Cavani sent off after gun celebration

 

 

Paris St-Germain striker Edinson Cavani was sent off for his trademark gun celebration and subsequent protest as the French champions beat Lens.

 

The Uruguayan was booked after bending on one knee and firing an imaginary shot during a 3-1 victory.

He reacted by touching referee Nicolas Rainville’s arm, with the official then showing him a red card.
PSG president Nasser Al Khelafi backed Cavani and said the 27-year-old “did not deserve” to be dismissed.

He told Canal Plus television: “Why did he get the yellow card before? He always celebrates the same way.”
Cavani, a keen hunter, performed his usual celebration after scoring a 55th-minute penalty to give PSG a 3-1 lead.

The striker, signed from Napoli for £55m in July 2013, is yet to respond to the dismissal on social media.
Goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu told the PSG website: “Cavani? I still don’t know why he was sent off. I feel really bad for him.”

PSG coach Laurent Blanc said: “I’m not going to make any comment about the refereeing. It’s a difficult game to analyse.”

Adama Coulibaly’s 20-yard shot had put Lens ahead but former Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye equalised.

Maxwell gave PSG the lead with a lob before Jean-Philippe Gbamin was sent off for shoving Cavani in the area.

Jerome Le Moigne was dismissed for the newly-promoted hosts just before the hour in a game played at the Stade de France because Lens’s Bollaert stadium is being renovated.

Victory moved PSG above Bordeaux into second in Ligue 1, four points behind Marseille, who have a game in hand.

Chelsea unsure on Diego Costa return

Manager Jose Mourinho is unsure when Diego Costa will be fit again for Chelsea – but sarcastically said he would play for Spain within a month.

Costa, 26, has scored nine goals in seven league games since his £32m move from Atletico Madrid, but missed the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace through injury.

Mourinho said: “He will be in great condition in mid-November to be back for the national team. That’s for sure.

“He will play for me when he has free time from the national team.”

Mourinho has previously expressed his concerns over Costa’s selection for Spain – claiming he was “doing almost nothing in training” between matches and would benefit from treatment rather than more games.

Costa, who has been regularly rested by Mourinho since his arrival in England because of a long-standing hamstring injury, scored his first goal for Spain in last weekend’s 4-0 win in Luxembourg.

He played 82 minutes of that match but arrived back in London injured, according to Mourinho.

He said: “After we beat Arsenal, Costa went to the national team, he played two big matches against Slovakia and Luxembourg, and he came back in conditions where he’s not available to play for his club.

“Our medical department will take great care of him and in mid-November he will be in perfect condition.”
Mourinho ruled Costa out of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Maribor and would not comment on the prospect of a return at Manchester United next Sunday.

In Costa’s absence, Loic Remy started at Selhurst Park, with veteran Didier Drogba coming off the bench.
Spain play Belarus in a Euro 2016 qualifier on 15 November before facing World Cup winners Germany in a friendly two days later.

Messi edges closer to record in Barca

Lionel Messi moved to within two goals of becoming the all-time La Liga record goalscorer after he netted in Barcelona’s victory over Eibar.

After a goalless first half, Messi’s through-ball found Xavi, who chipped keeper Xabi Iruretagoiena to put the league leaders ahead after an hour.

Brazil striker Neymar volleyed in Dani Alves’s chip to double their advantage.

Messi made it 3-0 in the 74th minute after racing through the Eibar defence for his 250th La Liga goal.

The 27-year-old is one behind Telmo Zarra’s record for Athletic Bilbao in the 1940s and 1950s.

Messi will break the record if he scores two goals or more in next Saturday’s game against arch-rivals Real Madrid, the first El Clasico of the season.

That match is expected to mark Luis Suarez’s first competitive game in a Barcelona shirt after serving a ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s 2014 World Cup group match in Brazil in June.

Rio Ferdinand charged by FA with misconduct over Twitter comment

QPR defender Rio Ferdinand has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association for a social media comment.

“It is alleged the comment posted on his Twitter account was abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting and/or improper,” an FA statement read.

The charge is believed to relate to Ferdinand’s use of the word ‘sket’, “a promiscuous girl or woman” according to Collins English Dictionary.

The former England international, 35, has until 21 October to respond.

Ferdinand wrote the tweet thought to have led to the charge on 1 September in reply to a message sent to him suggesting his team needed a new centre-half.

He was tagged in a message that read: “Maybe QPR will sign a good CB (centre back) they need one” and wrote back: “get ya mum in, plays the field well son! #sket” – a Jamaican slang word.

Ferdinand, who made the last of his 81 appearances for England in June 2011, is a member of FA chairman Greg Dyke’s commission looking at how to improve English football.

The ex-Manchester United centre-back has sent more than 14,000 tweets since joining the social networking site in 2010.

O’Shea secures dramatic draw in Germany

 

John O’Shea’s injury-time equaliser earned Republic of Ireland a point with world champions Germany in a dramatic Euro 2016 qualifier. 

 

Germany were aiming to bounce back from the shock defeat by Poland but were frustrated until Toni Kroos fired in on 71 minutes.

However, O’Shea, winning his 100th cap, flicked into the bottom corner in the final seconds of added time.
The Republic are second in Group D, level on points with leaders Poland.

Poland, who drew 2-2 with Scotland, have a goal difference one better than the Irish. On seven points, Poland and the Republic are three points ahead of Scotland and Germany.

Jon Walters, Stephen Quinn and Glenn Whelan came into the Republic side as boss Martin O’Neill added muscle and discipline following the 7-0 hammering of Gibraltar on Saturday.

Eric Durm rattled the bar from 35 yards and Antonio Rudiger headed wide as the hosts pressed early at the Stadion Gelsenkirchen.

The Irish were wasteful in possession, while Aiden McGeady, handed a free hole behind lone striker Robbie Keane, was unable to influence affairs.

However, the Germans were also toothless in attack, failing to penetrate a hard-working and organised Republic defence.

Matthias Ginter headed over, while David Forde saved an angled Julien Draxler drive just before the break, but this was a tame German response to Saturday’s 2-0 defeat in Warsaw.

