Japan coach collapses

TOKYO: Japan soccer coach Ivica Osim was hospitalised on Friday after suffering an apparent stroke. Osim, 66, collapsed due to a stroke at his home in Chiba prefecture (state) and was taken to a hospital, national broadcaster NHK reported. Kyodo News Agency reported that Osim’s condition was unstable. “It is a shocking incident,” said Saburo Kawabuchi, president of the Japan Football Association.— AP

Binya banned

NYON: Benfica’s Augustin Binya was banned for six European matches on Friday after being sent off against Celtic last week. Binya was dismissed in the 85th minute for a foul on Celtic’s Scott Brown “that seriously endangered the physical health of the opposing player,” UEFA said. Celtic won the Group D game 1-0 in Glasgow on November 6. Binya will miss Champions League matches against AC Milan (Nov 28) and Shakhtar Donetsk (Dec 4). The remaining four matches of the ban will apply to any European club competition. — AP