Though "visiting fans will not be able to attend" Sunday's Argentine first division match between Boca Juniors and host River Plate, security forces "will deploy a maximum-security level of officers," possibly out of fear of a "clash between rival factions" of River Plate fans. The security detail will include 1,250 officers and a fence of 800 meters that could cost River more than 1 million Argentine pesos ($120,000) (OLE, 10/1). ... Arsenal players sustained 889 injuries since Aug. '02, 14% more than any other EPL club. The Gunners' 889 injuries "over the 12-year period compare to" 792 for ManU, 620 for Chelsea and 551 for Liverpool. Manager Arsene Wenger's side "is currently suffering from its latest injury crisis after Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta joined long-term absentees Olivier Giroud and Mathieu Debuchy on the sidelines" (ESPN, 10/1). ... Russian Premier League side Zenit St. Petersburg's Brazilian striker Hulk "was racially abused by fans during a game against Spartak Moscow." RFU disciplinary committee head Artur Grigoryants said that "an investigation was underway" after a match delegate noted monkey chants were aimed at Hulk during the 0-0 stalemate (London DAILY MAIL, 9/30).
WAIT AND SEE: A top official said that Brazil's Serie A "will not adopt goalline technology until all stadiums are fitted with the necessary equipment." Brazil Referee Commission VP Nilson de Souza said, "We have 12 stadiums with this capability. That is part of the legacy of the (2014) World Cup. The problem is that in Sao Paulo there are four stadiums but only one of them has the system in place. Our view is that there has to be equality" (IANS, 9/30). ... Scottish Championship side Rangers repaid soft loans of £1.5M ($2.4M) advanced to it by "prominent supporter, George Letham," and Dir Sandy Easdale. However the pair "would be prepared to lend to the club again should there be a cash shortfall" -- as some have predicted -- later in the season (London TELEGRAPH, 10/1).