Tag Archives: croatian

Tottenham v Inter Milan: Ref sent blind man"s stick by angry fans

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Tottenham's ref is getting some stick! Angry Croatian fans send match official a white cane after he admits high-profile mistake… and he's in charge for Spurs match at Inter

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

15:15 GMT, 13 March 2013

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UPDATED:

17:53 GMT, 13 March 2013

The referee of Thursday's Europa League match between Tottenham and Inter Milan has been sent a blind man's white stick by fans of Croatian side Hajduk Split after they were enraged by a contentious decision.

Ivan Bebek's call in a recent game between Split and Dinamo Zagreb frustrated supporters so much they sent a package to the Croatian Football Federation for the ref which included the white stick, a jersey and a Dinamo scarf.

The fans' club issued a statement saying: 'We apologise to blind people, we do not want to offend anyone, but just want to help the referee Ivan Bebek ahead of the game.'

Provocative: But the fan club insisted they did not wish to offend anyone

Provocative: But the fan club insisted they did not wish to offend anyone

Bebek admitted after the game on his Facebook profile that in hindsight he failed to call a clear penalty in favour of Hajduk Split.

The frustrated Split fans have now also forwarded on pictures of the package to Tottenham as a warning to them about the ref ahead of their crunch Europa League game.

Trusted: Ivan Bebek will overlook Spurs v Inter

Trusted: Ivan Bebek will overlook Spurs v Inter

Comfortable lead: Tottenham are 3-0 up to the third leg, in which Jan Vertonghen headed their third goal

Comfortable lead: Tottenham are 3-0 up to the third leg, in which Jan Vertonghen headed their third goal

Controversial Given the difficulty that can be involved in refereeing Gareth Bale, Ivan Bebek may be relieved he is suspended

Controversial Given the difficulty that can be involved in refereeing Gareth Bale, Ivan Bebek may be relieved he is suspended

From the spot: Steven Gerrard's penalty gave Liverpool victory over Tottenham on Sunday

From the spot: Steven Gerrard's penalty gave Liverpool victory over Tottenham on Sunday

Nikica Jelavic can help Everton reach Champions League – Steven Naismith

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Naismith backs former Rangers pal Jelavic to help Everton hit Champions League

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UPDATED:

14:53 GMT, 11 November 2012

Everton forward Steven Naismith believes Nikica Jelavic can help fire the Toffees to a top-four finish this season.

The Croatian found the net for the first time in a month in a late 2-1 win over Sunderland at Goodison Park, scoring soon after Marouane Fellaini had equalised Adam Johnson's first strike for the Black Cats.

It was far from the 27-year-old's best game but by scoring his first for a month, having entered October on the back of four goals in five matches, he may have rediscovered his touch.

In the hunt: Nikica Jelavic and Co are fighting to finish in the top four

In the hunt: Nikica Jelavic and Co are fighting to finish in the top four

Naismith, who played alongside Jelavic at Rangers, knows the benefit an in-form striker can have.

'It makes a huge difference. He has not scored in his last few games and he'll have be disappointed with that,' said the Scot.

'He's not had many great chances in the game but the one that came his way he was composed and he put it away in the corner and that is why he has such a big reputation.

'Going forward Fellaini has probably been our most prolific and even Kevin Mirallas, in the last few games, has been very direct and arguably our most influential player.

'It is down to the quality we have in the squad. We are happy with the boys we've got and that is why we are pushing for the top spots.'

Jelavic pounced in the 79th minute, swooping on Fellaini's backheel through the legs of John O'Shea to dispatch the winner past Simon Mignolet.

Just three minutes earlier Fellaini had drilled home to cancel out Johnson, who volleyed home his maiden goal for the club he joined in the summer and Sunderland's first in eight hours 54 minutes of football.

The win kept Everton in fourth place and manager David Moyes was pleased to see his main striker back among the goals.

History: Steven Naismith knows Jelavic well after partnering him at Rangers

History: Steven Naismith knows Jelavic well after partnering him at Rangers

'He looked delighted (when he scored) because he didn't have a good game,' said the Scot.

'But I can tell you of a lot of centre-forwards who don't have good games and score – we can live with that.

'I didn't want to take our goalscorer off, especially when you are a goal down, because you want to try to find a way and we hoped something might drop to him.

'I am sure that will help him and hopefully we will start to see a run of goals from him again.

