Picamoles axed for ref mockery February 25, 2014 FRANCE have dropped No8 Louis Picamoles for their next Six Nations match for mocking the referee – but recalled scrum-half Morgan Parra despite his red card for head-butting last weekend. Picamoles will sit out the trip to Scotland after sarcastically applauding when official Alain Rolland sent him to the sin bin in Friday’s defeat by [...]
Wiggins eyes Glasgow gold February 25, 2014 FOUR-TIME Olympic cycling champion Sir Bradley Wiggins has confirmed his intention to compete at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Wiggins, 33, won two silver medals at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester 12 years ago and team pursuit silver in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. The time trial at this summer’s Games takes place on 31 [...]
Murtagh hangs up riding boots February 25, 2014 IRELAND’S three-time Derby winning jockey Johnny Murtagh has announced his retirement in order to concentrate on his training career. The 43-year-old, who rode more than 100 Group One winners, took out his training licence in May and is responsible for 45 horses based at Fox Covert Stables in County Kildare. Murtagh said: “I wasn’t happy [...]
Root inspires first tour win February 25, 2014 ENGLAND batsman Joe Root hit an unbeaten century to steer his team to a 29-run victory in yesterday’s first tour match in the West Indies. The hosts, a University of West Indies Vice Chancellor’s XI, won the toss and chose to bowl first, but struggled against all-rounder Ben Stokes, batting at three, who scored four [...]
Mourinho denies Eto’o falling out over unguarded age comments February 25, 2014 CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho went on the offensive on the eve of tonight’s Champions League match against Galatasaray, accusing a French television channel of being unethical for broadcasting his unguarded remarks about Blues striker Samuel Eto’o. Mourinho called it “a disgrace” that Canal Plus had shown footage of him saying “the problem is I lack [...]
Newcastle announce £9.9m profits February 25, 2014 FOOTBALL: Newcastle announced post-tax profits yesterday of £9.9m for the year ending June 2013, up from £1.4m the previous year. The club said player trading, including the sale of Demba Ba to Chelsea, and a sharp rise in commercial revenue were the main factors responsible. Newcastle’s debt, a £129m interest-free loan from owner Mike Ashley, [...]
Bulls buyers pull out after sanction February 25, 2014 RUGBY LEAGUE: The future of Bradford Bulls was plunged into fresh uncertainty last night after prospective new owners Bradford Bulls 2014 Ltd withdrew their takeover bid in light of a six-point deduction from the Rugby Football League for entering administration. Relegation is now “almost a certainty”, according to Bulls chairman Mark Moore.
Olympic venue set for public use February 25, 2014 SWIMMING: The Aquatics Centre used at the London Olympics opens to the public on Saturday, and the man charged with delivering a post-Games legacy, Dennis Hone, says community use of the £269m venue fulfils that promise. Entry starts from £3.50.
Chelsea won Euro title so why can’t we, says Rooney February 24, 2014 MANCHESTER United striker Wayne Rooney believes attaining a second Champions League winners medal is not beyond his troubled side this season and has cited Chelsea’s 2012 triumph as their inspiration. United resume their European campaign at Greek champions Olympiacos for the first leg of their last-16 tie tonight, having suffered embarrassing exits in both domestic [...]
Redknapp defends QPR league position and denies sacking talk February 24, 2014 UNDER-FIRE Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has dismissed suggestions that his job is on the line as the club’s bid to return to the Premier League at the first attempt threatens to unravel. Saturday’s late defeat to London rivals Charlton was a third loss in a row and has left Rangers in fourth place, [...]