Record ban for Wigan’s Flower October 14, 2014 WIGAN prop Ben Flower was handed the longest ban in Super League history yesterday following his Grand Final dismissal for punching St Helens’ Lance Hohaia. The 26-year-old will serve a six-month suspension until 14 April, which includes 10 Super League matches as well as the World Club Series clash with Brisbane Broncos. Hohaia accepted a [...]
O’Shea heroics seal Irish draw October 14, 2014 VETERAN defender John O’Shea marked a century of caps by scoring a last-gasp equaliser as Ireland secured a share of the spoils against World Cup winners Germany last night to remain level on points with Poland at the top of Group D. Poland claimed a 2-2 draw against Scotland in Warsaw after Gordon Strachan’s side [...]
Ferdinand backs Sterling’s fatigue concerns October 13, 2014 FORMER England captain Rio Ferdinand has leapt to the defence of Raheem Sterling, insisting the Liverpool winger was brave to raise his tiredness concerns with boss Roy Hodgson. The 19-year-old replaced club-mate Jordan Henderson in the second-half of England’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Estonia in Tallinn on Sunday after complaining of fatigue to Hodgson and [...]
Anfield owners to sell naming rights for new Liverpool stand October 13, 2014 LIVERPOOL owners Fenway Sports Group [FSG] have confirmed their intention to sell naming rights for the new main stand at Anfield in order to offset the total £75m cost of stadium redevelopment. The Merseyside club have been granted planning consent to reconstruct two sides of Anfield, with work expected to start in early 2015 subject [...]
Suarez back on goal trail while Wales boost Euro 2016 hopes October 13, 2014 MERCURIAL former Liverpool forward Luis Suarez scored his first goals since receiving a worldwide ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup as Uruguay recorded a 3-0 friendly victory over Oman yesterday. The Barcelona striker is serving a nine-match international ban but is eligible to play in friendlies, and netted twice in [...]
Wigan’s Flower set for long ban for final punch October 13, 2014 WIGAN prop Ben Flower faces a minimum eight-game suspension after being hit with the most serious charge in the sport’s rulebook following his double punch attack on St Helens’ Lance Hohaia in Saturday’s Super League Grand Final. The 26-year-old Wales international was sent off just two minutes into the Old Trafford showdown, which St Helens [...]
Lancaster opens World Cup door for Burgess October 13, 2014 ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster believes codebreaker Sam Burgess possesses all the necessary attributes to force his way into his World Cup plans. The 25-year-old remains on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a serious facial injury sustained in the NRL Grand Final in Australia, prior to his switch from rugby league side South Sydney [...]
Euro 2016 Qualifier: Riddle as boss Hodgson denies match-winner Rooney subplot October 12, 2014 ESTONIA 0 ENGLAND 1 ENGLAND boss Roy Hodgson denied intending to substitute below-par Wayne Rooney moments before his skipper proved the match-winner in a laborious victory over 10-man Estonia in Tallinn yesterday. Rooney – winning his 99th cap – endured a frustrating evening and looked set to be replaced by Liverpool forward Rickie Lambert seconds [...]
Joshua targets more success as win signals a fresh phase October 12, 2014 BRITISH heavyweight Anthony Joshua insists he will bide his time but expects to be competing for more honours in the near future after starting the next stage of his career with victory against veteran fighter Denis Bakhtov at the O2 Arena on Saturday night. The 24-year-old claimed the WBC international heavyweight title in quick-fire time [...]
Rain-affected title for Levy October 12, 2014 FRANCE’S Alexander Levy claimed a three-shot victory at the Portugal Masters after rain devastated the tournament and ensured it was determined over just 36 holes. Heavy downpours and lightning had reduced the competition to 54 holes before the weather interrupted the final round at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Club yesterday. Levy was leading on 18 [...]
