Mexico 2021 Gold Cup opener marred by alleged racist chanting & injury to Hirving Lozano

Mexico’s start to their 2021 Gold Cup campaign proved less than ideal, with a poor 0-0 draw with Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday night made even worse by alleged racist chanting in the stands and a serious injury to winger Hirving Lozano

The reigning champions entered the match expecting a big win, before walking away with a disappointing goalless draw. Despite 30 shots and seven on target, the North American nation could not get the ball past Trinidadian goalkeeper Marvin Phillip. 

Mexico split their roster between the Gold Cup and the Tokyo Olympics, forcing a shallow bench. With few options at his disposal, head coach Tata Martino suffered another blow as Lozano was ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

The Napoli striker came off worse in a brutal collision with Phillip, forcing the player to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher before being rushed for hospital treatment on a cut to his eyebrow and neck hyper-extension.

It has since been confirmed that Lozano has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at a hotel in Dallas, although his injuries will keep him out for four to six weeks.

“From the bench, you couldn’t tell what was wrong and we were visibly concerned with the situation and what was going on with him. We all thought something had happened that critically impacted his health,” auxiliary coach Jorge Theiler – who took over from Martino as he serves his Nations League suspension – stated after the match.

“We never give an opinion over the officiating. That is up to you [the press] to make that assumption. But all the players need to be protected. That’s what VAR is for. I don’t know what it is there for if they aren’t going to use it.”

He added: “Right now, we are solely focusing on Chucky’s health. That’s the priority right now. Not Chucky the footballer but Chucky the person.”

Mexico’s problems do not end there, however. Trinidad and Tobago have filed an official complaint to CONCACAF over alleged racism and threats made by their opponent’s support.

According to Futmex Nation, there was tension as play was stopped at the 85th minute after chants were clearly heard a second time. Hector Herrera, one of the standout players of the match who did well to control the midfield despite all these adjustments, visibly implored the fans in the stands to stop.

However, it was heard again in the 93rd minute when a Rogelio Funes Mori goal was called offside and no review was made, forcing the match to be stopped again in the 94th minute of play, with an announcement projected on the screens and fans loudly jeering the warnings. A final stadium-wide chant was heard very audibly just before the final whistle, an abhorrent end to a clearly frustrating night.

In a statement posted on social media, the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association said: “The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association strongly condemns the discriminatory actions, racist comments and threatening messages directed at our players, staff, supporters and country following the Senior Men’s National Team 0-0 result versus Mexico on 10th July 2021.

“Discrimination and racism have no part in our game and our society.”

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud set for AC Milan medical

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is set to sign for AC Milan on a two-year deal with a medical scheduled for the end of the week. 

Giroud has been an important member of the Blues’ squad since signing from Arsenal in January 2018. Overall, he has made 119 appearances scoring 39 goals and also providing 14 assists. 

Olivier GiroudOlivier Giroud

Giroud was at Euro 2020 with France / Mihai Barbu – Pool/Getty Images

In more recent times, his involvement has been sporadic. He was widely expected to exit the club last summer but surprisingly signed a new two-year deal instead. However, he is now finally set to leave Stamford Bridge.

According to Mohamed Bouhafsi, the World Cup winner will undergo his Milan medical on Friday. If all goes well, he will then pen a two-year deal at the San Siro. 

Giroud’s contract was scheduled to expire this summer but Chelsea quietly triggered a one-year extension in order to receive a fee for the striker. Milan had initially been reluctant to pay, but it appears that those issues have now been ironed out. Their interest in Giroud is long-standing, with the Blues first offering him up to the Serie A side back in 2019. 

Giroud will depart Stamford Bridge with FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League winners’ medals. The Frenchman will be fondly remembered by Blues supporters, scoring some vital goals down the years.

He could meet his former club in Europe next season as well. After a lengthy absence, the Rossoneri are finally returning to the Champions League after securing a second-placed finish in Serie A last term. 

Olivier GiroudOlivier Giroud

Giroud lifted the Champions League in what could well be his final game for the club / David Ramos/Getty Images

Giroud’s departure has likely been influenced by Chelsea’s pursuit of Erling Haaland. Thomas Tuchel already has plenty of attacking talent at his disposal but is keen to add Haaland to his squad as well. Chelsea are even willing to spend as much as £150m on the free-scoring striker.

Chelsea agree part exchange deal for Manchester United’s Lauren James

Chelsea have agreed a deal for Manchester United forward Lauren James, with a Blues player set to move in the opposite direction.

19-year-old James is one of the hottest prospects in women’s football, netting eight WSL goals in 22 appearances over the last two seasons. She also has a host of England caps at youth level and it is only a matter of time until she is called up to the senior Lionesses side.

