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Mid-Day Ticker: England, Poland draw in World Cup qualifier; FA, Serbia argue racism claims; and more

Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By Jose M. Romero

England and Poland played to a 1-1 draw Wednesday, less than 24 hours after their originally scheduled 2014 World Cup qualifier was postponed due to heavy rain in Warsaw.

England opened the scoring in the 31st minute on a goal by Wayne Rooney, but the Brits couldn’t hold on for the three points, as Kamil Glik rose above defender Joleon Lescott to head home the equalizer in the 70th minute. England goalkeeper Joe Hart appeared to be out of position on the goal.

England’s Football Association has pledged to give money back to the fans who traveled to Poland from England for the Tuesday match and were unable to attend the makeup match on Wednesday night. Also, all 2,500 fans who made the trip will be invited to a special training session before the end of the season.

BBC reported that some 1,000 England fans were able to remain in Warsaw for the match.

England has eight points in four matches for a one-point lead in Group H of qualifying, but has played one more match than the other five teams in the group.

Here are more soccer stories making the rounds:

FA, Serbian association argue racism charges

After the England FA made charges of racism against Serbia’s soccer governing body in the wake of incidents alleged to have happened during the two nations’ U-21 Euro 2013 playoff match, Serbia has answered with denial of the claims.

Reports from England said player Danny Rose, who is black, was subjected to monkey-like gestures. Rose even indicates as such in this video. England won the match over Serbia 2-0 on aggregate goals, then fights broke out on the pitch.

The FA has asked UEFA to look into the matter.

Serbia says Rose is to blame for his actions, and that no racism took place. The country’s football association says Rose’s actions were “vulgar” and “unsportsmanlike.”

David Silva injures hamstring, could be out 2-3 weeks

Manchester City winger and Spanish international David Silva will more than likely miss next Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League match against Ajax after injuring a hamstring during Spain’s World Cup qualifier draw with France Tuesday

Silva didn’t return to England immediately after the match and stayed on in Spain for treatment. He’s scheduled for a scan back in England on Thursday. He could also miss EPL matches against West Bromwich and Swansea before being cleared to return in what could be two to three weeks.


Comments

  1. I heard some hooting noises from the stands in one of the linked videos, then lots of post-match skirmishes between many players and substitutes (but no fans). It seems like a stretch that a “chant” from a small pocket of fans must necessarily become an apocalyptic event that sends the pitch into a frenzy. The Serbian FA shared their take on the matter; it seems that regarding allegations of racial abuse, it is instinctual to forget that there are emotions other than profound shame at play.

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  2. We all know that nothing is going to happen, which is a disgrace. Here is an excerpt from ESPN’s John Brewin about what happened, and it says all we need to know:

    “Racism is becoming too habitual for UEFA not to take a proper stance, and Serbia must be the first team to face tougher action, yet a glance at previous sanctions suggests that the governing body is yet to take it seriously enough: £45,000 Spain 2004 (racism); £16,500 Serbia 2007 (racism); £10,000 Croatia 2008 (racism); £80,000 Bendtner (pants). The last of these, of course, was Denmark striker Nicklas’ fine for wearing sponsored underpants. That says rather too much.”

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  3. That is sickening from not just the Serbian fans and team, but from the FA as well. Their actions and words are grotesque and they need to be punished severely. Disqualification from all qualifying competitons should happen.

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  4. England vs Serbia was 1-0. Not 2-0. Also, anyone notice anything about the goal?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vg1Sh3z2B8

    It is clearly offside. The offside Rule States that there have to be 2 defenders between you and the goal line once the ball is played. The goal shouldn’t have counted and this wouldn’t have happened. Thanks Refs.

    A player is in an offside position if:
    he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second to last opponent

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  5. UEFA needs to take a hard stance on racism and just disqualify Serbia from the tourney. especially after the Serbian FA’s comments.

    Reply

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