SPORTS FRENZY

McDowell signs up for RBC events

2013-01-02T08:42:00.003-08:00

Graeme McDowell: Part of the family

Graeme McDowell will play in this year's RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open after joining the "RBC family".
The 33-year-old world number 15 has confirmed via Twitter that he has agreed a deal with the Royal Bank of Canada.
"Excited to be part of the @RBC_Golf family. Doing great things in golf globally. Adding RBC Heritage and RBC Candian Open to my 2013 sched" he wrote on the social networking site.
The 2013 RBC Heritage will take place at Hilton Head from April 15-21 - the week after the Masters - while the Canadian Open will run from July 22-28 - a week after the Open Championship - at Glen Abbey Golf Club.
McDowell doesn't have the best of records at Hilton Head as he finished tied for 70th in 2005, missed the cut in 2006 and was tied 61st in 2011 while he finished joint 46th at the Canadian Open in 2002.

Gale happy with Blythe reunion

2013-01-02T08:39:00.000-08:00

Luke Gale: Happy times

Luke Gale and Matty Blythe will be reunited when they run out at Odsal after being brought to the club by new Bulls coach Francis Cummins.
The pair were team-mates for the England youth side and grew up at rival academies at Leeds and Warrington respectively.
While scrum-half Gale is sixth months older than Blythe, he was delighted when the Bulls announced the signing of his old friend on loan from Warrington.
Blythe's capture is seen as a major coup and he will give them another option in the centers and back row.
"I think Matty will be a great addition to our side," said Gale, who is battling to be fit for the start of the season after ankle surgery.
"He's a very good player and was unfortunate at Warrington because they have so many big names.
"I think Matty was just outside Tony Smith's starting 17 so he's been unlucky.
"I've known him since he was 16, having played against Warrington Under-16s and 18s and then played with him for England. He can play anywhere but personally I think he's best at centre.
"He's a very athletic lad and a really nice bloke as well. That's important and is brilliant for us."
Indeed, Gale reckons Blythe's attitude and desire to establish himself as a regular Super League player will hold him in good stead at Odsal.
"Matty went to Leigh a couple of seasons ago in order to play regularly but that what's he like," added the 24-year-old.
"His attitude is fantastic and they are the sort of players you want to bring in.
"Franny has been really smart there. He's brought him in knowing that he's a good lad off the field and I think he will be massive for us this coming year."
"Matty went to Leigh a couple of seasons ago in order to play regularly but that what's he like," added the 24-year-old.
"His attitude is fantastic and they are the sort of players you want to bring in.
"Franny has been really smart there. He's brought him in knowing that he's a good lad off the field and I think he will be massive for us this coming year."
Meanwhile, Blythe is also looking forward to his reunion with Gayle.
"I played with Galey for a brief period at Under-18s level for England and know him well - he's a top guy.
"I didn't know many of the other Bradford players before coming here but I've soon got to know everyone and built some good relationships with the rest of the lads."

Nzonzi red card overturned

2013-01-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

Steven Nzonzi gets his marching orders

Stoke midfielder Steven Nzonzi has successfully appealed against a red card issued to him in Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Southampton.

Nzonzi was dismissed by referee Mark Clattenburg in the 3-3 draw at the Britannia Stadium for what appeared to be a stamp on Jack Cork.
At the time the decision angered Stoke manager Tony Pulis who felt Cork had over-reacted.
Pulis said: "Whether the reaction of Cork, who is a good player and a good lad, has influenced Mark, I'm not sure, but Steven certainly doesn't stamp on the player.
"There was no intent. He's actually planted his leg between his legs, which was quite clever."
The Potters launched an immediate appeal, and upon review by the Independent Regulatory Commission, a claim of wrongful dismissal has been upheld.
The Commission further confirmed Nzonzi's potential three-match suspension has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

