Wasn't planning to do one so soon but this lot couldn't wait: Lead of the week Italy’s FA - backing a two-game homophobia ban for Napoli’s Maurizio Sarri over his touchline “***got” rant - two months after FA president Carlo Tavecchio wasrecorded saying: “I’ve nothing against gays, just keep them away from me.” Tavecchio, banned for racism in 2014, denied prejudice: “I respect everyone’s choices.” Also misunderstood • Portugal: Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho - denying homophobia aftercriticising a referee with lines including: “I would have kicked him in the butt, but looking at him I was afraid he’d enjoy it.” Carvalho: “It was taken out of context.” • And new from Spain’s war on sexism: Sporting de Huelva player Elena Pavelalleging referee Santiago Quijada Alcon asked her out during a game – two weeks after another male referee was banned for booking an Albacete B player by telling her: “Give us a twirl, gorgeous, so I can see your number.” He apologised “for any offence”. Zero tolerance latest 2016: Chelsea sack a steward for calling Cesc Fàbregas a “snake”. 2012: Chelsea don’t sack John Terry for calling Anton Ferdinand a “black ****”. “Chelsea appreciates, and supports, John’s full apology for the language he used.” Plus: coming soon Last week’s top stories on Sunderland’s website: 1) Sunderland celebrate the 20th anniversary of Show Racism the Red Card; 2) Sunderland to host a special evening with Roy “Chubby” Brown: “The 70-year-old will discuss how his sarcastic blue humour continues to amuse audiences across the UK.” Ominous news France, 12 Jan: Rennes president René Ruello hires free agent Courbis as “presidential adviser”, and denies it represents ominous news for under-pressure coach Philippe Montanier: “Courbis will just add some wise counsel as we perfect our imperfections. He does not replace Philippe.” 20 Jan: He does. Most unlucky Romania: Rapid Bucharest owner Valerii Moraru, revealing why his players have gone unpaid for another month: “I tried to transfer some money to the club that a supermarket chain owed me, but Chinese hackers got in and hacked it. That’s why.” Unnamed player: “This man believes he can fool us forever.” Move of the week China: Brazilian striker Elkeson, revealing what first attracted him to an €18m move to Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Shanghai SIPG on a lucrative deal. “It’s for the challenge. I’ve been searching for this type of challenge. I hope for more success.” Credit to the Grauniad once more.
