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Mid-Day Ticker: Terry ban reduced, Llorente linked with Juventus, and more

John Terry (Getty Images)

By FRANCO PANIZO

John Terry is once again back in the headlines, but this time it comes with good news for the Chelsea captain.

Terry's ban for his violent actions in the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Barcelona have been reduced on appeal, meaning the centerback will be able to play from the start of their title defense this upcoming season. Terry was red carded in the second leg of Chelsea's semifinal series for kneeing Alexis Sanchez during an off-the-ball incident and was given a three-match suspension.

Terry's punishment, however, has been reduced to two games. He missed the Champions League final for the first match of the ban and UEFA has partially upheld Terry's appeal by allowing his second game to be the Super Cup clash with Europa League winners Atletico Madrid on August 31. The third game of the suspension has in turn become a propationary period of three years for Terry.

Here are more stories from Monday to help keep your day rolling:

JUVENTUS KEEN ON LLORENTE 

Fernando Llorente has refused to sign a contract extension with Athletic Bilbao, and that has opened the door for Italian heavyweights Juventus to come swooping in for his services. Llorente is down to the final year of his currently deal but with him not being open to prolonging his stay, Bilbao may be forced to sell the 27-year-old. Juventus are favored to sign Llorente, with the club's director general saying they are in negotiations with Bilbao over a transfer fee.

STOKE CITY INTERESTED IN OWEN

Stoke City recently acquired U.S. men's national team defender/midfielder Geoff Cameron, and they could soon add a former England international in order to help give them a boost for the upcoming season. Stoke are looking to sign free agent Michael Owen, but they need the forward to drop his salary demands in order to make the move happen. Everton and Fulham have also reportedly expressed interest in the 32-year-old Owen.

GIVEN RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL PLAY

Shay Given has called it a career in terms of international play. The long-time Republic of Ireland starting goalkeeper retired from international soccer on Monday, closing out a career that has seen him represent his country 125 times and play in the 2002 World Cup. The international retirement for the 36-year-old Given should help him in his attempt to claim the starting spot at Aston Villa, where he is currently competing with American netminder Brad Guzan.

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What do you think of Terry's ban being reduced? Hoping to see Llorente join Juventus? Think Owen would be a good fit at Stoke?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Anyone also see the news that Marco Pappa is leaving the Fire in January and will be headed to “Coach’s Son”‘s former club, SC Heerenveen?

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  2. Eating French onion soup whilst reading the term “mother of all snot rockets” = not a pleasant experience. Thanks for that, buddy 😉

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  3. David Luiz looks like he is about to launch the mother of all snot rockets on either the ref or Terry. “Respect” indeed??

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  4. Scholes missed a champions league match for a red card in a UEFA Super Cup match in 2008, so I suppose it is consistent (if stupid) to also have the reverse apply.

    As for holding the third game as probation, I disagree with it.

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  5. Llorente is a talented striker. He definitely deserves to be in the CL. Shocked that he didn’t participate in the Euro’s. Spain will need him ready for WC qualifying

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  6. Does Ireland have a remotely good keeper now that Given is gone? It’s not like Ireland had much of a team but now they’ve dropped quite a lot in quality. Is Keane also retiring?

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  7. I really thought Owen would be coming to MLS… maybe his injury worries meant he was too expensive for little pay. I had thought maybe Columbus could lure him over as they are closest to Horse Country in Kentucky (Owen is apparently pretty big into horse racing/owning).

    Reply

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