Former England captain Wayne Rooney in a court hearing on Monday morning was banned from driving for two years and ordered to perform 100 hours of unpaid work as part of 12-month community order after being caught three times the legal alcohol limit.
The 31 year-old Everton striker who was also fined £170 will take part in a drink-driving rehabilitation course, which would reduce his driving ban by 24 weeks. He was stopped by police after a night out in a black Volkswagen Beetle in Wilmslow, Cheshire, at 2am on September 1. He was later arrested and bailed.
“Following today’s court hearing I want publicly to apologise for my unforgivable lack of judgment in driving while over the legal limit. It was completely wrong. I have already said sorry to my family, my manager and chairman and everyone at Everton FC. Now I want to apologise to all the fans and everyone else who has followed and supported me throughout my career. Of course I accept the sentence of the court and hope that I can make some amends through my community service.” Rooney said in a statement
Our top reactions from Nemar-Cavani penalty drama.
A little drama played out yesterday as PSG beat Lyon 2-0 to extend its perfect record in the French league to six matches. Moments before PSG’s penalty kick, star forwards Neymar and Edinson Cavani clashed over set-piece duties.
A few minutes before that, Cavani had tried to take a free kick but Dani Alves took the ball and gave it to the former Barcelona star, unfortunately, Cavani’s 79th minute strike was saved by Lyon’s Anthony Lopes. Neymar’s action drew ire from football fans, with many claiming he was being disrespectful to a club legend, others applauded his move, adding that he is more valuable to the club and should not play the second fiddle.
Interestingly, Neymar reportedly unfollowed Cavani on instagram after the incident.
See our top reactions below.
Cavani can bully Neymar out of penalties all he wants, but if this tension continues, Neymar will be bullying him out of the club.
— Juan (@fraudiesta1) September 17, 2017
Dani Alves and Neymar so disrespectful and childish, Cavani is a club legend have some respect you just got here
— G (@crxzyslots) September 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/indermethil/status/909627538212663297
No matter how Neymar and Alves are talented, Cavani already is a legend in Paris, they can't just arrive and erase the last 5 years #PSGOL
— Beytey 🦉🇫🇷👌⭐⭐ (@Seb_Bt) September 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/PerryHayes15/status/909565444167790592
If Cavani wants to continue playing at PSG he must accept Neymar is the King.
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) September 17, 2017
Egos clashing between Neymar & Cavani at PSG proves how massive Messi is — not just as a football player, but as a person.
— XH6 (@XaviAssist) September 17, 2017
Neymar:"I want to take the penalty!" Cavani: "do I look like Messi" .😂https://t.co/lRTghtMq8t
— Wism (@FCBWiz) September 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/_ASakka/status/909520487973363721
https://twitter.com/BaguetteFC/status/909519317091446786
https://twitter.com/BaguetteFC/status/909519317091446786
are we all gonna ignore the fact that Neymar actually came out of Cavani's shadow to collect the ball from Alves
— Talleyrand (@YoungBar0n) September 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/o31qas/status/909517385836744706
https://twitter.com/ebuka_akara/status/909727942242193408
Am sure Cavani is still pissed that Neymar was part of the team that demolished them 6:1 and here he is dragging setpiece with him.
— Uche Samuel (@uchesame) September 18, 2017
Neymar must have forgotten he was no longer at Barca..
He should be the playmaker now and not at the receiving end.— Olúṣẹ́gun | Agba! (@the_olusegun) September 18, 2017
I wonder when he will learn the hard fact, give it to Neymar or face the sack, cos I'm sure the quatar owners will never back Cavani
— Baamofin Lu'Jesha (@O_Nifesq) September 18, 2017
South Africa-Senegal World Cup qualifier to be replayed in November
FIFA have confirmed that the World Cup qualification match between Bafana Bafana of South Africa & Senegal will be replayed in November 2017. The decision to replay the game comes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the lifetime ban of Ghanaian referee, Joseph Lamptey for match manipulation. Below is a statement from the governing body
The Bureau for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers ordered a replay of the qualification match between South Africa and Senegal held on 12 November 2016. This decision follows the confirmation of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to uphold the lifetime ban of match referee, Jospeh Lamptey, for match manipulation, the ruling imposed by the FIFA Disciplinary and Appeal Committees. The match will be replayed within the November 2017 international window, with the exact date to be confirmed in due course.
