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A controversy has arisen over South Africa’s decision to play Vernon Philander ahead of Kyle Abbott in the World Cup semi-final

Firdose Moonda29-Mar-2015A controversy has arisen over South Africa’s decision to play Vernon Philander ahead of Kyle Abbott in the World Cup semi-final. Reports in South African media have suggested that Philander was included in the team on the insistence of members of the CSA board and against the wishes of both the coach and captain.CSA president Chris Nenzani has denied the reports and both AB de Villiers and Russell Domingo have said Philander was picked on merit.The reports said board members apparently insisted on Philander’s inclusion to ensure South Africa fielded four players of colour. Even though there is no official quota at international level, it is the norm to field four players of colour, the number that used to make up the quota before it was scrapped in 2007. South Africa slipped below that number for half of their eight games at the World Cup, which is believed to have become a cause for concern among the administrators.ESPNcricinfo has asked Nenzani for his comments on the issue but has not received a reply. But Nenzani has denied the reports elsewhere. “I have not in the past interfered with the selection of the team and I do not intend to do so in the future,” he told the . “We have always emphasised that national team selection must be on merit.”After starting the tournament fielding five players of colour – Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Vernon Philander and Imran Tahir – for the Zimbabwe and India games, the number dipped to three for the next three matches, largely because of injuries.Duminy and Philander picked up side and hamstring strains respectively and were replaced for the matches against West Indies and Ireland by Rilee Rossouw and Abbott. Duminy returned against Pakistan but Behardien was left out and although Philander was due to play that match, he had to withdraw during the warm-ups when he felt discomfort. Abbott played in his place.Philander was back to full fitness for the match against UAE, in which South Africa again had five players of colour. Domingo called that XI “what we perceived to be our strongest team on the day”, even though it did not include Abbott. Faf du Plessis also missed that game because of a lower-back issue.South Africa made two changes from that game for their quarter-final against Sri Lanka. Du Plessis returned and Abbott replaced Philander. A CSA release on the day of the match said Philander was injured but a source close to the team denied that a few days later and said Abbott’s inclusion had been tactical.Abbott took the opening wicket against Sri Lanka and impressed with pace and movement and was expected to play the semi-final on the back of impressive numbers. He took nine wickets at 14.44 in four games and had the best average and lowest economy rate among South Africa’s attack but in the lead-up to the match against New Zealand, there were indications Philander, who at the time had a return of 4 for 83 in 20.3 overs, would play instead.

“It’s been a stated objective of ours to transform. We talked about being aggressive with transforming, of providing opportunities for players that were previously disadvantaged”Haroon Lorgat, CSA CEO

“Vernon is a wonderful bowler who has performed well for us over the years,” Domingo said at the time. “He has a good record in New Zealand and if there is anything in the wicket to exploit, we know he is the person to do it.”Philander’s records in other formats warrant that statement. He was the fastest bowler to 100 Test wickets in a century and he has a Test average of 21.95.Domingo maintained his stance after the match, when questions were asked about Philander’s selection and his fitness, given that he left the field during the semi and South Africa used a substitute fielder in Farhaan Behardien. “Vernon was fully fit. He had been through all the rehab and fitness tests. He has been a champion bowler for a long period of time in all formats,” Domingo said at South Africa’s arrival in Johannesburg. “In New Zealand we always felt that the wicket could offer the seamers a little bit and when there is something in the wickets, Vernon is one of the best exponents of that and that’s why we went with that.”Andrew Hudson, South Africa’s convener of selectors said similar in an interview with the : “We have to remember Vern has also performed for us over the years, and I think we were hoping that in New Zealand conditions he would have nipped it around a bit and done some damage. I also think that he gives us extra batting option at number eight which helps us with our tail.”Philander has played six ODIs in New Zealand and has taken eight wickets at 22.62. The only place he has a record better than that, where he has played at least three ODIs, is at home.Two days after the semi-final it emerged that CSA’s board had taken a decision to increase quotas at domestic level without consulting with the South African Cricketers’ Association and with only two weeks left for teams to finalise contracts. In the 2015-16 season, franchise teams will have to field six players of colour, up from five, including three black Africans.It was also mooted that the semi-professional amateur sides field seven players of colour, up from six, including four black Africans but CSA has since backtracked on that after a legal threat from SACA. Semi-professionals will continue to field six players of colour with three black Africans, while CSA has given the franchises R350,000 (US$29,057) each to conclude further contracts.Haroon Lorgat, CSA CEO, explained the need for the domestic quotas as part of CSA’s commitment to change. “I think its positive. We need to exploit the talent pool we’ve got in the broader communities,” he said at the team’s arrival home. “We’ve recently seen some fabulous performers from what you might regard as quota players and those are the best players that we believe are coming through the system. That’s hugely encouraging. Up until now, we’ve been selecting from a smaller pool. It’s been a stated objective of ours to transform. We talked about being aggressive with transforming, of providing opportunities for players that were previously disadvantaged, black Africans in particular, and we are following that through.”

