Sunderland fans walk out in protest over season ticket holder suspended for standing

Posted on December 29, 2012 by adminsports

UPDATED:

14:13 GMT, 29 December 2012

Sunderland fans have staged a revolt against their own club, after a season card holder was suspended on Boxing Day for standing.

Large numbers of fans in the Stadium of Light resisted warnings from stewards during the game against Tottenham Hotspur, and continued to stand.

One group of supporters chose to walk out of the ground completely, missing John O’Shea’s goal late in the first half.

Making a stand: Sunderland stewards tell fans to sit down at the Stadium of Light during the game against Tottenham

Club chiefs have threatened to eject and suspend season card holders if they continue to defy stewarding staff.

One seat was secured on Wednesday, with a notice reading: ‘This season card has been suspended due to persistent standing.’

Warning sign: Sunderland posted an eviction notice on one supporter's seat before their win over Manchester City on Boxing Day

Stern words, published on the club’s website said standing fans are breaking the law, outlining its responsibility to protect the safety and the view of other crowd members.

It added to confirm ‘an increasing number of complaints’ received, particularly from fans in the South Stand, and that 38 fans had been ejected to date, compared to 20 last season.

Stepping up: The fans who walked out early missed captain John O'Shea's first goal for the club

Manchester City fan who confronted Rio Ferdinand apologises after pitch encroachment charge

Posted on December 11, 2012 by adminsports

'I'm ashamed and have let my family down': Man City fan who confronted Ferdinand says sorry after bursting on to pitch at shameful climax to manic derby

UPDATED:

15:49 GMT, 10 December 2012

The Manchester City supporter who ran on to the pitch to confront Rio Ferdinand has issued a grovelling apology for his action during a tumultuous derby on Sunday afternoon.

Matthew Stott, 21, was restrained by Blues keeper Joe Hart and then arrested after he raced onto the Etihad Stadium pitch following Robin van Persie's stunning late winner.

He has since been charged with pitch encroachment and has released a statement through his solicitors. In the meantime, City have removed his season ticket with immediate effect and he will be banned from the stadium for life if found guilty in court of a charge of pitch encroachment.

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Nicked: The City fan is hauled off by police and stewards after attempting to confront Ferdinand

In the statement, the landscape gardener, from Knutsford, said: 'I would like to apologise to all those affected by my actions yesterday, particularly Mr Ferdinand and the other players. I am extremely ashamed of my actions. I have let myself down, my family down, my fellow fans down and Manchester City Football Club.

'I intend to write personally to Mr Ferdinand to express my extreme regret and apologies and also apologise to Manchester United and their fans. I would like to thank Joe Hart for his actions when I came on the pitch.'

'I have been a fan of Manchester City Football club all my life and I have been a season ticket holder for three years and I attend the games with my father. I have had the same seat in the section next to the away fans for those three years.'

Rebecca Caulfield, solicitor at Stephen Lickrish and Associates, is representing Stott.

Ashamed: Hart steps in to stop the situation escalating after the winner had been scored

She said: 'Scott is a hard working man who has held a full time job as a landscape gardener for four years and lives with his partner of five years.

'He has never been to court before and has never been in trouble with any of the stewards at Manchester City Football Club before or at any other ground. He is extremely remorseful and is mortified by his behaviour which is completely out of character.

'This was a momentary mistake by Mr Stott which has led to him being charged, brought shame on his family, and will bring sanctions on the club that Mr Stott has supported all his life.

'Mr Stott will accept the consequences of his actions. He would like to make clear that he is not the stereotypical drunken football fan but a fan that attends games with his father.

Apology: Stott plans to write to Ferdinand to express his regret

'He is embarrassed and ashamed of his temporary moment of madness that has brought wider consequences on the club he supports and his fellow fans.'

Greater Manchester Police today confirmed nine people had been charged in connection with trouble at yesterday's Manchester derby.

Among the charges faced by the nine people are racially aggravated public order and pitch encroachment.

Police are still hunting for the person who threw the coin which struck Rio Ferdinand above the eye.

A City spokeman confirmed: 'His season card has been immediately removed for the rest of the season
and he has been charged to appear at court. If he is found guilty he
faces a lifetime ban.'

VIDEO: Fans react to the aftermath of the violence…

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Danny Welbeck race case: Chelsea fan re-bailed pending further police investigation

Posted on November 29, 2012 by adminsports

Police re-bail Chelsea fan for allegedly making 'monkey' gesture towards Welbeck

UPDATED:

13:49 GMT, 29 November 2012

The Chelsea fan who was arrested for allegedly making a monkey gesture during a match against Manchester United has been re-bailed pending further investigation by police.

