Football News: Review Of The Day 25th March 2018
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Review of the Day
Policing Champions League Final Cost Millions
South Wales Police have revealed that it cost £5.7m to police last season's Champions League final, which saw Real Madrid beat Juventus. 2990 officers from other forces were needed to bolster the 1556 officers the South Wales Police were able to deploy.
Marinakis Denies Drug Smuggling Charges
Nottingham Forest and Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis has denied the charges levelled at him over the import of 2.1 tonnes of heroin the shipping magnate was said to be involved with. Marinakis released a statement on Olympiakos' website reading: "The prosecution against me is a product of a plot and it has nothing to do with the truth. I have never had anything to do with the acts for which an investigative inquiry is to be conducted, the result of which I am absolutely certain to be the confirmation of my innocence." Marinakis also faces matchfixing charges in Greece.
Scunny Sack Manager Despite Sitting In The Play Offs
League One side Scunthorpe United have sacked manager Graham Alexander with the team sat in 5th place in the league. Scunny drew 1-1 with Rochdale on Saturday, their 8th game without a win, which led to the dismissal. Alexander had qualified for the play offs last season as well. A Scunthorpe statement read: "Scunthorpe United FC can confirm that manager Graham Alexander and assistant manager Neil McDonald have this evening both been relieved of their duties. The club would wish to place on record their appreciation of Graham's efforts during his two years at Glanford Park."
Batman Makes Mild Dig At Chelsea
Chelsea's on-loan striker Michy Batshuayi has had a mild jab at his parent club as he talks about how much he enjoys being with Borussia Dortmund. After joining Dortmund Batshuayi has found himself a regular, rather than sitting on the sidelines watching Eden Hazard struggle badly in a false 9 role, with Batshuayi notching 8 in his first 11 games. Batshuayo told Belgian press: "I hardly played at Chelsea, so it's nice to be important again now. Do you know what it is: I am just warmly welcomed at Dortmund - I immediately got love. Then you are automatically better."
Newcastle Player Confirms MLS Move In The Offing
Achraf Lazaar was unable to break into the Newcastle United side this season, so went on loan to Serie A struggles Benevento, who also have a 3.5m euros option to buy. However the move has not worked out for the Moroccan international either, as he cannot get in the bottom placed side's squad. In order to save his World Cup hopes the 26 year old is now in talks with three MLS teams to try and rescue those fading hopes. Lazaar said: "Representing my country is the greatest satisfaction and I want to be at the World Cup with Morocco, as that would be a dream. Now I'll do everything I can to earn my chance. Unfortunately, I've been pushed out of the Benevento squad. Coming here was a bad decision and I wouldn't do it again, even if I got to know the extraordinary President Vigorito. I still respect him, despite the decision they have made. I have nothing against Coach Roberto De Zerbi, as he made his choices. I belong to Newcastle and must think about what is best for my career and right now I need playing time. I can confirm that there are three clubs who are interested in MLS, but I prefer to respect those clubs and not name the ones who contacted me. It's not easy purely in terms of red tape to go to America, but with my new agent Roberto De Fanti we are seeking the best solution. I really miss the Morocco squad, as I played during the qualifiers for the World Cup and will do everything to get my place in the side. I haven't been the usual Lazaar in recent months, but I have matured a great deal. I was a kid when I first became known and now I am a man."
Written by Tris Burke March 25 2018 06:03:52