Dale Steyn has said that the manner in which T20s have evolved means that even the best bowlers will be taken for runs, but his bowling stats have been “reasonable” through his career

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Apr-2016South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has said that the manner in which Twenty20 cricket has evolved means even the best bowlers will be taken for runs, but he believed his bowling stats have been “reasonable” through his career.”I think it will be completely difficult for a batsman in T20s to be leaving a ball outside the off stump like in a Test,” Steyn told . “Here the game implies that you score runs, so no matter who is bowling, whether it is myself or (Lasith) Malinga or (Sunil) Narine, it doesn’t matter who it is, batters will make plans to score runs off every ball and try and hit boundaries. Doesn’t matter who you are but it is the format that makes that happen.”Even if I am going for a boundary in every over overall, the idea is to go for not more than six runs an over, which I have more or less maintained throughout my career. I think that is pretty reasonable for a game where teams can very easily go for 19 or 20 runs an over.”Steyn, who will turn out for Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016, has taken 178 wickets in 165 matches at an economy rate of 6.68. Since 2015, however, he has played only 10 T20 games and picked up six wickets, with an average of 50 and an economy rate of 9.09. In the IPL, he has 92 wickets from 89 games and his overall economy rate stands at 6.71. Lions will be the fourth IPL franchise Steyn will represent, after previous stints with Deccan Chargers, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad.”The game is definitely changing, it is easy to score runs now and you got to understand that,” he said. “People need to start understanding that it is not the 1990s where bowlers can go for three runs an over. Honestly, on an average, bowlers can easily go for 12 to 15 runs an over in this format. If we look at the overall picture, at the average and at the economy rate, I think I am doing okay.”

Bayern Munich's clash with Union Berlin on Saturday has been postponed due to extreme levels of snow falling in Munich overnight.

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Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin postponedSnow fell overnight and expected throughout the day

Game to be rescheduled for later date

WHAT HAPPENED?

The two sides were set to meet at the Allianz Arena but the game will have to be rescheduled due to the weather conditions. Snow is expected to fall throughout the day and into the evening in Munich, making it impossible for the game to go ahead.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE EXPLANATION

Bayern stated that large portions of snow falling from the roof of the stadium would pose a risk to supporters and would not be safe to attend. The club also acknowledged that impact of the weather on public transport links made access to the stadium difficult, or impossible, for many swathes of supporters. The club also acknowledged that the Munich police had recommend that people do not leave their homes. Owing to these factors, the club stated that it cannot be guaranteed that the necessary security personnel will be able to reach the Allianz Arena.

WHAT BAYERN MUNICH SAID

In a statement, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, said: "We very much regret that we have to postpone the match, but the safety of our fans and the supporters of Union Berlin has absolute priority. In addition, access to the Allianz Arena is not guaranteed due to numerous road closures and various public transport cancellations. We will inform you about a possible new date as soon as possible."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN AND UNION BERLIN?

Bayern have stated that they will provide the information on the fixture's rescheduling as soon as a new date has been agreed between both clubs and the German Football League (DFL).

With Barcelona having already wrapped up the double, and now on the verge of an unbeaten Liga campaign, Goal picks its top 11 players of 2017-18

GettyGK: Jan Oblak

The latest in a long line of great goalkeepers at Atletico Madrid, Jan Oblak is a pivotal part of the Rojiblancos' miserly defence which has conceded just 20 goals in La Liga this season.

The Slovenian shot-stopper is considered by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world right now and has kept an amazing 22 clean sheets in the Primera Division in 2017-18.