Forde kept out strikes from substitute Lukas Podolski, Karim Bellarabi and Kroos early in the second half as the World Cup winners upped the tempo.

A moment of class from Kroos finally breached Irish resistance, with the Real Madrid midfielder allowed space to fire low off the post and in.

O’Neill brought on Wes Hoolahan and the Norwich playmaker gave a much-needed spark to the Republic attack.

Forde denied Mario Gotze and Durm blocked Hoolahan’s low shot before O’Shea provided the thrilling finale.

The Sunderland defender, who had pushed up as the Irish chased a late leveller, connected with Jeff Hendrick’s pull-back to send the ball beyond Manuel Neuer in the fourth and final minute of injury time.

                 Tue 14 Oct 2014 – European Championship Qualifying Results

 

Germany 1 – 1 R. of Ireland FT

 Gibraltar 0 – 3 Georgia FT

Poland 2 – 2 Scotland FT

San Marino 0 – 4 Switzerland FT

Faroe Islands 0 – 1 Hungary FT

Finland 0 – 2 Romania FT

Greece 0 – 2 Northern Ireland FT

Denmark 0 – 1 Portugal FT

Serbia 0 – 0 Albania

Awesome Neymar scores all four goals

Neymar scored all four goals as Brazil eased to a 4-0 friendly win over Japan in Singapore.

The 22-year-old has now taken his tally to 40 in 58 internationals.

He rounded Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima and slotted in for the first, before adding a second from a pass by Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho.

The Barcelona forward, who helped Brazil to victory against Argentina on Saturday, swept in to make it 3-0 and headed the fourth from Kaka’s cross.

Neymar also went close with a free-kick that hit the post, while Kaka’s header was pushed on to the bar by Kawashima.

Japan forward Shinji Okazaki also struck the woodwork with a fierce right-foot drive.

Messi double as Argentina put seven past Hong Kong

Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina beat Hong Kong 7-0 in a friendly.

The Barcelona forward came on in the second half and grabbed Argentina’s fifth and seventh goals, first clipping home and then rifling in a low effort.

Sevilla’s Ever Banega had drilled in the opener before a Gonzalo Higuain header and Nicolas Gaitan drive gave the away side a 3-0 half-time lead.

Higuain got his second after the break, while Gaitan also tapped in for a brace in-between Messi’s goals.

Argentina were playing their second game in the Far East, having lost 2-0 to rivals Brazil in the Superclasico de las Americas in Beijing on Saturday.

Coach Gerardo Martino opted to leave most of his first-choice players out of the starting line-up for the game at the Hong Kong Stadium.

Messi, Manchester United’s Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City all started on the bench.

Rio Ferdinand hits back to defend 'tired' Raheem Sterling

                                                                   Rio Ferdinand

                                                                   Raheem Sterling's

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has defended Raheem Sterling's request to "sit out" England's 1-0 win over Estonia on Sunday because of fatigue. 

Sterling was used as a substitute in the Euro 2016 Group E qualifier after telling boss Roy Hodgson he was tired.

Ferdinand said more English players should follow the 19-year-old's lead as it would benefit the national team.

He said on Twitter:  "Fair play to him. English players are normally too proud to do that unlike our foreign friends."

Sterling came on as a 64th-minute substitute in Tallinn and was fouled for the free-kick that captain Wayne Rooney scored from.

The teenager, who has played 1,079 minutes of football this season, responded to criticisms from fans by tweeting:   "Excuse me for being human. On my way home."

Last month Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had promised to protect the teenager  in a bid to avoid the experiences of Michael Owen, whose career stuttered from his mid-twenties onwards because of injury.

Like Owen, who made the England 1998 World Cup squad aged 18, Sterling has become a key player for both his club and country at a young age.

Ferdinand said he and other England players, like Rooney and Steven Gerrard, would have benefited from more rest and pointed to his former Manchester United team-mate Carolos Tevez, who would not take part in training when tired.

The former defender added on Twitter: "Tevez would come in some days and sit on the massage bed while the team trained. "I'm tired"... match day - firing and energised.

"With more rest at the right times throughout seasons, Rooney would have gone into tournaments for England fresher 100%. Too proud again.

"Same could be said of Gerrard, (Frank) Lampard, John Terry, Ashley Cole myself etc - all too proud to sit out of training or a match with the bigger picture in mind.

"Going by many of the responses on here - because players earn a fortune they cannot get tired. Leave off!"

Former England rugby union captain Will Carling also sympathised with Sterling.

"Always amazed how simplistic some people are," Carling tweeted.   "Professional sportspeople can never get tired/ lose form. They get paid! They're still human!!

"I am not just talking footy. Sometimes the adrenaline is just not there. The extra edge. Down to opposition, or fatigue."

Nigeria are being sabotaged - Stephen Keshi

                                                                 Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has claimed his side's struggles in qualifying for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations are the result of "sabotage". 

The Super Eagles suffered a shock 1-0 defeat by Sudan on Saturday, and are bottom of Group A with only one point.

Nigeria have many off-field issues, with the football federation in crisis and Keshi working without a contract.

"There is sabotage by some people. I won't mention their names but they know themselves," said Keshi.

"They want to run this team down. Some people are ready to sell this country for a dime. They want to sabotage the Super Eagles. 

"It's a shame. They don't want this team to get to the Nations Cup, they want this team to lose outright."

Nigeria host Sudan, who are now third in the standings with three points, in a return fixture on Wednesday in Abuja.

Next month, they travel to second-placed Congo, who defeated them 3-2 in September, before the arrival of group leaders South Africa.
The Super Eagles have to win all three matches and hope other results go their way if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the finals in Morocco in January.

Newly-elected Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has criticised the team's qualifying performances but says there is no rush to make a decision over Keshi's future.

"It is embarrassing that, as reigning champions, we are struggling in the qualifying series, with only one point out of a possible nine. It is an awful output," he said.

"However, we want our people to be patient and not stampede the federation to take knee-jerk decisions that will backfire in the end."

Neil Lennon: Bolton appoint ex-Celtic boss as manager

 

                                                                        Neil Lennon

Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been named as the manager of Championship bottom side Bolton Wanderers. 