Gavin Kirkham was arrested on November 5 by the Metropolitan Police and held on suspicion of a racially aggravated Section 4a Public Order Act offence. He was later bailed.

The 28-year-old was due back at a West London police station today but has been re-bailed again by police while they investigate the incident further.

Shamed: This Chelsea fan caught on camera making a monkey gesture was later identified as Gavin Kirkham

He was caught on camera making what looked like a monkey gesture towards Danny Welbeck.

Kirkham denies being racist and said in an interview that he is 'just one of the boys’.

He is due back at a West London police station in mid-December.

Chelsea have banned the fan, who is not a season ticket holder, from Stamford Bridge until the outcome of the police investigation.

Roman Abramovich said he does not want Kirkham back at the ground if he is found guilty of the offence and the club said they would take ‘the strongest possible action, including supporting criminal prosecution’.

West Ham anti-Semitic chants: Two Hammers fans arrested over vile songs at Tottenham with one Upton Park season-ticket holder slapped with banning…

Posted on November 26, 2012 by adminsports

Two West Ham fans arrested over anti-Semitic chants at Tottenham with one Upton Park season-ticket holder slapped with club banning order
Football Association confirm probe into alleged chants referring to Adolf Hitler and attacks on Spurs fans in Rome last week
Society of Black Lawyers have reported incident to Metropolitan PoliceWest Ham vow to ban for life fans found guilty of sick chants

UPDATED:

17:15 GMT, 26 November 2012

Two West Ham United supporters have been arrested following the anti-Semitic chanting that marred Sunday's London derby at Tottenham.

The two fans have accepted police cautions reportedly for making Nazi salutes, while one of them, a season ticket holder at Upton Park, has already been issued with a life-time banning order by the club.

West Ham earlier today vowed to enforce life bans on any supporters found guilty of participating in vile anti-Semitic chanting that marred the 3-1 Tottenham victory.

The club are working with Tottenham in their investigation after references to Adolf Hitler, the Holocaust and last week's brutal attacks on Tottenham fans in Rome were reportedly heard during West Ham's 3-1 defeat at White Hart Lane.

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Let down: West Ham fans hit a new low with their chants at White Hart Lane

Tweet from Sportsmail's Alex Kay

Lazio' chants have gone on for most of
first half. Not just a few people, hundreds. It's sad and pathetic. Ban
them all.' @Alex_Kay_DM

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: ‘Two men were arrested during the football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham on Sunday November 25 on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. The men accepted a police caution.’

West Ham this
morning issues a statement, which read: 'West Ham United are in contact with Tottenham Hotspur to
assist them with their investigation into the conduct of a small number
of supporters and alleged inappropriate chanting during yesterday's
match at White Hart Lane.

'West Ham United will take the
strongest possible action against any of their supporters, including
enforcing life bans from the club, that are found guilty of behaviour
which is categorically not condoned by West Ham United.

'During the 46 games in the
Championship last season, West Ham United had zero arrests for racism or
violence, so while we are surprised to see such reports today, we will
examine any available evidence of such conduct thoroughly and take the
appropriate action.'

The FA also moved quickly and released a statement on Monday afternoon.

It read: 'The FA can confirm it has begun investigating reports of abusive chanting at the Tottenham Hotspur FC versus West Ham United FC fixture on 25 November 2011.

'The FA Governance Department has this morning contacted both clubs and will continue to make enquiries into the matter in the coming days.

'We note the statement issued by West Ham United FC and encourage Clubs to identify and ban for life any individuals involved in incidents of abusive chanting.

'There is no place for anti-Semitism or any form of discrimination in football. The FA is committed to working with the Clubs, Leagues, fans groups, the police, CPS and community stakeholders to play our part in addressing this unacceptable behaviour.'

Tottenham Hotspur also confirmed that five supporters were arrested during Sunday's match at White Hart Lane outside of the stadium for unrelated incidents.

The chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers Peter Herbert also confirmed his organisation had already notified police after some Hammers supporters appeared to mock the gassing of Jews in the Holocaust during the match at White Hart Lane.

VIDEO: Anti-semitic chants at Spurs Fan's video captures shouts in stands

DM.has('rcpv1989298019001','BCVideo');

Asked if he would take the issue to the police, Herbert told Sky Sports News: 'We've done so already.

'In
fact we were due to meet a borough commander of the Met Police either
later this week or early next week and it's one of the things that will
be on our agenda.

'As far
as we're concerned there has to be zero tolerance of this. If these
people can be identified on camera and prosecuted then that is something
we'd like to see.'

Meanwhile, a Tottenham club
spokesperson said: 'We are currently compiling a full report for the
Football Association and shall be submitting this with all our evidence
including relevant CCTV footage.'

