MARTINS MISSES PENALTY

MARTINS MISSES PENALTY

Posted: May 31, 2013

 Nigeria forward, Obafemi Martins missed a potential game-tying penalty kick in the 86th minute as Seattle Sounders crashed out of the US Open Cup,losing 1-0 to the North American Soccer League's Tampa Bay Rowdies in the third round Wednesday.

After an uneventful first 75 minutes, Rowdies forward Georgi Hristov gave the Rowdies a surprise lead, cleaning up a rebound off the hands of Sounders goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann, putting Seattle behind by a goal.
Desperate to force extra time, the Sounders pushed forward, inserting Martins into the game, and nearly got their equalizing goal.

 Tampa Bay defender Jordan Gafa, standing on the goal line after Restrepo had been caught out of position, blocked a shot with his hands.
Gafa was issued an immediate red card for the infraction and gave the Sounders a penalty kick, but, crucially, he had kept the ball out of the net, preserving the Rowdies' lead.

Martins shot his ensuing penalty low and to the left, but Restrepo guessed correctly and saved the shot in the 86th minute.

"I just put it where I put it and the goalkeeper was there," Martins said. "What can I say? I tried to score and I didn't. ... We needed a goal so bad and we tried to score. We had the penalty and we lost." --------------------- Complete Sports

Berlusconi set to make Allegri decision

Berlusconi set to make Allegri decision

The Rossoneri boss will learn his fate this weekend

By Stefan Coerts

May 31, 2013 11:31:00 AM

The Rossoneri president is to put an end to to months of speculation by deciding whether or not to stick with their current coach this weekend

Silvio Berlusconi has revealed Massimiliano Allegri's future at AC Milan will be resolved on Sunday after a meeting with CEO Adriano Galliani.

The 45-year-old guided the San Siro side to third spot in the Serie A table this term after a difficult start to the season, but has been linked with a move away from the Rossoneri throughout the campaign.

"I believe that I'll meet with Galliani and the coach before Sunday evening and I'm sure a solution will be found," Berlusconi told reporters.

"It won't be difficult if everyone chooses what's best for our club."

Galliani was photographed having dinner with Allegri on Thursday evening as they allegedly held talks over his future, but the Milan official was unhappy with their meeting becoming public knowledge.

"They took a photo last night and I told them not to put it on Twitter so a minute later that's where it was. That's technology for you," he fumed.

"The dinner last night was lovely and the fish was delicious. Was it the last supper? That would be blasphemy..." -------------------------- goal.com

NIGERIA HIGH COMMISSION HOSTS EAGLES AFTER MEXICO CLASH

NIGERIA HIGH COMMISSION HOSTS EAGLES AFTER MEXICO CLASH

Posted: May 31, 2013

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be hosted by the Consular General of Nigeria in the United States, Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe immediately after the international friendly against Mexico, Super Eagles Coordinator, Emmanuel Attah has disclosed.

 Attah hinted that the night-out with the Nigeria Consular General will be more interesting if the Super Eagles could nick victory in the game against the North American super powers.

“The reception will all the more be interesting if the Super Eagles can deal with the El-Tri of Mexico, which of course the team hopes to achieve”, the national team’s coordinator added.

He further revealed that serious mobilization campaign is going on to sensitize Nigerians in the Texas and USA in general to troop to the stadium to cheer the Super Eagles during the game.

"We are mobilizing Nigerians to turn out en-mass to cheer the Eagles. His Excellency the Ambassador is doing a great job of it. There is great excitement, can't wait for the D - Day, an insurance agent, Mrs Roberta Birthiray who’s at the head of the mobilization effort was quoted by Attah to have said. ----------------------- Complete Sports

Namibia Coach: We'll Beat Super Eagles

Namibia Coach: We'll Beat Super Eagles

Posted: May 31, 2013

Brave Warriors coach, Roger Palmgren, plans to win his second international match as Namibia visit Malawi on 5 June in crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier and Nigeria few days after.

Speaking at the press conference on Monday afternoon, Palmgren said he will be gunning for victory against their next two opponents.

"Just like going to every game, you plan to win and that is my plan going to Malawi and playing Nigeria on 12 June. We cannot look for excuses, we have to plan win with what we have, " said Palmgren, while reacting to the unavailability of four regular players due to injuries.

In his first game in charge, Palmgren saw his charges play a goalless draw against Zambia last Saturday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

The players that will not be part of the trip to Malawi due to injuries are captain Ronald Ketjijere,
Henrico Botes, Rudolph Bester and Heinrich Isaacs, while Oliver Risser, who was considered for inclusion, withdrew due to personal matters.

