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Sebastien Bassong racist abuse claims: Norwich report four incidents

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Norwich report FOUR incidents of racist abuse towards defender Bassong

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UPDATED:

17:08 GMT, 10 December 2012

Norwich have reported four separate incidents of actual or alleged racist abuse towards Sebastien Bassong to police.

Both South Wales Police and Norfolk Police are now investigating the claims.

A Swansea supporter was released on bail on Sunday after being arrested during Norwich's 4-3 victory the day before for allegedly making racist gestures towards Bassong.

Controversy: Sebastien Bassong (2nd left) speaks to referee Howard Webb

Controversy: Sebastien Bassong (2nd left) speaks to referee Howard Webb

It is believed the 23-year-old had
made gestures towards the player as Norwich celebrated their fourth goal
in the game and he was arrested soon after the incident.

Norwich have confirmed the other
three cases involved racist messages being sent to the defender on
Twitter after both the Swansea match and the 1-1 draw at Everton on
November 24.

The club's statement read: 'Norwich
City regrets to confirm four separate cases involving actual or alleged
racist abuse aimed at our defender Sebastien Bassong have been reported
to police in the last two weeks.'

The club also thanked both Swansea and the police for their treatment of the situation and also confirmed racist Tweets aimed at Bassong have also now been reported.

The statement continued: 'Following a complaint made by Sebastien to referee Howard Webb during last Saturday's 4-3 Barclays Premier League win at Swansea, a man in the home section of the crowd was arrested and later charged in relation to alleged racist abuse.

Weighing in: Bassong was on target as Norwich won 4-3 at Swansea on Saturday

Weighing in: Bassong was on target as Norwich won 4-3 at Swansea on Saturday

'We would like to thank both Swansea City FC and South Wales Police for their swift and effective handling of this unfortunate incident.

'In the evening following the match a tweet containing racist abuse was sent to Sebastien's Twitter account. We have this morning passed details of this incident on to Norfolk Police for them to investigate.

'Meanwhile Norfolk Police are in the process of investigating two further separate racist tweets about Sebastien sent following our 1-1 draw at Everton on Saturday, November 24.'

Norwich also praised the player and made their position towards any racist behaviour clear.

'Sebastien Bassong is a fantastic athlete and professional who we are proud to have on board at Norwich City.

'It is deeply disappointing that his recent excellent performances for the club should be tarnished by these incidents,' the statement continued.

Point made: Bassong celebrates his goal for the Canaries at the Liberty Stadium

Point made: Bassong celebrates his goal for the Canaries at the Liberty Stadium

'Norwich City Football Club wish to
reiterate that we have a zero tolerance stance on racism and will pursue
these and any other examples of discrimination aimed at any of our
colleagues to the fullest extent of the law.'

The
26-year-old Cameroon international moved to Carrow Road from Tottenham
in the summer and has been an integral part of the club's recent run of
good form.

He scored in
both games relating to the alleged racist abuse, grabbing a late
equaliser at Goodison and heading Norwich 2-0 in front at Swansea.

Norwich
boss Chris Hughton believes the speed at which Swansea officials dealt
with the fan making gestures towards Bassong should act as a warning to
any other people who may consider such actions in the future.

'Swansea City football club have
dealt with the incident very, very well and very swiftly and I think
that is a way forward,' he said.

'On any issues of this kind, and we
have seen some issues over the last few weeks, I think if they are
handled as quickly as the incident was on Saturday you hope it is a
bigger deterrent for anybody who wants to put themselves in that
position.'

Kick It Out chairman Lord Ouseley also praised the way all parties involved in Saturday's incident dealt with the matter.

'It
is a classic, textbook way in which a player who is being abused should
complain and how the referee, the officials the security, the police,
the club should respond,' he told Sky Sports News.

'We
want to encourage players to complain, to use the processes, to make
sure they work because those processes are there to provide protection
and stop people abusing others.'

It
is understood that Norwich used screen-grabs of two racist Tweets sent
to Bassong following the draw at Everton as proof they were sent from
accounts that had since been deleted.
Another message sent to the player after the victory at Swansea was also reported to Norfolk Police.