Lennon, 43, out of work since leaving Celtic in May after four years in charge, succeeds Dougie Freedman, who left the Trotters earlier this month.

Bolton have won only one league game in 11 so far this season.

The Northern Irishman officially takes over at Bolton on Monday, with his first match in charge being Saturday's trip to Birmingham City.

"I've got a big job on my hands, but that's the challenge," Lennon told BBC Radio 5 live. "I'm very excited about that.

"My objective is to put right the results that have gone against us recently and get them playing a style of football that will please the Bolton fans."

Lennon led Celtic to three league titles and two Scottish Cups and took them to the Champions League last 16.

Victory over Barcelona in the group stage of Europe's elite club competition in November 2012 was Lennon's highest-profile achievement at the Glasgow club.

"I've left one great club with a great history and I'm going to another club with a great history," added Lennon.

Recent Bolton managers
Sam Allardyce	October 1999 - April 2007
Sammy Lee	April 2007 - October 2007
Gary Megson	October 2007 - December 2009
Owen Coyle	January 2010 - October 2012
Dougie Freedman	October 2012 - October 2014

"They are great football people, but they are hurting with the situation the club finds itself in at the minute. They have entrusted me to change that and I am very lucky."

Johan Mjallby, Lennon's number two in Glasgow, also joins the Trotters as assistant manager with Garry Parker, another who served at Celtic Park, arriving as first-team coach.

Lennon had last month expressed interest in vacant posts at Bolton's Championship rivals Cardiff City and Fulham.

A statement on Bolton's website said:  "The club are delighted and excited to appoint Neil Lennon. He brings with him experience at the highest level and an infectious enthusiasm to take the club forward."

Bolton were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2011-12 season and have since failed to challenge for promotion from England's second tier, twice finishing outside the play-off places under Freedman.

Sterling asked to rest - Hodgson

 

                                                                      Raheem Sterling

 

                                           England coach Roy Hodgson and Raheem Sterling

England coach Roy Hodgson believes he should not be solely responsible for resting Raheem Sterling after the Liverpool midfielder asked to "sit out" the Euro 2016 qualifier in Estonia.

Hodgson said Sterling, 19, complained about fatigue on the eve of the game.

"He said, 'I'm feeling tired, I'd rather sit this one out'," Hodgson told BBC Radio 5 live after the 1-0 win.

The 67-year-old added: "It's unfair if all the expectations to give the player a little bit of a break fall on me."

Sterling came on in the 64th minute for club-mate Jordan Henderson, and was fouled for the free-kick that England captain Wayne Rooney curled into the bottom right-hand corner to maintain England's 100% record after three games in Group E.

The teenager has already been rested by club manager Brendan Rodgers this campaign for the league match against Aston Villa in September. 

"He broke into the Liverpool team, had a fantastic season and then went to the World Cup. He is only a 19-year-old," added Hodgson.

"It is not as simple as the training you are having may be taking a bit of juice from your legs.

"There is an awful lot going on in your head as well, so perhaps it is quite simply that the season has not started as well for Liverpool, and he is in the spotlight for England and Liverpool. Maybe that has had some effect. I don't know. It's a theory."

Another Anfield team-mate, Adam Lallana, was picked instead of Sterling in the starting XI in Tallinn.

"To be fair to the lad [Sterling], I had a decision to make because Lallana was so good in the second half against San Marino.

"It was simple one. When he suggested he wasn't 100% in terms of fitness and recovery, it would have been foolish to leave a player like Lallana, who is raring to go, out of the team.

"Having Sterling up your sleeve can be a very, very important factor. There's nothing wrong with him. I'm sure when he goes back to Liverpool he'll be fine."

Meanwhile, Hodgson clarified that he had not been intending to replace Rooney just before he broke the deadlock with a 73rd-minute free-kick.

"Wayne would have been frustrated and disappointed if this ended 0-0 - he's self-critical player and self-critical captain," he said.

"He would have looked at the performance of himself and other front players and would have said 'we are playing good football, but it's up to us to put the chances away'.

"If he hadn't put that away he would been the first one to criticise himself for not doing so."

Elmohamady pulls out of Egypt squad for Nations Cup qualifiers

Hull utility player Ahmed Elmohamady has withdrawn from Egypt's squad to face Botswana in two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this month.

The 27-year-old was injured during the English Premier League side's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Hull said the right winger/full-back is suffering from "a back spasm".

Egypt face Botswana away on Friday and then at home five days later with pressure mounting on coach Shawky Gharib after two defeats in Group G.

The Pharaohs are pointless - as are Botswana - and are facing a tough task to qualify for next year's tournament in Morocco.

On Tuesday, Egyptian Football Association president Gamal Allam said: "The national team's failures are the responsibility of its technical staff. We will hire a foreign manager if Gharib fails to take the team to the Nations Cup."

It seems that the message had already been communicated to Gharib, who was in defensive mood at a news conference just before he left for Botswana.

"I always welcome you and your questions and comments, but I hope your criticism for us will be a constructive criticism," he told the assembled media.

"Criticise as you wish. You're welcome to tell me your ideas and comments about players. Criticism sometimes can go over the top and beyond the limit. It is sometimes useless when it is not made to help the team and the way it plays football."

The former Egypt international has put his faith in local players, with only five foreign-based stars in his squad.

Gharib has recalled Al Ahly defenders Saad Samir and Mohamed Naguib to bolster a defence that faltered in the defeats by Senegal and Tunisia in their opening qualifiers.

But goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, who plays for Ismaily, and his club-mate Hosni Abd-Rabou are both out.