'I don't think we found him in the box or he didn't find enough space for us to get him the ball.

'But people who are centre-forwards will tell you they lose confidence when they don't score goals and regain it when they do.

'So it was good to see him and Felli scoring again. They are the people who we rely on a lot for goals and they came up trumps.

'Fellaini has proved this season he is a really important player for us.

'He has great chest control, he has lovely soft feet and he can play.

'When we needed him to drop back with 15 minutes to go he can play deeper as well.'

First: Adam Johnson is the only Sunderland player to net in the PL apart from Steven Fletcher

First: Adam Johnson is the only Sunderland player to net in the PL apart from Steven Fletcher

The only downside to the day was when Mirallas limped off on the half-hour with a hamstring problem. He will have a scan to assess the damage.

'Every time he has been on the pitch for us he's looked a threat,' said Moyes of his 6million summer signing.

'I don't think it's too bad but he'll have to have it scanned.'

Sunderland, having ended their goalscoring drought, looked as though they would bring to an end an 11-year stretch without a victory against Everton.

Johnson paid back some of his 10million transfer fee with a smart volley but Sunderland needed to take more of their chances and manager Martin O'Neill left Merseyside frustrated.

'That will help Adam's confidence. He put in a very strong performance, particularly in the first half,' he said.

'It was a good performance by Johnson, Stephane Sessegnon was outstanding for long periods and I am disappointed we didn't see it through for any of the points.

'With 14 minutes left we could have got three and we didn't get any.

'There was great spirit among the players and that was epitomised by the performance.'

Police arrest 100 after Dinamo Zagreb yobs brawl in centre of Paris

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Police arrest 100 after Dinamo yobs defy travel ban to brawl in centre of Paris

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UPDATED:

12:46 GMT, 6 November 2012

Dinamo Zagreb fans brawled with Paris
Saint-German supporters in the centre of Paris despite a
government ban on Croatian fans attending Tuesday's Champions League clash.

At least 28 people were arrested and one was seriously injured after rival supporters fought a running battle near the Bastille on Monday night.

Fear: Dinamo Zagreb fans have a history of trouble

Fear: Dinamo Zagreb fans have a history of trouble

Police later arrested another 80 people in a hotel in the French capital on Tuesday.

It came despite a travel ban on Dinamo Zagreb fans and no tickets being sold to visiting supporters amid fears of hooliganism.

'Clashes erupted between PSG and Dinamo Zagreb fans in the Bastille area. Police were sent to end the brawl,' a police spokesman said.

'Some, mostly Croatians, were arrested and others were detained for questioning. One Croatian was severely injured,' he added.

On Sunday, a French ministerial order decreed that Dinamo supporters would not be allowed to attend their team's Champions League Group A game at PSG.

Interior Minister Manuel Valls explained that Dinamo fans were banned from travelling to the Ile de France region between midnight on November 6 at midnight and noon on November 7.

The ministerial order revealed Croatian authorities had warned that some 150 to 200 Dinamo Zagreb hooligans, known as 'Blue Bad Boys', were planning to travel to Paris.

Both teams have had a history of violence.

About 100 PSG supporters were turned back from the Croatian border ahead of their October 24 match.

The big-spending French side are second in the group with six points
behind leaders Porto, with Dinamo bottom and yet to win a point
or even score a goal so far.

David Moyes hails Everton side after Fulham draw

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Moyes hails Everton side after Toffees make mockery of Gerrard's Stoke jibe

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UPDATED:

19:24 GMT, 4 November 2012

David Moyes believes Everton are producing the highest-quality football of his decade-long reign at Goodison.

The Toffees climbed to fourth in the Barclays Premier League following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Fulham, yet left Craven Cottage deflated by the point.

Dominating throughout and creating chance after chance – 26 in total with 15 on target – they somehow failed to dispatch Martin Jol's side with Steve Sidwell rescuing a point in the 90th minute.

Main man: Marouane Fellaini celebrates after scoring against Fulham

Main man: Marouane Fellaini celebrates after scoring against Fulham

Making a mockery of the claim by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard that they 'play like Stoke', they thrilled visiting fans with some electrifying football.

'This is the best we've played in my time here,' the Toffees manager said.

'I couldn't say yet if it's the best team because the side that finished fourth (2004-05) and got into the Champions League were very consistent, resistant and ground out results.

