MOYES REGRETS SLAP THREAT TO REPORTER

Sunderland manager David Moyes said Monday he “deeply regrets” threatening to slap a female BBC reporter.

Earlier on Monday, Premier League strugglers Sunderland had issued an apology on behalf of Moyes for the remarks he made to Vicki Sparks after a goalless Premier League draw at home to Burnley on March 18.

Moyes said: “I deeply regret the comments I made. That’s certainly not the person I am. I’ve accepted the mistake. I spoke to the BBC reporter, who accepted my apology.”

RAFINHA SET TO MISS CRUCIAL MONTH

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha Alcantara will miss between three and four weeks with a knee injury, according to reports in Spain, a crucial period that includes the Champions League quarter-finals and the Clasico. He was substituted after 16 minutes against Granadaon Sunday night.

MASK STUNT TO COST PLAYER HEAVY FINE

Pierre-emerick Aubameyang’s latest masked goal-celebration is reportedly set to cost him a fine of at least 50,000 euros ($53,317) after again falling offside with his club Borussia Dortmund. The 27-year-old celebrated his goal on Saturday by pulling on an black-and-orange wrestling mask. His masked celebration will result in a five-figure fine, because the mask is the same one he wore while filming an advert for his private sponsor Nike. Rival sportswear brand Puma are shareholders in Dortmund.

SPANISH CLUB FEARS FIXING AFTER 12-0 ROUT

third-tier Spanish football team was shaken on Monday by allegations that several of its players had been involved in alleged matchfixing that led to an astonishing 12-0 rout.

Club Deportivo Eldense decided to temporarily suspend all sporting activities and terminate its contract with a foreign investment group as a result of