Egypt squad:

Goalkeepers: Ahmed El-Shenawy (Zamalek), Sherif Ekramy (Ahly), Amir Abdel-Hamid (Wadi Degla)

Defenders: Mohamed Naguib, Saad Samir, Sabri Rahil (Ahly), Ali Gabr, Hazem Emam (Zamalek), Shawky El-Saied, (Ismaily)

Midfielders: Ayman Hefny, Ibrahim Salah (Zamalek), Hossam Ghaly, Walid Soliman (Ahly), Mohamed Abdel-Shafi (Ahly Jeddah - Saudi Arabia), Ibrahim Abdel-Khaleq (Smouha), Amr Solaya (Ismaily), Ahmed Hamoudy, Mohamed Elneny (Basel - Switzerland), Ahmed Fathi (Umm Salal - Qatar), Saleh Gomaa (Nacional de Madeira - Portugal)

Strikers: Khaled Qamar (Zamalek), Amr Gamal (Ahly), Hani El-Egeizy (Smouha), Mohamed Salah (Chelsea - England)

Zambia appoint Nico Labohm as new assistant coach

Zambia have appointed Nico Labohm as assistant coach to Honour Janza.

The Dutchman has been given a contract to be part of the technical team until the end of Zambia's qualifying campaign for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Football Association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya revealed Labohm had previously worked in Zambia.

"It was important for us to find someone who knows the terrain and someone who can help the coach Honour Janza," said Bwalya.

"Labohm will bring a lot of knowledge and this is what we need. He has been around for many years, he has worked in Netherlands, Hong Kong, Surinam, Ukraine, Tunisia and Zambia.

"We have four more qualifiers to play and Labohm will stay with the team until the end of the qualifiers.

"We expect he will receive a lot of support from all Zambians, and from the players especially, so he can bring his expertise on the pitch and off it, so we can get the desired results."

Janza was appointed only in August and under him Zambia have made a poor start to their qualifying campaign in Group F, drawing 0-0 with Mozambique and losing 2-1 to Cape Verde.

They next face a double-header against Niger and the 2012 champions know they must secure maximum points from those two matches to boost their hopes of reaching next year's finals in Morocco.

While Bwalya admits "we have not had the start that we wanted" he has backed the team to "rise to the occasion" for the rest of the qualifiers.

The former Chipolopolo captain also hinted that Labohm could play a role for Zambia beyond November.

"Because of the name Zambia has, Labohm felt duty-bound to come, at short-notice, to help the team," said Bwalya.

"Maybe he will stay. We hope he will like it and enjoy working here. We have the talent and I'm sure it is an opportunity for him to work hard to develop the kind of talent that we have."

Mauritania appoint Corentin Martins as coach

Frenchman Corentin Martins has been appointed coach of Mauritania.

The 45-year-old succeeds his compatriot Patrice Neveu, who was sacked in August after the team exited qualifying for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Martins beat off competition for the job from fellow Frenchmen Pierre Lechantre and Sebastien Desabre and Serbian Milovan Rajevac.

He will attend the 12 October friendly against Morocco in Casablanca before being presented in Nouakchott.

A former midfielder, Martins won 14 caps for France and was part of the Euro 96 squad before he retired and took his first coaching job at French lower league side Quimperois.

He went on to take become sporting director of Brest, where he later became coach but struggled in the 2013-14 season and the club were relegated to Ligue 2.

Man Utd keeper David de Gea considered leaving after criticism

Goalkeeper David de Gea considered leaving Manchester United because of the criticism he received following his £18m move from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

The Spaniard was blamed for both goals in the 2011 Community Shield win over Manchester City, while errors against Basle and Benfica hastened United's Champions League exit that season.

When asked if he ever thought about leaving, De Gea, 23, said: "Sometimes.

"It's difficult when you get a lot of criticism. But I kept strong."

However, De Gea, who has now played more than 130 games for United, said overcoming the difficult period helped him improve as a keeper.

"What happened at the start helped me be the player and man I am now," added the Spain international.

"When you have bad moments you have to improve. You have to become stronger to deal with it and I believe I have become stronger. I am much better now."

Papiss Cisse 'hungry' to fire goals for Newcastle United

 

Senegal forward Papiss Cisse is "hungry" to score the goals that will lift Newcastle United up the Premier League table and end their winless run.

Cisse, 29, had surgery on a damaged kneecap in May but has scored four goals in three games for the Magpies since his return last month.

The former Freiburg striker has already matched his goal tally for last term, managing the same figure from 27 games.

"I'm so hungry, I need to score more goals," Cisse told BBC Newcastle.

"It's important for me and the club, Newcastle are a big team and we need points.

"I feel good, I just have to work hard all the time and believe in myself."

His arrival from the Bundesliga in January 2012 was followed by 13 goals in 14 games at the back end of the campaign, helping the club to a fifth-place finish.

He managed 13 in all competitions the following campaign but struggled to make the same impact last term.

QPR appoint Les Ferdinand as new head of football operations

Queens Park Rangers have appointed former England striker Les Ferdinand as their head of football operations.

The 47-year-old, who played for the club for eight years, left Tottenham last summer after being part of the coaching team under Tim Sherwood.

Ferdinand will help manager Harry Redknapp's attempt to lift QPR off the bottom of the Premier League.

"Having someone like him involved, someone who understands the history, can only be good," said Redknapp.

A club statement said Ferdinand would be "charged with overseeing the structure of the footballing side of the club, focusing on improving the footballing philosophy at all levels".

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes is hoping Ferdinand can work in tandem with Redknapp to avoid relegation after QPR have won only one of their first league seven matches this season.

"When the opportunity to return here in this role came up I jumped at the opportunity," said Ferdinand. "There's nothing I want more than for QPR to be successful in the short, medium and long term and I'm excited about the challenge ahead."

Roy Keane admits fight with Peter Schmeichel in new autobiography

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has revealed that he came to blows with goalkeeper and team-mate Peter Schmeichel on a pre-season tour.

Keane, 43, said Schmeichel was left with a black eye after the fight in Hong Kong in 1998 which followed simmering tension between the pair.

Keane said: "He said: 'I've had enough of you. It's time we sorted this out.' So I said: 'OK' and we had a fight."

The episode is recalled by Keane in his new autobiography 'The Second Half'.

Keane, now the assistant manager for Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland, said drink had been involved in the incident with Schmeichel, who he played alongside at Old Trafford for six years.

"I woke up the next morning. I kind of vaguely remembered the fight. My hand was really sore and one of my fingers was bent backwards," Keane is reported as saying by the Daily Mirror.