Jan Vertonghen hoping Tottenham hopes are not hampered by injuries

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Vertonghen hoping Spurs are not hampered by injuries ahead of Saints trip

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UPDATED:

12:50 GMT, 26 October 2012

High hopes: Vertonghen (right) challenges Chelsea's Eden Hazard last weekend

High hopes: Vertonghen (right) challenges Chelsea's Eden Hazard last weekend

Jan Vertonghen hopes injuries do not prevent Tottenham getting back to winning ways at Southampton this weekend.

Spurs have suffered an unfortunate number of blows already this season as they juggle domestic and European commitments.

Scott Parker has yet to feature this term due to an achilles injury, while Younes Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto have been out since sustaining injuries early in the campaign.

That trio are still a way off returning,
although manager Andre Villas-Boas is likely to be able to welcome back
Mousa Dembele and Emmanuel Adebayor for Sunday's trip to the south coast.

Gareth Bale is also in line to feature
against his former club after the birth of his first child – a welcome
boost for a Spurs side that suffered a disappointing 4-2 home defeat to
Chelsea in their last Premier League outing.

'I think the Chelsea game was just one incident,' Vertonghen said.

Back in action: Bale is set to start for Spurs

Back in action: Bale is set to start for Spurs

'We missed so many players and I hope a few can come back against Southampton.

'It
has been an unlucky season for us with all those injuries and I am
looking forward to playing with our best team very soon because we can
be so strong.

'The Chelsea game was just unlucky. We made a couple of wrong choices.

'We're very confident for the rest of the Premier League. Southampton are next and they really want to play good football.

'They believe in their own philosophy and I think we have done better in the away games until now so hopefully we can carry that on Sunday.'

Bad day at the office: Chelsea put four past Spurs

Bad day at the office: Chelsea put four past Spurs

If Tottenham are to get a result at
St Mary's, there will need to be a vast improvement from their Europa
League display in Slovenia of Thursday night.

Gylfi
Sigurdsson's second-half goal earned the north Londoners a 1-1 draw at
NK Maribor, who took the lead late in the first half through Robert
Beric.

Tottenham have
drawn all three of their Group J fixtures so far and sit just two points
shy of leaders Lazio and one point off Maribor.

'We
came here for a win so it is frustrating,' Vertonghen said. 'We hoped
to play better but the group is still open so we have hope.

'We have two good home games to come so we're still very confident of making the next round.

Making a point: Sigurdsson (right) netted the equaliser against Maribor

Making a point: Sigurdsson (right) netted the equaliser against Maribor

'I think if we win these next home games we're in pole position to make it to the next round.

'We have played Lazio at home and the best two home games are to come so the group is very confident.'

Tottenham's draw in Slovenia was one of a number of shock results for English sides in Europe this week.

Manchester United had to turn around a two-goal deficit to overcome Braga on the same night that Chelsea lost 2-1 at Shakhtar Donetsk.

The following day Schalke condemned Arsenal to their first their first home Champions League defeat since 2009, but the biggest shock came in Amsterdam as Ajax beat Manchester City 3-1.

Pointing the way: Spurs boss Villas-Boas

Pointing the way: Spurs boss Villas-Boas

The result was a crushing blow to City's hopes of making the knockout stages but did not surprise Vertonghen, who made more than 200 appearances for the Dutch club before his summer move to White Hart Lane.

'I could not watch as I had no internet in my room so had to watch the highlights,' the defender said.

'It was not really a surprise for me because they always do well against English teams.

'I am really not surprised about the result. I told the guys not to bet on City.

'I'm joking but they are just a very good team and can play very good football. I was happy with the result.'

LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS: Jacques Rogge admits Korean flag error "unfortunate"

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It was just a human error! Rogge admits Korean flag error was an 'unfortunate' mistake

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UPDATED:

14:00 GMT, 26 July 2012

IOC president Jacques Rogge believes the Korean flag fiasco was just an 'unfortunate' human error.

The first day of the Games was largely dominated by the anger of the North Korean football team, after the South Korean flag was shown on big screens before the game.

