CLANCY: OFFICIALS MUST TAKE ACTION
ST PATRICK’S Athletic boss Tim Clancy says the officials must take “appropriate action” if there are racist incidents in tonight’s Europa Conference League clash in Sofia.
Having banked €750,000 for reaching the third qualifying round, the Saints face a difficult away first-leg tie against CSKA in Bulgaria (6pm Irish time) with a further
€1m on the line.
Expect
The Saints can expect to face a hostile atmosphere.
Alan Pardew quit as the Bulgarian club’s boss in June after his own players were racially abused.
England’s Euro 2020 qualifier was halted twice at the Vasil Levski Stadium and came close to being abandoned after home fans repeatedly racially abused players on Gareth Southgate’s team.
Clancy (inset) is hoping that his goalkeeper Joseph Anang, who was superb in the previous round against Mura, avoids similar treatment.
“You’re hopeful it’ll pass off without incident,” said Clancy. “You need to be braindead or knuckle dragging to be talking about racism in this day and age.
“England had a problem out here before. If there’s an incident, it’ll be up to the officials to take appropriate action.”
Winger Billy King insists the players will have no problem if the atmosphere is intimidating.
MANCHESTER UNITED could lose out on No.1 target Frenkie de Jong to Chelsea.
The Blues are now strong contenders to sign the Dutch ace from under United’s noses after making contact with Barcelona and holding discussions with De Jong’s representatives.
United remain keen on De Jong but the potential deal has been held up by a stand-off with his current club.
Holland star De Jong is still owed almost €18m in deferred wages by Barca after agreeing to take a pay cut in the pandemic but they have refused to pay up — and the exAjax midfielder has refused to back down.
Issues
Barca are facing major financial issues and need to offload players before they can register new arrivals and Chelsea’s interest is threatening United’s attempts to sign him.
New United boss Erik ten Hag worked with De Jong at Ajax and is