'This team has an awful lot of attacking options. We can score and create chances.

'I hope we're still pushing for top four at the end of the season, I don't know if we will be because of the quality you need to be there.'

Nikica Jelavic was the most wasteful of Everton's players but Moyes is unconcerned by the Croatian's dip in form.

The 27-year-old marksman has fired four goals in 10 matches so far this season, while last term he struck 11 in 16 following his January arrival from Rangers.

'If we keep giving him the opportunity to score goals, he'll come back because he's a really good goalscorer,' Moyes said.

Claim: David Moyes believes Everton are playing the best football of his reign

Claim: David Moyes believes Everton are playing the best football of his reign

'In the second half of last season he was the one getting one or two goals and getting us out of sight

'At the moment we're missing his fire, but players go through different periods of form during the season.

'I've told him to keep going and that his goals will come.

'He's a really important player for us who made such a big difference last season.

'The team have improved so we're giving him chances to score. He will score, I have no doubt of that.'

Apart from Bryan Ruiz's seventh-minute free-kick and Sidwell's equaliser, delivered courtesy of a defensive lapse, Fulham were over-run throughout in a manner rarely seen at Craven Cottage.

Two well-worked goals from the magnificent Marouane Fellaini nudged Everton ahead and they should have been out of sight before Sidwell struck.

'Fellaini has taken the goalscoring on when we needed it. He's a really good player and was a handful at all times against Fulham,' Moyes said.

Leveller: Steve Sidwell earned Fulham a point against Everton on Sunday

Leveller: Steve Sidwell earned Fulham a point against Everton on Sunday

'You need to get the points on the board and we missed the opportunity to do that.

'I've said 10 games is a good time to assess your start, and we've had a good start compared to our usual starts.

'We've had a couple of games where we've felt hard done by, but against Fulham we have ourselves to blame.'

Moyes removed substitute Victor Anichebe from his squad shortly before kick-off for reasons he refused to disclose.

Fulham boss Martin Jol had identified Everton as the benchmark for a club like the Cottagers and after yesterday that opinion had hardened.

'Everton are very difficult to play against. They play a long first ball, but after that they play possession, overlap and play one-twos,' he said.

'They play with a purpose and that's their style. I don't want to talk about other teams but even Stoke have a style, and it's different from Everton, believe me.

'There are so many top teams in England so it will be very difficult for Everton to finish in the top four.

'It's good to hear a top manager like David Moyes saying he wants to do that.'

Andy Murray beats Ivo Karlovic at Japan Open

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Murray starts off where he finished at US Open with victory over Karlovic in Japan

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UPDATED:

09:45 GMT, 2 October 2012

Andy Murray reached the second round of the Japan Open with a straight-sets victory over Ivo Karlovic in his first match since winning the US Open.

Karlovic entered the tournament as a lucky loser after Murray's scheduled first-round opponent Gael Monfils withdrew due to injury.

Go for the the Croat: Andy Murray had enough to get beyond Ivo Karlovic

Go for the the Croat: Andy Murray had enough to get beyond Ivo Karlovic

Defending champion Murray had won all four of his previous
meetings with the giant Croatian, most recently in four sets at
Wimbledon this summer, and was rarely troubled as he made it five from
five.

The Scot failed to take any of his three break points in the first set but eventually prevailed in a tie-break.

Tall order: Karlovic towers over Murray as the pair shake hands at the end of their match

Tall order: Karlovic towers over Murray as the pair shake hands at the end of their match

The second set was progressing in a similarly serve-dominated manner until the 10th game, when Murray went up 0-40 to set up three match points.

Karlovic saved two, the first with a second-serve ace, but Murray took the third to wrap up a 7-6 (9/7), 6-4 win having not faced a single break point in the match.

He will face Lukas Lacko in the second round after the Slovakian hammered Spain's Albert Ramos 6-0, 6-2.

He's done it: Murray celebrates winning a point in his victory over Karlovic

He's done it: Murray celebrates winning a point in his victory over Karlovic

Dinamo defender Vida fined 80,000 for opening can of beer

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The most expensive beer ever Dinamo defender Vida fined 80,000 for opening can

PUBLISHED:

20:34 GMT, 25 September 2012

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UPDATED:

20:34 GMT, 25 September 2012

Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb have ordered defender Domagoj Vida to pay a €100,000 (80,000) fine for opening a can of beer on the club’s bus en route to a game.