Sportsmail
has learnt that FA officials are waiting to digest the referee's report
before launching a full probe – although off-the-field incidents
typically take longer to investigate
than those on the pitch.

Hundreds of West Ham supporters
chanted ‘Viva Lazio’ at numerous points during the game in a macabre
show of support for the hooligans who left at least 10 Spurs fans
injured and one needing emergency surgery.

Ashley Mills, 25, of Essex, had to be admitted to hospital for stab wounds to his head and groin after being set upon by a gang of masked thugs while in Rome for Tottenham’s Europa League match against Lazio. Two men have since been charged with attempted murder.

Italian flags were seen in the away section on Sunday and a red flare was also set off. After Tottenham had scored their second and third goals, ‘Lazio’ was chanted, bringing ironic cheers from the home crowd.

The most distasteful chants were saved for towards the end. In reply to Spurs fans chanting, ‘Can we play you every week’ West Ham fans sang: ‘Can we stab you every week’

Anti-semitic chanting, hissing and the references to Hitler then followed.

The FA said they would await reports from referee Andre Marriner and fourth official Mark Clattenburg before taking further action.

At the double: Jermain Defoe scored twice as Tottenham cruised to victory over West Ham

Chance: Tottenham's Gareth Bale tries to score past West Ham's Mohamed Diame (left) at White Hart Lane yesterday

WEST HAM'S OFFICIAL STATEMENT

West Ham United are in contact with Tottenham Hotspur to assist them with their investigation into the conduct of a small number of supporters and alleged inappropriate chanting during yesterday's match at White Hart Lane.

West Ham United will take the strongest possible action against any of their supporters, including enforcing life bans from the club, that are found guilty of behaviour which is categorically not condoned by West Ham United.

During the 46 games in the Championship last season, West Ham United had zero arrests for racism or violence, so while we are surprised to see such reports today, we will examine any available evidence of such conduct thoroughly and take the appropriate action.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said he had not heard the chanting but agreed his fans ‘should not be doing that’. Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas branded the chants as ‘stupid’.

Allardyce said: ‘I don’t hear what the fans say or do when I’m concentrating on a game of football.

‘They shouldn’t be doing things like that, should they But it’s the least of my worries at the minute.’

Asked about the Hitler chanting, Allardyce said: ‘If I didn’t hear it, I can’t condemn it. I’ll wait and look at it myself and then I’ll comment after I’ve listened to what they’ve said. I don’t want to be a political animal. I’m in here to talk about football, not what fans are saying or singing.’

Villas-Boas said: ‘We know the animosity
there is between Tottenham and West Ham. As long as it doesn’t reach
stupidity, it is a great rivalry.

Aftermath: The Drunken Ship pub in Rome were Spurs fans were attacked this week

‘I understand the whole situation is unavoidable although we can’t decipher the complete meaning of what they were singing.’

The two clubs have a long-standing history of abuse between supporters. Former West Ham striker Jermain Defoe, who was booed throughout, scored two of the goals in the win for Tottenham, a victory that takes them one place above the Hammers.

Spurs fans have been the subject of complaints by the Society of Black Lawyers who objected to the White Hart Lane supporters singing ‘Yid Army’ about themselves. Sportsmail has highlighted that this kind of disgraceful chanting is just as despicable as racist abuse, pointing out unacceptable behaviour such as vile abuse Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is subjected to at various grounds.

Sheffield Wednesday boss Dave Jones, who has been the victim of sustained abuse, said: ‘It is like a form of racism because it is every bit as bad.’

Spurs supporters rushed to condemn their West Ham rivals on Twitter.

Three and easy: Tottenham climbed above the Hammers with this win on Sunday

Andrew Leason wrote: 'West Ham fans & their Lazio/Hitler chants showing what utter vile scum they are.'

West Ham fan Andrew Wiseman posted: 'The minority of hammers fans with the Lazio chants should hang their heads in shame. And I'm a Hammer. Pathetic.'

Ed Aarons commented: 'Not surprised at all by reports of moronic Lazio chants by West Ham fans at WHL. Not exactly known for their intelligence.'

West Ham fans were also accused of hissing in reference to the Jews who were slaughtered by the Nazis in concentration camps.

'Hissing, Lazio chants and (letting off) a flare. You classless bunch of p***** are really enjoying your cup final, aren't you West Ham,' posted Louise Page.

And Charlie Parrish added: 'Next to West Ham away fans. Lots of Lazio chants. Football's pretty grim sometimes.'

The anti-racism group Kick It Out also said it was looking into the reports of abuse.

Kick It Out chair Lord Herman Ouseley said: 'Kick It Out is following up with both clubs after the reports circulated concerning unacceptable chanting at White Hart Lane and is awaiting reports with further detail.'

