Fowler faces ban, fine for racist remark
Kolkata: The ISL is making headlines for the wrong reasons as East Bengal's coach Robbie Fowler faces a minimum ban of five matches and `6 lakh fine for an alleged racist remark against referees after a match against FC Goa. Frustrated after East Bengal's 1-1 draw against a 10-man FC Goa on January 29, Fowler had allegedly said the refereeing was either “anti-English or anti-East Bengal”. “The match commissioner has taken a strong note of the incident and reported the matter to the disciplinary committee which will take the decision after hearing Fowler's version on Wednesday evening,” an ISL official said on Tuesday. “If he's proven guilty, he is liable for a minimum five-match ban and `6 lakh fine,” he added.
Odisha FC sack Baxter for rape remark
New Delhi: ISL side Odisha FC on Tuesday sacked its head coach Stuart Baxter for making an unsavoury comment on rape to criticise a refereeing decision after the team's loss to Jamshedpur FC. The club also issued a public apology after the Englishman suggested one of his players “will have to rape someone or be raped” to get a penalty after the 0-1 loss to Jamshedpur FC on Monday. “Odisha FC has decided to terminate Head Coach Stuart Baxter's contract with immediate effect. Interim Coach for the remainder of the season will be announced soon,” the club said in a statement on Tuesday.
Federer targets comeback at Doha Open
Basel: Roger Federer is targeting the Doha Open in March for his comeback after over a year on the sidelines recovering from two knee operations, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said on Tuesday. The 39-year-old Swiss has been out of action since February 2020 and shelved plans in December to compete in the Australian Open, which makes a delayed start next week. In an interview with Swiss radio SRF, he said he now felt ready to begin his season in the tournament in Qatar which begins on March 8.
Hertha sign Khedira; Schalke get Mustafi
Berlin: Hertha Berlin brought Sami Khedira back to the Bundesliga after 10 1/2 seasons away, hopeful the World Cup winner will help lead the ambitious club to bigger and better things. The 33-year-old former Germany midfielder was joining the club from Juventus, Hertha said on the last day of the winter transfer period. Also, Schalke signed former Germany defender Shkodran Mustafi from Arsenal to cover the departure of 20-year-old center back Ozan Kabak on loan to Liverpool.
Shakib's return boosts B’desh hopes
Chattogram: Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque believes the return of Shakib Al Hasan gives them an edge against a depleted Windies in the opening match of the two-Test series starting on Wednesday. Mominul called him a “two in one” player. “Such a player is a gem for any team” he said.