No apology but Chelsea admit ref row regret November 27, 2012 CHELSEA chiefs last night admitted they were hasty in publicly accusing referee Mark Clattenburg of racially abusing John Obi Mikel – but stopped short of issuing an apology to the official. Clattenburg was cleared by the Football Association last week following an investigation that concluded the complaint – that he had called Mikel a “monkey” [...]
Robson rewarded for landmark year with best newcomer gong November 27, 2012 BRITAIN’S Laura Robson has been named WTA Tour newcomer of the year, after a breakthrough season for the 18-year-old tennis starlet. The British women’s No2, who narrowly saw off competition from compatriot and runner-up for the award Heather Watson, claimed the accolade following a season in which she won an Olympic silver medal, reached the [...]
Lawes return boosts fearless England squad November 27, 2012 NORTHAMPTON lock Courtney Lawes has handed England a timely boost by returning to the 23-man squad to face New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday. Lawes was last capped for England in February against Wales during the Six Nations but damaged his knee playing for the Saints against Saracens in October. As a result he has [...]
Sarries lay groundwork for £20m move November 27, 2012 SARACENS have laid the first strips of artificial turf at their new 10,000-capacity home in Barnet as they count down to the move from Vicarage Road to £20m Allianz Park in February. The 2011 Aviva Premiership champions are set to become the first professional rugby union club to play their home games on a synthetic [...]
Sunderland fan in racism probe November 27, 2012 FOOTBALL: Police have launched an investigation after a Sunderland fan allegedly made a racist gesture at West Brom striker Romelu Lukaku during Saturday’s match at the Stadium of Light. Photos appear to show a fan making monkey gestures.
Dettori to learn drug test fate November 27, 2012 HORSE RACING: Jockey Frankie Dettori will learn on Tuesday what punishment he faces for failing a drug test earlier this year. French horse racing chiefs last week imposed a temporary ban on the former Champion Jockey and will reconvene next week to deliver their verdict.
Ponting backed for fifth Ashes November 27, 2012 CRICKET: Under-fire Australia batsman Ricky Ponting has been backed to face England on a fifth Ashes tour next year. The Aussies’ all-time leading Test run scorer has scored just 20 from his last three innings. But coach Mickey Arthur said: “We want him to go to the Ashes, there is no doubt.”
Olympic change meant Ainslie quit November 27, 2012 SAILING: Four-time gold medallist Ben Ainslie admits he may not have retired from Olympic competition if the Star class had not been axed from the 2016 Games in Rio. The 35-year-old will now spearhead a British challenge in next year’s America’s Cup.
Redknapp plots swoop for striker in January November 26, 2012 QUEENS Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has prioritised bolstering his goal-shy forward line in the January transfer window as he prepares to launch his latest attempt at the great escape tonight at Sunderland. Redknapp, who replaced the sacked Mark Hughes at the Premier League’s basement club on Friday but did not take charge of Saturday’s [...]
Hunger for success not money is what drives magnificent McIlroy November 26, 2012 IT WOULD have been easy for Rory McIlroy to take it easy at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai at the weekend, having won the European and US money list double and a second Major this year. Even as he approached the closing stages of his final round and Ryder Cup colleague Justin Rose [...]