The Daily Football Diary: Balotelli subjected to apparent racism
Keep bang up to date with the latest news, gossip, transfer rumours and results from the world of soccer in our daily round-up.By Stephen Brewer
11:54 PM UTC 06 Feb 2013
Mario Balotelli called: ‘family’s n***er’ by Silvio Berlusconi’s brother
Having only just made his transfer to AC Milan, ‘Super Mario’ has allegedly already been subject to racist comments. However this is not from fans, but an AC Milan official in the guise of Paolo Berlusconi, brother of club president Silvio. The remarks were filmed and posted on the La Repubblica website, the literal translation of what he said at a political rally is as follows. ‘Let’s go and watch the family’s little nigger’.
According to BBC News Rome Correspondent, Alan Johnston states, ‘There’s been no reaction yet from Balotelli……Just a few weeks ago the Italian club was involved in a row over racism of a very different kind. The side walked off the pitch and abandoned a game after fans abused one of its black players. Following that incident, the club president, the former prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi fully backed the decision to walk off, and condemned the racist abuse in the strongest terms.’
Silvio Berlusconi will more than likely have some explaining to do along with his brother Paolo following the ‘family’s little N***er’ comment.
England’s first win over Brazil in 23 years
Frank Lampard scores England’s winner in rare 2-1 victory over Brazil
Roy Hodgson’s men took the league over the samba kings of football after just 27 minutes through Wayne Rooney. However things could have gone wrong for the Three Lions after just 19 minutes, when Brazil were awarded a penalty for a Jack Wilshire handball. Joe Hart saved the resultant penalty from Ronaldinho, who he along with England’s Ashley Cole were celebrating their 100th cap for their countries.
Though it will be Cole who is having the better of the two nights after Frank Lampard struck a spectacular winner on the 60th minute, following Fred equalising just after the restart.
It may have been England’s first win against Brazil since 1990 at the old Wembley ground through a Gary Lineker header. Though it was the first time England have scored more than two goals versus Brazil since 1984.
Westerveld refutes Real Sociedad doping claims
Sander Westerveld claims no doping happened at Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad’s former club president claimed that it’s players were subjected to doping practices. However this is a claim that is refuted by ex-Liverpool and Real Sociedad goalkeeper, Sander Westerveld.
Former president Inaki Badiola was in charge of the Liga club in 2008 when they apparently struck off two doctors, Eduardo Escobar and Antxon Gorrotxategi. It was allegedly because they discovered payments over six years for products which were classified as banned substances.
The Dutch keeper had this to say. ‘Of course at Real Sociedad there were players who received intravenous injections before and after games.’ he continued, ‘I never noticed anything that would improve my performance particularly.’
Mallorca re-hire Gregorio Manzano for a third time
Gregorio Manzano in Mallorca managerial hat-trick
Following Los Bermellones’ poor run of form, which has led the Spanish side to drop into the relegation zone, they have sacked Joaquin Caparros. Caparros has been replaced by Manzano who first took over the helm in 2002 when he won the Copa del Rey. He then returned in 2006 where he spent four years, during this time he led the club to fifth during the 2009/10 season.
Speaking at a press conference Manzano said, ‘I know the club and some of the staff, I know the challenge. We have a commitment to save the team and thereafter conitune for another year……I have knowledge of this team, there are players who have worked under me but they must be analysed as a whole. We need the players to be at 120 percent.’
Burkina Faso v Nigeria African Cup of Nations Final
Burkina Faso through to their first final
Burkina Faso have reached their first ever Africa Cup of Nations final after beating Ghana on penalties. The Burkinabe were made to work for the privilege however, being denied penalties in normal times and in extra-time denied. They were also subject to Johnathan Pitroipa being sent off, in a decision that was also highly suspect. Though throughout all this they managed to beat Ghana 3 -2 in the shoot out to set up a meeting with Nigeria.
Nigeria who beat Mali tonight in the other semi-final found it a lot easier than their soon to be opponents. The Super Eagles beat Mali a resounding 4 -1, sending the team to their first Cup of Nations final in 13 years.
Results:
International Friendlies:
Japan 3 – 0 Latvia
Azerbaijan 1 – 0 Liechtenstein
Croatia 4 – 0 South Korea
Kazakhstan 3 – 1 Moldova
Cyprus 1 – 3 Serbia
Hungary 1 – 1 Belarus
Chile 2 – 1 Egypt
Norway 0 – 2 Ukraine
Slovenia 0 – 3 Bosnia-H
Albania 1 – 2 Georgia
Israel 2 – 1 Finland
Spain 3 – 1 Uruguay
Turkey 0 – 2 Czech Rep
Macedonia 3 – 0 Denmark
Malta 0 – 0 Northern Ireland
England 2 – 1 Brazil
Greece 0 – 0 Switzerland
Iceland 0 – 2 Russia
Netherlands 1 – 1 Italy
Sweden 2 – 3 Argentina
Belgium 2 – 1 Slovakia
Republic of Ireland 2 – 0 Poland
Romania 3 – 2 Australia
Scotland 1 – 0 Estonia
Wales 2 – 1 Austria
France 1 – 2 Germany
Portugal 2 -3 Ecuador
Africa Cup of Nations:
Mali 1 – 4 Nigeria
Burkina Faso 1 – 1 Ghana
Stephen Brewer
Latest posts by Stephen Brewer (see all)
- The Daily Football Diary: FIFA confirms licence for Drogba’s Galatasaray move - February 13, 2013
- The Daily Football Diary: Nigeria win third African Cup of Nations - February 10, 2013
- The Daily Football Diary: Balotelli subjected to apparent racism - February 6, 2013
