Swiss researchers claim international groups have inbuilt bias, Bristol City legend Gerry Gow loses battle with cancer and York sack Jackie McNamara only to appoint him as caretaker boss
1. Former Bristol City and Manchester City player Gerry Gow has passed away at the age of 64 after having been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. He made 445 appearances for the Ashton Gate club and is considered a legend by their fans. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.
2. Swiss researchers have claimed that they have evidence to suggest that World Cup and European Championship groups have an inbuilt bias within their structure which gives an advantage to teams who play in the earlier games.
3. Wayne Rooney will reportedly start the World Cup qualifying game against Slovenia on the substitute’s bench following a recent string of below par performances for club and country that have seen the Manchester United man’s future questioned.
4. A group Welsh international players have visited Aberfan, the site of a mining disaster which saw 144 people perish. Representatives of Chris Coleman’s squad used the occasion to pay their respects to the deceased.
5. Leeds United manager Garry Monk has been given a one-match touchline ban following a misconduct charge relating to an incident involving allegedly using abusive language towards an official during the recent game against Bristol City.
6. York City have made their own slice of football history. After the National League side suffered a stuttering start to the season they took the decision to sack manager Jackie McNamara, and appoint a caretaker manager instead; Jackie McNamara (DailyMail).
7. Former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright has launched a scathing and bizarre rant aimed at the FA and their decision to appoint Gareth Southgate as national team coach in order to gain stability. Wright claimed England need ‘rock and roll’, not stability (Mirror).
8. Vasili Beresutki made his 100th international appearance for Russia but plans to commemorate it at half time were hastily scrapped by the Russian FA after he scored an own goal in the first half (WhoAteAllThePies).
9. Barcelona’s Gerard Pique has declared that he will retire from international football once the World Cup in Russia is over after becoming embroiled in a debate about his shirt sleeves. He was seen to be wearing a version of Spain’s kit that did not feature the Spanish colours during a recent World Cup qualifier which caused a storm on social media, although it was later revealed that he had simply cut the sleeves of his long-sleeved shirt (IrishExaminer).
10. And finally…more football history has been when an Italian referee issued the world’s first green card. The initiative, introduced in the lower divisions, rewards sportsmanship, with an award given to the recipient of the most green cards at the end of the season (ESPNFC).
By Chris Horricks (@ChrisHorricks31).
The Offside Rule 
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