The Board of Deputies of British Jews also moved to condemn the reported chanting.

They issued a statement which read: 'The Board of Deputies of British Jews utterly condemns and is dismayed by reports of antisemitic chanting by West Ham United fans at yesterday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur.

'Antisemitism has no place in football or society in general. For football fans to use Holocaust imagery and chants glorifying Adolf Hitler is grossly offensive to the Jewish community and is a stain upon the character of British football.

'This in the same week that Tottenham fans were attacked in Rome in an apparently antisemitic attack.'

Chelsea appoint Rafa Benitez as new manager to replace Roberto Di Matteo

Posted on November 22, 2012 by adminsports

Rafa returns! Chelsea appoint Benitez as Di Matteo's replacement but Roman could face fan backlash over former Liverpool boss

UPDATED:

21:20 GMT, 21 November 2012

Guardiola won't make Chelsea decision until 2013, claims agent

Click here to read the full story…

Rafa Benitez has been appointed as
the new manager of Chelsea until the end of the season, replacing
Roberto Di Matteo who was ruthlessly sacked earlier in the day.

The decision – unpopular among many Chelsea diehards – means Roman Abramovich has his ninth manager in nine years as owner.

A
statement on the club website said: 'Chelsea Football Club can confirm
Rafael Benitez has been appointed interim first-team manager until the
end of the season.

'The owner and the Board believe that
in Benitez we have a manager with significant experience at the highest
level of football, who can come in and immediately help deliver our
objectives.

Scroll down for video

Who's next Guardiola and Benitez are in the frame to take the helm at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea in chaos

SIMON JONES: Why Rafa Benitez is now ready to lead Chelsea after his previous snub

NEIL ASHTON: How Chelsea approached Guardiola a MONTH ago…

ANDY TOWNSEND: The uneasy atmosphere at Chelsea's team hotel in Turin

JOHN EDWARDS: Trophies, turmoil and constant sackings! Inside the crazy world of Roman's Chelsea

JON DOLAN: The Chelsea season ticket holder's view on the madness at the Bridge

'The 52-year-old Spaniard is due to meet the players at the training ground in Cobham tomorrow.'

It is believed the former Liverpool
manager has taken the job until the end of the season, when he will be
replaced by Pep Guardiola. He flew in from Doha this afternoon for
talks.

The board held an emergency meeting on Wednesday afternoon to decide to offer the post to Benitez, ahead of Avram Grant.

Di Matteo was sacked, despite winning
the European Cup and the FA Cup last season. His dismissal came at 4am
on Wednesday, following a 3-0 defeat at Juventus in the Champions League
that left Chelsea on the brink of going out.

Win them over: Chelsea fans have always enjoyed a frosty relationship with Benitez, who faced no more than five managers at Stamford Bridge

Abramovich is desperate to land
Guardiola as the man to take over long-term. The former
Barcelona boss is currently on a year's sabbatical in New York.

Benitez told Sport360: 'I have just
found out [about Di Matteo]. Obviously Chelsea is a top side and they
can compete for trophies so it goes in this category.'

Asked if Chelsea had already made an
approach, he replied: 'You ask directly, I cannot answer directly. In
football a lot of people are talking so we will see what happens in the
next few days.

Game over: Di Matteo has been sacked, six months after landing the Champions League

Taxi! Bookmakers Coral delivered this stunt outside Stamford Bridge after Di Matteo's exit

Chelsea statement on Di Matteo – in full

Chelsea Football Club has parted company this morning with Manager Roberto Di Matteo.

The team's recent performances and results have not been good enough and the owner and the Board felt that a change was necessary now to keep the club moving in the right direction as we head into a vitally important part of the season.

The club faces a difficult task ahead in qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as well as maintaining a strong challenge for the top of the Premier League while competing in three other cup competitions. Our aim is to remain as competitive as possible and challenge strongly on all fronts.

The owner and the Board would like to thank Roberto for all he has done for the club since taking over in March. Roberto helped guide us to an historic Champions League victory and a seventh FA Cup. We will never forget the huge contribution he has made to this club's history and he will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge.

The club will be making an announcement shortly regarding a new first team manager.

'I am looking for a club that can challenge for trophies
and Chelsea is one of these clubs.'

Abramovich fired Di Matteo after an 'unacceptable' run of results.

A Chelsea statement read: ‘Chelsea Football Club has parted company this morning with manager Roberto Di Matteo.

‘The team's recent performances and
results have not been good enough and the owner and the Board felt that a
change was necessary now to keep the club moving in the right direction
as we head into a vitally important part of the season.

'The club faces a difficult task ahead
in qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as
well as maintaining a strong challenge for the top of the Premier League
while competing in three other cup competitions.

'Our aim is to remain
as competitive as possible and challenge strongly on all fronts.

