Another twist in racism row as Low blasts Ozil silence
÷GERMANY manager Joachim Low has dismissed Mesut Ozil’s accusations of racism at the country’s FA and criticised the Arsenal playmaker’s refusal to take his calls. Ozil quit international football after Germany’s nightmare World Cup campaign. Low’s side failed to get out of their group in Russia amid unrest after Ozil and Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan — both players of Turkish descent — posed with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a move condemned by the German FA.
Low said: ‘Mesut made allegations of racism but I can clearly say that in the DFB (German FA) there have never been racist comments. ‘Players with an immigrant background have always enjoyed playing for us and nothing has changed. ‘Mesut’s adviser called me to inform me Mesut would issue the statement. The player himself did not call me, which normally players have done in the past. Mesut has still not called me and for the last two weeks I have unsuccessfully tried to reach him. He has chosen this path. I have to accept that.’
ROBBIE BRADY is on track to be available for the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League doubleheader against Denmark and Wales next month. The Irish midfielder, who suffered a knee injury last December, is back in full training with Burnley after shaking off a hamstring problem which held him back in pre-season. Brady is expected to return for Burnley’s U23 during the international break. ‘We’ve still got to get him through a decent games programme and get him properly fit, but he’s looking bright, he’s really happy to be back out there,’ said Burnley boss Sean Dyche.
DUE to international call-ups, the Derry City versus Bohemians Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup quarter-final has been postponed and will be played at a date to be confirmed. RTÉ 2 will have live coverage of the tie between Longford Town and holders Cork City at City Calling Stadium on Friday, September 7 at 7.30pm. That same evening, Limerick will host Dundalk at Market’s Field (7.45pm) and UCD will welcome Waterford to the UCD Bowl (7.45pm)