Eto’o may face spitting charge
Samuel Eto’o, the Barcelona striker, and Javier Clementé, the Athletic Bilbao coach, may be disciplined over a spitting incident after Spain’s higher sports council requested action, it was reported yesterday. Television pictures showed Eto’o spitting at Unai Exposito, the Bilbao defender, in the final moments of Sunday’s Spanish league game, which Barcelona won 2-1. Clementé made allegedly racist remarks about the incident. The state-run council has asked its anti-violence commission to take up the case when it meets today.
Di Stéfano stable
Alfredo Di Stéfano, 79, the Real Madrid honorary president and former star forward, has been fitted with a pacemaker after his quadruple bypass heart surgery and is expected to leave hospital in the next few days, doctors said yesterday. “The operation to fit a pacemaker has been carried out successfully,” a medical report issued by heart specialists at the La Fe hospital, in Valencia, stated. Di Stéfano was admitted to hospital after suffering a heart attack on December 24.
Gannon’s target
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Jim Gannon, the new Stockport County manager, is hoping to repeat what he achieved as a player at Edgeley Park. Gannon, 37, who has been caretaker manager of the Coca-Cola League Two side for the past three games, enjoyed two promotions during ten years as a player at the club. He has been appointed until the end of the season with another former Stockport player, Peter Ward, set to become his assistant.
Zola to return
Gianfranco Zola, the former Chelsea forward, is returning to England, but to the less glamorous surroundings of Macclesfield Town’s Moss Rose ground. Zola will be joined by Christian Karembeu, the former Middlesbrough midfield player, for an International All Stars match to raise money for the club. Macclesfield’s financial position has also been boosted after supporters were allowed to buy shares in the club.