League shouldn’t tamper with rules February 17, 2010 WHEN it comes to the plans to introduce a play-off for the fourth Champions League place, I’m with David Moyes and Rafael Benitez. They are both against plans for the teams who finish from fourth to seventh in the Premier League battling it out for the lucrative spot – and so am I. Firstly, it [...]
Johnno slams Wilko critics February 17, 2010 ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson last night hit back at critics of Jonny Wilkinson, insisting the record-breaking fly-half is being made a scapegoat for side’s inconsistent form. Wilkinson came under fire after missing three penalties in England’s nervy Six Nations win over Italy on Sunday, with some suggesting Toby Flood should take over for next weekend’s [...]
Vonn revels in golden dream February 17, 2010 ON a treacherous piste named Franz’s Run, American Lindsey Vonn summoned the daredevil spirit of the legendary Klammer to secure the Olympic women’s downhill title. Just a week ago Vonn, the dominant force in World Cup racing, announced in front of a packed media conference that a shin injury could have ended her Games before [...]
Kiewetter makes his mark as Lions embarrass England February 17, 2010 BATTING sensation Craig Kieswetter gave a timely nudge to the England selectors after inflicting an embarrassing defeat on Andy Flower’s senior side. The South African-born wicket-keeper/batsman smashed 81 off just 66 balls to help a second string Lions side to a surprise five-wicket victory over the England first XI in a Twenty20 warm-up match in [...]
Honours even as drop rivals battle in the mud February 17, 2010 WIGAN(0) v/s BOLTON(0) WIGAN and Bolton remain embroiled in a relegation dogfight as the Lancashire rivals shared a rather predictable bore draw at a muddy DW Stadium. The hosts had the better of the game on a horrendous surface, with Charles N’Zogbia coming closest the snatching the points with an effort which came off a [...]
Vieira back in the dock after Whelan clash February 17, 2010 MANCHESTER CITY’S Patrick Vieira is back in hot water with Football Association chiefs after being charged with violent conduct. The Frenchman, 33, appeared to kick out at Stoke’s Glenn Whelan in the 1-1 draw on Tuesday night. He went unpunished by referee Alan Wiley, prompting Stoke boss Tony Pulis to call for consistency after drawing [...]
SPORT | IN BRIEF February 17, 2010 Binocular out of Cheltenham HORSE RACING: Binocular has been ruled out of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham with a muscle problem. Nicky Henderson’s pre-race favourite, who finished third behind Punjabi last term, was diagnosed with the problem after being sent for scans following disappointing runs at Newcastle and Kempton. Trainer Henderson said: “We feel we [...]
FLANNERY BANNED FOR SIX WEEKS February 17, 2010 ENGLAND received a boost yesterday when Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery was banned for six weeks for kicking France winger Alexis Palisson. Flannery, who pleaded guilty at a hearing, will miss Ireland’s three remaining Six Nations fixtures, including their visit to Twickenham on 27 February. His ban runs up until 29 March.
White-hot Rooney runs riot in Milan February 16, 2010 AC MILAN v/s MANCHESTER UTD SIR ALEX FERGUSON heaped praise on striker Wayne Rooney after his two-goal show ensured Manchester United drew first blood in a thrilling Champions League last-16 clash at the San Siro. Rooney stole the limelight from England team-mate David Beckham by heading home twice in the space of eight second half [...]
Stoke fume at disallowed goal as City go fourth February 16, 2010 STOKE CITY v/s MANCHESTER CITY STOKE boss Tony Pulis was left fuming after his ten-man team were denied a last-gasp winner – leaving Manchester City to climb into the top four. The Potters thought they had clinched victory when Ryan Shawcross headed home a trademark Rory Delap throw-in deep into stoppage time. But referee Alan [...]