Palmgren added that the squad of 28 players called up was a tough one to come up with and that the squad will be reduced to 23 by Wednesday, stressing that all the players will remain in camp until the team's departure for Blantyre on 2 June.

"We have two big games and we need all the players and so they will all be part of the team and give us option for replacements and improvement of the team."

On the absence  of the likes of captain Ketjijere and others, Palmgren said it was now up to the others to step up and do the job.

"The injured players are obviously regulars in the starting eleven, but now we have to give the others the chance to perform as well."

Hansa Rostock player Manfred Starke is expected to meet up with the team in Blantyre on  June 2, while Thailand's Osotspa pair of Lazarus Kaimbi and Tangeni Shipahu will touch down in Windhoek on Saturday. ------------------ Complete Sports

Valdes to stay at Barcelona until 2014

Valdes to stay at Barcelona until 2014

The 31-year-old says he is drained psychologically after 10 years at Camp Nou - but will see out his contract

May 31, 2013 10:00:00 AM

The goalkeeper has made it clear that he will not leave the Primera Division champions this summer

Victor Valdes has insisted that he will not leave Barcelona in the summer transfer window and will stay put until the end of his contract in June 2014.

The goalkeeper told Barca earlier this season that he does not want to extend his current deal, leading to speculation that he could be on his way out of the Liga champions this summer.

Monaco were believed to be keen to lure him to France, but the 31-year-old has now made it clear that he will see out his contract at Camp Nou.

"I owe the fans an explanation as to why I will not renew my contract. Barcelona have given me everything and this has been home for 20 years," Valdes said at a press conference.

"The pressure as a goalkeeper is huge, though, at this club. I am exhausted psychologically and I feel that my cycle at the club ends in 2014. This is not about money.

"I feel honoured that the club want me to continue, but my decision is final. I will continue to wear the Barca jersey with honour until the final day of my contract.

"I think that the club have enough time to find a good successor."

Valdes made his official first team debut in 2002-03 and has since made over 500 appearances for the club. ------------------- goal.com

Mourinho should have shown humility, says Guti

Mourinho should have shown humility, says Guti

One of Madrid's favourite former sons has criticised the outgoing coach's conduct this season

By Stefan Coerts

May 31, 2013 10:11:00 AM

The 36-year-old has not been impressed with the Portuguese coach's behaviour after what he termed his "worst season"

Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has hit out at Jose Mourinho and feels the Portuguese coach should have shown more humility following the Santiago Bernabeu side's disappointing 2012-13 campaign.

Madrid saw arch-rivals Barcelona win the Liga title, while they were beaten by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final and were eliminated from the Champions League in the semi-finals, leading to Mourinho's departure at the end of the season.

"When you've had your worst season, showing a bit more humility would have done us all a favour," Guti was quoted as saying by Marca.

"

We expected big things from him. Not just in terms of trophies, but when you've had your worst season, showing a bit more humility would have done us all a favour

Read more: Guti: "Mou should have shown a bit more humility" - MARCA.com (English version)

We expected big things from him. Not just in terms of trophies, but when you've had your worst season, showing a bit more humility would have done us all a favour

Read more: Guti: "Mou should have shown a bit more humility" - MARCA.com (English version)

We expected big things from Mourinho and not just in terms of trophies. It's been a let-down for all Madrid fans. That's the way we see it, anyway.

"I haven't been there to see what's been going on in the dressing room day after day, but if you have a four-year contract and then you want to leave as soon as you have an average or bad season, I think it's fair to say he's jumped ship.

"The most recent comments from Pepe, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and Iker [Casillas] do give the impression that the situation had become untenable. Maybe he thought that leaving would be in Real Madrid's best interests."

Mourinho guided Madrid to one Liga title, one Copa del Rey trophy and the Spanish Supercopa during his three-year spell in charge of los Blancos. ------------------------- goal.com

Siasia Cautions Super Eagles Over Injury Risks

Siasia Cautions Super Eagles Over Injury Risks

Posted: May 31, 2013

Former Super Eagles handler, Samson Siasia, has cautioned the senior national team led by Coach Stephen Keshi to avoid unnecessary injury when they take on Mexico national team in an international friendly game scheduled to hold in Houston in the early hours of Saturday, (2am)Nigerian time.

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games silver medalist who spoke to Complete Sports from Bayelsa where he currently works with the state’s football academy said the Mexico match should be taken as friendly and avoids anything that could cause them any injury.

