Hamburg: Hamburg duo Dennis Aogo and Tomas Rincon have not been included in the squad for Saturday’s game against Hertha Berlin after their quick trip to Mallorca following last week’s 5-1 defeat to Hoffenheim infuriated club bosses. Defender Aogo flew to the Spanish island to meet his agent while midfielder Rincon went there for family reasons. “We do not give two days off so that people fly to Mallorca but so that they can think about how they can become better,” coach Thorsten Fink said.

‘Fat pig’: A soccer player in Belgium has demanded a public apology from a TV commentator who described him as being “fat as a pig”. Charleroi issued a statement on behalf of Harlem Gnohere, commonly known as “Bison”, saying presenter Stephane Pauwels had contacted the club to offer his apologies. Pauwels told viewers during Charleroi’s 2-1 defeat by KV Kortrijk on Saturday: “Bison is fat as a pig. He is 15 kilos too heavy and he’s going nowhere.”

Diamanti: Italy midfielder Alessandro Diamanti is unlikely to part with Bologna in this transfer window despite the strong interest of top clubs Juventus, Milan and Inter. “Diamanti is liked by a lot of teams but we made it clear to him that we want to keep him,” Bologna director general Roberto Zanzi was quoted as saying yesterday. “It has been some years since we have had someone like him in a Bologna shirt.”

Wooton: Leeds have secured the signing of Man. United defender Scott Wootton on a three-year deal. The 21-year-old centre-half, who can also play in either full-back position, has experience of playing in the Champions League as well as featuring in the League Cup last season. Wootton has previously had spells on loan with Tranmere, Peterborough (twice) as well as Nottm Forest.

Longo: Verona confirmed they had completed the loan signing of Inter and Italy U-21 striker Samuele Longo for the new season. Longo was expected to attend his first training session yesterday.

In England

Premier League

Chelsea 2
Luna 6og; Ivanovic 73;
Aston Villa 1
Benteke 45;