Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has been banned for the final three matches of the Primera Division season after he was sent to the stands during his side’s win over Malaga.
The Argentinian was dismissed after an extra ball was thrown onto the pitch, seemingly from the vicinity of the Atletico bench, which disrupted a Malaga attack.
Simeone has insisted he did not throw the ball, but admitted the referee was right to order him from the touchline.
Simeone was also fined €3,005 and the club €1,050.
Arsenal supporters’ groups to protest
Two of Arsenal’s largest supporters’ groups have announced plans to protest during Saturday’s league clash against Norwich.
The Black Scarf Movement and REDaction both released statements this week urging fans to hold up placards reading: “Time For Change. Arsenal is stale – fresh approach needed”.
The two respective websites included an image of the banner for supporters to print off and hand out ahead of the match against struggling Norwich, with plans to then hold them aloft on 12 minutes, 78 minutes and at full-time.
The timings are in reference to the 12 years since Arsenal last won the Premier League title.
Kanchelskis sacked
Former Manchester United and Russia winger Andrei Kanchelskis has been sacked as head coach of Russian third tier club Solyaris Moscow after just over three months in charge.
The 47-year-old took over at Solyaris, who play in Russia’s Second Division West, in January, but was sacked as their promotion hopes faltered.
Solyaris are second in the table, 12 points behind the leaders Khimki with seven matches remaining. Only the division’s winners are promoted at the end of the season.
Sakho won’t contest failed drugs test
Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has decided not to challenge the results of his failed drugs test.
Reports said the France international opted not to request his B sample be tested after his initial test revealed traces of a fat-burning substance.
The France international was left out of Saturday’s draw with Newcastle after it emerged UEFA has flagged up an apparent anti-doping violation relating to a banned substance as a result of a test following the Europa League tie at Manchester United last month.
Liverpool have refused to comment on Sakho’s situation as allegations relate to the player only and they are unlikely to change this stance until the defender and UEFA have resolved the matter.
RB Leipzig turned down Vardy chance
The coach and sporting director of RB Leipzig Ralf Rangnick has claimed he turned down the chance to sign Jamie Vardy two years ago – because the Leicester striker was too old.
“We desperately wanted to sign Joe Gomez, who later chose Liverpool, and we were flying back from London to Leipzig with his agent,” Rangnick said.
“In the plane, the agent said to me ‘Mr Rangnick, it’s a shame that you only go for players who are under 24 because I’ve got somebody who would be just perfect for you. I can guarantee he would become a national team player under you, but he’s already 27.’
“It was Jamie Vardy.”
Rangnick recalled replying: “No, he’s 27 – we’re not doing it.”
Tigre aim to get under fans’ skin
Argentine first division side Tigre are piloting a scheme where club members can have chips carrying their details inserted under their skin.
Tigre presented the “Ticket Pasion” idea on their website under the slogan: “Now you can carry your club inside (you)”.
The team from the Buenos Aires suburb of Victoria say the scheme will help them control who gets into the club and into matches, blocking members who are not up to date with their fees.
Tigre, plagued by “barras bravas” hooligans, are 10th in one of the two 15-team zones of the first division championship.
Petrov comeback
Former Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov, who retired from football after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia in 2012, wants to resume his playing career with the relegated Premier League club.
Petrov, who played more than 200 games for Villa and earned more than 100 caps for Bulgaria, said he was keen to help his beleaguered former club return to the top-flight as soon as possible.
“I’ve told Aston Villa that I’m ready to start a pre-season with them,” the 36-year-old midfielder said.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of doctors and fitness coaches, and everybody looked at it and assessed it and I have received very positive news. I’m looking forward to a return to football again.”