Hodgson torn down the middle over final picks March 6, 2014 WHEN Roy Hodgson spoke of a World Cup selection quandary after the midweek win over Denmark, the chatter was about the battle between left-backs Ashley Cole and Luke Shaw. Yet he may have bigger problems in central midfield – and that is before considering Jack Wilshere’s broken foot. Captain Steven Gerrard is a certain starter, [...]
Anelka panel in quenelle report March 6, 2014 WEST Brom striker Nicolas Anelka’s argument against a ban for his “quenelle” celebration failed because an independent panel found the gesture to be inextricably linked with anti-Semitism. The panel’s report revealed they resisted the Football Association’s argument that Anelka deserved longer than a minimum five-game ban because there was no proof that he was “expressing [...]
Pistorius tears at murder trial March 6, 2014 PARALYMPIC star Oscar Pistorius wept in court yesterday as a witness described finding the athlete praying over his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp’s dying body shortly after he had shot her. Neighbour Johan Stipp told how he found Pistorius – on trial for murder – kneeling by her side and “praying to God: ‘Let her live’.” Pistorius [...]
Rugby Comment: Wales are the benchmark, it’s time to step up March 6, 2014 WALES pride themselves on their rugby. For them, playing against England on Sunday is a huge game, their biggest. They’ve become a top team over the last three years and have probably become the benchmark, so for us, it’s a massive test. There are other teams at the top that can still win the Six [...]
Sarries must end last-four hoodoo March 6, 2014 SARACENS prop Petrus du Plessis admits he is desperate for his team’s semi-final hoodoo to end as they travel to Franklin’s Gardens for another fierce encounter with bitter rivals Northampton Saints tomorrow. The last of Saracens’ three semi-final defeats last term came against Saints in the Aviva Premiership, following losses to Toulon in the Heineken [...]
Torrance given key Ryder Cup role March 6, 2014 RYDER Cup winning captain Sam Torrance has been handpicked by Paul McGinley to help mastermind a third consecutive victory of the biennial event at Gleneagles in September. The 60-year-old has been named as one of four vice captains, along with Irishman Des Smyth, by captain McGinley, who credits Torrance as the “most influential person in [...]
7 March on this day… March 6, 2014 THIS image from 22 years ago today will cheer England fans as they prepare for Sunday’s Six Nations battle against Wales. Hooker Brian Moore, nicknamed Pitbull, is chaired off after England’s 24-0 victory had given the home side back-to-back grand slams for the first time since 1924. Skipper Will Carling, Mick Skinner and Wade Dooley, [...]
Pardew admits headbutt charge March 6, 2014 FOOTBALL: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew admitted a Football Association charge of improper conduct yesterday, after headbutting Hull midfielder David Meyler last Saturday. Pardew was fined £100,000 by his club and has requested a personal hearing.
Jagielka out of cup quarter-final March 6, 2014 FOOTBALL: Everton boss Roberto Martinez admits central defender Phil Jagielka is “very unlikely” to play in tomorrow’s FA Cup quarter-final at Arsenal due to a hamstring injury. Antolin Alcaraz stands by as his replacement.
Ireland choose Henderson for Italy March 6, 2014 RUGBY UNION: Ireland have replaced flanker Peter O’Mahony with back-row forward Iain Henderson for tomorrow’s Six Nations match with Italy in Dublin. Ireland are otherwise unchanged, so Brian O’Driscoll is set to make his world record 140th Test appearance.