.com/26yy4z, so it looks like that is the real SergioRamos. I hate when people make it look like they’re the real person. Grrr…
Oh, and his new FB page is
http://www.facebook.com/SergioRamosOficial?v=info#!/SergioRamosOficial?v=wall
oh happy days!
this is his account..
http://www.thefinalthird.com/2010/07/20/sergio-ra…
Thanks for the clarification guys.
So apparently he is dating some flamenco singer now.
whattttt!!! SErgio lovin the hair bro. you rock them rows!!!!
I just want to know who the HORRIBLE human being is that gives him advice on his overall style.
I'm the 'HORRIBLE' person who gives him the advice on what to wear. Watcha gonna do? If you hate what he wears then don't look at what he's wearing. LOL
When is he cutting his hair honestly it’s well over due!
Never…if I have any say in the matter!
Do you know if he has a gf? I can tell he doesn't with that style..
Why do people act like cornrows are a bad thing. It may not be best suited for “caucasian type” hair buthe looks fine. So did David Beckham and Justin Tmebrlake when they tried it. He has a nice face and a decent shaped head so he looks good.
Yall need to appreicate different hairstlyes.
Amen to both of your comments Princess…amen.
Why are people on here acting like cornrows are a bad thing? It may not be quite suitable for “caucasian type hair” but he looks fine. So did David Beckham and Justin Timberlake when they did it. He has a nice face so he looks good.
Yall need to appreciate hairstyles that do not belong to the majority!!!
Keckettes, we must put him back to the Finest Five!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lol he really makes us all dizzy!! lol
I meant Kickettes, of course!:)
yes we must ahhhhe makes my heart melt i can ignore the cornrows after all the other fashion failures that he has had i think he makes it look really sexy lol
100% AGREE!!!!!!!!:):):)
Nothing he does will me make me love him less, he’s just to hot for me to worry about the cornrows
LOL. Only he can allow me to turn the other cheek to these horrendous white boy cornrows. This. Kills. Me.
I knew this was coming from the moment I read he was going to Senegal (which before I get snarky, was a truly sweet thing to do). I believe my exact reaction was “This is Sergio Ramos of the murses, the Gucci and the Louis Vuitton luggage; countdown to cornrows!”
Even though the Serge plays for my hated rivals, he seems like a nice guy. He was one of the few players who said hi and signed autographs for fans in SA and he does do quite a bit of charity work. And his attempt to speak English to the flight attendants on the way back to Spain sealed his place in my heart forever.
That's it I give up he won't answer me on twitter
seems he always answers the same people and it's always about the same three things.
which ID is his “offical” twitter page? I have recently read that it’s “SergioRamos” so I started following that one. Now last night I read that it’s “SergioRamos_4″ (or something like that).
The last post on the “SergioRamos” page is “Aprendo algunas cosas de Twitter pero me quedan muchas por aprender. Por cierto, estoy en Senegal colaborando con UNICEF. Ahora a descansar!” Which I believe translates to “I learn some things about Twitter but I have much to learn. I’m certainly working with UNICEF in Senegal. Now to rest!” (correct me, if I’m wrong please…the translation is compliments of dictionary.com
Maybe he will tweet more once he gets it all sorted out and returns from Senegal.
It definately SergioRamos_4 he mentions how he wasn't allowed using twitter during the world cup and he said he will be uploading pics of his vacation as soon as he gets all settled. Apparently you need 5000 followers in order to get verified that's what torres said. Just right click on your mouse and click on google translate, that will translate all of his tweets so you don't have to spend endless hours using a dictionary lol.
Ok you can try google translate. I tried replying to his post. But I’m more of a Facebooker than a twitter. So I don’t understand why what I replied to him has not appeared on his page.
He most likely set his tweets to private so no one else can see them
Wait, you mean on Twitter? They don't show up in his main feed or w/e unless he's following you, but the replies show up when he goes to his replies tab on Twitter. A little confusing, but you get the hang of it. lol. I was more of a Facebooker, too so I got a bit confused at how to work it at first.
