TORRES SUPPORTS MEIRELES

The Chelsea striker Fernando Torres and the Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas have come out in support of the Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles, who has been accused of spitting the referee and making hand gestures indicating the sexuality of the referee.

The 30-year-old Portuguese midfielder was recently sent off in the 2-1 victory for Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce were taking on their arch rivals Galatasaray and it was the first time Raul Meireles was taking part in this fierce derby. He had completed his £ 10 million move from Chelsea only in the summer. This was his first sending-off in the career after he received his marching orders following a second yellow card.
The referee Halis Özkahya, meanwhile, has accused the midfielder of making hand gestures indicating his sexuality.

Even though the midfielder has vehemently denied such allegations, it is expected that he will be facing trial over the incident. Meanwhile, the Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, who played with him at Chelsea and Liverpool, has said that he knows Meireles very well and he is not the type of individual to make gestures about someone’s sexual preferences. The same comments were also said by the Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas, who was instrumental in bringing the player to Stamford Bridge.

“I know Raul from Liverpool and Chelsea, he’s never been sent off before, it’s a real surprise to hear he received a red card. I’ve looked over the highlights and I’m certain Raul didn’t spit at the referee or anyone else. I know him very well on and off the field, there’s no way I can believe he would spit at the referee or make homophobic gestures,” said Torres. Raul Meireles has been one of the important players for Galatasaray since signing from Chelsea. He has so far made 18 appearances for the Turkish club since moving in the summer.