Keane discusses a number of controversial topics in the book, which is published on Thursday.

They include a reference to a tackle on former Manchester City midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland in 2001, which Keane suggested in his first autobiography was to avenge an earlier incident between the pair.

The comments earned Keane a five-match ban and £150,000 fine from the FA for bringing the game into disrepute.

"There are things I regret in my life and he (Haaland) is not one of them," Keane added.

Russell Slade confirmed as new Cardiff City manager

Cardiff City have finally appointed ex-Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade as their new manager.

Slade, 53, has been helping the Championship club as a consultant since quitting as Orient manager.

The Bluebirds and Slade's former side had been in dispute over his proposed appointment at the Welsh club.

"I'm grateful to Vincent [Tan] for giving me this opportunity as Cardiff City is a fantastic football club," said Slade.

Cardiff owner Vincent Tan said he was "delighted" and called on the club's fans to back Slade, whilst criticising former manager Malky Mackay who he sacked in December 2013.

"Look at Russell's track record. He certainly deserves to be given a chance," said Tan.

"After all, Cardiff gave a chance to a mediocre manager from Watford [Mackay] and he took the Club to the Premier League.

"I did, however, give him a lot of money to spend for that - in fact, too much money."

Cardiff had been without a manager since ex-Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stepped down on 18 September.

Scott Young and Danny Gabbidon have been in caretaker charge since Solskjaer's departure and were at the helm for Friday's 1-0 defeat at Blackpool.

Slade travelled with the Cardiff City squad for the first time for the Championship game at Bloomfield Road as he worked in his consultancy role.

The former Notts County and Yeovil manager had previously watched Cardiff's 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday on 27 September and was at the 1-1 draw at Brighton three days later.

Slade tendered his resignation as manager of League One side Orient on 24 September.

The O's initially rejected an approach for Slade, who had been their manager since 2010, and he subsequently spoke of his frustration at not being permitted to talk to Cardiff before quitting as manager the following day.

Legal discussions between the clubs had delayed Slade's appointment.

He now takes charge of a side currently 15th in the Championship.

"We have a large squad and it's more than putting out the best eleven players on paper," said Slade.

"We need the best group of players out there with the right balance and chemistry.

"It's now about building a relationship with the players and installing a strong ethos and work ethic.

"That's what I want us to take onto the pitch every week."

Slade's first match as Cardiff boss will be at home to second placed Nottingham Forest on Saturday 18 October.

Victor Moses pulls out of Nigeria squad

Nigeria Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi has replaced in-form Stoke City forward Victor Moses due to a thigh injury, it happened on Saturday 18 minutes into Stock City 3 – 1 defeat at Sunderland.

Coach Stephen Keshi has selected Dolphins forward Emem Eduok as a late replacement for Stoke City forward Victor Moses ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The injury is a big blow for Victor Moses who has not played for the Super Eagles since France defeated Nigeria 2-0 on a pair of late goal at World Cup in Rio Brazil.

The Super Eagles need to win both matches against Sudan, to keep the hope of defending their title alive.

Ronaldo nets record-equalling hat-trick

Cristiano Ronaldo's record-equalling 22nd La Liga hat-trick helped Real Madrid crush Athletic Bilbao and close to within four points of Barcelona.

Ronaldo's third treble in four league games drew him level with the tallies of Real legend Alfredo Di Stefano and ex-Athletic striker Telmo Zarra,

Headers from Ronaldo and Karim Benzema put Real 2-0 up at half-time.

Ronaldo tapped in his second and set up Benzema for Real's fourth before deflecting Pepe's shot into the corner.

The ball appeared to come off Ronaldo's arm but the referee awarded the goal to complete an emphatic win.

It was the World Player of the Year's 13th goal in six league games and his 17th of the season in all competitions.

Most La Liga hat-tricks

Player Hat-tricks

Cristiano Ronaldo 22

Alfredo Di Stefano 22

Telmo Zarra 22

Edmundo Suarez 19

Lionel Messi 19

Ronaldo's extraordinary goalscoring form has been central to Real Madrid's recovery from two defeats in their first three league games.

Since a 2-1 home reverse by city rivals Atletico Madrid on 13 September , Real have won six games in a row and scored 27 goals in the process.

They now sit fourth in the league table, one point above Atletico and four behind leaders Barca.

Their latest procession began as early as the second minute when Gareth Bale pinged a cross from the right to the far post and Ronaldo headed past Gorka Iraizoz from close range.

Athletic, who have now secured only one point in their last five league games and are 18th in the table, looked a shadow of the side that finished fourth last season as they wilted under relentless Real pressure.

With half-time approaching, Luka Modric floated a corner to the edge of the six-yard box where Benzema rose highest to double the home side's lead.

Slick interplay between Benzema and Bale teed up Ronaldo to slot in the third before the Portuguese raced on to Modric's incisive pass and squared for Benzema to tap in.

Ronaldo missed several chances to complete his hat-trick, only to get there in the 88th minute via a stroke of luck.

Pepe's scuffed effort struck Ronaldo's arm and flew past Iraizoz to round off another glorious night for the Real number seven, but a chastening one for the Basques.

By Sam Sheringham BBC Sport

Louis van Gaal: Manchester United boss excited by side's potential

Manager Louis van Gaal says Manchester United have climbed into the Premier League top four despite not playing well for a whole match this season. 

The Red Devils beat Everton 2-1 to return to the Champions League places for the first time in more than a year.

"I told my players, 'We are not playing well but we are fourth in the table - so what will happen when we do play well?'" said Van Gaal.

He added it was "strange" that United have tended to fade out of games.

"We played well for one half, but we have to do it 90 minutes," he said. "We haven't defended well. We have to improve our organisation.

"It's a little bit strange that every time the first half is very good. We started very good and the the second half is so different."

While United recorded 10 shots to Everton's two in the first half at Old Trafford, they managed only five to the visitors eight after the break with David De Gea producing a string of late saves to preserve their narrow lead.

They also survived late pressure from West Ham to win last weekend and collapsed to a 5-3 defeat away to Leicester having led 3-1 in their previous game.

