Arsenal is "poised to become the first major English club to introduce safe standing after being inspired" by Scottish Premiership side Celtic. The Scottish club "brought back standing to Celtic Park at the start of the season in an innovative plan." Celtic's safe-standing, rail-seating area was opened in a pre-season friendly against Wolfsburg and the 2,600-capacity section has been a "huge success." Arsenal Supporters Trust cited Celtic's safe-standing plan as its "inspiration for transforming part of their Emirates Stadium" (Scotland DAILY RECORD, 1/26).
Barcelona sources confirmed that the club "called for an investigation into leaked footage of Neymar appearing in court last February." Spanish newspaper El Confidencial released several videos of the Brazilian's testimony on Thursday, "upsetting" Barça, which now wants judge Jose de la Mata to "look in to how the images made their way into the public domain." Neymar appeared before de la Mata last year to "testify in an investigation into alleged irregularities regarding his transfer from Santos to the Catalan club" in '13 (ESPN.com, 1/26).
Brazil beat Colombia 1-0 in a friendly that raised more than £300,000 ($378,300) "for the families of the Chapecoense players and staff who were killed in a plane crash in November." Four survivors -- three players and a radio commentator -- "were introduced at Rio's Olympic stadium before the game" (BBC, 1/26).
Scottish Premiership side Hamilton Academical fans' group WeAreHamilton said that it is "boycotting next Saturday's home game against Kilmarnock in protest" over the involvement of CEO Colin McGowan. WeAreHamilton is not "happy with a number of things at the club," but want McGowan removed from his position at the club. The group said in a statement, "We want the chief executive, who in his own words is not interested in football, removed from his position" (DAILY RECORD, 1/26).
Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said that he will "accept a Football Association misconduct charge for his behaviour during the 2-1 league win over Burnley." Wenger, 67, was "charged with verbally abusing and pushing fourth official Anthony Taylor after being sent off in the closing stages of the game." Wenger, who later apologized, "has been called to an FA hearing on Friday" (BBC, 1/26).
Gérard Lopez is the new owner and majority shareholder of Ligue 1 side Lille. The club announced that Lopez’ L Holding company acquired 95% of Lille’s shares. Lopez, the former Lotus Formula 1 team owner, is the 17th president in Lille’s history. Marc Ingla was named general director of the club (Lille).
Atlético Madrid announced on Thursday that as part of the seat selection process at the club's new stadium, Wanda Metropolitano, more than 40,000 fans have already "chosen their seats for next season." Phase I of the seat selection is now over and Phase II will begin on Jan. 30 (AS, 1/26).