AdvertisementRB: Alvaro Odriozola

A revelation at right-back for Real Sociedad this season, Alvaro Odriozola made his senior Spain debut in October and the 22-year-old, who is interesting Real Madrid, is in contention for a place in Julen Lopetegui's squad for the World Cup this summer.

He is solid defensively and a modern-day full-back who likes to attack with pace on the wing. Odriozola has provided four assists in La Liga this season.

Getty ImagesCB: Diego Godin

At his best, Diego Godin is perhaps the world's best defender and the Uruguayan remains a rock for Atletico Madrid.

Now 32, the South American has made 27 appearances for Diego Simeone's side in La Liga this term and is a big reason behind the Rojiblancos' brilliant defence, which has let in just 20 goals in the Primera Division all season.

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GettyCB: Samuel Umtiti

Samuel Umtiti has been solid at the back for Barcelona again and alongside Gerard Pique, he has transformed the Blaugrana back line.

Since he signed in the summer of 2016, Barca have lost just one league game with the French defender in the team – a 2-0 defeat at Malaga last season – and this term Ernesto Valverde's side have conceded just 23 goals in the Primera Division.

The England international has scored three goals in his first two La Liga appearances, wasting no time in making his mark on Los Blancos

The image is becoming familiar for Real Madrid fans. Their new signing, a 20-year-old Englishman standing before them, arms spread in celebration, smirking slightly after watching the ball hit the net. It is a move equal parts humble and cocky, a pose that looks like greatness, in a position marked by humility.

Jude Bellingham has done that very thing in La Liga on three separate occasions — once for every time he has found the net in Madrid white. It has become his signature celebration, his recognisable move. Bellingham, the €103 million (£88m/$110m) signing, now has a brand.

And it's something that Madrid have badly needed since Karim Benzema signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in June. He, too, had a signature reaction, flailing limbs and shouts of delight — a player who celebrated all of his 354 Madrid goals like they were his first.

There are, theoretically, contenders in this side to replace — or at least, offset — the goalscoring void left by Benzema's departure. Bellingham, and his eight Bundesliga goals for Borussia Dortmund last season, didn't appear to be one of them.

Now, though, he has three in his first two. Throw in an assist — provided for Vinicius Jr to round off Madrid's 3-1 handling of Almeria — and Madrid have an all-round attacking threat from what is essentially a new position in this side.

Bellingham is not Benzema, nor is he Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo or Raul. But so far, he's looked like a nine-figure bargain, a player who can provide in the final third and ensure that Madrid don't miss their biggest departure in years.

Getty ImagesLiving in a Benzema-less world

Bellingham's signature was more or less sewn up by the time Benzema announced his departure in early June. Liverpool had previously pulled out of the race in early April, and Madrid made it clear that they would pay Dortmund's asking price soon after. Bellingham would later claim himself that he wanted to move to Santiago Bernabeu since early 2023.

And he was supposed to walk into a team led by Benzema — at least, for one more year. The Ballon d'Or winner's departure came as a surprise for Madrid, who perhaps planned for his exit in 2024, a summer that could perfectly coincide with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer — the exchange of one great Frenchman for another.

Instead, Madrid entered the summer window without a striker, having spent a large chunk of cash on the world's best young midfielder. For a side that already had five top-class players in that position, it suddenly appeared slightly imbalanced.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti did little to quell those fears when he announced that Madrid wouldn't dip into the market for a new striker. Madrid, he claimed, had enough resources to succeed. He referred to the goalscoring talents of Rodrygo and Vinicius, and suggested that loan signing Joselu could chip in, but, pointedly, made it clear that those 35 goals per season would be made up by committee.

AdvertisementGettyTactical tweaks

Bellingham didn't really crop up in those conversations. Ancelotti repeatedly referred to the England international's ability to "make the most of the free space", but alluded to the fact that his new midfielder was brought in as an all-round presence, not necessarily a creative or prolific threat. It is credit to Ancelotti, then, that he has found a way to get the best out of Bellingham in the final third so quickly.

For some time, the manager has been a 4-3-3 loyalist. Benzema's tendency to roam, and Federico Valverde's propensity for cutting inside off the right made things flexible. But, effectively, the manager lined up with a recognised striker, two wingers, and three central midfielders — a simple enough formation made complex by the interpretation of the players he deployed.

