Angels Links: FIFA to investigate claims of racial abuse directed at Pogba, Dembele

FIFA open investigation into claims of racial abuse directed by Russian fans against French players

It’s not great when a few months before the World Cup starts, fans of the host country are being accused of racially abusing black players. And yet here we are. Russian fans, who have a infamous history of engaging in this disgusting behavior, have been accused of racially abusing Paul Pogba and Ousmane Dembele in the France-Russia friendly on Tuesday in St. Petersburg. These actions received condemnation from France’s Minister of Sport Laura Flessel, and the group FARE (Football against Racism in Europe). FIFA confirmed on Wednesday they would be looking into the incident. FIFA and UEFA have only themselves to blame for this mess. Russia has a history of these incidents occurring, and the punishments for them have been lax, if they’ve been implemented at all. It’s unfortunate that the players still have to put up with it, but unless strict and harsh punishments are handed down for racist behavior, its hard to see things changing anytime soon.

Mexico facing injury concerns after their friendly with Croatia

Mexico had a rough night Tuesday night. They lost to Croatia 1-0, and didn’t look particularly impressive while doing so. Worse for them though are the injuries. Mexico lost center back Nestor Araujo to a knee injury in the first half, and later one of the other center backs, Carlos Salcedo, left with a shoulder injury. After an MRI it was determined that Araujo had a meniscus injury, an MCL injury, and swelling in his knee. He’s set to take further scans to determine the severity of the injury. Salcedo learned he had a broken clavicle, and that he would require surgery, which puts his World Cup status into question. Given Mexico’s other injuries, the dos Santos brothers, Jurgen Damm, etc., more injuries are the last thing Mexico needs right now.

What really happened with Ronaldo in the 1998 World final

The 1998 World Cup is remembered for a few things. One of them was Ronaldo, the highs and the lows. Ronaldo had a real breakout tournament, and he helped Brazil reach the World Cup Final against host nation France. What happened next has been debated fiercely in terms of what actually happened. Before the final, Ronaldo had a convulsion, and he was initially ruled out of the game. Though he did play, he was not himself, and this has caused wild speculation. Was Ronaldo sick? Hungover? Was he poisoned? FourFourTwo have an interview with the man himself so he could set the record straight about the whole incident.

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