DIEGO MARADONA RESPONDS TO ‘RACIST’ INCIDENT
MOSCOW: Diego Maradona has given his version of an exchange with an Asian fan that witnesses perceived as racist. British television staff working in Spartak Stadium during Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Iceland on Saturday reported seeing Maradona respond to South Korea fans calling his name. On Twitter, BBC presenter Jacqui Oatley posted that Maradona “obliged with a smile, kiss and wave. Then pulled his eyes to the side in a clearly racist gesture.” In a Facebook message early Sunday, the Argentina great says he saw “an Asian boy wearing an Argentina T-shirt.” He adds: “I, from afar, tried to tell them how nice it seemed to me that even the Asians cheer for us. And that’s all, guys, come on.”
Mexican fans chant slur during World Cup game
MOSCOW: Mexican fans chanted a homophobic slur at Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer during the World Cup game on Sunday. FIFA has repeatedly fined the Mexican football federation over the chant. It rang out at the Luzhniki stadium in the 24th minute of Mexico’s game against Germany. Fans in Mexico use the chant to insult opposing goalkeepers as they take a goal kick. Widely considered a slur, some argue there is no discriminatory intent. The Court of Arbitration for Sport cancelled two fines against Mexico in November, ruling the chant was “insulting” but not meant to offend, though it left other fines in force.
Can’t compare Messi and Ronaldo, says Silva
KRATOVO: Portugal’s Adrien Silva refused to be drawn on comparisons between teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi after wildly contrasting fortunes for the global stars in their opening games at the World Cup. Ronaldo rescued Portugal with a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw with title contenders Spain, while Messi missed a penalty as Argentina were held 1-1 by tournament newcomers Iceland. “You can’t compare Messi with Ronaldo,” Leicester City midfielder Silva said Sunday. “We have a leader, he’s with us and he must do what he must do. He has to help us as best as he can.”
Morocco’s Amrabat out of hospital, to miss next game
MOSCOW: Morocco winger Nordin Amrabat has been discharged from hospital but he will not play in the side’s next World Cup Group B clash against Portugal on Wednesday after suffering concussion in the 1-0 loss to Iran, officials said.