Enlarge

Oh dear: A South Korea flag is shown on the big screen before North Korea's match

Oh dear: A South Korea flag is shown on the big screen before North Korea's match

Rogge said: It was a most unfortunate incident. I can assure you the organising committee will take corrective action and there will be no repeat. There is no political connotation just a simple human mistake.'

North Korea's IOC member Ung Chang had raised a question about the incident at the IOC session on Thursday.

Having his say: IOC president Jacques Rogge

Having his say: IOC president Jacques Rogge

'Of course some people are angry,' Chang told reporters afterwards.

'Imagine the reaction if your athlete got a gold medal and the flag of some other country was put up.'

Euro 2012: Pierluigi Collina defends UEFA over Ukraine goal-line controversy

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Refs' chief Collina still refuses to back goal-line technology despite Ukraine farce

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UPDATED:

17:29 GMT, 20 June 2012

Head of referees Pierluigi Collina has defended UEFA's experimental system of extra goal-line officials but admitted to an 'unfortunate mistake' that helped eliminate Ukraine from Euro 2012.

In a tournament heavy on goals and drama but relatively free of debatable decisions, Marco Devic's disallowed effort against England on Tuesday, which television replays suggested had crossed the line, prompted outrage from the hosts.

The goal may not have saved Ukraine from elimination anyway but the referee in charge of the game, Hungary's Viktor Kassai, was one of four sent home on Wednesday as part of a standard pruning of officials before the quarter-finals.

Refs' chief: Pierluigi Collina (left) at a training session for officials appointed for Euro 2012 knockout matches at Agrykola Stadium in Warsaw on Wednesday

Refs' chief: Pierluigi Collina (left) at a training session for officials appointed for Euro 2012 knockout matches at Agrykola Stadium in Warsaw on Wednesday

Collina said it would have been 'unfair' to expose Kassai to additional pressure following the row, which has prompted renewed calls for the introduction of goalline technology.

The bald-headed Italian, the game's best-known official before his retirement in 2005, insisted the decision did not undermine a system of extra officials which has been on trial in the Champions League and elsewhere for three years.

'This was human mistake made by a human being. Nevertheless this is the only problem we had with this experiment in roughly 1000 matches played,' Collina said.

'(At Euro 2012) we had three goal-line situations. Two of them were absolutely correct, the third was unfortunately wrong. Being wrong is one thing, saying that the ball was half a metre over is another and you know it. The ball was centimetres (over).'

It's all over: John Terry hacks Marko Devic's shot away... but not in time

It's all over: John Terry hacks Marko Devic's shot away… but not in time

Rage: Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin went wild after his side were denied

Rage: Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin went wild after his side were denied

He refused to be drawn on the case for introducing technology which proponents argue would remove the element of human error.

'The simple answer to that is that it is not for UEFA to decide. There is a meeting of the IFAB (International Football Association Board) on July 5,' UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino told the same news conference.

'We do what we can. We think that in addition to seeing or not seeing the goal, the additional referee gives a lot of help. The fact that a mistake happened last night, the night before this press conference, is bad luck, but it should not hinder us in our very positive assessment of the last three years.

'We will see what the IFAB decides and we will see which leagues implement it if they do. But for the moment we have not seen any 100 percent success rate so far on any goal-line technology,' Infantino added.

Michael Schumacher backs Mercedes to turn corner after dismal run

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Schumacher backs Mercedes to turn corner after dismal recent run

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UPDATED:

12:59 GMT, 12 June 2012

Michael Schumacher is convinced good times with Mercedes are still around the corner as he has not lost faith in the team.

Schumacher endured yet more bad luck
this season in Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix, with the seven-times
champion forced to retire as the DRS that aids overtaking was frozen in
the open position.

Michael Schumacher

Upbeat: but Michael Schumacher (right) has finished just two of seven races

It was the fifth time in seven races this year Schumacher has retired, suffering mechanical issues in three others, whilst he was also involved in an early accident in Spain.

Schumacher is currently languishing in 18th in the championship, with just two points to his name, whilst in contrast team-mate Nico Rosberg is fifth and 21 points behind leader Lewis Hamilton.

A philosophical Schumacher said on his personal website: 'I want to emphasise again Formula One cars are prototype vehicles and hundreds of components are made especially for them.