Aw haha thanks…I sound like a real old woman. But that gave me so much hope! I think now that he has a twitter account I'll spend more time there and time will teach me how to use it and stuff!
Cheerio!
haha, no prob!
Yeah, you should get on more! It's really pretty easy to figure out when you get the hang of it. btw, his real account is http://twitter.com/SergioRamos He tweeted a pic of him with it this morning. 
Thanks for the tip on the translator, Sharla!
It WAY easier than what I was doing
I think you must be right about tweets to him being private. It looks like he’s responding to tweets that aren’t appearing on his “wall”.
Ya it’s tough to tell how he picks his responses. I just click back and fourth between his tweets and seems like the people that tweet him sent him like 10 tweets b**ching about how he ignores them or the same 10 tweets about watching the upcoming season so who knows. I mean he did say he reads all the tweets but can only answer to a few a day but it still sucks when that person isn’t you
At this point I don’t know if I should turn stalkerish and send 15 tweets or just leave it and come back in a week. The suspense is killing me lol
awww sergio!!!
you are adorable, with that happy smile he has it looks like he doesn’t care of anything in the world except what he’s doing there..
sergio you make me love you even with that hair
sigh, and you girls still think he’ll get a good hairstyle if he cuts his hair? you know what, bring it on. if he can still look soooooooooooooo hot with this hairstyle, then i guess nothing will turn me away. sorry memo, you’ll stay #2.
and what everyone else has said, i agree. what an amazing person he is. he could be gold short tanning it up with some bimbos, but instead he is doing charity work. this is why i love you so much my darling. because you are such the sweetest, most down to earth person!
hala madrid! can’t wait to watch y’all on the 4th!!
I actually can't believe I am writng this BUT I think the style suits him, it brings attention to his face more and his perfect smile.
lol
i wouldn't say it "suits" him, but that gorgeous smile can make me overlook it!
haha. I wouldn’t say it suits him, but it actually looks sort of ok on him. It doesn’t always work on everyone.
I don’t think he will look better with short hair. He may do weird stuff like this but even with short hair, it could be worse. Just look at all the god-awful things Cristiano has done with his hair. Sergio cutting his hair would have a Samson-like effect on him, therefore I say CUT IT OFF please Sergio… hehehe Visca El Barca.
lol! can i tell you that is part of the reason i don't want it cut off. just look at nando!!
up madrid! down barca!
WHY?whyyyy?? Why? that’s all I have to say
No man with long hair should look this good! I actually am in love with his hair, I think it's gorgeous!
I completely agree with you. He's so darn sexy.
He wears it well, right?
Everything he does and wears… even his green pants and cornrows, makes him EVEN MORE sexier to me. his fashion disasters makes him even more appealing to me.
loool there’s more to Sergio than his hair! Oops! What am I saying? There isn’t!
It’s no biggie anyway he can take it out, it’s not like he shaved his head! This hairstyle shouldn’t overshadow his charity work though.
I don’t care how he wears his hair as long as he doesn’t shave his head
haha whats with all the typos on this post? I guess Sergio’s hair is making everyone dizzy.
Sergio.. HERMOSO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He can dye his hair purple and he’d still be sexy.He’s Sergio…
YIKES!
As much as I appreciate seeing him doing some charity work, I wonder if perhaps he's not doing it out of genuine compassion and rather for a more public image cover-up. He was seen with 'blackface' around Christmas '09 and perhaps he's trying to eradicate the possibility that he's racist.
No way am I saying HE IS racist…but I'm just being a bit cynical. Although I still love him!
