Football Racism Inquiry Call After Spurs-Chelsea Clash Halted ‘I Hate Racism in Society and in Football and I’M Disappointed That Things Like That Can Happen’

27 Sports Tuesday, December 24, 2019 Football racism inquiry call after Spurs-Chelsea clash halted ‘I hate racism in society and in football and I’m disappointed that things like that can happen’

LONDON: The Professional Footballers’ Association called within football.” Two weeks ago a man was identified and for a government inquiry into racism in football after arrested for an alleged racist gesture caught on TV cameras Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League win at Tottenham on Sunday during the Manchester derby between City and United, while was marred by alleged racist comments from the crowd, the an Italy’s Serie A apologised last week after an anti-racism latest in a string of recent incidents. campaign featuring posters with images of monkeys was Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said the problem needed widely condemned. “to be dealt with strongly” and Tottenham promised “a thor- UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin earlier this month pledged ough investigation” after referee Anthony Taylor halted play European football’s governing body was working to tackle during the second half when Antonio Rudiger complained of the rising problem after a spate of incidents across the conti- hearing monkey noises from spectators. nent including the hurling of racist abuse at England players Moments earlier the Chelsea defender had been involved during a match in Bulgaria. in a second-half clash with Son Heung-min that saw the But Ceferin accused British Prime Minister Boris Johnson South Korean sent off. Shortly after the stoppage, an of fuelling the problem. “When a politician that calls women announcement made over the public address system warned with burqas post boxes or mailboxes then says publicly that that “racist behaviour among spectators is interfering with he condemns you UEFA (for not tackling racism) — do you the game” and Taylor spoke to both managers, Lampard and reply to that? Do you believe it’s honest? Come on,” said Jose Mourinho. Ceferin. Two further public address announcements followed after Former Manchester United player Gary Neville also play was resumed.”It’s just such a shame that racism still accused top UK politicians. “We’ve just had a general elec- exists in 2019. When will this nonsense stop?” Rudiger tion in this country with both main parties and the leaders of tweeted. “I really hope that the offenders will be found and both main parties accused constantly of fuelling racism and punished soon, and in such a modern football ground like the accepting racism in their parties,” said Neville on Sky Sports. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with dozens of TV and security “If it’s accepted in the highest office in the country, we’re cameras, it must be possible to find and subsequently punish not talking at a micro-level.” “Maybe we have to empower them. “If not, then there must have been witnesses in the sta- the players to walk off the pitch and stop the entertainment dium who saw and heard the incident.” The PFA said in a while it is happening,” he added. statement late Sunday: “We are disgusted and dismayed that The ugly scenes overshadowed the Willian double that LONDON: Chelsea’s French defender Kurt Zouma (R) and Chelsea’s German defender Antonio Rudiger (2nd L) once again, a Premier League fixture has been tainted by gave Lampard a memorable triumph at the expense of his abuse from the stands towards players. former Chelsea manager Mourinho. Lampard insisted there reacts during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham “It has become clear that football players are on the was never any question of his team leaving the pitch in Hotspur Stadium in London. — AFP receiving end of the blatant racism that is currently rife in the protest. “Of course, we know there is a protocol,” he said. “It UK, but they are not alone. “Racist abuse in football is not needs to be dealt with strongly.” Tottenham manager “I hate racism in society, I hate racism in football. I’m dis- effectively that Chelsea dominated from start to finish. just an issue for black and ethnic minority players, it is an Mourinho condemned racism but still took a swipe at appointed that things like that can happen. The club is a very Willian’s superb opener was followed by a clinical penalty issue for everyone who loves the game. “The PFA calls for a Rudiger, accusing him of play-acting by clutching his ribs to proud club in this kind of situation and internally we will try from the Brazilian as Chelsea held onto fourth place and government inquiry into racism and the rise in hate crime get Son sent off. to deal with it,” he said. Lampard outwitted his old boss so moved six points clear of seventh-placed Tottenham. — AFP

