Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ROBINSON’S ROLE DON AND DUSTED
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND-UP
AFC WIMBLEDON have appointed Mark Robinson as their permanent head coach.
Robinson (below) has been interim manager of the League One side since former boss Glyn Hodges was sacked at the end of January.
The League One Dons had been linked with a bold move to attract Chelsea women’s manager Emma Hayes to the job at one point.
But chief executive Joe Palmer said: “In his short time as interim manager, Mark has made a hugely positive impression on the players and staff. This impact, coupled with his determination and ability to bring about cultural change, gave Mark the edge.”
A LATE show from JUVENTUS handed the Italians a lifeline in their 2-1 defeat to PORTO.
Andrea Pirlo’s side were behind after just 61 seconds at the Dragao, as a dreadful back pass by Rodrigo Bentancur was pounced on by Mehdi Taremi, who forced the ball past former Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny. Porto’s high pressing football had the Italian giants in all sorts of trouble, and Porto struck again after the restart through Moussa Marega.
But the visitors improved when former Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata came on – and eight minutes from time Federico Chiesa fired into the far corner to give them hope.
In Spain, Erling Haaland inspired BORUSSIA DORTMUND to a 3-2 away win against SEVILLA. The
Spaniards made the perfect start when Suso’s strike deflected into Dortmund’s goal.
But Haaland then took centre stage, first picking out Mahmoud Dahoud, who found the top corner from 25 yards.
A one-two with Brit Jadon Sancho saw the Norwegian make no mistake from close range, before he added a cool finish before the break.
Sevilla grabbed a late goal through sub Luuk de Jong.
Provided the key moments in the game and topped it off with a brilliant goal to put
City back in front
REFEREE Darren Drysdale could be facing a ban and a fine for violent conduct – despite making a public apology to Ipswich’s Alan Judge.
Drysdale, 49, clashed with Judge (above) during Ipswich’s 0-0 draw against Northampton.
He apologised last night but was still charged with improper conduct by the FA – and faces a ban and a fine.
Drysdale appeared to square up and lean his head towards the midfielder after Judge’s appeal for a penalty was turned down during Tuesday’s League One match.
RAF sergeant Drysdale issued a public apology via the Professional Game Match officials Limited group, saying: “It is important for us as referees to maintain our composure and always engage with players in a professional manner. I’m sorry I did not do that and I can only apologise to Alan and Ipswich Town.”
Ipswich boss Paul Lambert (above) said: “I said to him after the game,
‘Did you put your head in my player?’ He couldn’t answer.” Drysdale has until March 4 to respond to the charge.
FRUSTRATED Bale has only played a small role for Spurs manager Mourinho
GARETH BALE’S agent last night astonishingly admitted that the Welshman’s playing career was almost over – and that he does not need Tottenham’s money to keep on playing.
Bale, 31, has started just two of 22 Premier League games for Spurs since returning to the club on loan from Real Madrid.
But his agent, Jonathan Barnett, pointed the finger at manager Jose Mourinho for
Bale’s lack of minutes.
Asked why Bale was not