'The owner and the Board would like to
thank Roberto for all he has done for the club since taking over in
March. Roberto helped guide us to an historic Champions League victory
and a seventh FA Cup.

'We will never forget the huge contribution he has
made to this club's history and he will always be welcome at Stamford
Bridge.

Down and out Chelsea were soundly beaten by Juventus in the Champions League last night

TODAY'S POLL

Were Chelsea right to sack Roberto Di Matteo

Yes

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'The club will be making an announcement shortly regarding a new first team manager.'

Chelsea owner Abramovich, furious with the club's disastrous Champions League campaign, sacked him just hours after their 3-0 defeat at Juventus and training was cancelled for the day.

Di Matteo was informed of the decision during an emergency 4am meeting at the club's Cobham training base, just after the club had touched down back in England after the hour-and-a-half flight from Italy.

Chelsea executives met at Stamford Bridge at 9am after telling Di Matteo that his reign was over just six months after he led them to glory in the European Cup.

Guardiola is spending time in Manhattan with his family after four years in charge at the Nou Camp.

Who's next The search now begins for a new manager

Who's next Guardiola and Benitez are in the frame to take the helm at Stamford Bridge

How Sportsmail's Neil Ashton led the way on Di Matteo's Chelsea sacking

Monday morning… Abramovich prepared to wield axe if results don't improve

Tuesday night… Guardiola and Benitez in frame to replace Di Matteo

Discreet enquires from Chelsea,
Manchester City and AC Milan have already taken place, with all three
clubs keen to steal a march on their rivals in the race to land the
talented manager.

Abramovich was furious that the team, who started the season with the chance to win seven trophies, are already in freefall.

Although he was prepared to overlook
the Community Shield defeat against Manchester City, he was furious with
the 4-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the Super Cup.

Abramovich’s circle made it clear that
they had to play seven games to 'qualify' for the Community shield and
that it should be treated seriously.

Likewise the 4-1 defeat against
Atletico in Monaco came after they won the Champions League final
against Bayern Munich and they wanted to win it.

Chelsea need a miracle to qualify from
Group E of the Champions League and are in danger of becoming the first
holders in the history of the competition to go out in the group phase.

They are four points behind this
weekend’s opponents Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League and
cannot afford another defeat after last week’s 2-1 loss at West
Bromwich.

Hero to zero: Just months after landing the club an FA Cup and Champions League double, Di Matteo is out

Di Matteo's 'unacceptable' run of results

October 23: Shakhtar Donetsk 2 Chelsea 1 (Champions League)

October 28: Chelsea 2 Manchester United 3 (Premier League)

October 31: Chelsea 5 Manchester United 4 (Capital One Cup)

November 3: Swansea 1 Chelsea 1 (Premier League)

November 7: Chelsea 3 Shakhtar Donetsk 2 (Champions League)

November 11: Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 (Premier League)

November 17: West Bromwich 2 Chelsea 1 (Premier League)

November 20: Juventus 3 Chelsea 0 (Champions League)

Eight managers, ten trophies, one billion pounds…

Claudio Ranieri (September 2000 to May 2004 – Abaramovich bought the club in June 2003)

Jose Mourinho (June 2004 – September 2007)

Avram Grant (September 2007 – May 2008)

Felipe Scolari (July 2008 – February 2009)

Guus Hiddink (February 2009 – May 2009)

Carlo Ancelotti (June 2009 – May 2011)

Andre Villas-Boas (June 2011 – March 2012)

Roberto Di Matteo (March 2012 – November 2012)

Rafa Benitez factfile

1960: Born Madrid, April 4.

1981: Leaves Real Madrid after seven years without ever playing for the first team and joins third division Parla.

1983: Part of the Parla side which gains promotion to Segunda B.

1986: After retiring as a player, appointed to Real Madrid's coaching staff, starting off with the juniors and working up to the Under-19s.

1994: Leads Real Madrid's B team to seventh in Spain's Segunda Division and ends the season as assistant to first-team coach Vicente del Bosque.

1995: Appointed coach of Valladolid but sacked after 23 games with the team bottom of the Primera Division.

1996: Takes over at Osasuna in second division, but lasts just nine games after recording one win.

1997: Joins Segunda Division outfit Extremadura and leads them to promotion.

1999: Extremadura relegated from top flight after play-off defeat to Villarreal.

1999-2000: Quits Extremadura to take a year's sabbatical to study coaching in Italy and England.

2000: Appointed boss of Segunda Division Tenerife and leads them to promotion.

2001: Replaces Hector Cuper at Valencia and leads the club to their first Spanish league title in 31 years.

2004: Leads Valencia to their first ever double, lifting the league title and the UEFA Cup.

