Top Stories

Tuesday Kickoff: Fire close in on jersey sponsor, Henry apologizes to fan & more

Fire (Getty Images)

The Chicago Fire might be adding a new graphic to the front of their jerseys this season.

According to reports out of Chicago, the club is closing in on a jersey sponsor deal with Quaker Oats, something that would end the club's sponsor hiatus after one season. Best Buy had been the team's jersey sponsor from 2008-2010 before ending its commitment prior to last season.

The proposed deal would be worth as much as $8 million over three years, according to Crain's Chicago Business. It would leave FC Dallas, Sporting Kansas City, the Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew as the lone MLS teams currently without kit sponsors.

Here are a few more items to get your Tuesday going:

HENRY APOLOGIZES FOR SWEARING AT FAN

Thierry Henry's emotions typically come out on the soccer field, and that was the case again following Arsenal's surprise 3-2 loss to Swansea City over the weekend.

After leading the Gunners over to the supporters' section following the match, Henry reportedly got into it with a fan, cursing at him during their verbal spat. 

Henry has since apologized for the act.

"I was really shocked and disappointed on Sunday, and not just at the result," Henry said to The Sun (UK). "After the final whistle of a very tricky game, I insisted the whole team go and applaud the Arsenal supporters. When I arrived in front of our own fans, I couldn't understand the abuse the team were getting from one of them. I wanted to tell the fan in question that we need their support not abuse. The sentiment was right but in hindsight could have been better expressed.

"So I would like to first and foremost apologize for using inappropriate language to that particular 'supporter'. I didn't intend to be malicious or threatening and am aware that it could have been said in a calmer manner."

LIVERPOOL-ROMA BOSTON FRIENDLY IN WORKS

Considering the American owners with Boston ties, it should not come as a big surprise that plans are in the works for a Liverpool-Roma friendly at Fenway Park in Boston this summer.

According to the Boston Globe, the two clubs will meet in a friendly as part of each's tour of the United States this summer. Liverpool is owned by Fenway Sports Group co-founder John Henry, who also owns the Boston Red Sox. Roma is headed by Boston-based Red Sox minority owner Thomas DiBenedetto and Boston Celtics part-owner James Pallotta.

The friendly has not yet been finalized, though according to the Globe it would be part of a bigger tournament that could involve Chelsea and Celtic with matches tenatively being set for baseball stadiums in Chicago and New York.

CITY RECLAIMS FIRST PLACE

After watching Manchester United join them atop the Premier League table over the weekend, Manchester City's players took matters into their own hands to reclaim sole possession of first place.

Edin Dzeko headed home a 22nd-minute free kick by David Silva, as City topped Wigan Athletic 1-0 on Monday at DW Stadium to move three points clear of the Red Devils through 21 matches.

Here are highlights from the match:

——————-

What's your take on Chicago's new kit sponsor? What do you make of Henry's apology? Excited for the prospects of Liverpool-Roma at Fenway? What did you think of City's performance on Monday?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Since Quaker Oats logo is that picture of William Penn (of Philadelphia), after the deal is signed, the Fire should “trade” sponsors with the Union. Chicago is more of a Bimbo City anyhow.

    Reply
  2. Great news, 8 mill over 3 years. Hard to understand why the other teams without a sponsor can’t get at least a million a year from a sponsor.

    Reply
  3. Too bad, I liked the fact that the jerseys actually showed the team name. I guess this isn’t the standard anywhere in football, but I thought it was pretty cool.

    Philadelphia Bimbos
    Washington Volkswagens
    Los Angeles Herbalife
    New England United Health Care
    Chicago Fire

    But I know it’s just me.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to chris Cancel reply