Now, though, the manager has changed things up. Madrid's depth in the heart of the pitch has effectively forced the Italian to play with four midfielders. The lack of a clear No.9, meanwhile, has been used as an advantage, allowing Ancelotti to go back to his tactical roots. Los Blancos now play with Bellingham as a No.10 behind two split strikers. It is the kind of system Ancelotti made use of in his formative days in Serie A, coincidentally, using the man who would also later wear Bellingham's No.5 for Real Madrid: Zidane.

LaLigaCoaxing goals out of Bellingham

It seemed, at first, that the change was made out of necessity. After all, a tactical switch is the only way to keep of his talent happy. But it turns out that the four-time Champions League winner, and only manager to win a title in every one of Europe's top five leagues might know a thing or two about football…

Bellingham's ability to do a bit of everything is the driving reason behind his signature. Ancelotti himself admitted that the Englishman is a "complete midfielder". It's well known that Bellingham wore the No.22 shirt at both Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund because he sees himself as a No.4, No.8 and No.10 all rolled up into one player.

At Dortmund, he proved as such, albeit playing mostly as a No.8 and spending most of his time eating up ground between the boxes. He was a solid contributor in the attacking third — bagging eight league goals from an expected goals (xG) total of 8.2, though calling him a constant scoring threat would be a stretch. His creative numbers were also agreeable, with Bellingham finishing the season with four Bundesliga assists and averaging one key pass per game.

Getting him into the right spaces, though, has only amplified his attacking output. Against Almeria, almost all of his touches came in the attacking third as Bellingham received the ball in between the lines and strode forward. He scored twice, assisted once, played three key passes, and put four shots on target.

Of course, giving a player more opportunities in an attacking sense will undoubtedly make them more likely to contribute by volume alone. But Bellingham hasn't stumbled his way into four goal contributions in two games. This is a calculated change to bring goals out of someone who didn't score as much as he maybe could have previously.

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Winning the hearts of Madridistas

It's something of a calculated risk to give Bellingham such a crucial role. Here is one of the biggest signings in club history, being handed the reins instantly, entrusted to lead Europe's most successful club at just 20 years old. This is not normal.

That this 20-year-old is also English, also has significance. Spain has long been suspect of English midfielders — and with good reason. La Liga is far more technical than the Premier League. Midfielders in Spain aren't always powerful or athletic, mostly because they don't have to be.

Bellingham, for his part, is over six foot tall, stronger than the average centre-back, with a powerful running form — more Steven Gerrard than Andres Iniesta. That he came to a club that has a mixed history with English players (see Jonathan Woodgate), bred some scepticism in the Spanish capital. Bellingham's quality was undeniable, but this was a teenager from Birmingham, who had never won a major domestic title, possessing the audacity to take Zidane's number.

As it turns out, being good at football has silenced Bellingham's detractors. Madrid fans and players alike have embraced their new star man. He took selfies with local police officers after his side's win on Saturday; has helped the club gain four million new social media followers, while Vinicius is already copying his celebration after scoring. As one Madrid source told: "He’s not only growing because he’s at Madrid, but Madrid is growing because he’s at Real Madrid."

With Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having been reunited at Arsenal, Goal looks back at other devastating pairings…

Getty ImagesDwight Yorke & Andy Cole (Manchester United)

First brought together early in the 1998-99 season, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole combined to devastating effect as Manchester United won the treble under Sir Alex Ferguson, albeit with their back-ups – Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – sealing the deal in the Champions League final.

Cole and Yorke started 36 matches together in that campaign, with the Red Devils losing on just one occasion. Between them, they scored 53 goals in all competitions and followed that up with 46 in the next campaign.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesFernando Morientes & Raul (Real Madrid & Spain)

During a period around the turn of the millennium, Fernando Morientes and Raul were one of Europe's most feared strike pairings, with their telepathic connection up front leading the Blancos into the 'Galactico Generation'.

Such was their close friendship, Raul was one of the witnesses at Morientes's wedding, while after Morientes was dropped for the 2002 European Super Cup following the arrival of Ronaldo, Raul wore his great friend's No.9 jersey as a show of solidarity.

Getty ImagesIan Rush & Kenny Dalglish (Liverpool)

Given his legendary status at Liverpool, it is hard to believe that Kenny Dalglish went on a 10-month scoring drought during 1981, with the Scot contemplating a move into midfield as he struggled for form in the aftermath of his 30th birthday.