shows the average basic pay at the Spanish giants this St Germain in 12th (7.1 million pounds) — but ahead of Barcelona are best season is 9.8 million pounds ($12.75 million), dipping local rivals Manchester United who are 33rd (6.1 mil- slightly from last year’s 10.5 million pounds. lion pounds). The average annual salary of a Premier Barcelona holding onto top spot is largely down to League player climbed over 3 million pounds for the paid sports team Argentina forward Lionel Messi’s gross basic annual first time - a rise of 6.1% from last year - making the Atalanta hand pay of more than 50 million pounds including guaran- competition the highest paying soccer league, while in the world: Study teed image rights fees. the NBA was first overall. ‘embarrassing’ Real Madrid are second on the list with an average Major League Baseball teams experienced mixed basic pay of around 8.9 million pounds while Serie A fortunes on the list. The New York Yankees, who last BARCELONA: Barcelona have retained their position champions Juventus — who signed Messi’s great rival week signed pitcher Gerrit Cole to a nine-year deal AC Milan worst as the world’s best paid professional sports team while Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018 — are in third place. worth a reported $324 million, are 32nd while the National Basketball Association (NBA) sides took sev- Portland Trailblazers are fourth with an average pay Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City loss in 21 years en out of the top 10 places this year, a study of 8 million pounds, ahead of fellow NBA sides Golden Royals and Arizona Diamondbacks were among the http://www.globalsportssalaries.com/GSSS%202019. State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City biggest fallers. Data revealed that Spain’s La Liga and pdf by research body Sporting Intelligence has Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat and Cleveland the Premier League were joint-top in terms of social MILAN: Slovenia international Josip Ilicic scored revealed. Cavaliers. English soccer champions Manchester City media popularity, well ahead of the NBA, NFL and two terrific goals as Atalanta demolished AC Milan Data from the annual Global Sports Salary Survey are 13th at 6.9 million pounds — below France’s Paris Serie A. — Reuters 5-0 in Serie A on Sunday to climb up to fifth and hand the fallen Italian giants their heaviest defeat since 1998. It was an “embarrassing” performance by the seven-time European champions, said club man- Five talking points in ager Zvonimir Boban. Atalanta fans even taunted Milan with shouts of ‘Serie B, Serie B’, confidently European football predicting relegation for their storied rivals this season. Atalanta captain Papu Gomez fired the PARIS: Many of Europe’s biggest clubs can towards the Ligue 1 title with a 4-1 win over hosts ahead on 10 minutes when he gathered the go into Christmas with something to cheer. Amiens. A day after his 21st birthday, ball on the left wing and drifted into the area Bayern Munich, who have been sack-happy Mbappe scored either side of Neymar’s before blasting beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma. in recent seasons, seem to be content with effort before Mauro Icardi added a late Mario Pasalic, on loan from Chelsea, added a their temporary manager, at least for the fourth at the Parc de Princes. Mbappe finish- second on the hour in Bergamo when he flicked in present. Kylian Mbappe proved to be a not- es the year with 41 goals and at least one a flashing drive from Robin Gosens. Ilicic made it so-secret Santa in France, Atletico Madrid more admirer in his fan club after he con- 3-0 with a clinical finish after a Pasalic assist and were touched by an Angel, Ajax and Inter soled a young boy who evaded security to the Slovenian attacker struck again on 72 minutes Milan can enjoy a merry Christmas on top of run on the pitch to grab an autograph with when he curled a majestic strike into the top cor- the pile. But AC Milan are still not giving their the star striker. The youngster was in tears by ner from 20 yards. fans what they want. AFP Sport looks at five the time he reached the player after being Luis Muriel then replaced Ilicic and scored with of the big talking points round Europe this pursued by security staff. Mbappe then went minutes of his introduction, pouncing on hesitancy season. on to dress up in full Santa Claus regalia at a from Donnarumma to round out a resounding vic- charity function