Football Talk: Smith facing axe, Balotelli v Mancini, Milan protest

'Why would you want to fire me?'SNS Group

It may be a new year but there’s the same old battles going on across the football world.

At home one manager faces a fight to keep his job, while Milan took a stand against after their friendly with Pro Patria was marred by racist chanting.

Mario Baoltelli is in familiar territory by just fighting anyone he can get his hands on at Manchester City’s training ground.

There was a stormy Edinburgh derby with both sides complaining about tackles during the match at Tynecastle.

It’s a happy start to the new year in Scotland

Dens war over boss
Barry Smith’s future as Dundee boss is set to discussed at a meeting today (Scottish Sun)

Family blame Dundee footballer's plumber for dodgy tap job that flooded their flat and left them homeless on Christmas Eve
It never rains but it pours for Dundee (Daily Record)

Hibernian manager hits out at ‘shocking’ tackle on James McPake
Pat Fenlon was disappointed with Ryan Stevenson’s challenge on his captain.

John McGlynn rues missed chances as Hearts drop derby points
The Hearts boss says his side should be level on points with leaders Celtic.

Was the ball on the penalty spot? Celtic complain over Motherwell spot kick
Our secret ref has his say on Tom Hateley’s penalty for Motherwell

Rangers ace David Templeton tips Lee Wallace to be next skipper at Ibrox
Templeton reckons the Scotland international will be the perfect long-term successor to Lee McCulloch (Daily Record).

The Edinburgh derby is BIG in China

Getting to grips with issues

In Pictures: Mario Balotelli gets into a ruck with Roberto Mancini at City’s training ground
The Manchester City duo get to grips with each other at training (101greatgoals.com)

Kevin-Prince Boateng's stand against racism was a vital response
The Milan midfielder's decision to walk off in the friendly against Pro Patria was a brave and eloquent message in football's attempt to stem the poisonous undercurrent of racism (The Guardian)

Anything you can do, I can do better

Leo Messi v Kobe Bryant in this advert for Turkish Airways