June 1 – Valencia announce that Benitez and the club have agreed to part by mutual consent.

June 16 – Confirmed as Liverpool manager on five-year contract.

2005: May – Wins Champions League in his first season as Liverpool come from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 before beating AC Milan on penalties in Istanbul.

2007: February – American duo Tom Hicks and George Gillett buy the club from David Moores.
May – Benitez's side reach the Champions League final for the second time in three seasons but lose to AC Milan in Athens.

2008: Relations between Benitez and the Anfield hierarchy sour suddenly with doubts over the Spaniard's long-term future.

2009: March 18 – Benitez signs a new contract after months of uncertainty, keeping him at Anfield until 2014. Liverpool finish second to Manchester United in the Premier League.

2010: April 29 – After previous early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup, Liverpool are knocked out of the Europa League at the semi-final stage by Atletico Madrid.

May 9 – A goalless draw on the final day at relegated Hull confirms Liverpool finish the Barclays Premier League season in seventh – their worst position since 1999.

June 3 – Benitez leaves his job as Liverpool manager by mutual consent.

June 8 – Inter Milan confirm an agreement has been reached for Benitez to become their new head coach.

June 10 – Benitez is confirmed as head coach of Inter on a two-year deal, succeeding Jose Mourinho at the San Siro.

August 21 – Leads Inter to Italian Supercoppa triumph with 3-1 win over Roma at San Siro.

August 27 – Inter beaten 2-0 by Atletico Madrid in European Super Cup final in Monaco.

December 18 – Leads Inter to FIFA Club World Cup glory with 3-0 win over Congolese side Mazembe in Abu Dhabi final. Immediately then calls on club to back him in the transfer market in January or sack him.

December 23 – Inter announce Benitez's dismissal after agreeing the financial terms of his departure.

2012: November 21 – Benitez appointed Chelsea's interim first-team manager until the end of the season, replacing Roberto Di Matteo.

VIDEO: Di Matteo accepts full responsibility for the loss to Juventus after the match

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Rafa Benitez not man for the job! Chelsea supporter answers key questions facing club

Posted on November 21, 2012 by adminsports

Mad as ever … the view from a Chelsea season ticket holder on the chaos at the Bridge

UPDATED:

13:52 GMT, 21 November 2012

Jon Dolan has been a Chelsea supporter all his life and a season-ticket holder since the early 1980s. So he is well placed to have an opinion on Roman Abramovich and the latest managerial merry-go-round at Stamford Bridge.

What’s gone wrong

It was always going to end like this, but it has come quicker than anyone expected. Roman Abramovich is obsessed with Pep Guardiola and the football he created at Barcelona (who we beat in the European Cup semi-final last season). Roberto Di Matteo won the European Cup by accident, with a touch of ‘the Avrams’.

Scroll down for video

Rafa for the bridge Former Liverpool and Inter Milan coach Benitez could take over in the short term

The dressing room, with JT, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech won the trophy, not the manager. He has tried to change the way of playing; a powerful team has been replaced by skilful little blokes and, as a result, there has been some sparkling football, but we’ve also been overpowered – by Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester United in the league.

There is work to do for the new manager.

Who should be the manager

Anyone but Rafa Benitez! I absolutely do not want him… it began with a spat involving Jose Mourinho, who is still worshipped where I sit. He made bad signings at Liverpool, fluked a European Cup and I do not want him at Chelsea. He’s not the right man for us.

How the mighty have fallen: Di Matteo celebrates with the team after the FA Cup final

Describe Chelsea in three words

Mad as ever.

What do you think of Roman

I think the world of him. We have had ten years of extraordinary achievements. People of my generation have reference points: mine was trailing 3-0 at half time to Swindon in the Full Members Cup in 1988. We all wanted to leave to go to the pub, but the police wouldn’t let us!

It was a Chelsea team with Steve Clarke, Colin Pates and Kerry Dixon. Chris Kamara was in the Swindon team. John Hollins was the manager, but was sacked soon after – some things don’t change. What has changed, under Roman, is trophies. And lots of them. We’ve gone from turmoil and dross, to turmoil and trophies.

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Jonnie Peacock beats Oscar Pistorius in 100m – London 2012 Paralympics

Posted on September 7, 2012 by adminsports

Go Jonnie, go! Brit star Peacock wins 100m in record time as Pistorius misses medals

UPDATED:

21:09 GMT, 6 September 2012

British teenager Jonnie Peacock sealed his status as the fastest amputee in the world by upstaging Oscar Pistorius in the biggest race of the Paralympics.

The 19-year-old from Cambridge showed no regard for reputations as he stormed away from the field to win in 10.90 seconds, a new Paralympic record.