Despite struggling to maintain the standard of play across a whole 90 minutes, United are now at their highest position in the Premier League since they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in August 2013.

Chief executive Ed Woodward has set Louis van Gaal a target of a top-three finish to guarantee the club's return to the Champions League group stages. Their failure to qualify for the competition last season prompted the sacking of Van Gaal's predecessor David Moyes.

United play West Brom, Chelsea, Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Arsenal after the forthcoming international break, but Van Gaal, who expressed concern over United's globe-trotting pre-season itinerary, says his players might not be at freshest for the trip to the Hawthorns.

Argentina internationals Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo are flying to China to play against Brazil next week before they take on Hong Kong three days later.

"They are coming back with jetlag so I cannot train at once and then I have to wait," said Van Gaal, who led the Netherlands to the World Cup semi-final in the summer.

"That is my problem. I was also a national coach but it is not so easy as everybody thinks."

Cardiff City: Russell Slade set to be confirmed new manager

                                                                         Russell Slade

Cardiff City are expected to finally appoint ex-Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade as their new manager on Monday. 

Slade, 53, has been helping the Championship club as a consultant since quitting as Orient manager.
The Bluebirds and Slade's former side have been in dispute over his proposed appointment at the Welsh club.

Cardiff have been managerless since ex-Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stepped down on 18 September.

Scott Young and Danny Gabbidon have been in caretaker charge since Solskjaer's departure and were at the helm for Friday's 1-0 defeat at Blackpool.

Slade travelled with the Cardiff City squad for the first time for the Championship game at Bloomfield Road as he worked in a consultancy role.

The former Notts County and Yeovil manager Slade had previously watched Cardiff's 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday and was at the 1-1 draw at Brighton.

Slade tendered his resignation as manager of League One side Orient on 24 September.
The O's initially rejected an approach by the Bluebirds for Slade, who had been their manager since 2010.

Slade spoke of his frustration at not being permitted by the League One side to talk to Cardiff following the O's League Cup defeat by Sheffield United on 23 September.

Legal discussions between Cardiff and Orient have delayed Slade's appointment but he is now expected to take charge of a side currently 15th in the Championship

Club owner Vincent Tan has said he hopes Slade can beat Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's 18-year long-service record.

Slade started his managerial career at Notts County in 1994 and has also managed Scarborough, Grimsby Town, Yeovil Town and Brighton.

England: John Stones replaced by Calum Chambers in squad

                                                      Calum Chambers

                                                                       John Stones

 

Arsenal defender Calum Chambers has replaced the injured John Stones in England's squad to face San Marino and Estonia in Euro 2016 qualification.

Everton's Stones injured his ankle near the end of his side's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday.

Chambers, who made his full debut against Norway in September, has been promoted from the Under-21s squad.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez said he expected to be without Stones for "the next few weeks".
"We will have to wait for the medical department to assess it but for him to come off the pitch early it is definitely something," he added.

England meet San Marino at Wembley on 9 October before travelling to Estonia on 12 October.

Stones made his debut in England's 3-0 win over Peru on 30 May and has won four caps for the Three Lions. He started at right-back in England's 2-0 win over Switzerland in their opening Euro 2016 qualifying match last month.

England manager Roy Hodgson had named only three recognised centre-backs in his squad for the qualifiers in Everton duo Stones and Phil Jagielka and Chelsea's Gary Cahill, but he had previously said that Chambers would be called up in the event of any withdrawals.

"Calum would be the next one to come in but at the moment is 'loaned out' to the Under-21s," Hodgson said last week.

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw was a doubt for the Under-21 side's two-legged Euro 2015 play-off with Croatia after he limped out in the 71st minute at Old Trafford with a knee injury.
However, unlike Stones, he will be fit for international duty.

"It's not a bad injury, it's a dead leg on my knee," Shaw explained. "Hopefully, I should be training in the next couple of days."

Arsene Wenger & Jose Mourinho: Arsenal boss 'no regrets over push'

 

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he does not regret shoving Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho in a heated touchline spat. 

The pair clashed after a challenge by Gary Cahill on Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez in Chelsea's 2-0 home win.

"What is to regret after that? I wanted to go from A to B and somebody confronted me without any sign of welcome," Wenger said.

"B was get to Sanchez to see if he was injured. Was it a push? A little one. You can see when I really try to push."

Wenger and Mourinho were separated by fourth official Jon Moss at Stamford Bridge and, as referee Martin Atkinson dealt with the issue at the time, it is not expected the Football Association will take any further action.

Chelsea boss Mourinho said he wanted to "forget" about the incident with the Frenchman, and insisted he had done nothing wrong.

"It becomes heated because this is a big game, big clubs, big rivals, and important match for both teams. These conditions make a game of emotions,'' he said.

"I do so many wrong things in football. But not this time because this time I was just in my technical area and it was not my problem. Game over. Story over."

The relationship between the two managers has been tempestuous in the past, with Mourinho labelling Wenger "a specialist in failure" in February this year.

Mourinho also said he would never interfere in medical decisions after Thibaut Courtois suffered a head injury following a collision with Chile forward Sanchez and had to be replaced in goal by Petr Cech.

"The club doctor, or the club medical department take control and the responsibility," added the Portuguese.

"I just want them to give me a decision and they gave me a decision. For me that's correct."

Wed 1st Oct 2014 – Champions League Fixtures

FC Basel v Liverpool 19:45

Arsenal v Galatasaray 19:45

Atl Madrid v Juventus 19:45

Malmö FF v Olympiakos 19:45

Ludo Razgd v Real Madrid 19:45

Zenit St P v Monaco 17:00

Bayer Levkn v Benfica 19:45

Anderlecht v Bor Dortmd 19:45

30th October 2014 Champions League and Results

CSKA 0 - 1 Bayern Mun FT

Man City 1 - 1 Roma FT

Apoel Nic 1 - 1 Ajax FT

Paris St G 3 - 2 Barcelona FT

Schalke 1 - 1 NK Maribor FT

Sporting 0 - 1 Chelsea FT

BATE Bor 2 - 1 Ath Bilbao FT

Shakt Donsk 2 - 2 FC Porto FT

Amaju Pinnick wins NFF election

Amaju Pinnick, Delta FC chairman, has won the NFF election held Tuesday afternoon in Warri after two rounds of voting.
The 43-year-old Pinnick, who is is Delta State Sports Commission chairman, Delta FA boss and Warri Wolves chairman, secured 32 votes from the 44 available in a second round of voting.
Rivals Dominic Iorfa received eight votes and Taiwo Ogunjobi received four.
Reacting to the result of the election, ex-Eagles player Iorfa said he was a better candidate for the NFF President position, but sad that “money won the election.”
in the meantime, other candidates have congratulated Pinnick on his victory.

