Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has apologised to fans after admitting drink-driving.
The Ivory Coast international said he had admitted the charge at a Monday court hearing, after being arrested in Dagenham, east London, on November 28.
He said: “Drink driving is a serious crime and even though I was not intentionally consuming alcohol I accept the ban and fine and I would like to apologise for this situation.”
Toure, who earns £200,000 a week, was fined £54,000 and banned from driving for 18 months.
Beiersdorfer admits Hamburg mistakes
Former Hamburg chairman Dietmar Beiersdorfer says he probably lost his job because he was too soft.
Beiersdorfer, who was relieved of his duties on Sunday, believes he has been made the scapegoat simply because he did not raise his voice enough.
“I imagine they wanted a chairman with a different character,” he told the Bild newspaper.
“Somebody who gives off a stronger image on the outside and who also vents his anger from time to time.”
Qatar Airways seek Barcelona links
Qatar Airways hope to maintain commercial ties with Barcelona despite ending their contract to sponsor the Spanish champions’ shirts, CEO Akbar Al Baker said.
Barca signed the most lucrative shirt sponsorship deal in world soccer last month by agreeing a four-year deal with Japanese internet retailer Raku-ten worth €55m a year.
Qatar Airways will cease to be the club’s shirt sponsor from next season and Al Baker did not hide his disappointment at losing out to Rakuten.
“It’s unfortunate that we were not selected. Our contract finishes next June but we are having conversations about being the club’s main airline partner,” Al Baker said.
Chapecoense keeper is Player of Year
Chapecoense goalkeeper Danilo, who was killed in the Colombian air crash last month, was posthumously named Brazil’s Player of the Year after a vote by fans.
Danilo, whose last-gasp save in the semi-final against San Lorenzo helped his side into the Copa Sudamericana final, got 48 per cent of the internet vote.
His mother Ilaides Padilha collected the award on his behalf at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.
“In the name of Chapecoense, I want to thank everyone for their affection and ask for their prayers,” said Padilha, who touched the hearts of millions when she hugged a reporter whose collea-gues were also killed in the crash.
“May the future warriors that come to Chapecoense be like the warriors that left there.”
Leicester’s Mahrez scoops BBC award
Riyad Mahrez has been crowned BBC African Footballer of the Year following a remarkable year with Leicester City.
Winger Mahrez was named PFA Player of the Year following his stunning form in the 2015-16 Premier League season, where he helped inspire the Foxes to a first Premier League title.
The Algerian scored 17 league goals and chipped in with 11 assists, while he has also been in good form for Claudio Ranieri’s men in the Champions League so far this campaign and played a pivotal role in Algeria’s qualification for next year’s African Cup of Nations.
Mahrez beat off competition from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew, Sadio Mane and last year’s winner Yaya Toure.
Coutinho targets early return
Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has set his sights on making his return from an ankle injury in the match against Manchester City on December 31.
The 24-year-old, who was initially expected to be out for five to six weeks, has been on the sidelines since sustaining the injury during the 2-0 win over Sunderland last month.
“This is still my hope – to return for this game (against Man. City),” Coutinho said.
“The rehab is going really well. I can now walk without crutches and I am working well with the medical team. So I’m pleased with how I am recovering,” Coutinho added.
Dyche calls for retrospective bans
Burnley manager Sean Dyche has called for retrospective bans to be introduced in order to stop players diving to win free-kicks and penalties.
Hull City’s Robert Snodgrass won a spot-kick during the 3-3 league draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday and said after the game that the penalty should never have been awarded.
“It’s got to a level now that it’s so theatrical that I’m surprised people don’t just start laughing. It’s gone too far. It’s ridiculous,” Dyche told British media.
“Introduce retrospective bans and it will be gone. Certain teams would have three or four players done immediately, from a warning in private to the manager, up to a three-game ban. It’s simple to officiate,” he added.