That all changed when Ian Rush arrived on the scene, however, as Dalglish became more of a withdrawn forward in behind Rush, and the pair ran riot. Liverpool won the title in each of their first three campaigns together, with the deadly duo scoring 59 goals between them as the European Cup was also secured in 1983-84.

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Getty ImagesXavi & Andres Iniesta (Barcelona & Spain)

One of the greatest midfield partnerships of all time, Xavi and Iniesta changed the way the modern game is played with their precision passing for both club and country.

Together they won four Champions League titles among a whole host of other trophies at Barcelona, as well as helping lead Spain to two European Championships and their first World Cup, in 2010.

Spin has been Kolkata Knight Riders’ tried-and-tested formula to win at home. It’s unlikely the surface for their next game will change too much, even though their opponents, Delhi Daredevils, possess a tasty spin attack themselves

The Preview by Karthik Krishnaswamy06-May-2015Match factsThursday, May 7, 2015
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)2:21

O’Brien: Daredevils should bat first

Big PictureSpin, spin, spin. It’s been Kolkata Knight Riders’ tried-and-tested formula to win at home, and their last match – a 35-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad – showcased it in exaggerated proportions. Perhaps the pitch they played on was a response to the slightly wobbly position they began that match in – a loss might have caused them to slip out of the top four.It’s unlikely the surface for their next game will change too much, even though they are in a far better position now, even though their opponents, Delhi Daredevils, possess a tasty spin attack themselves. Brad Hogg and Piyush Chawla (and possibly Johan Botha too), against Amit Mishra and Imran Tahir should make for an interesting contest.Daredevils have lost three of their last four games, and sit not too far above bottom-placed Kings XI Punjab. They are still in with a chance of finishing in the top four, but have only four games left, and cannot afford to take any time finding a way to win matches. A defeat to Knight Riders may just end any realistic hopes they have.Form guideKolkata Knight Riders WLWLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Delhi Daredevils LLWLWWatch out for…He’s scored his runs at a strike rate of over 140, but he’s only faced 86 balls this season. From that stat it might seem like Angelo Mathews is batting too far down the order, but that hasn’t always been the case. In his last two innings, he came in with a reasonable number of overs left, got starts, and got out, finishing with scores of 16 and 12. Mathews will definitely want to contribute more substantially when he comes in with eight or nine overs to go.He isn’t spoken about in the same breath as Sunil Narine or Brad Hogg, but Piyush Chawla’s legspin has been a vital facet of Knight Riders’ success. This season, he has taken seven wickets while conceding only 6.96 runs an over. He gets a lot of help from the Eden Gardens surface, no doubt, but opposition teams haven’t really been able to go after him.Stats and trivia Robin Uthappa has 22 stumpings in the IPL, a record he shares with MS Dhoni. But he’s taken only 81 innings, to Dhoni’s 114, to reach the mark Four players likely to play this match – Gautam Gambhir, Amit Mishra, Piyush Chawla and Manish Pandey – feature in the top five of the ‘Most ducks in the IPL’ listQuotes”Brad Hogg has done a fantastic job in Sunil Narine’s absence. We wanted a spinner that we thought a lot of batters would struggle to pick. Certainly Brad is in that category. Even the players who play with him regularly find him difficult to pick.”

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has revealed why Lionel Messi was not allowed to parade the World Cup at Parc des Princes.

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Argentina beat France in 2022 World Cup finalMessi did not parade the trophy afterwardsKylian Mbappe beaten in finalWHAT HAPPENED?

Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 but was not allowed to parade the trophy on the Parc des Princes pitch after his return to France, seemingly due to a fear of a backlash from fans. Of course, Argentina beat Les Bleus in the final and Al-Khelaifi has now revealed that he could not allow Messi to celebrate at Parc des Princes because his PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe was on the losing side.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT AL-KHELAIFI SAID

During an interview with RMC TV, Al-Khelaifi said: "For me, like I said, if anyone talks about the fact that we didn't celebrate him enough after he won the World Cup, we're in France and he won against Kylian. We are a French club. I don't want the whole stadium to be against him either. I think we have to respect that."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi's time in the French capital ended on a sour note, as he was booed by fans before his move to Inter Miami, and he has recognised that he caused a "rift" among the PSG fanbase. However, Al-Khelaifi has claimed that the World Cup winner does not "respect" the club, insisting he should not be speaking about them following his exit.