Sri Lanka still have belief

2013-01-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

Mahela Jayawardene: Backing his batsmen

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene admits it has been hard for his side to put the MCG debacle behind them but insists they have the batting talent and belief to bounce back to form in Sydney.
The tourists were humbled inside three days in the Boxing Day Test and many are predicting a similar outcome at the SCG with an uncharacteristic green wicket and Australia's in-form four-pronged pace attack.
After struggling to cope with a barrage of short balls from Australia's quicks in Melbourne, Jayawardene backed his misfiring batsmen to handle the challenge much better this time.
The 35-year-old right-hander, who will relinquish the captaincy to Angelo Mathews after this Test, said the team had done a lot of soul-searching over the past week in the lead-up to this match.
And he is confident they can pull off an upset and secure a historic first win on Australian soil.
"We've spent a few days to try and get over that match, what happened and how we can avoid something like that again," Jayawardene said.
"Teams do go through that sort of thing.
"It happened to us in South Africa last year at Centurion where we lost in two-and-a-half days and we bounced back in Durban to win the Test match.
"It's about guys owning responsibility about what happened and doing something about it.
"It is a strong Australian side but if we play to our potential and back ourselves then we can stand up to that."
An honest Jayawardene conceded the Sri Lankans had let themselves down during the tour, laying much of the blame at the hands of the batsmen.
"That's where our experience lies and that's where we control a lot of Test matches," he said.
"We need to make sure we take that control back whether it's the technical side of it or the mental side that we need to address.
"We have spoken about it but there's only so much you can talk behind closed doors - we need to go out there and perform."
Sri Lanka's preparation hit another snag today with emerging fast bowler Shaminda Eranga injuring his leg during a friendly football match prior to training.
The 26-year-old immediately limped his way to the dressing room but it is unclear if the injury will rule him out of the Test.
It is another unwanted distraction for the tourists who are already without star batsman Kumar Sangakkara (finger) and paceman Chanaka Welegedara (hamstring), while wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene (thumb) and fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekara (ribs) are both in severe doubt.
"It's disruptive," said Jayawardene. "These are unexpected things that we need to get our head around and handle the situation the best possible way.
"You don't anticipate three or four guys to go down in just one Test match.
"But it happened so we just need to sit down and see what other options we've got."
While Jayawardene was unable to finalise a team for the match, he did confirm that Dinesh Chandimal would definitely play in place of Sangakkara.

Hasan century stuns West Indies

2012-11-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

Debutant Abul Hasan registered a superb maiden century shortly before the close of play as Bangladesh's lower order fought back on day one of the second Test against West Indies in Khulna.

The Windies looked firmly in charge when Fidel Edwards and Darren Sammy reduced Bangladesh to 98 for five midway through the afternoon session although Nasir Hossain's half-century steadied the ship.

Bangladesh then lost three more wickets in quick succession - with Edwards completing a five-wicket haul - and a collapse appeared on the cards until an unbeaten partnership of 172 for the ninth wicket between Hasan (100 not out) and Mahmudullah (72 not out) took the Tigers to a respectable 365 for eight.

Left-hander Hasan, playing just his seventh first-class match, brought up his first three-figure score in any format with a flick through the leg side off Sunil Narine two balls from stumps.

The lower order justified Bangladesh's decision to bat first after their most established batsmen failed, with Nazimuddin falling in the third over after fending a short ball from Edwards to Kieran Powell at short leg.

Tamim Iqbal and Shahriar Nafees put on a 50 partnership but the latter perished for 26 when he edged Sammy behind.

Tamim was then bowled for 32, playing no stroke at a delivery that came back into him from Sammy, while Naeem Islam got an inside edge on a full ball from Edwards onto his stumps.

The Tigers were well and truly on the ropes on 98 for five when Shakib-al-Hasan (17) feathered a catch behind off Edwards, before Hossain got off the mark with an edge through the slips for four off the same bowler.

Alongside Mushfiqur Rahim, Hossain settled into his stride and crunched Narine over long-on for six before bringing up his 50 by opening the face of his bat and tickling Veerasammy Permaul past the wicketkeeper for his eighth four.

The slow left armer would have his revenge in his next over when Hossain was caught trying to clear mid-on to depart for 52.

And Bangladesh were staring down the barrel once more when Edwards had Rahim caught behind for 32 before Sohag Gazi was trapped in front four balls later with an in-swinger to give the West Indian paceman his fifth wicket.

Mahmudullah took 15 balls to get off the mark but then cut Permaul for two fours in the same over, with Abul Hasan repeating the trick - in a rather more unorthodox manner - off Edwards.

The 20-year-old Abul Hasan slog swept Permaul for six although he was dropped in the bowler's next over on 42 at short leg.

He made full use of his reprieve by cracking Sammy straight over his head for six to bring up his 50 and continued to bat in a carefree manner, taking three fours off Marlon Samuels in an over.

He then hammered Permaul over long-on for yet another six in the same over Mahmudullah brought up his half-century.

The two continued to prosper despite the introduction of the second new ball and Hasan became just the second batsman to score a century batting from number 10 in 135 years to leave the Tigers firmly in the ascendancy going into day two.

