Sports

‘Abusive’ Giroud Banned For Two Games After Lecce Tirade

Published

2 years ago

November 14, 2023

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Olivier Giroud has been banned for two games for aiming a volley of abuse at officials at the end of AC Milan’s dramatic and controversial 2-2 draw at Lecce, Serie A said on Tuesday.

France striker Giroud was dismissed in stoppage time at the Stadio Via del Mare on Saturday afternoon after aiming “abusive expressions” at referee Rosario Abisso following an initial booking for dissent.

Giroud, who has scored eight times this season, was then shown a straight red card and will now miss home matches against Fiorentina and Frosinone after the international break.

Abisso was at the centre of controversy after Lecce were denied a stunning comeback from two goals down when shortly after Giroud’s sending off Roberto Piccoli fired home what looked like being an incredible winner from distance.

However, the strike was chalked off for Piccoli standing on Malick Thiaw’s foot before receiving the ball.

That decision sparked fury in the previously delirious stands and enraged club president Saverio Sticchi Damiani, as well as Lecce’s players and training staff.

Saverio Sticchi Damiani has been banned until December 4 for “intimidatory behaviour towards match officials” and threatening them in the dressing rooms after the match.

He then alluded to a conspiracy when he accused Abisso and the VAR officials of “splitting hairs” to find a way to rule out the goal.

The club’s sporting director Stefano Trinchera was also banned for three matches and fined 10,000 euros ($10,900) for similar offences aggravated by “blasphemy”, while CEO Sandro Mencucci was suspended until November 27.

Being saved from defeat did little for Milan however, as Stefano Pioli’s side fell eight points behind league leaders and local rivals Inter Milan.

Sports

EPL: Why I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro

Published

34 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

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Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.

The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.

Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].

“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.

“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

20 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.