“Personally, I will not say that I want the players to go out and beat Mexico 4-0 or 2-0, they should just see the match as a friendly affair and try to avoid any mistake that could cause unnecessary injury because the matches against Kenya and Namibia are more important to us as a nation,” says the soccer tactician.

“I think they have done a lot since they returned to camp but playing Mexico should not be seen as a do- or- die affair because we need the best of our players in the matches we are playing next month”. ------------------ Complete Sports

MAIGARI WANTS EAGLES TO SHOW CHAMPIONS STUFF

MAIGARI WANTS EAGLES TO SHOW CHAMPIONS STUFF

Posted: May 31, 2013

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has charged the Super Eagles to dig their feet into the ground and show champion stuff when they take on Mexico’s El-Tri at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas on Friday ( 2am Saturday, Nigerian time)

The high-profile friendly falls on different days on either side of the Atlantic, with the 8pm kick-off inHouston on Friday falling in the early hours of Saturday in Nigeria - Texas being six hours behind the West African nation.

It is the fifth clash at senior level between the two nations, with the two most recent memorable meetings being a friendly in Juarez in October 2007 that ended 2-2 and a 1-1 draw at the Intercontinental Tournament for the King Fahd Cup (today’s FIFA Confederations Cup) in Riyald, Saudi Arabia in January 1995 that the Mexicans eventually edged on penalties to take third place.

The Nigeria Football Federation has made it clear their priority is for the two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in Kenya and Namibia, followed by the FIFA Confederations Cup, but the NFF President insists the African champions cannot afford to have a bad day in the office in America. --------------------- Complete Sports

Putin hopes IOC restores wrestling in Olympics

St. Petersburg: Russian President Vladimir Putin said he hopes wrestling will be reinstated as an Olympic sport based on “just” and “well-reasoned” decision-making.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) cut the sport from the 2020 Games in February, galvanising global backlash and prompting an unlikely advocacy partnership between wrestling governing bodies in Russia, Iran and the United States.

That, along with the world governing body FILA’s pledge to introduce rule changes aimed at making the sport more viewer-friendly, contributed to the wrestling’s placement on an IOC shortlist for the last competition spot in 2020. Squash and a joint baseball and softball bid are the other finalists.

“I know that the final decision will be made later. I hope that the decision will be just, well-reasoned and will serve to consolidate and develop the Olympic movement, which has always rested on its ancient traditions,” Putin said after a meeting with IOC officials here.

Putin has been a strong opponent of the IOC’s decision to eliminate wrestling from the Games following the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics since it was announced in February. The IOC will make a final ruling in September in Buenos Aires.

IANS  ------------------------ ZEENEWS.com

`Bloody` pictures of Steenkamp `murder scene` revealed to public

London: Pictures of the luxurious home, including the bloody bathroom where Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius had shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on the wee hours of Valentine`s Day, has been revealed to the public.

The pictures have emerged following allegations that police officers involved in the investigation are being questioned following the disappearance of one of the athlete`s watch from his house.

The pictures inside the house show a trail of blood from the bathroom as the Blade Runner supposedly carried Steenkamp downstairs after shouting for help with flecks of blood on the wall, on the sofa downstairs and on the landing.

Stating that the this is the first time that the public has seen the actual room where the athlete`s model girlfriend was killed, the report also said that the images show a panel missing from the toilet door - and two police markers below the handle which indicate two bullet holes - low down.

The panel and the markers` images may back Pistorius` claims that he was on his stumps and shooting - from low down - at what he thought was an intruder.

Among the pictures, there is an image of the gift, along with a box of heart-shaped sweets, that Steenkamp had wrapped up to give to Pistorius on Valentine`s Day, with the Ozzy-her nickname for her boyfriend- written on a card stuck on top of the gift.

Other photographs show footprints in blood, with the former investigating officer, Hilton Botha , already admitting that he walked through the scene without wearing protective foot covers, potentially contaminating the evidence.

Botha was taken off the case after that emerged - as well as the news that he himself was facing seven counts of attempted murder and has since retired from the police service.

ANI  ----------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Russia unveils Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic medals

St. Petersburg: Russia unveiled the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics medals, opting for a two-colour design evoking the imagery of the jagged Caucasus mountain range.

Nearly 1,300 medals are being produced for Russia`s first Winter Games, which run Feb 7-23.