following the match. MADRID: Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior (R) dives for the ball dur- tory. Atalanta have scored a league-best 43 goals BAYERN STICK WITH FLICK ing the Spanish league football match Real Madrid CF against Athletic Club Bilbao ALL IN THE DETAIL FOR ATLETICO this season and trail Roma by four points in the Bayern Munich have plenty to be pleased at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. — AFP race for the final Champions League spot. about going into the Bundesliga’s four-week Liverpool’s opponents in the last-16 of the The Bergamo side are competing in the winter break with interim boss Hansi Flick Champions League Atletico Madrid have had Champions League for the first time this season having been rewarded for eight wins in 10 a chequered first half of the season but Diego and were drawn against Valencia in the last 16 games by being kept on until “at least” the Simeone’s well drilled side proved once more Real lose ground in end of the season. “Hansi deserves our trust,” this weekend they can be counted on to fight after scraping through the group stage. The defeat said sports director Hasan Salihamidzic after every inch of the pitch. With goals hard to was Milan’s worst loss since going down 5-0 to Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Wolfsburg find since Antoine Griezmann left for Spanish title race Roma in 1998. thanks to late goals by Dutch teenager Barcelona, the feisty Simeone shuffled his “We have to work and improve. We entered the Joshua Zirkzee and Germany winger Serge pack in the second half at Betis and saw sub MADRID: Real Madrid were left to rue a champions beat Alaves 4-1 on Saturday. pitch with too little technical and tactical clarity. Gnabry. The club say “a continuation of Angel Correa score one and create a goal series of near misses Sunday as they stum- Messi hit his 50th goal of the year with It’s a terribly insufficient performance,” admitted Hansi Flick as head coach” beyond next May after being dropped from the staring line up. bled to a 0-0 home draw with Athletic Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez and Arturo Milan coach Stefano Pioli. Milan club manager is “a very conceivable option for FC Bayern” The demanding trainer’s words after the Bilbao, dropping two points adrift of Vidal also on target. Boban, a former midfield great with the club, said with Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas match spoke volumes and Liverpool would Barcelona in a tight Spanish title race. Real Sevilla are third on 34 points after their 2- it will be a miserable holiday period. Tuchel and Ajax’s Erik ten Hag, who have be wise to expect a dog-fight if they are to also drew 0-0 in midweek at Barcelona but 0 win at Real Mallorca. Earlier Sunday Angel “It was an embarrassing performance. We will been linked to the role, under contract at make it to the Champions League quarter- Sunday’s result leaves Madrid on 37 points at Correa came off the bench to score one and have to wake up and react. It will not be a good their respective clubs until at least 2021. finals. “Small details win games,” said the half-way stage of the season, two points make another as Atletico Madrid climbed Christmas,” said the Croatian. Napoli needed a More good news followed on Sunday as a Simeone. “Correa showed what he’s made of off Barcelona who top the table on 39. back into the top four with a 2-1 win at Real goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time from groin operation on their top-scorer Robert today, we’ve been training him hard. He put Toni Kroos hit the bar, Karim Benzema Betis. Macedonian midfielder Elif Elmas to secure a Lewandowski went well and the Poland hot- on good pressure to get the first goal and a saw an effort cleared off the line with a back- The red-and-white half of Madrid were in comeback 2-1 win at Sassuolo. shot is expected back for their winter training nice pass for the second. But I was just as heel and both Rodrygo and Vincius Junior the doldrums after a home defeat to It was their first victory in the league since camp in Doha from January 4-10. Defending pleased to see him fighting for the win right forced snap saves on a frustrating night for Barcelona a month ago but have since quali- October 19 having gone eight matches without a champions Bayern are four points behind at the end, when the team needed him.” Madrid. Real defender Eder Militao was fied for the Champions League last-16 where win. Furthermore, it was a maiden triumph as leaders RB Leipzig and face Hertha Berlin in forced off after being poked in the eye and they can savour the chance of measuring coach for Gennaro Gattuso who replaced the their