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(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

Messi is currently waiting for the resumption of club football in the United States. Inter Miami face FC Dallas in a friendly on January 22nd, before heading to the Middle East for the Riyadh Cup, which will see Messi face his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr.

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Inspired by nature to pay homage to the vast Australian landscape

adidas reveal the official match ball for the 2023 Women's World Cup, the OCEAUNZ. Designed to cope with the demands and speed of the modern game, the official match ball features the same Connected Ball Technology we saw in the 2022 World Cup Al Rihla match ball. The OCEAUNZ marks the ninth successive football adidas has produced for the FIFA Women's World Cup.

adidas

The ball itself features white, blue and green decorations on a white pearlescent background – inspired by Australia's landscape – with visuals nodding to the vast mountains of New Zealand and Australia's connection to the Indian Ocean. The cultural markings and initials of both host nations celebrate the coming together of Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian markings have been created by renowned local artist Chern'ee Sutton, while Kiwi artist Fiona Collis designed the New Zealand patterns and elements of the ball.

adidas

Franziska Loeffelmann, the Design Director of Football Graphics at adidas, said, "With record viewing figures for the Women's Euros tournament last year, the upcoming World Cup is set to be a massive moment for the game that we love. We're turning up with a match ball that we're incredibly proud of – featuring our innovative technology and with a design that represents the natural beauty of the landscape in which it will be played."

adidas

To support players on the pitch and uphold to the increasing demands of the game, Loeffelmann adds: "The game is always evolving, and the design of the OCEAUNZ is built to help players cope with the pace and demands of the modern game. We're hugely excited for the FIFA Women's World Cup and to see the women's game lifted to even further heights, in two fantastic host nations."

adidas

To round up on an already brilliant match ball, adidas reveals 1% of global OCEAUNZ net sales will go to the Common Goal Movement. A collective project to increase female participation, representation and leadership in the game by supporting grassroots initiatives that increase access to the sport for women and girls, on and off the pitch.

adidas 2023 Women's World Cup OCEAUNZ match ball price & how to buy

The 2023 Women's World Cup ball is available to buy now on the adidas website.

Shop: 2023 Women's World Cup match balls

The OCEAUNZ ball features a groundbreaking core within the ball that is designed to improve accuracy and consistency, supporting fast, precise play with maximum shape and air retention. Plus, the ball’s polyurethane skin features micro and macro textures and a new 20-piece panel shape, enhancing aerodynamics

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This OCEAUNZ training ball is great for kickabouts and training ahead of the Women's World Cup. It also has a high-grade butyl bladder, so you're spending less time finding a ball pump and more time emulating your favourite players.

The mini ball is perfect for kids who want to play football, the new OCEAUNZ ball colourway will certainly be a hit with them too. The 100% TPU cover will make sure it can withstand the wear and tear after it's done being use by any small football star

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If you know you'll be making use of the OCEAUNZ ball on a regular basis, and for weekend matches with friends you'll want to opt for the Club Ball. It comes in three separate colourways, which use colours from the original match ball.

Wayne Rooney's Birmingham City were booed off by their own fans after a 0-0 draw with Rotherham as NFL legend Tom Brady watched on from the stands.

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Birmingham draw 0-0 with RotherhamOne win in eight under manager RooneyMinority owner Brady in attendanceGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Blues failed to beat 23rd-placed Rotherham United to continue their poor start under manager Rooney in the Championship. The hosts were fortunate to come away with a point as Rooney's tough start continued, with the West Midlands outfit winning just one of the eight games he has been in charge of. Seven-time Super Bowl winner Brady attended his second Blues game on Saturday, but the minority investor wasn't treated to the win he desired and even got to hear home fans booing his team after the final whistle.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Birmingham sit 15th in the Championship, seven points outside the play-offs. When former manager John Eustace was sacked from his role in early October the Blues were sixth in the table. Rooney replaced him at the helm but the club has gone backwards since his arrival and fans are not happy with how things have been going. This could be an example of a team trying to make a statement signing before it ends up backfiring.

WHAT TOM BRADY SAID

Before the game, Brady checked in to St Andrew's and tweeted…

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WHAT NEXT?

Rooney's Birmingham travel to local rivals Coventry City in their next Championship game on Friday.