Coach Ante Cacic immediately ordered Vida, 23, to leave the bus, which left on Monday for a cup game against lower flight side NK Vrsar later on Tuesday.

Fined: Domagoj Vida (right) paid a heavy penalty for opening a beer

Fined: Domagoj Vida (right) paid a heavy penalty for opening a beer

'The Dinamo management has decided to punish Vida, a Croatia international with 14 caps, with a financial penalty of €100,000 for his behaviour,' the club, who have won the last seven Croatian championships, said on their website.

In August, Brazilian-born Dinamo midfielder Sammir was fined 270,000 euros for partying in a Zagreb night club on the eve of a Champions League qualifying match against Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol.

Liverpool want Isco, Ander Herrera and Marcelo Brozovic

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Isco heads Liverpool transfer targets as Rodgers ramps up spending plans

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UPDATED:

08:02 GMT, 21 September 2012

Liverpool are targeting a trio of midfielders as manager Brendan Rodgers steps up his rebuilding plans at Anfield.

The club's scouts have identified Dinamo Zagreb's Marcelo Brozovic and Spanish duo Isco and Ander Herrera as potential signings.

Rodgers, who is aware that Steven Gerrard is approaching the twilight of his career, has so far been thwarted in his efforts to add substantial quality to his squad.

In demand: Malaga's midfielder Isco is likely to be much sought after

In demand: Malaga's midfielder Isco is likely to be much sought after

Croatian under 21 starlet Brozovic was watched during his side's Champions League defeat to Porto this week, according to the Daily Mirror.

Genoa and Lazio are also interested with Dinamo prepared to sell him next summer.

Rodgers is also keeping tabs on Malaga's Isco and Athletic Bilbao's Herrera. The former could be available in a cut-price deal due to his club's perilous financial situation but is likely to be in demand across Europe.

Wanted: Marcelo Brozovic (right) has also caught Liverpool's eye

Wanted: Marcelo Brozovic (right) has also caught Liverpool's eye

Herrera meanwhile, impressed during Bibao's run to the Europa League final last season and is also on Manchester United's radar.

The 22-year-old is valued at 16million.

US OPEN 2012: Ivan Dodig relishing Andy Murray chance

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From rags to riches: Dodig relishing chance to take on Murray at Flushing Meadows

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UPDATED:

07:30 GMT, 29 August 2012

However Ivan Dodig fares against Andy Murray in their second round match at the US Open on Wednesday night, one thing the Croatian will not lack is desire.

Climbing up the ladder in tennis is almost never a straightforward process, but some players have it easier than others and Dodig was definitely one of the others.

When the 27-year-old was playing in Futures and Challengers tournaments, he was living from hand to mouth to such an extent that he sometimes slept in bus stations or airports and even once, reportedly, under a bridge.

Rags to riches: Dodig slept rough on the Futures tour

Rags to riches: Dodig slept rough on the Futures tour

Dodig said in an interview earlier this year: 'I had some financial situations after the war (in the former Yugoslavia) but unfortunately I did not get any support. I was fighting in some Futures to earn some money.

'It was very hard for me because I knew that if I lost there was a small chance that I could go to the next tournament. If I won some matches, I would have a chance to play more tournaments.

'Sometimes it was good, sometimes not so good. I was taking care of every euro. I had many tough situations in tournaments having to play without money and many times without anywhere to sleep.'

But he persevered and things are different for Dodig now, although he is far from one of the sport's big earners. Last year he won his first ATP Tour event in Zagreb and his current ranking of 118 is largely down to struggles with a back problem.

In the way: World No 4 Andy Murray

In the way: World No 4 Andy Murray

Indeed, Dodig is no stranger to big upsets having beaten Rafael Nadal last year, while he also has wins over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Robin Soderling to his name.

The match will be played under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium and Dodig will certainly not be fazed.

He said: 'For me it's great. I will be really, really happy to play on a big court. I have some experience with some other guys, but with him it's the first time for me.

'He is a top player. With these guys it's very tough. You have to play over your limit. We are all human beings, but he has the chance on the court.'

In the final match of the day session, Laura Robson will play her first match on Arthur Ashe against three-time champion Kim Clijsters.

Showdown: Robson takes on Kim Clijsters on Wednesday night

Showdown: Robson takes on Kim Clijsters on Wednesday night

If the British teenager wins, it will be Clijsters' final singles match in professional tennis, with the Belgian due to retire after this tournament.