John Terry won't appeal

2012-10-18T12:13:00.002-07:00

John Terry won't appeal against his ban

Chelsea defender John Terry has decided not to appeal against a four-match ban and fine of £220,000 for racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.
Terry had until 6pm on Thursday evening to contest the sanction issued by an independent Football Association regulatory commission.
However, in a statement released via his representatives Elite Management, Terry said: "After careful consideration, I have decided not to appeal against the FA judgment.
"I want to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone for the language I used in the game against Queens Park Rangers last October.
"Although I'm disappointed with the FA judgment, I accept that the language I used, regardless of the context, is not acceptable on the football field or indeed in any walk of life."
Terry's statement continued: "As I stated in the criminal case, with the benefit of hindsight my language was clearly not an appropriate reaction to the situation for someone in my position.
"My response was below the level expected by Chelsea Football Club, and by me, and it will not happen again.
"Looking forward, I will continue to do my part in assisting the club to remove all types of discriminatory behaviour from football.
"I am extremely grateful for the consistent support of Chelsea FC, the fans and my family."
Terry was found guilty by the independent FA commission of calling Ferdinand a "f****** black c***" during a Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and QPR on October 23.
He has always maintained that he was merely repeating an accusation levelled at him by Ferdinand, but the commission found that his words were used as an insult.
The commission described Terry's version of events at Loftus Road as "improbable, implausible and contrived" in their written reasons for issuing the ban.
The three-man panel also questioned why Terry's team-mate Ashley Cole had changed his statement to give more support to Terry's story, sparking a furious response from the Chelsea and England defender who described the FA as a "bunch of t***s" in a tweet sent on October 5.
Cole has since issued a full apology for that and has admitted a misconduct charge.
The commission said in its written reasons: "The commission is quite satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that there is no credible basis for Mr Terry's defence that his use of the words 'f****** black c***' were directed at Mr Ferdinand by way of forceful rejection and/or inquiry.
"Instead, we are quite satisfied, and find on the balance of probabilities, that the offending words were said by way of insult.
"Accordingly, the commission finds that there is 'clear and convincing' evidence."
The commission said that character references from a number of people, including black players, made it clear that Terry was not racially prejudiced.
"It is accepted by everyone involved in the criminal and disciplinary proceedings that Mr Terry is not a racist," added the commission.
Terry had been cleared in Westminster Magistrates Court in July of a racially-aggravated public order offence, partly helped by the testimony of Cole.
However, the commission found that there were discrepancies in Cole's initial statement to FA interviewers of what he heard Ferdinand say to Terry compared to later statements.
Cole did not mention the word 'black' in the initial interview with the FA on October 28. On November 3, Chelsea club secretary David Barnard asked the FA for the specific word 'black' to be inserted into Cole's witness statement, suggesting that Cole may have heard Ferdinand use the term.
The commission saw an email exchange between the FA and Barnard and said that should be regarded as "cogent new evidence".
John Terry Factfile
1980: December 7 - born in London.
1998: Makes Chelsea debut against Aston Villa.
2001: One of four players fined two weeks' wages by Chelsea after their behaviour at a Heathrow hotel is criticised on the day after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
2002: Terry and Chelsea team-mate Jody Morris are cleared after being charged with assault and affray in connection with a nightclub incident. Terry, uncapped at the time, is ruled out of the World Cup after the Football Association decide he should not be considered for international duty with England until the legal case is completed.
2003: June 3 - Makes England debut as substitute against Serbia and Montenegro.
2004: August 15 - Appointed Chelsea captain, succeeding Marcel Desailly.
2006: August 10 - Chosen to replace David Beckham as England captain by head coach Steve McClaren.
2008: May 21 - Misses penalty in shoot-out against Manchester United which would have won Chelsea the Champions League.
August 19 - Named as permanent captain of England by Fabio Capello.
2009: December 20 - Chelsea defend Terry after allegations he took secret cash payments to lay on a behind-the-scenes tour of the club's training ground.
2010: January 29: Named as the sportsman behind a gagging injunction involving his private life. A court order had previously been in place, covering an alleged relationship between married Terry and French model Vanessa Perroncel - a former partner of team-mate Wayne Bridge.
February 5 - Axed as England captain following a meeting with Capello.
February 27 - Bridge refuses to shake Terry's hand before Chelsea's match with Manchester City.
2011: March 19 - Restored to the role of permanent England captain by Capello.
October 23 - Releases a statement denying he made a racist slur against Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea's defeat at QPR after videos had circulated on the internet.
November 1 - The Metropolitan Police confirm they have launched a formal investigation into the Ferdinand incident.
December 21 - The Crown Prosecution Service announce Terry will be charged with racially abusing Ferdinand and is due to appear before West London Magistrates' Court on February 1, 2012.
2012: January 28 - The FA cancels the pre-match handshakes before the FA Cup fourth-round tie between QPR and Chelsea "to defuse further tensions" relating to the Terry-Ferdinand situation.
February 1 - District Judge Howard Riddle orders that Terry should stand trial in the week beginning July 9 - following Euro 2012 - after hearing a number of other Chelsea players would not be able to appear as witnesses until the end of the football season.
February 3 - Terry is stripped of the England captaincy for a second time. The decision was taken by members of the 14-strong FA board, without consulting Capello.
February 8 - Capello resigns as England manager two days after criticising the decision to strip Terry of the captaincy.
April 18 - Terry captains Chelsea to a famous 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final encounter at Stamford Bridge.
April 24 - Sent off in second leg against Barca at Nou Camp for kneeing Alexis Sanchez from behind in the first half. Chelsea draw the game 2-2 and reach the final.
May 5 - Picks up his fifth FA Cup winner's medal after Chelsea overcome Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley.
May 19 - Chelsea win their first Champions League after stunning Bayern Munich with a penalty shoot-out victory at the Allianz Arena. Terry, banned for the final for his red card against Barcelona, is ridiculed for changing into full kit at the final whistle to join in with the celebrations.
June 24 - Plays the full 90 minutes and extra time as England suffer more penalty heartache, losing their Euro 2012 quarter-final to Italy on penalties.
July 13 - Cleared at Westminster Magistrates' Court of making a racist insult to Ferdinand.
July 27 - Charged by the FA with using racist language towards QPR defender Ferdinand.
August 30 - Recalled to England squad, after missing friendly against Sweden, for September's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.
September 9 - Withdraws from England squad for Ukraine game after picking up ankle injury in 5-0 win in Moldova.
September 23 - Announces his retirement from international football, shortly before the start of his personal hearing to answer the FA charge.
September 27 - Banned for four matches and fined £220,000 by an FA independent regulatory commission.
October 5 - FA reveal written reasons behind independent commission's ruling, insisting Terry's racist language towards Ferdinand was used as an insult and finding "no credible basis" for his defence that he was only repeating words he believed the QPR defender said to him.
October 18 - Terry decides not to appeal against the four-match ban and fine. Terry also apologises for the language he used in the match against QPR.

