The Santiago derby between arch-rivals Universidad de Chile and Universidad Catolica was abandoned after an hour when a player was hit by an object thrown from the crowd.
Universidad Catolica’s Fernando Meneses was struck on the back in Sunday’s match as he went to take a corner in front of a section occupied by Universidad de Chile fans at Santiago’s Estadio Nacional.
Meneses fell to the ground and was taken off on a stretcher surrounded by angry opponents, who appeared to suggest he was play-acting, leading to scuffles and arguments between the teams. After a five-minute delay, the referee abandoned the match with Catolica leading 1-0.
Juventus punished for stadium chants
Juventus have been handed a partial stadium ban – suspended for one year – after fans were heard singing insulting chants about Serie A rivals Napoli on Sunday afternoon.
The Italian champions were at home to Genoa for a league game they won 2-0 but, after a section of fans was observed singing “discriminatory chants” about the fans and people of Naples, the Lega Serie A has threatened to close the Juventus Stadium’s south stand for two games.
The sanction has, however, been suspended for a year with the caveat that it will be imposed with a further penalty should Juventus supporters reoffend.
Dozens injured in Portugal clashes
Forty-eight people were injured as fans clashed outside the Dragao stadium before Sunday’s Portuguese Premier League game between Porto and Sporting, police said yesterday.
About one hundred fans were involved in the pre-match disturbances and were taken to a police station, but then released.
TV footage showed the problems started when a group of people, mostly dressed in black and not wearing any club gear, arrived in formation at the premises outside the Dragao stadium chanting and provoking Porto fans standing around.
Porto beat Sporting 3-1 and extended their lead at the top of the championship.
Mathieu earns France call
Valencia left-back Jeremy Mathieu has been called up by France for the World Cup play-offs against Ukraine next month.
France face Ukraine in the two-legged play-offs on November 15 and 19 and Valencia announced on their official Twitter feed that Mathieu will come into the squad for the crucial fixtures.
The post said: “Mathieu called up by France to dispute the two World Cup qualifying matches vs Ukraine.”
The 29-year-old played his last game for France in the 3-0 friendly defeat by Brazil in June.
League Cup is big trophy – Evra
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra insists the League Cup is a big trophy and admits the competition holds special memories for him.
While the League Cup may be bottom of United’s priorities this season, the France international said that does not mean they should not take it seriously.
“The League Cup is a big trophy for me – it’s the first one I won (in 2006) when I joined,” he told manutd.com ahead of today’s fourth-round visit of Norwich.
“I remember saying to the boss (Sir Alex Ferguson) when we got on the bus after the final ‘This is fantastic, after two months, I’ve won a trophy!”
Henry strike helps NY seal Shield
Thierry Henry set the New York Red Bulls on their way to their first silverware in franchise history as they beat the Chicago Fire 5-2 to clinch the Supporters’ Shield.
The former France striker drew the Red Bulls level in stunning fashion in the 24th minute, taking a ball from Peguy Luyindula on his chest before firing home off the crossbar, after Mike Magee (6) had put the Fire ahead.
Ibrahim Sekagya fired the Red Bulls ahead from close range six minutes into the second half, and further goals from Lloyd Sam (56), Eric Alexander (77) and Jonny Steele (84) added gloss.
The result saw the Red Bulls finish one point clear of Sporting Kansas City, ensuring they will be top seeds throughout the play-offs.
Osman hoping for England recall
Everton midfielder Leon Osman has not given up hope of an England recall and wants to add to his two caps.
England manager Roy Hodgson was present to see Osman, 32, come off the bench to score one and set up the other for Romelu Lukaku in Everton’s 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
“I couldn’t have asked for much more. I was involved in the first goal and I scored the second, so it’s pleasing when games go like that,” he told evertontv.
“I didn’t know Roy Hodgson was here. I was concentrating on the match.
“Obviously, I’m English and I’m still wanting to play. If the call came I’d be delighted.”