UK Anti-Racism Charity Calls for Support from Clubs; Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Play Another Season at AC Milan and More (Football Round-Up)

Anti-racism charity, Show Racism the Red Card, has asked football clubs from England, Scotland and Wales to help educate young people on the ills of racism and spread the message of equality.

Protests against racism have increased after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May and then fresh protests broke out after the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin last Sunday.

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“It has been fantastic to see top sportsmen and women support the ‘BLM’ movement ... Show Racism the Red Card believes these actions are important to highlight the need for anti-racism,” the chief executive of the charity, Ged Grebby, said.

The charity said it has approached various clubs in England, Wales and Scotland and requested them to take a part in virtual sessions for young people and teachers, and tell them about the current developments and also about the larger movement against systemic racism taking place across the globe.

Ibrahimovic’s Extension at Milan 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is going to stay in AC Milan for the next season after reaching an agreement worth 7 million euros ($8.3m) without bonuses, according to various sources.

Ibrahimovic posted a photo of himself in Milan jersey on social media with the number 11 written over the 21, and the caption read "As I said, I'm just warming up".

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The Swedish forward posted another photo of him relaxing with the caption: "The quiet before the storm".

Ibrahimovic rejoined Milan in January on a six-month contract after he left Los Angeles Galaxy for 3.5 million Euros ($3.9 million) and had the option to continue for an additional season.

Arteta on Covid-19

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta feels that the increase in the number of coronavirus cases in Premier League is a sign that the new season could be affected by the pandemic.

Several top players tested for Covid-19 after they have come back from holidays or breaks before the Premier League matches start on September 12.

Manchester United star Paul Pogba and Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele and many others have tested positive for Covid-19. Arteta was the first in the Premier League to become a victim of the virus in March, just days before the season was put on hold.

He believes clubs will have to have a backup if more players fall sick because of the virus.

“I think we are going to have many more cases in the future, unfortunately. You are just planning to do something and then that player tests positive, and that positive was a false positive.

"We are trying to get used to it, get around it, and trying to manage the situation as well as we can,” he said. 

Matic Ends Serbia career

Serbia and Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic took the decision to retire from international football so that room can be made for younger players, the Serbian Football Association (FSS) said.

FSS sports director Vladimir Matijasevic gave a comment to the Belgrade media about Matic, saying he was ready to hang his Serbian boots.

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“Other than saying it was time for younger players to take over, Matic did not state any other specific reasons for quitting,” said Matijasevic.

“We respect his decision. He is 32 years old and he’s had an exerting club season. European club football is demanding and hence we are aware that we’ll have to inject fresh blood into the national team.

“We’ve got several players who are over the hill and we realise that some of them may call time on their international careers in the next year or two.”

Matic joined United in 2017, scored a total of 2 goals in the 48 appearances for Serbia, who are still hoping to make it to Euro 2020

Maguire Disappointed

Harry Maguire said he is disappointed with Gareth Southgate’s decision of removing him from the England squad, though the Manchester United captain knows why the manager took that decision

Southgate initially kept Maguire for the games against Iceland and Denmark. The England manager, at that point, was convinced of the 27-year-old’s innocence.

When Maguire was found guilty of assaulting a police officer, swearing, resisting arrest and attempted bribery, Southgate had to change his decision.

“Yeah I understand – obviously I’m disappointed,” Maguire told the BBC. “I love playing for my country, I’m physically good, I’m mentally strong.

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