DC United sign Oniel Fisher

Spain s Euro 2008 hero Xavi Hernandez scored a brace as Barcelona reeled off their seventh consecutive league win, thrashing promoted Malaga 4-1 on Saturday, though racism directed at Samuel Eto o marred the game.

It was a bitter-sweet night for the Catalonian club because though they shot to the top of the Spanish league table, monkey cries aimed at Eto o proved a low point and he was whistled when he was substituted late in the game.

It was not the first time that Barcelona s star striker had received such treatment in a Spanish stadium.

In February 2006, Eto o had wanted to leave the pitch in a 2-0 victory against Real Zaragaoza when monkey cries were given in his direction but he continued the match after being persuaded by the referee and team-mates.

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Inter boss Simone Inzaghi was not pleased with his side s performance in their 2-1 win away from home against Lecce, saying a team with title aspirations can not be relying on a 94th-minute winner.

The Italian giants – who had the best goal difference in Serie A last season (plus 52) – opened the scoring just 81 seconds in, when loan signing Romelu Lukaku headed home Matteo Darmian s cross from point-blank range.

Inter controlled 70 per cent of the possession in the first half and appeared good value for their lead, but the entire complexion of the contest changed two minutes into the second half when Assan Ceesay tucked home his left-foot finish low and hard across Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic after a slick counter-attack.

The 1-1 score would hold until…

Sepp Blatter denies giving Argentina an easy draw at the 2014 World Cup, but claims he has witnessed fixes at UEFA level through the use of cold and hot balls .

Argentina were pitted against Nigeria, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Brazil two years ago, but the disgraced former FIFA president denied there was an intention to give the two-time world champions a favourable group.

However, Blatter alleges to have witnessed premeditated draws by Europe s governing body, with refrigerated balls used to rig the outcome.

The [2014 World Cup] draw was clean until the last detail, the 80-year-old said in an interview with Argentine publication La Nacion.

I never touched the balls, which was something that others had to do. Of course, it can be signalled, by heati…

Manchester United have terminated Zlatan Ibrahimovic s contract with immediate effect amid mounting speculation the veteran striker is on the verge of joining Major League Soccer franchise LA Galaxy.

Ibrahimovic joined United from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in 2016 and his debut season yielded 28 goals in 46 games as Jose Mourinho s side won the EFL Cup and Europa League.

However, a cruciate knee ligament injury sustained against Anderlecht during the latter competition left him sidelined for eight months and, although the 36-year-old s rate of rehabilitation earned a contract extension under Jose Mourinho, he has largely appeared off the pace in seven appearances this term – five of which have come from the bench.

A brief statement issued on United…

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has underlined his commitment to the club, insisting he will stay as long as he is wanted.

The 26-year-old is currently sidelined for up to four weeks after sustaining a deep gash in his leg while appearing as a substitute during their 3-2 win over Fulham in the English Premier League on August 25.

Rooney had been dropped to the bench for that game after questions were raised over his fitness, and the England striker later admitted he had returned to pre-season training seven pounds overweight.

However, Rooney insists he remains intent on remaining at Old Trafford for the length of his career.

When asked where he would like to be in 10 years time, Rooney told talkSPORT: Hopefully still here at Man Utd.

Tha…

Spain continued their preparations for the Confederations Cup with a straightforward 2-1 victory over Haiti in Miami on Saturday.

The team ranked number one in the world were far from at their best, but first-half goals from Santi Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas were enough to extend their unbeaten streak to 21 matches a run which stretches back to a 1-0 defeat to England in November 2011.
Wildedonald Guerrier replied for Haiti in the second half, but his side have now lost five games in a row as preparations for their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign continue to stutter.

Spain were without Barcelona regulars Xavi and Andres Iniesta, but still fielded a side brimming with experienced stars such as Juan Mata, Fabregas and Cazorla.

Haiti, meanwhile, included Jean-Jacques Pierre of Caen…