PSG's Ibrahimovic out of Barca tie

Paris St-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is unfit to play against former club Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Sweden captain, 32, has missed the French champions' last two Ligue 1 matches with a heel injury.

"Several tests conducted on the injured left heel of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is negative," said a PSG statement.

PSG drew their Group F opener against Ajax, while Barcelona edged to a 1-0 win against Apoel Nicosia.

The French team are unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions this season, but six of those results have been draws.

In contrast, Barcelona have been in clinical form as they lead the early Spanish league table.

The Catalan club, who thrashed Granada 6-0 on Saturday, have dropped just one point in their six La Liga games, scoring 17 goals and conceding none.

Brazil forward Neymar and Argentina captain Lionel Messi scored five goals between them against Granada as the pair illustrated their growing understanding on the pitch.

Neymar scored a hat-trick, while Messi's double saw him pass 400 career goals for club and country.

"My first year was a case of adaptation but I now feel better and able to perform at a higher level," said Neymar, who arrived at Barcelona from Santos in June 2013.

"We are combining more as a pair and I am very happy with the goals I am getting at the moment, which is down to the work of the team."

Barca boss Luis Enrique, who took over from Tata Martino in the summer, sits in the opposite dugout to ex-Nou Camp team-mate Laurent Blanc.

The pair played 33 games together in Barca colours during the 1996-97 season, helping the club win the European Cup Winners' Cup, Copa Del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

Meanwhile, Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta could make his 100th Champions League appearance for the Catalans in Paris.

Guardiola unhappy with empty CSKA stadium

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says he is not happy that his team will play Champions League opponents CSKA Moscow behind closed doors.

The Russian champions were punished by governing body Uefa after racist chanting by their fans last season.

"I've never experienced it and I hope it's the last time," said Guardiola of playing in a virtually empty stadium.

"We will have to adapt to the situation, but it's a little strange all the same."

CSKA were sanctioned after the behaviour of their fans during group stage matches against Manchester City and Czech club Viktoria Plzen last season.

"Football is a question of atmosphere and emotion," said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"But there will only be a handful of officials and journalists. I feel sorry for the fans, some of whom haven't missed a single Bayern away match in 25 years."

CSKA also expect further punishment from Uefa after their supporters caused violence before their 5-1 Group E defeat at Roma on 17 September.

Ashley Cole: Pressure on Man City for Champions League game

Roma defender Ashley Cole says Manchester City will be under pressure when the two sides meet in the Champions League on Tuesday.

City lost their first match of the group stages to Bayern Munich earlier this month.

"There's a lot of pressure on City," Cole said. "They have big players and are hungry to win the Champions League.

"We are probably the underdogs but we will give it everything and will give them a tough game."

Roma are bidding to build on an impressive 5-1 victory over CSKA Moscow in their opening game, and Cole says a win would give them a fighting chance of beating City to qualification.

"If we win it will make it more difficult for them to catch up and will probably make us top of the group and put us in good stead for qualifying," said the 33-year-old.

The former Chelsea defender said he was surprised to come up against ex-clubmate Frank Lampard so soon after they both left Stamford Bridge over the summer.

"It will be great to play against people like Joe Hart and Lamps," he said. "I never expected to play against him.

"If I am selected and Lamps is selected it would be nice.

"Everyone knows what Lampard brings to any team - he's a great experienced player who scores goals."

2014 AWC: Veteran trio included in Nigeria's squad

Perpetua Nkwocha, Stella Mbachu and Precious Dede have been included in the Nigeria squad for the 2014 African Women Championship (AWC) in Namibia.

Mbachu, 36, will be making her ninth AWC appearance, while four-time African Footballer of the year, Nkwocha (pictured), 38, will be making her eighth.

Super Falcons coach Edwin Okon also named 11 players from local side Rivers Angels and six foreign-based stars in his 21-woman squad.

The team also contains a familiar face in Asisat Oshoala, who was top scorer and Most Valuable Player at the Fifa Under-20 Women's World Cup in Canada in August.

Nigeria's Super Falcons will be seeking redemption in Windhoek after they finished fourth in the last edition, their worst finish in the history of African Women Championship.

The most successful team in the competition, with six titles, Nigeria last won the trophy in 2010, when they beat Equatorial Guinea 4-2.

The Super Falcons are expected to comfortable qualify from Group A, which includes hosts Namibia, debutants Zambia and Ivory Coast.

The championship is scheduled for 11-25 October 2014 in two stadiums in Windhoek.

It will also serve as qualification for the Fifa Women's World Cup to be held in Canada from 6 June to 5 July, 2015.

Nigeria is the only African team to have played in all Fifa Women's World Cup tournaments since 1991.

Nigeria squad:

Goalkeepers: Precious Dede (Ibom Queens), Ibubeleye White (Rivers Angels), Christy Ohieriaku (Oshogbo Queens)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Houston Dash, United States), Josephine Chukwunonye, Onome Ebi (FK Minsk, Belarus), Ngozi Ebere , Ugochi Njoku and Gloria Ofoegbu (all Rivers Angels)

Midfielders: Evelyn Nwabuokn, Onyinyechi Ohadugha, Gloria Iroka, Cecilia Nku (all Rivers Angels), Ayinde Halimat, Ngozi Okobi (both Delta Queens)

Strikers: Desire Oparanozie (En Avent Guingamp, France), Perpetua Nkwocha (Sunnanå SK, Sweden), Esther Sunday (FK Minsk, Belarus), Asisat Oshoala, Stella Mbachu (both Rivers Angels), Francisca Ordega (Pitea IFF, Sweden)

Lionel Messi: What will Barcelona playmaker achieve next?