Jonnie Peacock

All smiles: Peacock was the class act of the field after storming to victory on Thursday night

He came into the Games as the T44 world record holder but inexperienced on the big stage, but proved he can more than handle the occasion.

Only American Richard Browne could get close to the Briton, claiming silver in 11.03secs.

Over the line: The 19-year-old set a new Paralympic record with a time of 10.90 seconds

Pistorius, the defending champion, was never in contention, finishing fourth behind fellow South African and room-mate Arnu Fourie, but was quick to embrace Peacock at the finish.

Chants of 'Peacock, Peacock, Peacock' rang around the stadium before the start, which was delayed when Brazilian Alan Fonteles Oliveira appeared to twitch and the field were asked to stand up.

Out of the running: Pistorius (far right) was a distant fourth

A faulty rather than a false start was the verdict and the added tension did not affect Peacock, who was able to race off on a lap of honour draped in the Union Flag.

Peacock's victory crowned a golden night for Great Britain, coming minutes after David Weir had continued his relentless pursuit of quadruple gold by making it three out of three with yet another masterful ride, this time to win the 800m title.

Gracious in defeat: Pistorius embraces Peacock

Peacock told Channel 4: 'It's absolutely surreal. For the past four days, this event being quite late on, you've got these guys going out getting gold and you just want to be part of that.

'This Games is definitely a legacy and to be part of that is amazing.

'I knew this crowd was going to be intense. Dave Weir going minutes before – I knew he'd win, and I knew the crowd would be on a high. We'd had a great day so far, Hannah opened up the evening with a gold. I knew they were going to do that.

'[But] I didn't think it was going to be that crazy, I was like, who's going to get a bigger cheer, Oscar or me

'It was just surreal. I had to tell them to be quiet after a while. 'I was really annoyed with my start yesterday. This time I actually knew I could push. About 60m I started to think, “oh c**p I'm in the lead. What's going on here”

'I was rocking a little bit. It was crazy.'

Pistorius was quick to hail Peacock's gold, telling Channel 4: 'What we've seen tonight is the start of an amazing Paralympics sprinter.

'I've just been watching it on the screen again and it was a great performance. 'I can't imagine how happy he must be to do this in front of his home crowd.

'Well done, it's a great time for him. He's still young and he's got a great future ahead of him.

'I was hoping to finish in the medals but the 100 is not my thing. My room-mate (Fourie) pipped me on the line for third.' Pistorius admitted he is now hoping for gold in his favourite event, the 400m.

'I'm desperate for that,' he said. 'I'm looking forward to the 400m.'

Flying the flag: The British star enjoys a lap of honour in front of his home crowd

London 2012 Paralympics: Hannah Cockroft wins T34 200m gold

Posted on September 6, 2012 by adminsports

Hurricane Hannah blows opposition away to grab second Paralympic gold in T34 200m

UPDATED:

19:18 GMT, 6 September 2012

'Hurricane' Hannah Cockroft destroyed her competition and the Paralympic record to win her second gold medal at the Olympic Stadium.

The 20-year-old claimed she felt like she was 'flying' after a dominant run in qualifying this morning and lived up to her nickname in emphatic fashion by storming to T34 200 metres glory.

The Halifax racer, the world record holder and already the 100m champion, finished in 31.90 seconds, more than two seconds clear of the field.

Ecstasy: Hannah Cockroft celebrates her magnificent victory

So dominant is she at the event that, racing from lane six, she was already passed the two competitors outside her after barely 20m and was streets clear by the time she crossed the line.

More to follow.

Streaks ahead: Cockroft leads the way

Full pelt: Cockroft gave it all as she took her second medal

London Paralympics 2012: Day six five athletes to watch

Posted on September 6, 2012 by adminsports

Rachael Latham's five Paralympians to watch on day 8

UPDATED:

23:24 GMT, 5 September 2012

One of our original Magnificent 7, Rachael made two swimming finals in Beijing but injuries forced her to retire in 2010. Now she is part of Channel 4’s coverage of the Games and here she selects her daily viewing highlights for day eight…

Silver service: Louise Watkin

LOUISE WATKIN (SWIMMING)

Louise, 20, has won two medals already but it will be tough to beat South African Natalie in the 200m individual medley. Du Toit took gold ahead of Louise at the world championships but Louise has a quiet determination.

TIME: Heats 9.40am. Final 5.38pm.

TOM HALL-BUTCHER (FENCING)

Wheelchair fencing may not sound like it works but it does. Tom, 22, is in the sabre class A and was 14th at last year’s world championships. He could do better with home support. He has four qualifying matches then it’s knockout.

TIME: 11am.

