Weekly Football News, January 7 2013
Blatter criticises Milan in racism row
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has criticised AC Milan after the Italian Serie A side walked off during a friendly on Thursday when Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng was repeatedly subjected to racist abuse from fans of fellow Italian side Pro Patria.
Boateng picked up the ball midway through the first half of the friendly and kicked it towards the crowd after reacting to the abuse from a section of the home support. The midfielder then removed his shirt and left the pitch with both sets of players and officials.
The actions of the former Tottenham and Portsmouth player has been congratulated by a number of high-profile players; however, the Fifa chief claimed that leaving the field of play midway through a game was not the way to prevent racist abuse from the stands.
Blatter reportedly told the Abu Dhabi-based publication The National: "Walk off? That's not the solution.
"I don't think you can run away, because eventually you can run away if you lose a match.
"This is a very touchy subject, but there is zero tolerance of racism in the stadium."
Barton is no animal: Marseille sporting director
Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo has suggested that the Ligue 1 side are interested in keeping QPR midfielder Joey Barton beyond the end of the season.
The English player was loaned to Marseille after being handed a 12-match domestic ban at the end of last term.
But since serving his punishment, the controversial Barton has flourished in France.
"He was described as an animal, but he is just the opposite. He is funny, intelligent, and he fights for victory," Anigo said of the former Newcastle player.
"We can see that the team has been lifted by his competitive spirit. He is now established as a leader in our group.
"He is very happy here, maybe he has found the right club for him. Should he desire (to stay) it could be very good. We have a very good relationship with his club QPR."
Holtby could make EPL switch in January
Germany under-21 captain Lewis Holtby could make his switch to Premier League Tottenham during the January transfer window, Schalke managing director Horst Heldt has indicated.
Last week, Holtby - who has an English father and a German mother - agreed to join Spurs when his contract at Schalke runs out at the end of the season.
However, Heldt conceded that if Spurs were willing to pay a fee for the midfielder, the Germans would be prepared to let him leave this month.
"If Tottenham ask for Holtby in the January window, we will talk to them about it," Heldt said. "Nothing has happened yet, but, from our point of view, we are prepared to speak to them.
"It would have to be done quickly, because we would have to find a replacement for him."
Holtby's father was born in Liverpool but the Erkelenz-born player has already represented Germany three times at senior level.
FA Cup draw kind for non-league giant-killers
The two non-league teams that made it into the fourth round of his season's FA Cup in England have been rewarded with high-profile ties.
Luton, who knocked out Championship strugglers Wolves, a defeat that cost former Wanderers manager Stole Solbakken his job, have been handed a trip to Premier League side Norwich, while Luton's fellow giant-killers Macclesfield will face Wigan if the Latics beat Bournemouth in a third-round replay.
Premier League champions Manchester City will play either Stoke City or Crystal Palace, while EPL leaders Manchester United will play at home against Fulham or Blackpool if they can win their replay with West Ham.
Compiled by Marc Fox
2012 World Soccer News
CWC Chelsea v Corinthians - 17 December Soccer News - Chelsea lose 1-0 to Corinthians in Club World Cup.
Sir Alex Likes Jose - 3 December Soccer News - Alex Ferguson hints at Mourinho as his successor.
Frank Lampard China Bound? - 12 November Soccer News - rumours continue that Chelsea's Frank Lampard may be on his way to China.
Clattenburg Clanger - 29 October Soccer News - referee Mark Clattenburg in "racist slur" complaint from Chelsea.
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.
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