Juninho cleared for his debut

Football

Rupert Metcalf
Friday 03 November 1995 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

RUPERT METCALF

Juninho will, after all, make his debut for Middlesbrough against Leeds United at a sold-out Riverside stadium tomorrow. Yesterday, the Football Association received international clearance from the Brazilian football confederation, clearing the way for the completion of the 22-year-old international midfielder's pounds 4.75m transfer from Sao Paulo.

"It is great news," Bryan Robson, the Middlesbrough player-manager, said. "It takes away all the publicity and the hype and leaves the lad free to get on with playing football."

Juninho took part in a full-scale practice match yesterday. "He showed up well," Robson added. "I know it is some time since he played a match but he has a lot of natural fitness."

The Norwich City striker, Robert Fleck, has been fined pounds 1,000 and warned about his future conduct after being found guilty of misconduct by the Football Association. Fleck was punished following an incident in a First Division match at Sheffield United on 9 September, when he abused an official after being substituted.

The Dutch Football Association has suspended a referee who allegedly bet on matches in the Netherlands at which he officiated. Dick Jol, who took charge of the abandoned friendly between the Republic of Ireland and England in February, allegedly placed bets at a grocery store in The Hague. Jol, 39, has described the allegations as "ridiculous".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in