Football News: Review Of The Day 27th April 2019

Image from: freelargeimages.com

Review of the Day

Contracts

Lincoln City have handed former Norwich City centre back Jason Shackell a one-year contract extension. The veteran defender, who has also played for Derby County, Millwall, Burnley, Barnsley, Doncaster Rovers and Wolverhampton Wanderers, is now contracted until 2020.

Shaun Whalley has been given a new deal by Shrewsbury Town which runs until 2021.

Teenage defender William Saliba has extended his contract with Saint-Etienne until 2023.

Aberdeen defender Andrew Considine has signed a new 2 year deal with the club. There is also an option for a further year after it expires in 2021.

Rangers Confirm Hastie Interest

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed that he would like the club to sign Motherwell winger Jake Hastie, who is out of contract in the summer. Gerrard said: "It's no secret that there's an interest there. But, until we get it complete, there's nothing really to say." Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson expects to lose the 20 year old: "Jake won't be signing for me. I believe he has signed for another club, but it's not for me to announce that - I will leave that to other people."

Burundi Inernational Dies During Match

Burundi international Papy Faty died during a match in eSwatini. The 28 year old collapsed after quarter of an hour of the match and was rushed to hospital where he was declared dead of suspected heart failure. International team-mate Saido Berahino said on social media: "I still can't believe it. It was an honour to play with you for Burundi and also qualifying for the first time ever. History was made, you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace."

Gills Sack Manager

League One side Gillingham have sacked manager Steve Lovell with the club sat safely in mid-table. Lovell took over initially as caretaker in October 2017, before being appointed permanently the following month. Gills were 17th last season and are in 12th place now in the table. A Gills statement said: "After a discussion between the chairman [Paul Scally] and manager this afternoon, the club can confirm that Steve Lovell has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. The club would like to thank Steve for his efforts with the team over the past 18 months and wish him well for the future."

Montenegro Get Slapped Wrists

Montenegro's punishment for racist abuse of England players by their fans has led to a punishment which is little more than a slap on the wrists, if even that. UEFA have fined them 20,000 euros and ordered to play their next game behind closed doors, however the fine also includes punishment for setting off of fireworks, throwing objects, crowd disturbances and blocking stairways! It is little wonder Danny Rose said of the 'punishment': "I don't think it's a harsh enough punishment. I'm not surprised. It's obviously a bit of a shame this is where we're at now and I just have to get on with it. It's a bit shocking but there's not much I can do now. I just hope I don't ever have to play there again and we just have to move on now." Kick It Out also criticised the decision: "Ever since England's black players received this shocking abuse we have called for the strongest punishment. This decision falls way short of that."

UEFA Punishments

There were a number of other punishments announced by UEFA:
Slovakia were fined 43,000 euros for charges of illicit chants, stairways blocked, crowd disturbances and throwing of objects during a Euro 2020 qualifier with Hungary.
Hungary are to have a partial stadium closure and 23,500 euro fine for a charges of racist behaviour, throwing of objects, acts of damage and setting off of fireworks.
Dynamo Kyiv have been fined 60,000 euros for setting off of fireworks, field invasions by supporters, use of laser pointer, throwing of objects, kit infringement (which explains why the fine was so high as UEFA seemingly view that as much more serious than anything such as racist abuse or fans throwing objects) and blocked stairways.
Bayern Munich have been punished for blocked stairways, illicit banner and kit infringement with a 12,000 euro fine.
Zenit have been fined 10,000 euros for acts of damages.
Schalke 04 have been fined 5,000 euros for acts of damaes.
GNK Dinamo have been punished for racist behaviour, setting off fireworks, throwing of objects and stairways being blocked by being ordered to play their next 2 home matches behind closed doors and fined 67,000 euros.
Malmo FF were fined 58,000 euros for setting off of fireworks and throwing of objects.
Chelsea were fined 13,000 euros for throwing of objects and field invasions by supporters.
And many, many more punishments.

Bolton Game Called Off

After Bolton Wanderers players announced that they would not play again until they were paid the wages they were owed, their game this weekend with Brentford was called off with less than 24 hours notice. An EFL statement read: "As a result of these disappointing developments, the league has been forced to suspend Saturday's fixture. The club [Bolton] is now deemed to be guilty of misconduct and will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission. The EFL Board will now consider the matter of determining whether the fixture will be played or not."

Neymar Given 3 Match Ban

After he insulted match officials on social media, UEFA have given Paris Saint-Germain's spoilt child Neymar Jr a 3 match ban. Neymar missed the game through injury and is now set to miss half of next season's Champions League group stage, before leading them out of the competition in the round of 16.

Written by Tris Burke April 27 2019 06:24:16