Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Sport Matrix: Thursday 6 November 2014

 

Thursday 06 November 2014 01:00 GMT
Comments

Blatter targeted as protesters disrupt lecture

Police in riot gear were deployed at a university in Zurich as protesters tried to force their way into a room where the Fifa president, Sepp Blatter, was giving a lecture.

At least one smoke bomb was let off after between 60 and 100 students managed to enter the ETH university building on Tuesday night, although they did not get into the room itself.

Outside, students held up banners with slogans such as “chase Blatter away”. Public transport was disrupted for around two hours, although no arrests or injuries were reported.

Blatter, 78, is planning to stand for a fifth term as Fifa president in next year’s election. His lecture was entitled “Football as a school of life.”

Cilic wants to give thanks for US win

Marin Cilic, a devout Catholic, aims to make a pilgrimage to his hometown Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where in 1981 two teenagers reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary, as he wants to give thanks for his US Open win. “I get a spiritual feeling when I go home,” he said, adding of his feat: “There are more expectations on myself, but that’s positive.”

English trio fight to stay in world elite

Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Ian Poulter are in a dogfight to remain among golf’s elite. The trio, who may soon find themselves outside the world top 50 that guarantees entry into the four major championships, are playing in the HSBC Champions tournament at the Sheshan International this week, in need of a change in fortunes.

Mertesacker rues leaky defence

Per Mertesacker lamented Arsenal’s poor defending as they threw away a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Anderlecht on Tuesday. “It is going to be the same thing as last year and the year before,” he said, “where we finished second and the draw gave us Munich.” He added: “We have to defend better as a team.” The result meant Arsenal slipped to five points behind Group D leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Robshaw wary of New Zealand test

England captain Chris Robshaw has stressed the importance of their match against the All Blacks. “New Zealand are the benchmark and there’s no hiding place for us,” he said, adding: “They’re the current champions, they’re ranked No 1, they’ve won a huge number of matches and they’re capable of running – and winning – from anywhere.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in