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 [...]
Campbell set for Euro return February 16, 2010 FC PORTO v/s ARSENAL TONIGHT – ITV 1, KO 7.45 IT MAY have seemed unlikely when he signed for Notts County six months ago, but veteran defender Sol Campbell is poised to make a sensational Champions League comeback tonight when Arsenal face Porto. The 35-year-old, who rejoined the Gunners on a free transfer in January, [...]
Wenger cool on Champs League play-off plans February 16, 2010 ARSENE Wenger has voiced his opposition to Premier League proposals to introduce a play-off for the fourth Champions League spot. League chiefs are considering an overhaul of the current system that would see teams from fourth to seventh battle it out for the lucrative place. But Arsenal manager Wenger, whose team have qualified for the [...]
Injury ends medal hopes for Gillings February 16, 2010 BRITAIN’S Zoe Gillings saw her hopes of a medal disappear in the women’s snowboard cross last night after crashing out at the semi-final stage with a foot injury. Gillings, one of Britain’s biggest claims for a medal in Vancouver, qualified easily in eighth place for the last 16, despite a second round fall. But amid [...]
Finding that match-winner is England’s aim in Dubai February 16, 2010 CAPTAIN Paul Collingwood talked about this being a big week for England’s Twenty20 side, but I feel this tour of the middle east is being seen more of a fact-finding mission than the start of a serious assault on the short form of the game. England are still an emerging side in Twenty20 cricket and [...]
Distin error may cost Toffees February 16, 2010 EVERTON v/s SPORTING LISBON SYLVAIN DISTIN went from hero to villain as a late penalty ensured Everton were still sweating on their place in the last 16 of the Europa League. Distin handed his side a comfortable 2-0 lead just after half-time but then got himself sent off four minutes from the end after bringing [...]
Hammers insurance won’t cover £13m Ashton bill February 16, 2010 FORMER England striker Dean Ashton admits West Ham’s new owners are likely to be furious at having to pay the rest of his £13m contract. Ashton, 26, finally called time on his career in December after failing to recover from an ankle injury, just 18 months into a five-year contract believed to be worth £50,000 [...]
Shamed Powell eyeing Wales return February 16, 2010 WALES flanker Andy Powell has vowed to win back his place after being dropped from the Six Nations squad for drink-driving a golf buggy. The Cardiff Blues star’s international future is in doubt following his arrest early at a motorway service station on Sunday, hours after beating Scotland. Head coach Warren Gatland ditched Powell on [...]