The Caxirola, a small percussion instrument Brazilians had planned to shake at World Cup matches, could be banned after dozens of them were turned into missiles by angry supporters.
Thousands of the instruments were distributed before a game between Bahia and Vitoria at Salvador’s Fonte Nova stadium, one of the 12 World Cup venues, on Sunday.
But angry Bahia fans found a different use for them by throwing them onto the pitch in protest at their own team’s performance in a 2-1 defeat by Vitoria.
Man. City won’t ease off says Platt
Assistant boss David Platt claims Manchester City will not ease up in their remaining games, even if they secure second place.
With a six-point advantage over third-placed Chelsea, they look well on course to claim the runners-up spot, but Platt insists there will be no slackening off with the second task in mind.
City travel to Swansea and host West Brom before taking on Wigan in the FA Cup final.
“I have been saying for weeks that this club is obligated to win football matches,” Platt said.
“If we can secure second place within the next two or three games that won’t put any kind of slant on our last two games, at Reading and at home against Norwich.”
Defeated Ronaldo up for King’s Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo wants to put the Champions League semi-final exit to Borussia Dortmund to one side and win the Copa del Rey.
A 2-0 win at the Bernabeu on Tuesday was not enough to mend the damage of the first leg in Germany as Real Madrid lost 4-3 on aggregate to Dortmund.
“I think the first match was key because four goals are a lot in the Champions League, but the team were focused on trying to reach the final,” Ronaldo said.
“We’re a bit sad because we thought we could have been in the final.
“The Copa del Rey is a different competition. It will be a different match and if we go out with the same desire I am sure that we will win.”
Lazio lead race for midfielder Biglia
Lazio have made good progress in their efforts to sign Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia, according to reports in England.
The 27-year-old Argentine has been linked with several top European clubs over the last few months, including Real Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool and Inter.
However, TalkSport reported that Lazio are closing in on Biglia after making an offer of £8 million, dwarfing the £4.5m bid tabled by Liverpool.
Biglia has been playing for Anderlecht since 2006 but has made it clear since January that he is keen to test himself at a bigger club.
El Shaarawy rules out England move
Stephan El Shaarawy has ruled out a move to Manchester City after revealing that he’d be happy to spend the rest of his career with Milan.
On Tuesday, the 20-year-old Italy striker was presented with the Milan News Award as best player of 2012.
Asked about growing reports that Manchester City are lining up a lucrative offer to tempt him away from the San Siro, the Italy international replied with a smile: “I’d like to stay at Milan for life.”
El Shaarawy has made no secret of his affection for the Rossoneri as he has been a fan of the club since childhood.
O’Sullivan sees hope for Suarez
Ronnie O’Sullivan believes the sports psychiatrist who rescued his snooker career can transform the fortunes of under-fire striker Luis Suarez at Liverpool.
Suarez has begun a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic in the recent Premier League match between the teams.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Suarez will see Dr Steve Peters, who has been working with the Anfield club.
“If I could afford to have Steve 24/7 then I would,” O’Sullivan said.
“But if Liverpool can have him there for four or five years then they’ll win the Premier League.
“It’s not a quick fix with Steve, but if Liverpool stick with him and Brendan Rodgers they’ll win the title.”
Rogers trains with LA Galaxy
A day after NBA centre Jason Collins came out as the first gay athlete actively playing in one of the top US professional leagues, gay player Robbie Rogers took a step towards joining him.
Rogers, a former US inter-national, came out in February with an announcement that also included his decision to step away from the game.
On Tuesday, however, Rogers trained with LA Galaxy.
Rogers had unsuccessful stints in England with Leeds and Stevenage before saying he wanted to “discover myself away from football”.
Rogers made his name in MLS with the Columbus Crew but un-der league rules, his rights would be held by the Chicago Fire if he was to return to play.