'For me, it's completely understandable that things can go wrong from time to time.

'Of course it was a disappointing outcome in Montreal, but I won't lose my nerve or faith in the team.

Schumacher understands why the car has problems

Setback: Schumacher understands why the car has problems

'I still believe we will achieve something special together with Mercedes.'

Despite his woes, Schumacher believes nothing will come of finger pointing, adding: 'There is no reason to blame anyone – unfortunate circumstances like these are part of motor racing.

'Indeed, I'm certain it's even tougher for the guys in the team.

'That's why I sat down with my race engineers immediately after my retirement to discuss how we should approach the time before the next race and to make sure we stay in close contact over the coming days.

'Perhaps the only small advantage from the situation was that I managed to beat the traffic to get to the airport.

'I had already planned to fly back to my family as soon as possible after the race, so at least I was able to get away from the circuit just before the chequered flag was waved.'

Jessica Ennis robbed of personal best as Manchester race had WRONG NUMBER of hurdles

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Ennis robbed of PB as Manchester race had WRONG NUMBER of hurdles

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UPDATED:

16:34 GMT, 20 May 2012

Jessica Ennis produced a fantastic run to win the 100 metres hurdles ahead of the Olympic champion and the world silver medallist at the Powerade Great CityGames in Manchester – but an embarrassing blunder by the organisers denied her a personal best.

The heptathlete clocked 12.75 seconds into a headwind to win the race ahead of two of the best hurdlers in the world, Dawn Harper and Danielle Carruthers.

Can't catch me: Jessica Ennis (centre) beats Dawn Harper (right) in Manchester

Can't catch me: Jessica Ennis (centre) beats Dawn Harper (right) in Manchester

The time was 0.04secs faster than her previous best, but it emerged after the race only nine hurdles had been set out rather than the regulation 10, meaning it was invalid.

Ennis said: 'I am so annoyed. I still had a good competitive race, but I've just not got the result I wanted.

'I can't believe that. It's a great event but that's a massive, massive mess-up.'

Mad fer it: Ennis celebrates her victory on Deansgate in central Manchester

Mad fer it: Ennis celebrates her victory on Deansgate in central Manchester

A spokesman for the organisers, Nova International, said: 'There has been a technical error and there were nine sets of hurdles out on the course instead of 10.

'We'll conduct a thorough investigation and find out what happened and why and by whom. It's a very unfortunate mistake, we're very unhappy about it.'

Serena Williams wins Madrid Open after beating Victoria Azarenka

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Williams runs riot against world No 1 Azarenka to win Madrid Open title

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UPDATED:

14:44 GMT, 13 May 2012

Serena Williams overpowered the top-ranked Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-3 to win the Madrid Open on Sunday.

In a clash of two of the tour's heaviest hitters, Williams battered Azarenka around the new blue-clay court with her big serve and vicious return to take the first four games and never look back.

Williams served 14 aces on her way to avenging her only loss in six previous meetings with Azarenka when she fell to the Belarusian in the 2009 final in Miami.

Winning feeling: Serena Williams (left) eased to victory over Victoria Azarenka

Winning feeling: Serena Williams (left) eased to victory over Victoria Azarenka

It was the 30-year-old Williams' 41st title and second of the season as she remained unbeaten in her last 13 matches on clay.

The loss ended Azarenka's run of winning her last four tournaments.

'I can still do better,' Williams said when asked if she had found her best form following her return from a yearlong absence due to illness in 2011.

'This is really good. I have been working hard. I had some tough battles and really unfortunate circumstances so I really love this.'

Sitting down on the job: Williams celebrates as she wins the Madrid Open

Sitting down on the job: Williams celebrates as she wins the Madrid Open

Williams broke Azarenka's first service game when the Australian Open winner could only stab her powerful return into the stands.

William's strong start left Azarenka shaken, and she hit three double faults to cede her serve again and trail 3-0.

The flustered Azarenka netted a forehand after Williams had fallen on the slick surface and left the entire court open. She then produced another double fault to cap a disastrous first set.

Williams kept the momentum going, hitting her fifth and sixth aces to hold for love at the start of the second set.

