Premier League side West Bromwich Albion introduced "Proud Baggies," the club's official LGBT+ Supporters' Club and the first of its kind in the West Midlands. Saturday's match with Watford will be Diversity Day. Proud Baggies Founder Piero Zizzi said, "We set this up to celebrate the diversity of West Bromwich Albion. The club has a rich history of being pioneers of diversity itself" (West Bromwich Albion).
Serie A side Genoa's proposed sale to Giulio Gallazzi's SRI Group has reportedly entered a "critical phase." Due diligence has reportedly been completed and an answer from Gallazzi on whether he will offer the €120M ($141M) demanded by Genoa President Enrico Preziosi was expected on Wednesday. However, SRI is "wary" of the club’s debts, which amount to "over €70M" ($35.2M), while Preziosi is said to have set a deadline of Saturday for the takeover to happen (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 9/27).
On Sunday, Wellington Rugby Union's Wellington Lions "will become superheroes." The team "will wear superhero styled playing tops for the annual Wellington Children's Hospital Charity Game against Otago." Players will also flip a one-off silver "Bravery Coin" during the pre-match coin toss, "which will be auctioned off along with the playing jerseys." All funds "will be donated to the children's hospital" (STUFF, 9/26).
EPL sides West Ham United and Tottenham were charged by the FA with "failing to control their players in Saturday's derby at London Stadium." West Ham was pressing for an equalizer in stoppage time "when a late melee involving several players occurred, prompting the charge." Both clubs have until Thursday to respond to the charge (BBC, 9/27).
Premier League side Burnley announced multiple charities are set to benefit from the club's abandoned August fixture against Bundesliga side Hannover 96. After the preseason game was cut short at halftime, supporters were offered the choice of a ticket-price refund or for their gate money to be allocated to local charities. Over £16,000 ($21,426) in unclaimed refunds will go to Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal, Pendleside Hospice, Cares, Danny Ings Disability Sport Project, Active Clarets and Whitehough Outdoor Centre (Burnley).
