Yakin Backs Xhaka and Embolo as Raith Rovers Face Possible Discipline Over Lennon Post
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin says he never had any doubts about bringing back Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo for the Nations League game against Scotland. Both players were sidelined during an investigation into claims that they had obtained fake Covid certificates. BBC Sport reports Yakin's comments.
The pair were cleared to return to international duty in late October, after the inquiry. Switzerland's football federation said the investigation had concluded, and ESPN reported that Yakin was pleased to pick his squad for the November games without restrictions. Xhaka, the midfielder who captains the team, was also restored as skipper ahead of those matches, according to the CT Post. Embolo is one of the team's strikers, the forward whose job is to finish the chances created around him.
Scotland is the next stop, and the recall of two experienced players is the main talking point for the Swiss. Yakin's message is that the decision was straightforward. He has not wavered on it, and he says the players are back where they belong.
Closer to home for many British readers, there has been a row in Scottish football's second tier. Raith Rovers drew 0-0 with Dunfermline Athletic on Friday in the Fife derby, a local meeting between two clubs a short bus ride apart. Nothing went in at either end, and the points were shared.
The bad blood came afterwards. Dunfermline manager Neil Lennon said "It's a penalty" to show his unhappiness with the referee's decisions in the game, as shown in a BBC video. Raith Rovers then posted on social media, and The Scottish Sun reported that the post was a joke at Lennon's expense. BBC Sport says Raith now face possible disciplinary action over that post.
Derby days are meant to be fierce, and a bit of needle is part of the fun. Mocking a manager on social media is a different thing, and it is the club's conduct that is now under review. Raith Rovers have not been found to have broken any rule, and the process has not yet reached a decision.
For fans, the two stories share a theme. Clubs and national teams both answer for their behaviour, on the pitch and off it. Switzerland have moved on from the certificate inquiry, with its two key players back in the picture. Raith are waiting to see whether their post brings a sanction of their own.