As stated in the FIFA World Cup regulations, this decision shall come into effect immediately but shall be subject to confirmation by the Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions at its next meeting, scheduled for 14 September.
Ibrahimovic signs new deal with Manchester United
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has put pen to paper a one-year contract with Manchester United. He
The 35-year-old Swede who was released at the end of his first contract following his recovery from the injury at the club’s AON training complex has been given Wayne Rooney’s old No.10 shirt. He made 46 appearances and scored 28 goals in his debut season for United.
The Football World Reacts To Rooney's Retirement From International Football
Dreams can come true and playing for @England has been exactly that. Thanks to everyone involved it's been amazing – https://t.co/GfiT7oVCpx
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) August 23, 2017
Wayne Rooney announced his international retirement on Wednesday, ending his England career as his country’s record goalscorer with 53 goals from 119 caps. The Everton forward made his debut against Australia in 2003, at the age of 17 and went on to win 119 caps, the most of any outfield player in the nation’s history.
Making the announcement on his official website, the 31 year-old maintained that “Dreams can come true and playing for England has been exactly that. Thanks to everyone involved it’s been amazing”
His website statement.
“It was great Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches. I really appreciated that. However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football. It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me. Playing for England has always been special to me. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a real privilege and I thank everyone who helped me. But I believe now is the time to bow out.”
Meanwhile colleagues, pundits, fans and ex-players lined up to pay glowing tributes to the England great as the news circulated round. See some of the reactions below.
“You always miss a captain & a legend like Rooney. He’s got experience, he won trophies, he’s a top player who can help the team.” Paul Pogba
“He has always shown a great deal of dignity and class.” – Former England captain Terry Butcher.
“Today marks the end of an era in international football. Wayne Rooney is an icon of his generation and an undoubted legend of the game. As his country’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped outfield player, it goes without saying that Wayne has deservedly earned the right to forever be called a Three Lions great – FA chairman Greg Clarke
It is a fantastic career, sometimes he has been criticised but fact is fact — the games he has played and goals he has scored. If I was the manager I would try to convince him to delay it (the international retirement) until after the next World Cup.” — former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson told Sky Sports.
Well done on a record-breaking @England career, @WayneRooney!” — Former club Manchester United tweeted.
“I think only now he is ducking out will he get the credit he truly deserves as an England player and the record goalscorer.” — Former Arsenal and England striker Alan Smith.
“Congratulations on an incredible @England career!“ — Everton tweeted.
“You do know as an international player when you have reached the point of no return. Sometimes you want to jump before you are pushed. I would have loved him to have gone to Russia and led England at a fourth World Cup but he has had 13 great years and he will know in his heart and head that it makes sense to concentrate on Everton.” — former England captain Terry Butcher.
“As his country’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped outfield player, it goes without saying that Wayne has deservedly earned the right to forever be called a Three Lions great – FA chairman Greg Clarke
Brilliant timing. Always great to go out on top. Well done @WayneRooney an International career to be proud of.
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) August 23, 2017
England's highest ever goalscorer calls it a day. Congratulations to @WayneRooney on a magnificent international career. A player's player.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 23, 2017
Congrats @WayneRooney unbelievable record for @England always gave 100% & he did it unselfishly.👍
Wayne & @Everton will benefit immensely.
— Michael Ball (@bally03) August 23, 2017
Wayne Rooney has been a national treasure and now he's hung up the international boots EFC will benefit immensely!!! 🙏🏿 Class 💎
— Kevin Campbell (@1kevincampbell) August 23, 2017
Congrats to Rooney on a Stella international career
2004 he would have won us the Euros if not for injury!
Top player🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/94PyGXfpJa— Dean Ashton (@TheDeanAshton) August 23, 2017
The amount of crap @WayneRooney gets is so ridiculous. Magnificent player for club/country & great guy off the pitch.
Proud of you, Legend. pic.twitter.com/XBTYu4w0c1— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 23, 2017
A fantastic @England player who always gave his all. @WayneRooney helped me loads when I got into the squad. An @England legend. #Rooney 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/AR30GIq9lw
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) August 23, 2017
Rooney never recaptured his Euro 2004 brilliance with #eng but his commitment to #eng an example to others.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 23, 2017
What a career Wayne Rooney a fantastic servant for England. Only one dive that annoyed me against Man Utd 49th game 😎
— Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) August 23, 2017
Neymar Lawsuit Threat: PSG fire back at Barcelona.
