Football News: Review Of The Day 8th December 2020

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Review of the Day

Contracts

Transfers

Former Liverpool, Manchester City, AC and Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli has signed for Italian Serie B side AC Monza until the end of the season.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola has said that his client is unhappy at the club and "has to change teams". Raiola said: "Paul is unhappy. He is no longer able to express himself as he would like and as expected of him. He has to change teams; he has to change the air. He has a contract that will expire in a year and a half, but I think the best solution for the parties is to sell him in the next market. I can say that it's over for Paul Pogba at Manchester United."

Colombian striker Jackson Martinez has hung up his boots. The 34 year old former Atletico Madrid forward had been released by Portugese side Portimonense in August and had been unable to find a new club.

Injury Round-Up

Sunderland left-back Denver Hume has been ruled out of action for up to 4 weeks with a hamstring strain.

Ben Pearson will be missing from the Preston North End team for a significant period of time with an ankle ligament injury.

Newcastle United's training ground is still closed until the results of a fresh round of CV tests after an outbreak at the club forced their match against Aston Villa to be called off on Friday.

Angers' former Southampton winger Sofiane Boufal has suffered a strain or tear to a thigh muscle. The Moroccan international was stretchered off after 55 minutes of their 2-0 win over Lorient.

Bayern Munich's veteran Spanish defensive midfielder Javi Martinez has suffered a muscle injury to his left thigh which is expected to keep him out for at least a month.

Managerial Changes

Disciplinary Charges

Wigan Bidder Drops Out

One member of the Spanish consortium trying to buy Wigan Athletic has dropped out, due to being subject to a disqualifying condition under the English Football League's regulations. A statement from the club's administrators explained: "By mutual consent, this member and all members of the bidding team related to this member have been removed from the process and from the bidding team. The funds that were to be provided... are not to be utilised by the club going forward. We are continuing to work with the EFL and are in the process of providing revised submissions to reflect the revised position of the bidder with the hope of bringing this matter to a satisfactory conclusion." The administrator also said that another member of the bidding team had "already provided proof of funding to show sufficient funds for the acquisition and two years trading as required".

Colchester Hit Out At Fans Booing Players Who Take A Knee

The chairman of Colchester United, Robbie Cowling, has given his full backing to the continuation of players and officials taking a knee before matches kick off, after Colchester fans booed it on Saturday. Cowling said: "Those that take the knee want to highlight that all lives should be valued and should not be treated inhumanely or inferior to others just because of their race. It is undeniable that black and other ethnic minority people are still the victims of racism, and the black footballers and staff at Colchester United feel that they are in a position of privilege that has been fought for through the blood and sweat of their ancestors. A position that in 2020 the average black person is still not afforded. Those taking the knee, and supporting the taking of the knee, not only shows their willingness to support the drive to eradicate racial oppression but force it to be a talking point even when it's uncomfortable. Undeniably, taking the knee is a fundamental catalyst in pushing the conversation, and thus the necessary changes, forward. It would be very disappointing if anyone does decide to boo again, at the very least stay silent during future games. Alternatively, they should just stay away from our club because anyone that still wants to boo now that I have explained the purpose and importance of the taking of the knee is not welcome at our club. I will be happy to refund anyone for the remaining value of their season permit if that is the reason they feel they can no longer attend our games. Going forward I would like to make the actions of those fans who do boo the taking of the knee completely irrelevant. For every game where the players choose to take the knee, I would like all of our fans to join me in applauding this gesture to ensure our players know we fully support them." Queens Park Rangers, who had stopped taking a knee, are set to return to the gesture when they face Millwall on Tuesday night. Millwall fans were the other set of fans who booed taking the knee at the weekend. QPR manager Mark Warburton said: "In light of certain events, we will stand solidly behind the cause and our players will take the knee. We will show solidarity because we will not tolerate any form of discrimination. But we are a club that take positive action and do not get involved in token gestures. Les' words were succinct and very clear. Moving forward, people will do what they think is the right thing."

Raphinha Felt Devalued By Leeds Move

Leeds United summer signing Raphinha has admitted that he was disappointed to be sold by Sporting Rennes, who sold him to Leeds for less than they paid for him after just a year of him playing there. Raphinha told ESPN: "I arrived here on a Monday, and had found out about the proposal on Saturday. I was focused on playing in the Champions League at Rennes. But, knowing that, out of the blue, they accepted an offer from Leeds, for an amount even less than the purchase, made me feel devalued. I played on Sunday and, after the match, they put the whole responsibility on me, on leaving. Until Saturday, at noon, I was focused on the game. The transfer window was closed, I knew that nothing more would happen. And I was told that Rennes would only sell me for an offer of 60 million euros, but they sold me for 15 million. I felt devalued. Today I'm happy at Leeds, they showed me the club's project, I liked it, I'm an athlete that always wants to win, I was very happy with that. I was treated very well, I felt the same affection that I felt at Rennes, I felt that they wanted me here. It was very rewarding."

World Cup Qualifying Draw For Europe

Group A: Portugal, Serbia, Republic of Ireland, Luxembourg, Azerbaijan

Group B: Spain, Sweden, Greece, Georgia, Kosovo

Group C: Italy, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, Lithuania

Group D: France, Ukraine, Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan

Group E: Belgium, Wales, Czech Republic, Belarus, Estonia

Group F: Denmark, Austria, Scotland, Israel, Faroe Islands, Moldova

Group G: Netherlands, Turkey, Norway, Montenegro, Latvia, Gibraltar

Group H: Croatia, Slovakia, Russia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta

Group I: England, Poland, Hungary, Albania, Andorra, San Marino

Group J: Germany, Romania, Iceland, North Macedonia, Armenia, Liechtenstein

Written by Tris Burke December 08 2020 05:45:02