Manchester United Star Summoned To Court, Post The Newcastle game

Manchester United’s Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera has been summoned by a Spanish court, the day after Manchester United face Premier League rivals Newcastle United, according to reports coming from Spain. AS reports that Herrera will appear to give evidence at 9:30am on Thursday, the 5th of March, as the Spaniard is one of 41 people that have been called to court regarding an alleged match-fixing scandal in a game between Levante and Zaragoza in 2011.

Zaragoza had avoided being relegated that season by winning the match 2-1, but prosecutors later had pointed out that the Levante players were paid to lose, a claim that has been denied by them. Herrera was at that time, part of the Zaragoza side and had previously released a statement in December denying any wrong doing in the game that decided the fate of the club, that campaign. In a recent interview when asked more about this particular incident, he said,

“I have never had and will never have anything to do with manipulating match results.”

“In an on-going legal process involving Real Zaragoza, the club I was honoured to play from 12 until 22 years of age, there are 41 people mentioned, of which I am one.”

“If I am ever called to testify in any judicial hearing, I’ll be happy to attend, as my conscience is totally clear. I love football and I believe in fair play, both on and off the pitch.”

Manchester United have gained some momentum now, after an ordinary start to the season. Placed at third spot in the Premier League table, manager Louis van Gaal would not want such incidents to distract his team’s attention, as they look to secure a Champions League spot for next year. The Red Devils will be facing Newcastle at St James’ Park on Wednesday, the 4th of March.