Football news

Australia coach Holger Osieck apologised yesterday after saying “women should shut up in public” following the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifying victory over Jordan in Melbourne.

Osieck made the comment prior to starting his post-match news conference after the 4-0 win on Tuesday, with the German adding “I’m going to be the darling of all Australian wives” after discovering the cameras were already rolling.

Yesterday, aware of the furore his remarks had caused, Osieck apologised.

“I got information it created waves. That was not the intent. To everyone offended, I sincerely apologise,” the German was quoted as saying by SBS.

Ban on away fans in Argentina

The last two rounds of Argentine first division matches have been closed to visiting teams’ supporters after a fan was shot dead during a clash with riot police.

A joint statement from the Argentine FA and government said they “have decided jointly that the next two rounds in Argentine football be played without the attendance of the visiting public”.

A hard-core fan of Lanus died after allegedly being shot at point-blank range by a police officer during fighting before the team’s league match with Estudiantes in La Plata, capital of Buenos Aires province, on Monday.

Isco hits out at CAS decision

Malaga playmaker Isco has vented his anger and frustration after the Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed the Andalusian club’s appeal against a ban preventing them from playing in European competition next season.

Spain international Isco tweeted in Spanish: “Shameful, lamentable, unfair that we’re looked at (Malaga fc) in a completely different way to other teams with much more irregularities and debt.

“Once again they take away what we’ve earned on the pitch!

“Neither the players or fans deserve this! I have nothing more to say.”

Man. City drive off with new deal

Manchester City have increased their international profile by entering into a partnership with Japanese car manufacturer Daihatsu.

In a deal that emulates some of the many Manchester United have struck in their expanding sponsorship portfolio, Daihatsu will become City’s official automotive partner in Indo-nesia next season.

City players will film a TV advert and will visit Indonesia this summer during the pre-season tour of south-east Asia.

Zanetti extends Inter stay

Inter legend Javier Zanetti will extend his playing career after signing a new one-year contract with the Serie A club.

The Argentine, who turns 40 in August, is currently sidelined after rupturing his Achilles tendon in April. He is expected to be back in action in October or November.

“First of all I’d like to thank the club for the faith they’ve shown in me,” Zanetti told the Inter website after putting pen to paper on a deal until 2014.

“We spoke at length about my injury and we decided to do another year.

“They’ve again shown they believe in me and my passion for Inter.”

Galliani invites El Shaarawy offers

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has indicated the club may sell striker Stephan El Shaarawy, who has been linked with Napoli, Manchester City and Arsenal.

El Shaarawy had said that he was happy at Milan after reports emerged that Manchester City have prepared a swap deal involving Argentinian Carlos Tevez for the left-footed forward.

Galliani was yesterday quoted in Corriere dello Sport as saying El Shaarawy may not necessarily remain at the San Siro and pointed to Napoli as a possible destination.

He said: “El Shaarawy? We never said he is not for sale. Napoli? Ask the president Aurelio De Laurentiis.”

Roma appoint Garcia as coach

Roma have appointed Rudi Garcia as their new head coach on a two-year contract, the Serie A club announced.

Lille had confirmed this week the Frenchman was in discussions with another club, with reports saying he had been in talks with Roma president James Pallotta in New York.

Yesterday the 49-year-old was formally unveiled as the new coach of the Giallorossi in a deal worth a reported €1.5m per season.

“AS Roma announces that it has reached an agreement with Rudi Garcia, who will become the head coach of the first team,” said a club statement.