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SANTANDER, Spain -- Racing Santander made good on its threat to boycott its Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Real Sociedad over unpaid wages, refusing to play on Thursday because the clubs president did not resign. Mens Clinton Portis Washington Redskins NFL Throwback Jersey White Reebok Authentic Road . Sociedad held a 3-1 first-leg lead going into the match at El Sardinero Stadium, but players from third-tier Santander said they had no intention of playing if Angel Lavin and his board did not step down. Both teams took to the field but Santanders players immediately lined up near the half after kickoff and refused to play, with the referee suspending the game after one minute. Sociedad kicked the ball around before shooting it into the stands where spectators showed their support for the players by chanting "dont play!" "What we did today was in respect of football, a sport that we love," coach Paco Fernandez said. "Today was the most important game of our lives, but our dignity took precedence." International players union, FIFPRO, and Spanish union AFE both supported the move, which comes after the lower-tier clubs players had not been paid in four months despite promises by Lavin. Santanders actions could see the club fined or even banned from the Copa del Rey next season. "Its very difficult to decide to do this, especially in a quarterfinal. Its an extreme situation," defender Oriol Lozarano said. "We know what the consequences could be, that we can be kicked out of the competition, but we knew we had the support of the fans to do what we did." Its not the first time that Santander has used the domestic cup competition to bring awareness to its situation, with the players standing idly for 30 seconds to start a last-16 game against Almeria before eventually playing. That match also saw Santander ultras invade the presidents box, sparking off violent scenes. Fans were allowed to enter El Sardinero for free on Thursday. Santander has slipped down to the third division in just two seasons following the exit of former owner Ahsan Ali Syed, who left the club in crisis, relegated from the top-flight in 2012 and needing a cash injection just to stay afloat. Santander is not the first team to refuse to play a Copa del Rey game, with Barcelona boycotting a return leg against Atletico Madrid during the 1999-2000 season. But in that case, Barcelona boycotted because of scheduling with the international calendar leaving it with just nine outfield players available. Sociedad will play Barcelona in the semifinals. Burgundy Red Brandon Meriweather Limited Jersey Youth Nike NFL Washington Redskins 80th Anniversary . "I cant say much, we agreed not to say much, but talks are ongoing and Andrei wants to stay in Montreal," agent and former NHL player Sergei Berezin told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun on ESPN.com on Friday. "Well see where it goes. Hes played 13 seasons with Montreal. Game Spencer Long Washington Redskins Womens Home Jersey Nike NFL Burgundy Red . Parmelee hit a game-ending shot in the ninth inning and the Minnesota Twins overcame David Ortizs big night to beat the Boston Red Sox 8-6 on Tuesday. GRENOBLE, France -- Michael Schumachers friends and family took turns by his hospital bed Friday, as fans rallied outside the hospital to support the critically injured Formula One great on his 45th birthday. Schumacher has been in a medically induced coma since Sunday, when he fell while skiing and struck his head on a rock. His manager, Sabine Kehm, said Friday that his condition remains stable but critical. The German driver and his family typically celebrate Christmas, New Year and his birthday at their ski house in the French resort of Meribel, where the accident happened. Instead, they have been keeping watch over the retired champion at his bedside in a Grenoble hospital. "They take turns to watch him: Michaels wife, children, his brother," said former Formula One driver, Philippe Streiff, who is one of several members of the F1 community to visit the hospital. "They are very traumatized. Its very upsetting to see that for the family." About 100 fans also converged on the hospital Friday, arriving by bus from Italy or by car from northern France and other places, saying they felt compelled to honour a man who had given them so many reasons to celebrate in the past. At nightfall, some fans used a projector to screen the words "STAY STRONG!" and "KEEP FIGHTING!" on the hospitals wall. "With all the joy he has given us, it was important for us to return the favour and be here for Michael," said Guliio Carissomi, who drove four hours from Italy to reach Grenoble. Mens Darrel Young White Jersey Game Nike NFL Washington Redskins. One group of fans quietly assembled in view of the hospitals windows, unfurling a large banner for Ferrari, the racing team that Schumacher had anchored. A fan as far away as India carved a likeness of Schumacher in sand on a beach in Puri and wrote "Get Well Soon" below it. The family, which has been periodically posting messages on Schumachers website, wrote Friday night that they were "overwhelmed" by the show of support. "The incredible sympathies shown today by the Ferrari Fans outside the hospital has utterly overwhelmed us and moved us all to tears," it said. The seven-time F1 champion has undergone two brain operations since the accident. Doctors are keeping him sedated and his body at an artificially low temperature to help with the healing. The physicians have refused to give a prognosis for Schumacher, saying they are focused on his immediate care. Schumacher, known affectionately as Schumi by fans, is the most successful F1 driver in history, racking up a record 91 race wins. He retired in 2012. Ferrari on Friday sent special birthday greetings to Schumacher, recalling the 72 victories he won from 1996-2006. "Today is Michel Schumachers birthday. In these hours hes on the most important race of his life and we want to dedicate a special honour to him," the statement said. "Forza (Come on) Michael!" wholesale jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' ' |
