BY DAN KARELL
On the heels of an impressive 15-minute debut for Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, David Beckham has been handed a place in the starting XI in advance of his new club’s match against Marseille in the Coupe de France.
Beckham’s flick pass on Sunday in the 90th minute helped lead to the second goal of PSG’s 2-0 Ligue 1 win over Marseille, with the two powerhouses now facing off once more in the cup competition. This will be Beckham’s first start since the MLS Cup Final last December, which was his final match for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti announced the news of Beckham’s inclusion in the lineup at his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s encounter. The 37-year-old Englishman will be replacing the Italian youngster Marco Verratti, who is suspended for the match.
Here are some more stories to get your Tuesday started:
INTER MILAN, AC MILAN, AND BALOTELLI ALL FINED
Inter Milan have been fined €50,000 for racist acts from their fans towards former player Mario Balotelli, during the 1-1 draw between Inter and AC Milan on Sunday night.
Numerous fans shouted slogans, brought inflatable bananas to the match, and held up signs with racist intent, leading to the fines from the Italian football federation. Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti apologized about the fans behavior following the match, but was still fined on Tuesday for what transpired at the San Siro
Balotelli was also fined €10,000 for his reactions to the events, while AC Milan was fined €10,000 as well for three banners “insulting oppositions fans and players”.
HUTH CHARGED WITH VIOLENT CONDUCT
Stoke City defender Robert Huth has been charged with violent contact by the FA, following a clash with Fulham defender Philippe Senderos during Fulham’s 1-0 win on Saturday.
The German native is no stranger to controversy, as he has previously been charged by the FA for an incident involving Matthew Upson, during a match against West Ham, when Huth punched Upson in the face. Huth was later handed a three-match ban as punishment.
In the current case, Huth has until 6pm GMT on Wednesday to appeal.
QUICK KICKS
Steve McClaren, former England manager, has resigned as manager of FC Twente, just one day after receiving a “vote of confidence” from the chairman. (REPORT)
Former AC Milan mainstay Gennaro Gattuso has been promoted to player-coach for Swiss club FC Sion. (REPORT)
Franz Beckenbauer says that only a meteor striking the Bayern Munich training ground can stop them from winning this season’s Bundesliga. (REPORT)
Arsenal have announced a pre-tax profit of £17.8 million based on the club’s half-year valuations, culminating in November 2012. (REPORT)
Diego Maradona has returned to Italy to clear his name in a tax evasion scandal that has kept him out of the country for eight years. (REPORT)
A 17-year-old Corinthians fan has admitted to being the thrower of a deadly flare, which fatally struck a 14-year-old fan last week during a Copa Libertadores match. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Beckham staying in the starting lineup the rest of the season? Do you believe that the fine’s levied on Inter Milan are fair punishment? Do you see Robert Huth being suspended for three or more games?
Share your thoughts below.