Fabregas avoids punishment for mouthing off
Cesc Fabregas has escaped punishment from the Football Association, despite reports that he accused a match official of being corrupt Tuesday night.
Numerous reports in the British press insisted that the Arsenal midfielder yelled “how much have you been paid” at the officiating crew as the teams left the field for halftime during the Gunners' 2-1 victory over Everton.
Fabregas was incensed when Louis Saha’s first-half goal for Everton was allowed to stand, even though it appeared the assistant referee should have ruled offside.
Everton boss David Moyes highlighted the incident in his postmatch media conference and claimed Fabregas should have received the red card for his remarks.
However, referee Lee Mason did not mention the incident in his official report, meaning Fabregas will not be sanctioned. The news that Fabregas will not be suspended is a major boost for Arsenal, as it attempts to remain in the English Premier League race led by Manchester United.
Yet the 23-year-old Spaniard confessed he had made heated remarks to Mason and his crew.
“Yes, I was upset at halftime,” he said in a statement. “So, too, were about 60,000 Arsenal supporters in the stadium. Players from both sides were saying things as we came off the pitch. I'm passionate about this club and like all the players want to win every single match, so many things are said in the heat of the moment.”
Fabregas’ quick tongue has come under scrutiny several times recently, most notably when he accused Carling Cup opponents Ipswich Town of using “rugby” tactics.
Neville retires, heads to television
Gary Neville’s retirement from soccer this week is expected to soon be followed by his appointment to a position as television analyst with Sky Sports.
The UK’s primary soccer broadcaster is desperate for a big name to restore its reputation following the departure of Richard Keys and Andy Gray over a scandal regarding sexist comments made about a female official.
Yet if Sky bosses hope to avoid further controversy they could be in for a rude shock. Neville’s autobiography is due out over the next few months and is said to contain several spicy revelations.
MLS hopes for Barca bonanza
Major League Soccer’s announcement of Red Bulls Arena as the venue of the 2011 All-Star Game on July 27 was more low-key than it might have been due to the absence so far of a named opponent.
However, the league is continuing discussions with Barcelona and is hoping to persuade the Spanish giant to take part as one segment of its proposed American tour this summer.
Altidore faces battle for playing time again
With all the buzz regarding young American strikers recently surrounding Juan Agudelo and Teal Bunbury, Jozy Altidore hopes his loan move from Spanish side Villareal to Turkish champion Bursaspor can reinvigorate his career.
But life will not be easy for Altidore in Turkey, after Bursaspor boss Ertugrul Saglam announced that the United States international faces a fight for a first-team place along with forwards Kenny Miller, Turgay Bahadir and Yildirim Sercan.