first league game of 2020 on January 19. AJAX REBOUND his replacement Nacho Fernandez also hit themselves against Liverpool. sacked Carlo Ancelotti but whose first outing had Ajax can feel a little happier heading into the thje woodwork. European champions Liverpool travel to TWO TALES, ONE CITY Christmas break after opening some daylight at Coach Zinedine Zidane brought on Gareth Madrid in February for the Champions ended in a 2-1 defeat to Parma last weekend. In Milan, there will be mixed emotions this the top of the Dutch Eredivise on Sunday. Ajax Bale and Luka Jovic, but Madrid failed to find League first leg match and will have noted Sassuolo were ahead after 29 minutes when 19- Christmas for the fans of Inter and AC Milan. were knocked out of the Champions League by a winner. “It was neither bad luck nor com- the commitment inspired by Atletico’s feisty year-old Hamed Junior Traore volleyed home. While Inter sit top of the table and eye their Valencia on December 10. Five days later they placency,” Zidane said after the game. Argentine coach Diego Simeone. Brazilian Allan levelled for Napoli just before the first Serie A crown in a decade after a 4-0 conceded an added time goal to lose to their “There’s no reason to get depressed about “Correa showed what he’s made of today, hour with Elmas bundling home the winner in rout of Genoa on Saturday, for their rivals the closest Dutch challengers, AZ Alkmaar. Then, on this, we need to keep calm and keep our we’ve been training him hard. He put on good injury time. Napoli are now eighth, seven points new year cannot come soon enough. Milan Saturday, the Amsterdam club announced that heads up.” pressure to get the first goal and a nice pass off the Champions League places. In other match- are down in 11th spot after suffering a 5-0 veteran international defender Daley Blind had “We created lots of chances and if we for the second,” said Simeone. “But I was just es Sunday, ninth-placed Bologna saw off Lecce 3- demolition at the hands of Atalanta on been diagnosed with a heart condition after keep going then they’ll start going in. “I feel as pleased to see him fighting for the win 2 wile Mario Balotelli came off the bench to score Sunday. It was the first time since 1955 that suffering dizziness in the loss to Valencia. sorry for the players. It would have been nice right at the end, when the team needed him.” in Brescia’s 1-1 draw at Parma. Atalanta had put four goals past Milan in Alkmaar started the weekend level on points for them to get more; three points from three The goals all came after the break as sec- Inter Milan and reigning champions Juventus Serie A while for the fallen giants it was their with leaders Ajax but helpfully crashed 3-0 games isn’t great.” ond-half sub Correa came on for struggling are locked on 42 points at the top as the Italian heaviest defeat in Serie A in 21 years. Milan away to mid-table Sparta in Rotterdam on For Bilbao, Kenan Kodro’s thunderbolt France international Thomas Lemar on 56 league prepares to head into a two-week winter coach Stefano Pioli, whose team conceded Saturday. Ajax seized the opportunity by pul- shot was ruled out for off-side in the first half minutes and scored with his first touch of the recess. Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Inter beat four goals in the last 30 minutes, admitted: verising struggling ADO Den Haag 6-1 on while the Santiago Bernabeu lived on its game to set Atletico on the road to a third Genoa 4-0 on Saturday while teammate “We got everything wrong from the start.” Sunday. Six different players scored as Ajax hit nerves when Athletic flooded forward deep straight win. Sebastiano Esposito became the club’s youngest six in 38 minutes either side of half time. They into added time with Asier Villalibre almost Former Real Madrid, Juventus and MBAPPE SHINES ON AND OFF PITCH scorer in more than 60 years. let up after the 63rd minute even though the clinching a winer at the death. Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata gave Atletico a Juventus had overcame Sampdoria 2-1 on World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe illus- visitors played the last 10 minutes with 10 men. Barcelona go into the brief Spanish winter 2-0 lead late on before a stoppage time con- Wednesday before taking on Lazio in the Italian trated his star quality both on and off the They will resume on January 19 with a three- break on top of La Liga after a glittering solation strike for the home fans came from Super Cup in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. —AFP pitch on Saturday as PSG kept up their stroll point lead over AZ.— AFP show led by Lionel Messi saw the defending Marc Bartra.—FP