British No 5 Johanna Konta joined Murray and Robson in the second round on Tuesday after posting her first victory in the main draw of a grand slam against Timea Babos.

The 21-year-old, who came through qualifying, will meet Belarus' Olga Govortsova in the second round on Thursday.

Caroline Wozniacki was the big casualty on Tuesday, the eighth seed hampered by a knee injury in losing 6-2 6-2 to Romania's Irina Camelia Begu, while world No 1 Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova are in second-round action on Wednesday.

Willian urges Shakhtar Donetsk to allow Tottenham move

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Let me go! Willian urges Shakhtar to respect his wishes and let him join Tottenham

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UPDATED:

22:45 GMT, 24 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Willian has begged Shakhtar Donetsk not
to block his 20m move to Tottenham.

Spurs are hoping to seal Willian from Shakhtar Donetsk after Andre Villas-Boas was left severely lacking in attacking options, with Jermain Defoe his only established first-team striker for the opening game of the season.

And Willian, 24, was upset with his Ukrainian club when they rejected an offer from Chelsea earlier in the summer.

Wanted man: Tottenham are keen on signing the Shakhtar midfielder

Wanted man: Tottenham are keen on signing the Shakhtar midfielder

'I have a proposal, but it is complicated because the board. Here are many players in the same position, most Brazilian. They buy and do not let go,' said Willian.

'That's the problem. Everyone knows that I want out, I'm here for five years, won many titles, so I hope you respect my will.

'I do not regret coming here, but this situation has been happening, with Chelsea trying to get me in January and now Tottenham, we start to rethink.'

The Brazilian told Sportsmail last August he would love to play in London and that if he joined Tottenham his mission would be to secure a return to the Champions League, after the club reached the quarter-finals in 2011.

Willian compared himself to Luka Modric – which would make him the perfect replacement for the Croatian if his transfer to Real Madrid goes through – and spent the year having English lessons to make a transition to a Premier League club easier.

Upheaval: Adebayor has signed a permanent deal but Huddlestone has been shipped out on loan

Upheaval: Adebayor has signed a permanent deal but Huddlestone has been shipped out on loan

Upheaval: Adebayor has signed a permanent deal but Huddlestone has been shipped out on loan

He can play in behind a striker or as a winger – his main role for Shakhtar. He scored 19 goals in 129 games and won three league titles, four Ukrainian cups and one UEFA Cup at the club.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are tracking Malaga midfielder Isco, 20. Assistant coach Tim Sherwood saw him inspire the 2-0 win against Panathinaikos.

Spurs also remain keen on Caen striker M’Baye Niang, 17, valued at 6m.

London calling: Willian has been learning the lingo ahead of his desired move to the Premier League

London calling: Willian has been learning the lingo ahead of his desired move to the Premier League

Tottenham agree fee with Real Madrid for Luka Modric

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At last! Tottenham agree 25m fee with Madrid for wantaway star Modric

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UPDATED:

09:48 GMT, 13 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Luka Modric looks set to finally join Real Madrid after the Spanish champions reportedly agreed to pay 25million for the Tottenham playmaker.

The two clubs have been locked in negotiations all summer and Spurs were holding out for 35m but have reluctantly agreed to sell for much less.

Modric will not be allowed to complete the move until the London club have signed a replacement however, according to reports in Spain.

Exit: Luka Modric (left) is set to leave Tottenham for Real Madrid

Exit: Luka Modric (left) is set to leave Tottenham for Real Madrid

The Croatian midfielder, who has not played since Euro 2012, has long had his heart set on joining Madrid and turned down the chance to move to France with big-spending Paris Saint-German.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has several targets in mind as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of the opening weekend of the Premier League.

Tottenham are rivalling Arsenal for
Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila after the French club confirmed they have
had an offer for the 22-year-old.

Target: Tottenham are keen to sign Rennes midfielder Yann M'vila (left)

Target: Tottenham are keen to sign Rennes midfielder Yann M'vila (left)

Speaking
after Rennes defeat to Lyon on Saturday, club chairman Frederic de
Saint-Serni, said: 'He has a concrete offer from England.'

Porto's Joao Moutinho also remains on Villas-Boas' radar and the Portuguese is set to ramp up his summer spending in light of Modric's proposed move.