Bosnich faces Leeds fans

ASTON VILLA goalkeeper Mark Bosnich is facing another potentially explosive situation, this time with Leeds supporters, at Villa Park on Saturday.

Bosnich already has a Footballs Association disrepute charge hanging over him after his Nazi salute to Tottenham fans at White Hart Lane last weekend in reaction to crowd jibes about former Spurs striker Jurgen Klinsmann.

Now Bosnich, who has repeatedly apologised for his outburst faces another tough afternoon from Leeds' fans who will recall the Australian being sent off in the closing stages of a Premiership match at Elland Road 18 months ago.

As on Saturday, Villa were headed for a scoreless draw at the time but ended up being beaten 1-0 following Bosnich's misdemeanour.

But Villa insist that they will continue to pick Bosnich, who will then have to go back to Elland Road next Wednesday for a League Cup third round clash.

Assistant manager Allan Evans said: "He's had problems with the Leeds crowd in the past. He was sent off there for wasting time and winding people up. He's been in the wrong a few times and he must start to grow up.

"As long as he learns from the White Hart Lane experience, it's okay. We believe he made a genuine mistake and I am sure the manager Brian Little intends to pick him for Saturday."

But Little is set to make changes for the visit of George Graham's side as he looks to end a sequence without a win stretching back to September 4th.

The Villa boss said: "You have to be concerned when you go seven matches without a victory and there will be changes."

An Italian soccer player who was sent off by a female referee after picking up two bookings replied by kissing her on both cheeks.

Striker Alessandro Veronese (26), was first booked for hand ball and then for taking off his shirt after scoring for Battaglia in their 2-0 amateur league win over Rocca at the weekend, the ANSA news agency reported.

Veronese first shook medical student Anna Di Toni by the hand and then kissed her twice.