Angels Links: USSF to decide on interim USMNT coach this weekend

U.S. set to decide on interim men’s national team coach this weekend

Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC is reporting that the U.S. Soccer Federation is set to announce the interim manager for the U.S. Men’s National Team sometime this weekend. Last week, President Sunil Gulati said in a conference call that a decision would be made in seven to 10 days, and this is right on schedule with that original statement. This manager would be the successor to Bruce Arena, at least for the time being, and would be in charge for the USMNT friendly against Portugal in what is, sadly, now an entirely useless international break. Sports Illustrated reported that Tab Ramos, manager for the U-20 USMNT, would prefer to take over on a full-time basis rather than an interim job. Ramos is widely considered the favorite for the position, but if he does not want the interim job, we may see another name until the full-time coach is announced later.

Everton give life ban to child-holding fan who attacked Lyon player

In Thursday’s Europa League match against Lyon at Goodison Park, Ashley Williams lost the plot entirely and got in a fight with Lyon players on the pitch, pushing Lyon ‘keeper Anthony Lopes into the advertising boards after a play. He was not the only one who lost his mind, though, as a fan behind the advertising boards, while holding a child, punched Lopes in the face during the melee. The incident was clearly caught on camera, and Everton have announced that they identified the fan and have banned him for life. As if the formal complaint with Merseyside Police was not enough, the man, who I want to emphasize that he was HOLDING HIS KID, is banned from all future Everton games.

Columbus Crew won't give refunds for 2018 season tickets amid move plans

Did you say, “lost the plot?“ You know who else has well and truly lost the plot? Columbus Crew SC Owner Anthony Precourt. After announcing a possible move to Austin, if he does not get a stadium in Columbus, a spokesperson for the club announced that no refunds will be available for any funds already collected by the club for the 2018 season. If fans did not want to automatically renew their membership, they had to opt out by September 18, and returning season ticket holders had already been charged part of their ticket package when Precourt made the announcement. It makes all the sense in the world that fans who are being held hostage by a team owner do not want to give him money when he will just move the team next year, and it is shocking that Crew SC will take their money so shamelessly as well. Do you hear that sound? I think that is a class-action lawsuit brewing in the not-too-distant future.

UEFA charge Roma after racist chanting witnessed

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against AS Roma, charging their fans with racist behavior towards Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger (a former Roma player, no less) in Wednesday’s Champions League Fixture at Stamford Bridge. In broadcast footage, after he put a ball out of play at the end of the stadium where the Roma supporters were, you can hear what appear to be monkey noises. This is not the first time a European club, an Italian club, or Roma specifically for that matter, has been involved with their fans making monkey noises towards black players, and UEFA has in the past fined clubs and orders stadium closures.

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