Heres the link kickettes http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_73exSt_W91A/SWalE0E-PAI/AAAAAAAAAUw/HzhR0XABs2A/s400/sergio-ramos-blackface-spain-real-madrid.jpg” rel=”nofollow”>:http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_73exSt_W91A/SWalE0E-PAI/AAAAAAAAAUw/HzhR0XABs2A/s400/sergio-ramos-blackface-spain-real-madrid.jpg
Can’t it be a little bit of both? I think he did a charity football game for Africa before that whole black face thing happened.. and what is he doing for UNICEF exactly?
I love Sergio but he needs to get rid of that hair! highlights! ewe..
Just to give some background on where I’m coming from I’d like to preface by saying that 1. I work with anti-racism activism groups and I’m FAR from an expert but feel like I have some understanding of the history of blackface
2. The Ramos has thus far been the only person I’ve ever let “get away” with blackface. Meaning he’s the only person I’ve ever seen do it who I’ve remained a supporter or a fan of.
So you may now take what I’m about to say with however large a grain of salt you need.
I don’t think there was racist intent behind the blackface. I think it was more like when people here in the States dress up like “Indians” for Halloween. They don’t have it in mind to make fun of or insult another culture. And I think that is what happened in this case. He was thinking of it as part of this costume. Which doesn’t make it OK. I still think ultimately it was a racist act, but one born out of institutionalized societal racism and ignorance of what he was really doing, rather than any intentionally malicious or hateful sentiment. Again, still not OK, but it’s the kind of thing a person can learn from and hopefully come to understand why it was offensive.
If this UNICEF thing is an attempted “fix” for his image, well, isn’t that far preferable than if he said he didn’t care? Maybe he learned from the criticism he received and wants to do better. It does seem like there is a genuine desire to help, and it seems that he is choosing to focus on long term problem solving over there – education and infrastructure – things that will make a real difference, and not just throwing some money around to make himself look good.
great post! I think you're spot on with your point of view about the blackface incident.
I grew up in a small, 99% white community…it wasn't until I moved up to the Chicago area that I interacted with other cultures, races, what have you. There were so many stereotypes, phrases, etc. that I learned growing up that I had no idea how wrong and/or hurtful they were to others.
Education is the key. I'm sure Sergio is learning as much about the Senagalese as he is helping them. More power to him.
btw – his hair's not that bad imo.
I knew a girl in college who had them all the time. She said it took 4 – 5 hours for them to braid it but then she wouldn't have to get it done for a while. Not sure if that's true with hair like Sergio's but…. probably more climate friendly 
I'm sorry if I offend anyone, but the lack of knowledge about other cultures is really a handicap in life… In that picture Sergio is representing one of the Three Wise Men -Balthasar, who happens to be black, during the 6th of January, which is a VERY, I repeat, VERY important festivity in Spain where the kids are given their Christmas presents. It's always been a tradition to have one famous person paint his face in black and represent Balthazar, although in some places they rather opt to hire a black man. I assure you that THERE'S NOTHING WRONG OR RACIST in that picture, plus he's doing it for the children, which is a wonderful thing IMO.
More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi#Tradit… (sorry for my English)
BTW there’s no such thing as a “blackface” concept in Spanish culture, thus it’s impossible to see that as a racist act. I am myself surprised at why dressing up like other race can be racist, but then again, it doesn’t make part of my culture, that’s why
Like people who are surrounded by cute children, I can’t criticize those who are photographed doing charity work. It just doesn’t feel right. Even if Sergio plays for my sworn enemies and has been a reliable source of laughs, I just can’t do it. I will say its good to see ballers getting involved in worthwhile causes instead of being off somewhere sunbathing in gold hotpants.
I have never liked Ramos (being a Barca fan) but I appreciate his good heart in doing charity work out of his own will and genuinely feeling at home with the people. There’s nothing better in the world than true sincerity from individuals and it’s nice to see the real Sergio Ramos. This world cup has made me respect him although I don’t know if I’ll start gaining the hate again once the regular season begins. It’s a relief he’s not what he displays on the field.
