Rice gets two-game UEFA ban for calling ref corrupt
DECLAN RICE will miss West Ham’s first two European games of the season as UEFA banned the midfielder for accusing a referee of ‘corruption’ following the club’s Europa League exit. Rice was angry after the semi-final second-leg defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt. His tirade at Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano was caught on camera. Manger David Moyes also received a one-match ban after he was sent off for kicking the ball at a ballboy in frustration. Both Rice and Moyes had apologised, saying they acted in the heat of the moment, but the pair will now be absent when West Ham start their Europa Conference League campaign. Manzano showed a straight red to Aaron Cresswell early in the 1-0 defeat in Frankfurt.
Rice, who was booked for dissent during the game, was heard telling the referee afterwards: ‘Ref, ref. It’s so poor. All night it’s so bad. How can you be that bad? Honestly, you’ve probably been f****** paid. F****** corruption.’ West Ham’s first game in the Europa Conference League will be in the first leg of the play-offs on August 18 as they look to qualify for the group stages. UEFA also fined Frankfurt £69,000 for a range of infringements including a pitch invasion by their fans at full time as they celebrated their 3-1 aggregate win. Frankfurt won the final on penalties against Rangers. Meanwhile, West Ham expect to announce the signing of defender Nayef Aguerd from Rennes over the weekend after he had his medical. The 26-year-old Moroccan’s move will be completed for £25million rising to £30m. Manager Moyes has followed the highly rated leftsided centre back for over a year, amid competition from several clubs including top-flight rivals Newcastle.