2012-10-18T11:59:00.001-07:00

John Terry: Subject of international action

Chelsea say they have taken "further disciplinary action" against John Terry after he decided not to appeal against his four-match ban for racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand - but the club are keeping their sanction secret.
Terry has apologised for the language he used after announcing he will not challenge the ban and fine of £220,000 issued by an independent Football Association regulatory commission two weeks ago.
Terry has not however apologised directly to Ferdinand.
Chelsea said in a statement they have taken further steps against their captain.
The statement said: "Chelsea Football Club believes John Terry has made the correct decision by not appealing against the FA judgment relating to language he used at the QPR match last October.
"Chelsea also appreciates, and supports, John's full apology for the language he used. The club firmly believes such language is not acceptable and fell below the standards expected of John as a Chelsea player.
"The board has conducted its own investigation into the matter, and considered the various issues involved. The board has taken further disciplinary action in addition to the four-match suspension and £220,000 fine imposed by the FA. In accordance with our long-standing policy, that disciplinary action will remain confidential."

'No credible basis' for Terry defence

2012-10-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Terry: Banned for four games
John Terry's defence that he had not racially insulted QPR defender Anton Ferdinand was "improbable, implausible and contrived", according to the commission who banned the Chelsea skipper for four matches.
The independent Football Association regulatory commission said there was "no credible basis" for Terry's claim he had only been repeating words he thought Ferdinand had accused him of saying.
In their full written reasons for the four-match ban, the commission said they were satisfied the words "f***ing black c***" were intended as an insult by Terry. He now has two weeks in which to appeal.
The commission also stated: "There are further aspects of Mr Terry's defence that the commission finds improbable, implausible and contrived, and which serve to underline and reinforce our decision.
"The commission is quite satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that there is no credible basis for Mr Terry's defence that his use of the words 'f****** black c***' were directed at Mr Ferdinand by way of forceful rejection and/or inquiry.
"Instead, we are quite satisfied, and find on the balance of probabilities, that the offending words were said by way of insult.
"We are able to arrive at that decision without needing to make any adverse findings against Mr Terry arising out of his decision not to give evidence.
"Accordingly, the commission finds that there is 'clear and convincing' evidence."
The commission said that character references from a number of people including black players made it clear that Terry was not racially prejudiced.
"It is accepted by everyone involved in the criminal and disciplinary proceedings that Mr Terry is not a racist," added the commission.
Ashley Cole's statement supporting Terry's version, and the role played by a Chelsea club official, has also been questioned by the commission.
Terry had been cleared in Westminster Magistrates Court in July of a racially-aggravated public order offence, partly helped by the testimony of England and Chelsea team-mate Cole.
However, the commission found that there were discrepancies in Cole's initial statement to FA interviewers of what he heard Ferdinand say to Terry compared to later statements.
Cole did not mention the word 'black' in the initial interview with the FA on October 28. On November 3, Chelsea club secretary David Barnard asked the FA for the specific word 'black' to be inserted into Cole's witness statement, suggesting that Cole may have heard Ferdinand use the term.
The commission saw an email exchange between the FA and Barnard and said that should be regarded as "cogent new evidence".
The commission said: "These highly material issues relating to Mr Cole's evidence were not addressed by the Chief Magistrate - he clearly did not have the interview notes of the FA's interviewers, or Mr Barnard's statement before him - and they do not appear in his judgment.
"Accordingly, that material can and should properly be regarded as cogent new evidence.
"Had it been before him, the commission has no doubt that the Chief Magistrate would have examined Mr Cole's evidence as to what he claims he heard Mr Ferdinand say to Mr Terry on the pitch very carefully indeed, or scrutinised it even more closely than he may have done."
It adds: "All of this causes the commission to have very real concerns about the accuracy of Mr Barnard's recollections, and the motivation for the assertions that he makes in his witness statement about what Mr Cole said during the FA interview of him, particularly his alleged use of the word 'black'."
Ferdinand had suffered "hateful abuse" as a result of the case but had acted with dignity, said the report.
The commission stated: "The victim impact statement of Mr Ferdinand makes it plain that he has been badly affected by the incident. He has been the subject of hateful abuse and adverse comments, but has acted with restraint and dignity."