Paris St-Germain have hit back at Barcelona following the latter’s lawsuit threats against Neymar on Tuesday. The Catalans are suing the Brazilian for 8.5m euros (£7.8m) for breach of contract in relation to his world record £200m move to the French side after buying out his contract. PSG have however requested that Barcelona stop being so salty about the whole Neymar thing.
Barcelona are suing Neymar for breach of contract
“Paris Saint-Germain was surprised to learn of FC Barcelona’s statement today announcing the start of legal proceedings in Spain against its former player Neymar Jr. and indicating that should Neymar Jr. fail to pay the monies claimed by his former club, Paris Saint-Germain will be held responsible to pay the outstanding sum.
“Paris Saint-Germain reiterates that, like Neymar Jr., it has always respected all applicable laws and rules in its dealings and, once again, regrets the attitude of FC Barcelona.” a PSG statement read on its website
Barcelona are suing Neymar for breach of contract
Barcelona have announced plans to sue Neymar for breach of contract following his world record £198m transfer to PSG. In a lawsuit filed to the Spanish Football Federation on August 11, the Spanish giant declared that they are owed £7.7m that he was paid as a loyalty bonus.
Meanwhile the Brazilian hit out at the board last weekend saying the wrong people are in charge. “I spent four beautiful years there and parted happy. But with them the board, no. For me, they are not the people who should be there, for the direction of Barca. Barca deserve much better.” The 25 year-old said.
The Best 2017 FIFA Football Awards Shortlist Unveiled.
FIFA today revealed the shortlisted candidates for The Best FIFA Football Awards scheduled to take place in London on 23 October 2017. While The men’s awards recognize achievements from 20th November 2016 to 2nd July 2017, the women’s awards take into account the period between 20th November 2016 and 6th August 2017. The nominees below:
The FIFA Best Men’s Player 2017 Award shortlist
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Leonardo Bonucci, Gianluigi Buffon, Dani Carvajal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala, Antoine Griezmann, Eden Hazard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andres Iniesta, Harry Kane, N’Golo Kante, Toni Kroos, Robert Lewandowski, Marcelo, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, Keylor Navas, Manuel Neuer, Neymar, Alexis Sanchez, Luis Suarez, Arturo Vidal.
The FIFA Men’s Coach 2017 Award shortlist
Mauricio Pochettino, Diego Simeone, Tite, Zinedine Zidane, Antonio Conte, Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Joachim Low, Carlo Ancelotti, Massimiliano Allegri, Luis Enrique.
The FIFA Men’s Coach 2017 Award shortlist
Lucy Bronze, Deyna Castellanos, Pernille Harder, Sam Kerr, Carli Lloyd, Dzsenifer Marozsan, Lieke Martens, Vivienne Miedema, Wendie Renard, Jodie Taylor.
I'll fire Wenger if i buy Arsenal – Dangote
Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has declared that the first thing he will do if his plans to takeover Arsenal is successful is to sack Arsene Wenger. The richest man in Africa made this known in an interview with Bloomberg Dangote and he affirmed his desire to invest in the English club once he completes a major oil refinery project in the Nigerian capital of Lagos.
“The first thing I would change is the coach, He has done a good job, but someone else should also try his luck.” The 60 year-old said.
Dangote intends to make an offer valued Arsenal at £2bn. “If they get the right offer, I’m sure they would walk away, Someone will give them an offer that will make them seriously consider walking away. And when we finish the refinery, I think we will be in a position to do that.” He added
"This is persecution" Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to 5-match ban
Cristiano Ronaldo has labelled his recent ban by Spanish football, persecution, adding that it is exaggerated and ridiculous.
Recall that the Portuguese was handed a five-match ban for taking his shirt off and diving and pushing the referee following his dismissal in the Supercopa de Espana played against Barcelona few days ago.
The Real Madrid forward shared his thoughts on the punishment on his instagram page, “Impossible to be immune to this situation, 5 games !! It seems to me exaggerated and ridiculous, this is called persecution! Thanks to my teammates for the support and the fans !!!”