Undone: Azarenka had no answer to Williams' overwhelming power

Undone: Azarenka had no answer to Williams' overwhelming power

As her frustration boiled over, Azarenka smashed her racket into the ground moments before Williams blasted a return by her to break her yet again.

The 13-time Grand Slam winner sealed the victory in one hour, four minutes with her final ace.

'I want to congratulate Serena for a great week. She did a great job,' Azarenka said.

Warren Gatland injured in fall

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Wales chief Gatland injured in fall at his beach home

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UPDATED:

23:02 GMT, 11 April 2012

Fall: Gatland has suffered multiple fractures

Fall: Gatland has suffered multiple fractures

Wales's Grand Slam-winning coach Warren Gatland has suffered multiple fractures to both his heels after a fall at his New Zealand beach home.

The Lions coach-elect, who presided over a second Welsh Slam in five seasons this spring, was cleaning windows when he fell 10 feet from a ladder.

He is currently in leg casts before having an operation. Rob Howley has been placed on standby to take temporary charge of Wales in the lead-up to the June tour of Australia.

While the WRU remain confident Gatland, 48, will be fit to lead the tour party, he and union chief executive Roger Lewis have agreed that Howley be put forward to the board as a caretaker in case his recovery takes longer than expected.

For now, Howley and the other assistant coaches – Shaun Edwards, Robin McBryde and Neil Jenkins – will keep in contact with Gatland about player form and fitness.

Wales face the Barbarians in Cardiff on June 2 before flying to Australia for their three-Test tour.

Lewis said: 'We all wish Warren a speedy recovery from the injuries he has suffered in this extremely unfortunate accident.

'Knowing Warren as I do I can reassure the Welsh rugby public that he has diligently put the people and processes in place to ensure he stays closely linked to what is happening in the game back in Wales.

'I have spoken to Warren on a number of occasions since his fall and have told him he will lead the tour to Australia unless anything unforeseen happens in the prognosis for recovery we are working to.'

Taylor hails football family for coming together in support of Muamba and Petrov

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Taylor hails football family for coming together in support of Muamba and Petrov

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UPDATED:

17:19 GMT, 3 April 2012

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has praised all quarters of the game for pulling together to offer support for Fabrice Muamba and Stiliyan Petrov.

In a season dogged by race controversies, players, fans and administrators alike have joined as one to send goodwill to Muamba after he suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Bolton, and to Aston Villa captain Petrov who was last week diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

And, having had to answer questions about unsavoury matters for a lot of the campaign, Taylor is pleased that the game has shown its positive side, albeit in unfortunate circumstances.

Support: Fans from north and south of the border backed Stiliyan Petrov

Support: Fans from north and south of the border backed Stiliyan Petrov

Support: Fans from north and south of the border backed Stiliyan Petrov

'I think one of the finest things this season, in spite of the various problems we have had, is the way the football family and community has come together very solidly in support of Fabrice and Stiliyan,' he said.

'Irrespective of background, race, creed or culture, everyone has been hoping and praying that someone who is very highly regarded comes through, and that has been very gratifying.

'It has shown the best side of football. At times the game can show it's worst side, but we have to work hard to make sure it remains the major spectator and participant sport.'

Taylor wrote to Petrov last week after the news of his illness was announced and has a particular fondness for the Bulgaria international.

'I know him as one of our members, and I know his reputation within the game – how highly he is thought of in his own country,' he added.

United: Football came together after Fabrice Muamba collapsed

United: Football came together after Fabrice Muamba collapsed

United: Football came together after Fabrice Muamba collapsed

'It was a pleasure to meet him when I did. He has very sound views on the game in terms of current topics and has good leadership qualities – he came across very impressively.'

Muamba's moving recovery from his collapse at White Hart Lane two weeks ago has pleased all in the sport and now, with Petrov set to embark on a bid for recovery, Taylor is hoping that the outcome will be similar.

'Stiliyan is well known here as a great person and a great leader. He is one of the Premier League lads we had meetings with at the start of the season,' he said.

'He is just a top-class player and person. It was a terrible shock, particularly coming off the back of Fabrice Muamba, and we just hope that in the way that Fabrice – touch wood – is coming through things, the same will happen with Stiliyan.'