Go low on goals in Group C

2012-10-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

Milan have been frustrated at times this season

Zenit, AC Milan, Anderlecht and Malaga can be relied upon to keep the Group C goals tally down on Wednesday says our Ben Coley.
Wednesday night's action in the UEFA Champions League looks rather less predictable than Tuesday's, and none of the favourites make any great appeal.
Yes, Arsenal should be too good for Olympiacos and yes, Schalke could also have far too much quality for Montpellier, but both Group B bankers are accordingly priced.
Instead, we'll head to Group C, a fascinating make-up of Zenit, AC Milan, Anderlecht and Malaga, but one that may not provide much fascination on matchday two.
First up Zenit host Milan in Russia, and their respective coaches Luciano Spalletti and Massimiliano Allegri are already under immense pressure.
Spalletti's Zenit haven't started particularly well in Russia, and having spent millions bringing in Hulk and Axel Witsel from Portuguese sides this summer expectations are perhaps unreasonably high.
They were comprehensively beaten by Malaga on matchday one and although they did offer something going forward, the bottom line is that Zenit lacked cutting edge in the final third.
Milan, meanwhile, are already missing the services of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, failing to score in three of their seven games in all competitions and picking up just six points from a possible 18 at home.
Throw in their failure to score against Anderlecht in the opening round of fixtures, and what you have is a side lacking in attacking confidence who may be set up to take a 0-0 draw from this game. Their reliance on Stephan El Shaarawy is clear and if Zenit can stop him, they can keep a clean sheet.
With that in mind, we'll back under 2.5 goals in a double with the same scenario in Belgium.
Anderlecht have been in free-scoring form domestically, but the Champions League is a different matter altogether and they're likely to approach Malaga with caution.
The Spanish millionaires got off to a perfect start in the competition and should be more than happy to bank on home performances getting them through to the knockout stages, particularly as they travel to Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday.
So far this season, two of their four away games have ended 0-0 and the other two in 1-0 wins, and BetVictor's approximate 9/4 about a pair of low-scoring games looks a solid wager.
In contrast, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund have both been involved in some high-scoring games and an entertaining encounter looks in store at the Etihad.
City have rightly earned a reputation as the toughest side to beat in the Barclays Premier League, and they underlined that with what's now a trademark comeback to beat Fulham on Saturday.
Indeed, you have to go back to September 2011 for the last time anyone managed to beat City by more than a goal, and clearly Dortmund have their hands full.
The German outfit have a squad packed with attacking flair but a 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt rather underlines how difficult they find it to keep clean sheets on the road, and points don't come easy either.
So far this season, they've suffered defeat at Bayern Munich and Hamburg, with a pair of draws thrown in too, and everything points to a home win of some sort.
For all their undoubted quality going forward, City do share Dortmund's defensive frailties, so there are two bets that interest us: City to concede but win at 11/5, and City to win by exactly a goal at 3/1.
City's last five wins have all involved a goal or more from the opposition, and four have been by exactly a goal - their 3-1 win over QPR is the exception, but even that required a 90th minute goal from Carlos Tevez.
Given that Roberto Mancini's don't look like adding to last year's modest total of three 1-0 wins in all competitions, let alone against a City as strong as Dortmund going forward, the former bet looks safer and gets our vote.

Rodgers warning for Downing

2012-09-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

Stewart Downing: Warned by Brendan Rodgers Stewart Downing has been told to "fight" for his Liverpool place by manager Brendan Rodgers.

The 28-year-old left winger has failed to light up Anfield since his £20million move from Aston Villa last summer, and has seen teenager Raheem Sterling overtake him in the pecking order.

And, while Rodgers, who replaced the man who signed Downing, Kenny Dalglish, has stopped short of calling time on the former Aston Villa man's stay on Merseyside, he has told him to raise his game.