  

 

Lionel Messi has been named the best footballer on the planet four times, won an Olympic gold medal, five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.

Oh... and he's netted 401 career goals. All before his 28th birthday.

He has been described as a "genius" by Argentine legend Diego Maradona, a "phenomenon" by deadly Dutch striker Marco van Basten while Manchester United's Radamel Falcao once asked: "Is Messi a real player or a PlayStation character?"

As the South American superstar prepares to play in the Champions League for Barcelona against Paris St-Germain today., We ask what is next for Lionel Messi to achieve?

Manchester United considering midweek friendlies abroad

Manchester United are thinking about playing midweek friendlies abroad, says one of the club's directors.

With no Champions League football this season, United's managing director Richard Arnold says lucrative fixtures overseas are something the club will "continue to look at".

The club's early Capital One Cup exit has reduced the number of midweek games they will play still further.

And they are set to play only three more midweek Premier League fixtures.

More than 100,000 fans watched United's 3-1 win over Real Madrid in Michigan this summer, during the side's pre-season tour of the United States.

And Arnold believes manager Louis van Gaal would be receptive to similar fixtures during the Premier League campaign.

"We have a fantastic partnership in terms of our work off the pitch and I'm very appreciative of the support we have had from him," Arnold said.

"For many years of our [pre-season] international tours, there is a plan to ensure we get that team building that goes together with getting the team all together in one place.

"That's something that's being looked at with regards to the future."

Meanwhile, United striker Robin van Persie says Van Gaal is installing a Dutch mentality on the squad's meetings.

"It's very demanding in a good way as you have to be focused every single day of the sessions or the meeting," Van Persie says.

"You have to give your own input, which is what the staff likes. That's a bit of the Dutch thing."

Alan Pardew: Newcastle boss expects talks with Mike Ashley

                                       Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and manager Alan Pardew

 Newcastle manager Alan Pardew expects to have "serious conversations" with owner Mike Ashley after Monday's 1-0 defeat at Stoke.

Ashley was at the Britannia Stadium to see Peter Crouch's goal leave United second bottom of the Premier League.

"We'll have some serious conversations because he doesn't want to lose and neither to do I," said Pardew.

 "I'll probably speak tomorrow or the next day because this team needs to win games. I have to turn it around."

Newcastle are yet to win in the league this season, taking three points from their six games and lying above bottom club Burnley only on goals scored.

In a run stretching back to last season, the Magpies have won only five of their 25 league games in 2014.

"I'm here to lead the team," added Pardew, who replaced Chris Hughton as Newcastle boss in December 2010. "I've never really been in this situation before, but I'm a football manager. That's what I do and will continue to do."

Pardew faced hostility from Newcastle fans during the 2-2 home draw with Hull 10 days ago, with Ashley's lawyers then claiming that quotes stating Pardew would be sacked  if United were beaten by the Potters were only a joke.

 The former Reading, West Ham and Southampton boss again faced anger from the travelling fans at the Britannia Stadium on Monday as Newcastle failed to add to their tally of five league goals this season.

Signs reading 'Sack Pardew' were held up by a number of supporters during the game.

"This is a tough job," said Pardew, who signed an eight-year contract extension in 2012. "The fans are giving their honest opinion of what they believe.

"I looked at them at the end and clapped them to show I respect their views.

"I'm not going to hide from it. I know there is a big question mark about me being at this club and the only way I can answer it is to do the job to the best of my ability and try to come up with the answers."

Pardew took Newcastle to 12th in his first season and fifth the following year. In September 2012 he signed the deal until 2020, but the club ended the campaign 16th.

They managed to finish 10th last season despite the club's poor form in 2014. In March, Pardew was handed a seven-match ban for a headbutt on Hull midfielder David Meyler.

Asamoah Gyan denies 'ritual sacrifice' of Ghana rapper Castro

Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan says claims that he killed his friend and Ghanaian rapper Castro as part of a ritual sacrifice are "wild and absurd".

Afrobeats artist Castro, whose real name is Theophilus Tagoe, went missing, along with friend Janet Bandu, in July.

They disappeared while using jet skis on holiday with former Sunderland striker Gyan's family in the Ghanaian coastal town of Ada.

Allegations in Ghana's media suggested the disappearance was suspicious.

Castro and Bandu were last seen heading towards the ocean on a jet ski and were presumed drowned.

No bodies were recovered and rumours continued to circulate this month when Gyan's brother, Baffour Gyan, was alleged to have been part of a gang which attacked a journalist who had asked the player about the rumours. The assault charges on Baffour Gyan have now been dropped.

The speculation prompted 28-year-old Gyan, who joined United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain in 2011, to hold a press conference.

His lawyer Kissi Agyabeng said the family had been "dismayed" and had remained silent until now as they did not want to interfere with police investigations.

The statement read: "What sells in the media, and what indeed sold and is still selling in the media in Ghana are wild allegations and rumours directed especially at Asamoah Gyan - ranging from the absurd - of the imputation of criminality to him in the sense that he either murdered Castro or had him kidnapped - and ending with the ludicrous - that he sacrificed him spiritually to enhance his career.

"We have been silent while these wild allegations and rumours have been peddled in the media.

"We have been silent not because we are concealing anything or that we do not feel the need to fully state what, from our reckoning, had happened in Ada. We have been silent because we did not want to interfere with police investigations and recently the leveling of assault charges against Baffour Gyan and Samuel Anim Addo, sealed our mouths further.

"Now, we can come out openly because the police have stated their position and the assault charges against Baffour Gyan and Samuel Anim Addo have been dropped and they have been discharged. We will revisit this matter.

"In our painful silence, we have been totally dismayed by the fact that the platform was provided for the peddling of these wild and ludicrous allegations and rumours against us.

"Those to whom the platform was provided offered no evidence whatsoever to back their statements. And indeed, the allegation of spiritual sacrifice can by no stretch of the imagination be propped up."