JONNIE PEACOCK (ATHLETICS)

The 19-year-old runs in the T44 100m final. It is the most anticipated event of the Games and world record holder Jonnie is a favourite. It’s a tough field, including Oscar Pistorius, but Jonnie has the talent and belief to win.

TIME: 9.24pm.

In front: Jonnie Peacock (centre) shone in the 100m heats

TERRY BYWATER (BASKETBALL)

Terry, 29, scored 19 points in wheelchair basketball against Japan and 23 v Turkey in the quarter-final — they call it having ‘hot hands’. He doesn’t care who scores the points as long as Britain beat Canada today and they have a medal.

TIME: 9.15pm.

HELENA LUCAS (SAILING)

Helena looks a near-certainty to secure Britain’s first Paralympic sailing gold, needing a top-nine finish to do so. She is the only woman in a fleet of 16 in the single-person keelboat 2.4mR class and she has racked up four wins in 10 races.

TIME: 11.10pm.

London 2012 Paralympics: Jonnie Peacock and Oscar Pistorius T44 100m final

Posted on September 5, 2012 by adminsports

Peacock equals Paralympic record to ease through to final showdown with Pistorius

UPDATED:

19:04 GMT, 5 September 2012

British teenager Jonnie Peacock defeated Oscar Pistorius' conqueror to reach the 100 metres final with an emphatic heat victory at the Olympic Stadium.

The 19-year-old, who looked relaxed and confident in his blocks, got off to a flying start and came home in 11.08 seconds, equalling the T44 Paralympic record.

It was a baptism of fire for Peacock, who lined up against American world champion Jerome Singleton and Brazilian Alan Fonteles Oliveira, the 200m gold medallist whose blades so incensed Pistorius

Streets ahead: Britain's Jonnie Peacock powers home to win his 100m T44 heat

Only the top two advanced along with
two fastest losers, but the Cambridgeshire athlete is not the world
record holder with a best of 10.85secs for nothing.

Peacock,
who lost his right leg below the knee to meningitis aged five, easily
finished ahead of Singleton, who was second in 11.46s.

Oliveira was third in 11.56.

Peacock, who received a huge ovation
when introduced to the crowd, said: “It was nuts out there when they
called my name and my mates and family were by the start line and it
relaxed me. I haven't been nervous at all.

'I'll have to go back now and look at the video, the end of the race wasn't as controlled as I'd like it to be.

'I need to keep my core stronger and
my start could have been better, but that race into that kind of wind (a
1.6m/s head wind) could have been worth 10.90 or 10.95, which would
have been my fastest ever first round. I'll come back stronger tomorrow.

'I expected a few of the guys to push me more to be honest, I didn't think I'd win by so much, so I'm happy.'

Streets ahead: Britain's Jonnie Peacock powers home to win his 100m T44 heat

Pistorius appeared unaffected by the storm he has caused with his comments about Oliveira's blade length by winning his 100m heat in 11.18.

The South African finished 0.16 ahead of American Blake Leeper, who also uses the longer blades.

The 25-year-old claimed before the Games he was not expecting to retain his 100m title, having largely neglected the event to focus on fulfilling his dream of making the 400m at the Olympics, but he looked comfortable on Wednesday night.

The times in the second two heats ensured Alan too made it through as a fastest loser, setting up a mouthwatering final tomorrow night which looks too close to call.

Pistorius, Oliveira and the two Americans will also go up against each other later on Wednesday in the T42-46 4x100m relay.

Pistorius has since admitted his outspoken attack on the length of the blades worn by Oliveira in the immediate aftermath of the 200m final was badly timed.

The South African publicly questioned International Paralympic Committee regulations, claiming longer blades are giving his rivals an unfair advantage.

Oliveira won the gold in 21.45secs and Pistorius said: 'He's never run a 21-second race and I don't think he's a 21-second athlete.

'The guys are just running ridiculous times and they're able to do so.'

Charge: South Africa's Oscar Pistorius also made it through to Thursday's final

Pistorius apologised the following
day for his comments and the IPC said he would not face censure, with
the two parties set to meet to discus the issue.

The fact remained, though, that had
the 25-year-old, who had to settle for silver in 21.52s, matched the
world record 21.30 he ran in the heat in that final he would have won.

The blades worn by the likes of Oliveira and Leeper were within IPC rules, having been measured and approved before the race.

It is understood Pistorius'
objections relate to the complex formula used to calculate the maximal
allowable height for each athlete.

Pistorius cannot switch to longer
blades if he wants to carry on competing in non-disabled competition as
they have to conform to stringent IAAF regulations.

He had to win a lengthy legal battle
with the governing body at the Court of Arbitration of Sport for the
right to compete in the first place.

South Africa have made an official
complaint to the IPC that athletes are switching the size of their
running blades, but the governing body said they have found no evidence
to back their claims.

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