Speaking to a number of national newspapers, he said: "Stewart is a good guy and a good lad who came here for an awful lot of money. It hasn't quite worked out for him as he would want it. The big challenge for him now is that commitment to the cause to fight, because he has the qualities.

"He has a wonderful left foot but what is important is that it is more than talent. Talent alone is not enough. You have to work hard, you have to fight for the shirt. We have seen that in a number of the young players and if you don't do that then longer-term you won't be here. It is as simple as that really."

Another man to have found chances hard to come by under Rodgers is Jose Enrique, the £6million recruit from Newcastle.

"What is important is that you have good communication. I don't waste my time waiting until January to tell both players what I know now. So they know in relation to the demands of what we want and certainly what it is going to take for us to succeed and for them to fit into the dynamics of the group," Rodgers added.

"The communication I will keep private between Stewart and I, but he is under no illusions that he has to fight."

Rodgers confident of peace

2012-09-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Rodgers: Ready to play host to Man United

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers expects this weekend's emotional clash with Manchester United to be remembered for the right reasons on and off the field.
The Barclays Premier League encounter at Anfield on Sunday will be Liverpool's first home match since the publication of a damning new report into the Hillsborough disaster.
A number of tributes are being planned prior to the game to commemorate the 1989 tragedy, remember the 96 victims and acknowledge the fight of their families to find the truth over its cause.
Since the report there have also been widespread appeals to fans of all clubs to cease tasteless chanting about tragedies to have befallen their rivals.
United have been at the forefront of those calls and it is hoped chants relating to Hillsborough, or the Munich air disaster which badly affected the Old Trafford club, will never be heard again.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been especially forthright in his comments on the matter and Rodgers has acknowledged such support.
Rodgers said: "There has been dialogue all week. There is respect in terms of the traditions of both clubs.
"We want this day to be remembered for the right reasons before the game, and the footballing reasons.
"A lot of work has been done and hopefully Sunday will pass off peacefully and well and we can talk about the tributes and football.
"It is an emotionally-charged game. I wouldn't sit here and tell Liverpool supporters how to behave. I know how they have behaved over many years has been fantastic.
"These are well-educated supporters who value humanity. I have no issues or no problems there, the message has been clear, and from Sir Alex as well, in relation to his supporters.
"I am sure once we pay the tributes to the families we can get on with the football."
One side issue to have reoccurred is the race row between Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra which overshadowed Liverpool's campaign last season.
Suarez was banned for eight matches for racially abusing the United left-back during the corresponding fixture last October and the pair did not shake hands before the return match at Old Trafford in February.
The Premier League's pre-match handshake ritual has been under scrutiny for other reasons of late, but Rodgers is not expecting any more issues on Sunday.
He said: "I think enough has been said and written about that over the last year.
"This has been ongoing and everything to say about this has been said. There is nothing else I can add other than you just move on.
"I said when I first came in here, it was an episode that just went right through last season. It is a new season, another game. We look at both sets of players to respect it.
"Having worked here with Luis Suarez over the course of the last few months, he is a good guy, a good man. Ethically he is very strong, so I am sure there will be no problems at the weekend."
Asked if he was confident the pair would shake hands, Rodgers said: "Very."
The club's managing director Ian Ayre has also played down the significance of the gesture.
Ayre told talkSPORT: "We will be doing a handshake as there always is and, as regards to the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra thing, I think it's just a non-story for this day.
"Despite what the media says, nobody has gone and told Luis Suarez what to do.
"Luis is a grown up, as I'm sure is Patrice Evra, and I think those players, like every other player on the pitch that day and everybody in the stadium, will recognise this isn't a day to talk about who is going to shake whose hand.
"This is about everybody being together for a much more important cause."
A mosaic will be displayed by fans around three sides of the ground prior to the game, while 96 balloons will be released by captains Steven Gerrard and Nemanja Vidic among other tributes.
Kenny Dalglish, manager at the time of the disaster, is also expected to return to Anfield for the first time since his second spell in charge ended last May.
Rodgers said: "There is no doubt there is a big emotion throughout.
"Liverpool-Manchester United games are always very emotional. You add to that the findings of the last couple of weeks and it makes it even more emotional.
"First and foremost, we want to pay tribute to the families, the victims and the survivors. It is our chance to do that.
"After the fight of the last 23 years, it is the very least we can do."