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James is set to leave United / Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

Chelsea have made several unsuccessful bids for James in the past, with United eager to retain her services. However, according to The Athletic, the two parties have finally reached an agreement. The transfer fee will be around £50,000, although this could rise with performance-related bonuses. A Blues players is also set to move in the other direction.

Chelsea have a host of attacking talent at their disposal at present. Boss Emma Hayes is blessed with the likes of Beth England, Fran Kirby, Sam Kerr, Pernille Harder and Erin Cuthbert. Of these players, England seems most likely to join United as she found herself behind Kerr and Kirby in the pecking order last season.

James is said to have been pushing for a move as it will offer her the chance to move back down south and be closer to her family. Her brother, Reece, plies his trade for Chelsea’s men’s side.

James’ addition means the chasing pack have their work cut out catching Hayes’ side next season, who won the 2021 WSL title by two points and also reached the final of the Champions League – before being humbled by Barcelona.

While Chelsea are on the up, United are in dire straits. They have yet to appoint a new manager following the departure of Casey Stoney and that is far from the only issue that needs rectifying.

Players are angry about the poor infrastructure, including substandard training facilities, terrible accommodation and more. As reported by the The Athletic, the players even considered a pre-season strike at one point to protest their shoddy treatment.

American imports Christen Press and Tobin Heath are among a host of players that have left and there is little indication that the club has targets in mind to replace them.

New Balance drop new colour-shifting First Edition Tekela v3+

Relative newcomers New Balance are already no stranger to producing quality boots that help you stand out from the crowd, and their latest offering is absolutely no different.

The American footwear manufacturers have just announced the release of their First Edition Tekela v3+, available in an eye-catching, limited edition colour-shifting effect which allows the boot to change colour depending on the light and viewing angle.

At this point we’d usually try and give you a brief rundown of the boot’s looks, but considering they look different depending on where you’re stood or what time of day it is there’s probably not much point, all we know is that the images they’ve released look quality.

The new boots will be available for a limited time onlyThe new boots will be available for a limited time only

Far from just looking good, the boot has been engineered to allow players at all levels of the game to perform at their best, with its lightweight chassis coupled with a knitted upper to help improve ease of foot entry and fit.

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The First Edition Tekela v3+ is the first New Balance boot without visible branding, meaning you’re left with a sleek, stripped back, effortless finish.

For far too long the Tekela has felt like the supporting act as the Furon continues to steal the show, yet this truly feels like watershed moment, all that remains to be seen is which of the brand’s big-name ambassadors will make the move to the Tekela.

Anyone looking to get their hands on a pair of New Balance’s latest offering can do so via selected retailers, while UK residents can purchase the boots on their official website.

The sole plate of the new boot - the only place you will find the signature NB brandingThe sole plate of the new boot - the only place you will find the signature NB branding

But there’s no time to waste if you do fancy a pair, as New Balance have confirmed they’re only going to be available for 48 hours starting from 9am (BST) on Wednesday 14 June, so you’ll need to move fast if you want to be one of the lucky few to bag the First Edition Tekela v3+.

Newcastle begin talks with Arsenal to re-sign Joe Willock on loan

Newcastle United are in talks with Arsenal to bring Joe Willock back in on loan for the 2021/22 season.

Willock was a revelation after joining the Magpies temporarily in January, scoring on his debut – a 3-2 win over Southampton in February – before going on to net in seven successive appearances to end his loan spell. 

Joe WillockJoe Willock

Willock was excellent on loan at Newcastle / Stu Forster/Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, Newcastle are desperate to see him return to the club and according to the Times, talks have already begun between the two clubs. Willock has been heavily involved in Arsenal’s pre-season preparations so far, being named in the squad for the Gunners’ first friendly against Hibernian. 

He is eager to break into the first team at the Emirates Stadium but Mikel Arteta is yet to make a decision on the 21-year-old’s future. He rarely selected Willock during the first half of the 2020/21 campaign and is set to bring another competitor for his position in Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.

A good solution could be having him return to the north east on loan, something Steve Bruce would definitely be interested in. Newcastle are not expected to have much money to play with in the summer transfer window as the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to take hold. 

The Magpies are more reliant on gate receipts than many other Premier League clubs and the imminent return of spectators will come as a significant boost. 

Newcastle have yet to make additions to their squad but they have tied down several squad members to new contracts. Jacob Murphy incredibly agreed a six-year deal recently, while striker Dwight Gayle has penned terms until 2024.

Aside from these two pieces of news, the rumour mill has been quiet in Newcastle so far, much to the frustration of the club’s supporters.