Weekly Football News, October 29, 2012
English referee in "inappropriate language" storm
Chelsea have made a formal complaint against referee Mark Clattenburg in the wake of their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Clattenburg was at the centre of controversy during a heated encounter in west London for sending off Blues defender Branislav Ivanovic and striker Fernando Torres, who the referee deemed to have dived in a challenge with United's Jonny Evans and handed the Spaniard a second yellow card.
He also allowed United's winner to stand despite Javier Hernandez touching home 15 minutes from time in an offside position.
However, Chelsea officials were also furious at Clattenburg for allegedly using "inappropriate language" to two of their players, thought to be John Obi Mikel and Juan Mata. Some reports have suggested that Clattenburg's language was racist in nature.
Referees' organisation Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) later issued a statement which said: "PGMO is aware of the allegations and they are being treated with the utmost seriousness.
"Mark will co-operate fully and welcomes the opportunity for the facts to be established."
Bayern lose perfect Bundesliga start
In Germany, Bayern Munch – like Chelsea - also lost their 100 percent start to the new season with a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Bayer Leverkusen.
An own-goal by Jerome Boateng in the 86th-minute handed Leverkusen their first win in Munich for 23 years. Bayern had originally levelled Stefan Kiessling's first-half opener on 77 minutes courtesy of a header by Mario Mandzukic.
The surprise loss by the Bundesliga pace-setters left Bayern captain Philipp Lahm furious.
"We conceded a really stupid goal to make it 1-0, then worked hard to make it 1-1, then conceded another equally stupid goal for 2-1," he fumed.
Marwood moved on in City reshuffle
Football administrator Brian Marwood's task of player recruitment at Manchester City has been passed onto new director of football Txiki Begiristain in a management restructure.
Begiristain was previously Barcelona's technical director between 2008 and 2010, working under new City chief executive Ferran Soriano.
Meanwhile, Marwood, who reports suggest City manager Roberto Mancini blamed for the club's lack of power in the summer transfer window, has moved to a new role as managing director of the club's football academy from next season.
Begiristain told the club's official website: "I am very pleased indeed to have been offered such an exciting opportunity.
"The progress and on field achievements at Manchester City are plain for all to see and I am honoured to have been asked to contribute to its future success.
I am very much looking forward to working with Brian Marwood, Roberto Mancini and Ferran Soriano in continuing to build a football team and philosophy which will serve Manchester City well in the near and long-term future."
Atletico stay hot on Barca's heels
It is Atletico rather than Real Madrid that continue to prevent Barcelona running away with this season's La Liga in Spain.
Goals from Miranda, Raúl García and Falcao secured a 3-1 win over Osasuna and ensured Atletico's eighth victory in nine league games this season.
Barca (25 points) and Real (17 points) both stormed to 5-0 away wins against Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano, respectively.
Malaga stay third on 18 points following a goalless draw with Espanyol.
Compiled by Marc Fox
Football News For 2012
Clasico Draw - 8 October Soccer News - Barcelona and Real Madrid draw 2-2 in El Clasico.
Harry Redknapp - 17 September Soccer News - Harry Redknapp "relieved' to miss out on England job.
Robin van Persie Bags a Hat-trick - 3 September Soccer News - Robin van Persie scores hat-trick for Man Utd and Sven Goran Eriksson in Thailand.
Olympic Soccer - 7 August World Soccer News - latest Olympic soccer and transfer news.
Team GB - 23 July World Soccer News - Team GB gear up for Olympics as Drogba debuts in China.
Euro 2012 Final - 2 July World Soccer News - Spain beat Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012 and AVB set to take over at Spurs.
Hodgson's England - 4 June World Soccer News - More injury woe for Hodgson's England as Gary Cahill is ruled out of Euro 2012.
Chelsea Win Champions League - 21 May World Soccer News - Chelsea win the Champions League though Torres is unhappy.
Roy Hodgson Appointed England Boss - 30 April World Soccer News - Roy Hodgson to become England manager and the Manchester derby as title decider.
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