Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1051772
maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 14 NOVEMBER 2018 20 FOOTBALL SPORTS THE Argentina star Gonzalo Higuain was sent off during Milan's 2-0 loss to Juventus, and Matteo Salvini has called for the authorities to punish him severely. Higuain should be handed a lengthy ban after his red card during Milan's clash with Ju- ventus, according to Italy's Deputy Prime Minister, who says he is "ashamed" of the striker. Argentina international Higuain was sent off against his parent club in Sunday's game at San Siro following two bookable offences, having also missed a penalty. After receiving a yellow card for a foul on Medhi Benatia, Higuain screamed in the offi- cial's face, losing his temper and earning himself a sending off. While Juve star Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored in his side's 2-0 win over Milan, has called for leniency, the Italian Deputy PM has done no such thing. Speaking at a press confer- ence, Matteo Salvini, a Milan fan, said: "Football is the coun- try's mirror. I was at San Siro on Sunday and I was ashamed by the conduct of the Milan striker. Despite it going against my interests as a fan, I hope he's given a long ban." Higuain has apologised for his conduct on the pitch, insisting that he did not insult anyone during his meltdown. "It seemed an unfair foul, I was fouled as far as I'm con- cerned. I was cautioned but I did not insult anyone," he told Milan TV. "I apologised to the club, the fans, the coach and my com- panions because these episodes must be avoided. "We are human, we feel emo- tions, the game was not going the right way and it was one of those days." Milan boss Gennaro Gattu- so, no stranger to controversy himself, believes Higuain's ac- tions came about as a result of the pressure he is feeling. "At this moment he feels a lot of pressure, my words from yesterday's press conference were not by chance," he told Milan TV after his side's loss to Juve. "Right now, he feels a huge weight on him and it shows. He must remain calm, he should apologise and assume his re- sponsibilities. "He has to put aside his nerv- ousness, he is our most impor- tant player we have and he has to make the difference. He has to be clear headed." Milan are currently sixth in Serie A, 13 points behind lead- ers Juve. Matteo Salvini 'ashamed' of Higuain after Milan red card THE Spanish Football Association said it has received Santiago Solari's contract from Real Madrid, although there has not yet been an announce- ment from Real. Solari took over on the 29th of Oc- tober on an interim basis after the sacking of former Spain manager Ju- len Lopetgui. The 42-year-old has since led Real to four wins in four games – the best start of any manager in the club's his- tory. Real had to give Solari – or someone else – the job as Spanish rules pre- vent an interim coach from staying in charge for longer than two weeks. Solari's wins in his spell in charge have been against Melilla in the Copa del Rey, Viktoria Plzen in the Cham- pions League, and Real Valladolid and Celta Vigo in La Liga. In those games, Real have scored 15 goals and conceded two goals. The club were ninth when he as- sumed control and they are now sixth, four points adrift of leaders Barcelona. Real Madrid set to appoint Santiago Solari as club's permanent manager Solari played for Real Madrid as a midfielder