A round-up of today's other soccer news in brief ...
SCOTLAND manager George Burley’s injury concerns are growing ahead of his side’s World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Saturday.
Already without James McFadden, Burley was hit by more bad news when Rangers duo David Weir and Kirk Broadfoot, and Derby midfielder Kris Commons pulled out yesterday. Celtic’s Stephen McManus is unlikely to feature due to his ankle complaint.
Villarreal To Give Fans A Dig Out
VILLARREAL will offer unemployed season-ticket holders free passes in 2009-’10 to help fans feeling the effects of the global economic crisis, president Fernando Roig said yesterday.
“Season-ticket holders who are on the dole will be allowed in free next year,” Roig said. “The idea is to think of the club’s wider social base and those who have been unlucky to lose their jobs so they can continue to watch football in the Madrigal.
Roig added the club’s board, coaching staff, players and sponsors would combine to set up a fund to help subsidise the plan.
Meanwhile, uncapped Valencia winger Juan Mata (20) has replaced the injured Andres Iniesta in Spain’s squad for the upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Turkey.
Iniesta picked up a muscle injury in Barcelona’s 6-0 win over Malaga on Sunday and has been ruled out for two weeks.
Coach Vicente Del Bosque also has injury concerns over striker David Villa, who is recovering from a knee problem.
Capello Remains Defiant On King
RELATIONS between the England set-up and Tottenham Hotspur remained at breaking point last night over Ledley King’s controversial call-up to the national squad after Fabio Capello rejected the opportunity to hold clear-the-air talks with the Spurs manager, Harry Redknapp, and refused to rule out selecting the centre half again for future internationals, writes Dominic Fifield.
King’s surprise return to the international fold for the first time since 2007 ultimately amounted to a mere 16 hours before the 28-year-old, who is unable to train between games because of chronic knee problems, was released back to his club to resume his personal treatment programme.
Redknapp had described the player’s original selection as “ridiculous” but, though King’s departure appeared to represent an embarrassing climbdown for Capello, there remains a defiance around the England camp over his future involvement.
Guardian Service
Friedel, Mccartney Get Reprieved
ASTON Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel has had the red card he received in Sunday’s defeat at Liverpool rescinded by the English FA yesterday, while Sunderland full back George McCartney’s red card he received while playing for Sunderland at Manchester City was also expunged.
The American was sent off after 63 minutes of the 5-0 drubbing at Anfield after he was adjudged to have brought down Fernando Torres after the striker burst through on goal.
McCartney was sent off after just 15 minutes at Eastlands with referee Steve Tanner, after consultation with his assistant Mo Matadar, adjudging McCartney to have pulled back Shaun Wright-Phillips when the City winger burst through on goal, when contact appeared minimal.
Lafferty To Be Back For Title
RANGERS striker Kyle Lafferty has been told he should return to first-team action before the end of the season.
Lafferty damaged ankle ligaments after scoring the opening goal in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Hearts and was yesterday told he faced at least six weeks out.
However, a scan yesterday has revealed no further damage to the Northern Ireland international’s ankle.
Gibson To Stand By Southgate
MIDDLESBROUGH chairman Steve Gibson yesterday resisted a growing chorus of disapproval by insisting he has no plans to sack manager Gareth Southgate (above).
The 38-year-old former England defender has found himself firmly in the firing line in recent weeks as his side has slipped down the English Premier League table.
The chairman said: “I have spoken with a lot of fans over the last few weeks and they ask me about Gareth Southgate. But the magic wand in our situation isn’t sacking Gareth Southgate.”
Robinho Demands Apology From Pele Over Drug Claims
MANCHESTER City forward Robinho has demanded a formal apology from Pele after the Brazil legend claimed he had taken drugs.
Pele claimed Robinho and former world footballer of the year Ronaldo used recreational drugs at a party in Sao Paolo. The comments have caused a sensation in Brazil. But they left Robinho bemused, and his representatives are now demanding Pele retract the remarks.
“A formal retraction from Pele will be requested, if what he said was not misinterpreted by the media that published it,” read a statement on Robinho’s official website. “And if Pele does not come forward, he will have to deal with his very unfortunate comment in court.”
Meanwhile, City manager Mark Hughes insists Robinho is part of his long-term plans for Manchester City.
“There is no reason for anybody to think Robinho is not playing well for any other reason than the opposition stopping him,” said Hughes. “He is aware of the stories about him and he knows the focus is on him. He is in my plans long term.”