Its gonna be weird this season. But I don't think Madridistas will be any more sentimental now that Spain won the World Cup. Therefore I say let the hate begin! Visca el Barca.
Asi se habla! No mercy for the Merengues once the season begins. Visca el Barca!
::stickstoungeout:: you blaugranas are going down!! hala madrid
This time I’ll be fait to him, I really like the hair, honest
TYPO: fair*
* with his HAIR, not care:)
lmaooo guysss he is in Africa, like maybe they did this hair for him and he didnt want to be rude and say “oh heelllll no, this doesnt fitt me” his just to sweet for that. on the other hand he is Crazy, like he could just have done that bc his crazy. If he wears a green jeans than he can do anything. anywho still love him tho
Sergio is perfect whatever he does! Ti amoooo <3
totally agree with you!:)
but you know what’s scary? the next day after these pics were taken he gave an interview to Marca and… he kept this plaits!!! Only slightly changed the outline. I’m really afraid he liked this hairstyle and is gonna keep it forever… lol
hahaha I dont think you can blame him haha those kids have done his hair so he has to keep it for a while.. I mean this is Sergito hehe he can do whatever he still will be our fav tho .. haha oo I hope not lolll. Hope to see his always perfect looking long hair after the summer is over haha
yes, let's hope for the best!!:) although I agree that I'll still love him even if he's bald!! lol Hopefully, he's not gonna keep his promise and shave his head though!:):):)
I dont think he is going to shave his head off! if so he would have done that right after the world cup! so no worries I guess
Sergio, I commend you on your charity work.
On the other hand, POR QUE?! What is with the hair? Sigh. I can ignore it because he looks so darn happy. You win this time, Ramos.
i love it! Sergio is a G *gansta sign* LOL. he’s amazing! even my barca-loving, real madrid-hating self can acknowledge that
Sergio is a G *gansta sign*
lol
oh my god what has he done with his hair ?!
least he has a pretty face tho ; ) x
Wow, what an awesome guy. Who cares about the hair, that face is still divine! And to be away doing charity work when he has to be back for team duty in a week. Now that is dedication. Can someone please tell me what are those things on his arm, the blue and white wrist thingies, he often has them on. Not a cooking clue!!!! Go Sergio…. can’t wait to watch him in La Liga…..
The things are called balance xtreme bracelets. They’re supposed to help with balance, flexibility and stamina.
Thanks a lot, I wonder if they help when you’re drunk??? ha ha
Awww, I don't think it's that bad. If nothing else, it shows off that beautiful face of his.
One week after that World Cup final, and he’s doing charity work instead of lying around in the sun at the Seychelles or somewhere else. How sympathic!
And his hair? Who cares for it, he will cut his hair soon, he promised it!
I don't care. YOU HEAR ME AWFUL HAIR? You can't lessen my love for this man. If anything I love him more for his continued commitment to being ridiculous yet adorable and sexy.
Haha! Perfectly put.
This looks ridiculous, particularly when paired with the bongo drum, but makes me smile nonetheless. The man is adorable.
LMAO @ the drum with Sergio smiling like a little baby behind it. And still: so damn sexy.
I still can't really believe that there is a man walking this earth that can actually pull everything off… But I think I must acknowledge, he exists, and his name is Sergio Ramos.
DREAMS COME TRUE; this is just an example! I've always dreamt that i would one day cornrow his locks(we're just bored in his house…after we've just finished necking and monkey-ing
,) and I just pull his head and attempt plaiting it!
I love a man who's so compassionate about other things beyong himself. If I were one of those (very lucky) ladies, I would've attempted to get more than just help. The Ramos…CAN YOU JUST STOP MAKING ME FEEL SO FUCKING HORNY! ITS NOT FAIR!!!!
OOPS…TYPO: beyond*
Its all his fault…Im literally droolingggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg. Sorry I slipped out of my seat and my finger was stuck on the G key. G…hmhm G-spot?