Ayre plays down handshake issue

2012-09-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Evra and Suarez: Ayre wants the focus to be elsewhere on Sunday

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has played down the significance of the pre-match handshake between Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra.
Reds forward Suarez was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Evra during the corresponding fixture at Anfield last October and the row was further stoked by the Uruguayan's failure to shake Evra's hand before the return match at Old Trafford in February.
But with Sunday's latest encounter between the two clubs at Anfield already certain to be a highly emotional affair in the wake of last week's damning revelations concerning the Hillsborough disaster, Ayre says the issue over whether the players shake hands or not is not at the forefront of his mind.
Ayre told talkSPORT: "We will be doing a handshake as there always is and, as regards to the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra thing, I think it's just a non-story for this day.
"Despite what the media says, nobody has gone and told Luis Suarez what to do.
"Luis is a grown-up, as I'm sure is Patrice Evra, and I think those players, like every other player on the pitch that day and everybody in the stadium, will recognise this isn't a day to talk about who is going to shake whose hand.
"This is about everybody being together for a much more important cause."
The club understandably want the focus to be elsewhere on what will be a poignant afternoon, the first game at Anfield since the publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report into the 1989 tragedy in Sheffield.
There have been repeated calls from Liverpool and United, with the latter's manager Sir Alex Ferguson particularly vocal, for fans on both sides to show respect, especially with regard to past tragedies.
Tasteless chants about Hillsborough and the 1958 Munich air disaster have been heard in the past and the clubs want it stopped.
Ayre said: "It will be an emotional and big game for everybody.
"Obviously this is our first home game since the announcement and findings and it's a great opportunity for our fans to pay their respects and in many ways for everybody to pay respect to our fans.
"As much as the families and everyone else fought for this, it goes without saying that our fans have stuck with them and helped with that support throughout, so it's an important day for everyone.
"This is about using the stage to show the world how important this was and how important an announcement it was.
"It's ironic really that it comes with our biggest game of the season so that is in some ways quite nice because the world will be watching.
"We have massive respect for what Manchester United went through with their own tragedy and I remember in Kenny Dalglish's book he made the point that one of the first people to call him after the Hillsborough disaster was Sir Alex Ferguson, and that says it all.
"Whatever happens on the pitch, we are all rivals, but off the pitch at times like this everybody comes together."

Ferguson vows backing for Liverpool

2012-09-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

Ferguson: Supportive of the situation

Sir Alex Ferguson has promised Liverpool total support ahead of what he accepts will be an emotional Premier League encounter with Manchester United on Sunday.
The game will be the first to be played at Anfield since the damning report on the Hillsborough tragedy was released last Wednesday, placing the blame for the disaster, in which 96 people died, on South Yorkshire Police and other services.
Yet the chants of a few United fans during Saturday's win over Wigan at Old Trafford highlighted the potential for trouble.
Ferguson, who has already appealed for a line to be drawn in the sand by supporters of both clubs, has offered Liverpool unqualified support.
"It is going to be a very emotional day on Sunday and we will support them in every way we can," said Ferguson.
"As a club we are totally supportive of Liverpool in the situation they are in. We understand what those families must have felt when they got that report.
"I didn't hear it (on Saturday), but others did, particularly in the directors' box. (Chief executive) David Gill was disappointed."
Some fans have argued the chant heard on Saturday - "Always the victim, never your fault" - was only sung in the immediate aftermath of Luis Suarez's racism spat with Patrice Evra.
"It is a new chant that only started after the Suarez situation," said Ferguson.
"I was disappointed to hear it. It is a minority. But in society there is a minority wanting to be heard."
Ferguson's comments come on the eve of a report being released by MPs stating football's authorities need to do more to tackle racism and discrimination within the game.
The triggers for that investigation were the high-profile issues involving Suarez and Evra, and also John Terry and Anton Ferdinand.
The latter case is yet to be fully resolved, with Terry due to face the FA later this month after he was cleared of a criminal charge earlier this year.
Ferdinand's refusal to shake Terry's hand at Loftus Road on Saturday confirms the matter continues to cast a stain on the game.
Suarez's failure to shake Evra's hand at Old Trafford last season brings added tension to this weekend's fixture, with Ferguson insisting a bad 12 months for the game should not be allowed to obscure the positive work that has taken place.
"English football has been very good in challenging these issues," said Ferguson.
"Last year was a bad year for the sport but hopefully we get back to normal.
"I don't know what the report is going to say but until last year I don't think it has been an issue.
"I haven't seen anything for 20 years.
"One bad year doesn't cast the game in doubt as far as I am concerned.
"I am sure it will be brushed aside and we will go back to normal."

Mancini rage at Aguero call-up

2012-09-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Aguero: Called up by Argentina

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has again voiced his frustration at injured striker Sergio Aguero's recent international call-up, branding FIFA rules as "stupid".

Aguero has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury in City's season-opening Premier League game against Southampton four weeks ago.

But despite the 24-year-old being ruled out at least until this weekend, that did not stop Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella naming him in his squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.

Mancini accepts Argentina had a right to call up the player to conduct their own medical assessment under the rules of the world governing body, but does not think it helped his recovery.

When asked if Aguero had remained in Manchester during the past fortnight, Mancini said: "No, because his manager wanted him there.

