Mutu receives nine-month ban April 19, 2010 FOOTBALL: Fiorentina’s former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu has been suspended for nine months by the Italian Olympic Committee after failing anti-doping tests in January. The Romanian twice tested positive for appetite suppressant sibutramine. Mutu tested positive for cocaine in 2004, receiving a seven-month ban.
Pietersen ‘anxious’ after blasts April 19, 2010 CRICKET: Bangalore’s England batsman Kevin Pietersen is said to be “anxious” over security following the explosions at Saturday’s Indian Premier League match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. Professional Cricketers’ Association legal director Ian Smith said: “I’ve spoken to Kevin, and it’s perfectly valid to say he’s very anxious and upset about the way [...]
O’Sullivan on song April 19, 2010 SNOOKER: World No1 Ronnie O’Sullivan (right) cruised into a 7-2 lead over Liang Wenbo after a dominant opening session of their World Championship first round match at the Crucible. Elsewhere, 2008 runner-up Ali Carter eased past Jamie Cope 10-4 to reach round two.
Whistler track ‘too fast’ April 19, 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS: Luge officials have admitted that the Whistler track which claimed the life of Georgian Nodar Kumaritashvili at the 2010 Olympics was faster than it was designed to be. But an FIL report said that “no single reason” could account for his death.
Silvestre raps complacent, lazy Arsenal April 19, 2010 ARSENAL defender Mikael Silvestre has admitted laziness and complacency were to blame for their spectacular capitulation at Wigan on Sunday. The Gunners conceded three goals in the last 10 minutes as their Premier League title hopes went from slim to none at the DW Stadium. Silvestre admits he and his team-mates thought they had the [...]
Cottagers and Reds games to go ahead April 19, 2010 FULHAM and Liverpool have been told their Europa League ties in Germany and Spain will go ahead this week despite continuing travel chaos caused by volcanic ash. Roy Hodgson’s Fulham are scheduled to face Hamburg in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday, while Liverpool are expected to visit Atletico Madrid on the same [...]
Newcastle victory seals title and cheers Ashley April 19, 2010 NEWCASTLE United clinched the Championship title with a 2-0 win at Plymouth on a night of mixed emotions at Home Park. First-half goals from striker Andy Carroll and winger Wayne Routledge sealed a victory that prompted jubilant away fans to invade the pitch at the final whistle. The Plymouth faithful were anything but celebratory, however, [...]
CITY VIEWS: WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG FOR ARSENE WENGER AND ARSENAL THIS SEASON? April 19, 2010 LEONIDAS KOUKOS | LLOYDS REGISTER “It went wrong years ago. Wenger has put too much emphasis on youth and hasn’t balanced the side up with experience and big-game performers. They have also suffered with injuries and the squad has been found wanting without sufficient back-up.” MATT FAGAN | DEUTSCHE PFANDBRIEFBANK “The fact Sol Campbell has [...]
Ngog keeps Liverpool in fourth chase April 19, 2010 LIVERPOOL (3) v/s WEST HAM (0) LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez is refusing to give up hope of snatching fourth place after a convincing win kept the Reds on the heels of their rivals for a Champions League spot. Yossi Benayoun struck first against his former team, who now lie just three points above the relegation [...]
They thought it was all over…it certainly is now! April 18, 2010 Plucky Wigan net three times in the final ten minutes to all but end Arsenal’s title challenge WIGAN ATH (3) vs ARSENAL (2) ARSENE WENGER finally conceded defeat in the race for the title last night – and then tore into his Arsenal troops for good measure after watching them crash to a dramatic late [...]