I have to say, I never really understood the Sergio-Love. He was just whatever to me. Until now.
I mean, the hair is just…terrible. But he looks so sweet and happy and totally not caring what anyone thinks about his hair because he’s doing his charity work and he won the World Cup, dammit.
The hair is truly awful. And he’s won me over in spite of it. That is some strong mojo.
I give up.
You win, Sergio. You win.
You are adorable.
Awful. This hair style just doesn’t sit right with me on white people, lol. It’s strange looking. Nice to see him doing charity work though.
somehow I seem to be immune to Sergio Ramos brain mush… why must do I have to be so oblivious to his hotness?!
me too!
even my mum likes him and shes old…
lol…define "old"
Awwwww I love it!!! He is so damn cute!
His general gorgeousness outshines the corn rows!
Oh no, Sergio. Just NO.
I'm not a fair of the braids…. But at least he is not bold like Casillas………….. http://quemedices.diezminutos.es/noticias_famosos…
a fan*
lmaooo omg this is TERRIBLE.. Plzz tell me this is computermade :S
If it's real, I have gained a little bit more respect for Iker. I remember being disappointed after the EuroCopa when NO ONE followed through on their promises (coughDaniGuizacough).
Did he Pormis to shave his head off if winning the wc?
I’ve translated what’s written under the photo, stay calm, it’s photoshop!!!:) And iker promised to shave his head unless Sara Pastasauce agrees to marry him. And it seems that she will agree…
Ramos promised to shave off his hair if they win and this is the 1st time that I really beg someone not to keep the promise!!!! lol
lmaooo I figgerd it was photoshopped.. .aaa so it is really true that they r gettng married
I dont likee herrrrr :'( whyyyy does he have to get married to her I liked his previous gf much more =D
Sergio! What have you done!?
LOL: OG Ramos! I love how he compensates his cuteness and good work with some bad-ass gangsta corn rows.
Sorry Sergio, you can try what you want, we will always want to get in those green pants of yours!
lol that’s for sure!!!!!!:)
Awwwww…its not that bad really..
I think it actually suits him <3
true it isn't that bad when you look at him that way but look at the other pictures where you see it from the side view .. its pretty bad :S
Yea defo..it would have been way better if the braids continued to the end rather than stop awkwardly at a ponytail.
Oh and it suits Sergio waaaaaaaaay more than beckham ! David looks like a naked mole rat with that hair cut !
its what Bo Derek and Dudley Moore’s lovechild from “10″ would look like.
nice work with the charity but i don't really like the hair…WHY SERGIO WHYYYY!!!!??at least that cute face is still there!!
OMG… nothing can spoil the Ramos!!!:)
Yes, the hairstyle is just hilarious but he is adorable!!!:) I bet he made it with his care just as a compliment to the locals as his first pics from Senegal showed that he arrived there with his normal ponytail.:) And you should see the video where he's feeding a local child… He's a great person!!!!!
Luv him all the time.:)
Hi, do you the link for the video?
thanks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwyqqxs46RE
you're welcome:)
omg. ovary explosion. el ramos with a munchkin. i'll gladly have one of your babies sergio!
i saw that video and i was like "omg, i'd have that mans baby in a heart beat"….. he is so sweet =)
OG I am falling deeper and deeper in love with this guy! omg how he coold the food down by blowing at it before feeding the kid <3 Aww soo freakin adorableee <3
THANK YOU5x for that link!!! You're a champ! Awwww…..I dig the Ramos even more now…sigh…….
I meant theme *
maybe he did them to go with the African team .. you know , maybe one of these African girls did them for him ..
you stole the words from my mouth!!:):):)
haha that is what i just said haha didnt notice u wrode it before loll,, thats what i figgerd ttooo
That's exactly what I thought when I first heard about this…probably one of the girls/women did it for him.
Poor thing. Such a good body but also such a bad taste and lack of style. Anyhow, good of thing to do charity work after a hard and long season