"He went there for five days, he worked with the physio. The Argentina manager wanted him there.

"This is a stupid rule because if we had a player who is injured for two weeks it is better he stays here."

Mancini described the rule as "ridiculous" when he first heard of Aguero's call-up and had hoped the player would be allowed to stay in England.

Despite that, Aguero was due to undergo a fitness test prior to the encounter with Stoke.

The club's £38million record signing resumed training earlier this week in the hope of possibly featuring at the Britannia Stadium.

Ideally, Mancini would like to give his top scorer from last season a run out ahead of next Tuesday's Champions League game at Real Madrid.

Mancini said: "Sergio is not 100% but his knee is okay. Maybe he could be on the bench."

Lamps: England can cope without JT

2012-09-09T11:41:00.001-07:00

Lampard: England have strength in depth

Frank Lampard believes England possess the strength in depth to fill the gap created by an ankle injury which has ruled John Terry out of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
Terry will miss the Wembley encounter after suffering the setback against Moldova during Friday's 5-0 win in Chisinau.
England finished the game with 10 men when the Chelsea captain limped out of the game during the closing stages.
Centre-back Terry was assessed by England's medical staff over the weekend and he returned to his club after it was decided he would not recover in time to face the Ukrainians.
But Lampard has faith in either Terry's club-mate Gary Cahill or Everton's Phil Jagielka to step in alongside Joleon Lescott.
Midfielder Lampard said: "It is a blow for John personally and for the team because he is an inspirational player and a fantastic centre-half.
"He is a top player and experienced in these qualifying games.
"We saw his ability through the Euros in the summer and the other night and a big player, you always miss.
"But it's squad football and we are fortunate enough to be blessed with fantastic back-up, good centre-halves like Cahill and Jagielka.
"Whoever comes in are experienced top players. Whenever you lose a big player, you need the squad to step up and do the business and I'm sure we've got that."
The Football Association confirmed Terry's withdrawal in a statement on Sunday.
It read: "Following further treatment from the England medical staff today, John Terry will not be available for the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on Tuesday.
"Terry suffered an ankle injury in the game with Moldova and has returned to his club."
If Cahill is chosen, it would be his first appearance at Wembley since he suffered the broken jaw against Belgium in early June which ruled him out of Euro 2012.
Jagielka, who scored the opening goal in last month's win over Italy in Berne, has previous experience of partnering Lescott when the pair were team-mates at Everton.
Terry became the second player to withdraw from the squad in the space of 24 hours.
His Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole had not recovered sufficiently from the ankle setback which caused him to be unavailable against Moldova.
It leaves Cole on 98 caps and he could now reach the century mark next month when England visit Poland and entertain San Marino in two more qualifiers.

Fellaini eyes Everton exit

2012-09-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

Fellaini: Looking for a move away from Everton
Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini claims he could leave the club as soon as the next transfer window despite being under contract for the next four years.
The Belgium international has been the driving force behind Everton's strong start to the new Premier League season, and scored the only goal in the victory against Manchester United in their opening fixture.
The 24-year-old appeared committed to manager David Moyes' plans after penning a new contract through to 2016 as recently as November, but in an interview with a Belgian newspaper Fellaini said he was now looking for a way out of Goodison Park.
"I am just starting my fifth season at Everton, this will be one of my last," he told Het Nieuwsblad.
"I have seen everything. In January or at the end of the season I will turn to another club or championship."
Fellaini joined Everton in a £15million move from Standard Liege in 2008 and has scored 22 goals in 130 appearances for the Merseyside club.

Fergie eyes Bolt for Man Utd

2012-09-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

Usain Bolt: Could face Real Madrid Legends

Sir Alex Ferguson might not be signing Usain Bolt - but he is ready to let the sprinting superstar loose on Real Madrid.
A lifelong Manchester United fan, Bolt has already been to Old Trafford since his triple gold medal-winning exploits, telling the crowd ahead of last month's 3-2 win over Fulham that they needed to persuade Ferguson to sign him.
That is clearly not going to happen.
However, Ferguson has raised the possibility of Bolt fulfilling his dream in a rather different way.
"He's been to Carrington a couple of times and he did help Ronaldo with his sprinting," Ferguson told Inside United.
"He's a bit of a character and a big United fan. But it's interesting he says he would like to play in a charity game.
"It could be brilliant, and next year, when we play Real Madrid's Legends again, there could be opportunities to bring him in and see how he does."
Ferguson certainly owes Bolt a favour after he took a rather personal interest in the Jamaican's stellar performances at London 2012.
"I must thank him because that was my biggest bet," he said.
"Bolt was 4/5 to win each of them, the 100m and 200m, a week before the tournament started.
"It was a brilliant bet. I couldn't believe it.
"He's the fastest man in the world and the others would have to have taken half a second off their running to beat him. He is phenomenal."