"I`m sure these great awards have already gone down in history and will find their heroes," organising committee chief Dmitry Chernyshenko said Thursday.

"I`m sure they will find lots of Russian owners, but I wish all foreign competitors well too."

The gold, silver and bronze medals, weighing 460 grams to 531 grams, have their respective metals act as a border to a greyscale design in the background. The design, he said, reflects the "eternal values of Russia," but also the "innovative approach to the Games."

In total, a record 98 sets of medals, will be up for grabs in 15 sports. The Paralympic medals weigh slightly more and feature Braille embossing.

IANS ----------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Real Madrid's move for Spurs' Gareth Bale could depend on help from Manchester City

30 May 2013 22:29

Real know Blues' boss-to-be Pellegrini wants their centre-half Pepe and could put his transfer fee towards buying Tottenham star

Pepe le Blue? The Real Madrid defender is being linked with a move to Eastlands

Jasper Juinen

Real Madrid are ready to sell star defender Pepe to Manchester City – to help raise funds for 'Operation Bale.'
Incoming City manager Manuel Pellegrini is keen on the hard-man centre-half, and agents want a swap deal which would also see winger Angel Di Maria go from Real to Eastlands, in exchange for Carlos Tevez and some cash.
However, with a deal for Liverpool’s Luis Suarez looking increasingly likely, Real are not­ interested in Tevez.
Meanwhile, new French champions Paris Saint-Germain also want Argentina international Di Maria.
If Real get City - whose centre-half and captain Vincent Kompany has been linked with Barcelona - to buy Portugal international Pepe, they will have serious cash available to go for their top target, Gareth Bale of Spurs.
Real are only prepared to bid £60million for Welsh wizard Bale, whereas both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and PSG have made it clear they would offer £80m if given any encouragement.
It leaves the Spanish giants desperate to raise funds to win the escalating battle for Bale's signature.
While £20m-rated Pepe may be sacrificed – it is hard to imagine City paying that much for the controversial 30-year-old.

Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-city-transfers-pepe-move-1923097#ixzz2Ur1N51Sy

Brazil star Oscar previews England clash and tells Three Lions to beware of worldbeater Neymar

30 May 2013 22:30

'He is a spectacular player and moving to Europe will only help him develop his skill, ability and make him even better,' says Chelsea playmaker

Fell the love: Oscar is full of praise for Barca's new signing

AP

From John Cross in Rio De Janeiro

Chelsea star Oscar has warned Neymar can inspire Brazil to become world champions.
Oscar believes Neymar's £50million move to Barcelona will propel his fellow Brazilian to a whole new level on the world stage.
Brazilian Neymar will be the star attraction when they host England in Rio in Sunday's friendly at the new-look Maracana with all eyes on the emerging global superstar.
He has already established himself as one of the best in the world at Santos but must be regarded as being behind the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But Oscar believes Neymar playing in the Nou Camp and in the Champions League will give him the platform to take the world by storm and also help Brazil win the World Cup in their own country next summer.
"Neymar is a big player and his arrival at Barcelona will only increase the level of his game," said Oscar. "That will be very good for Brazil in a year's time.
"He is a spectacular player and moving to Europe will only help him develop his skill, ability and make him even better.
"It has helped me at Chelsea, fit in with the team, I have improved my level and adapted to a different style. It helps you learn and progress.

Samba star: Brazilian ace Neymar will add even more flair and firepower to Barcelona next season

Getty

"This is a special game and he will look to put on a special performance to show the world. It is a great occasion for us and we will look to show what we can do against England.
"For me, this match is very important. To play in the Maracana and against England is special and very exciting. Brazil has a lot to play for in this game and really it's not a friendly for us."
Oscar has been in outstanding form at Chelsea, enjoying an impressive season as he has helped them finish third and win the Europa League.
He makes up one third of the so-called Three Amigos alongside Juan Mata and Eden Hazard and yet Oscar has singled out Frank Lampard as a crucial player for Chelsea and still for England. Lampard scored the winner to beat Brazil at Wembley in February.
Oscar said: "Lampard is such an important player for England. I am sure that with Frank on the pitch, the team has more danger in attack. He makes the team work.
"I am content with my performance in my first season in England. I believe that I have increased my level and now I want to carry on improving. Learning and playing with big players at Chelsea can only help.
"The danger of England is their team spirit and togetherness. I know the Premier League and the level is enormous. Any player wants to show their best for the national team.

We'll meet again: Neymar takes on England at Wembley during Brazil's friendly in February

Shaun Botterill

 "England is one of the best teams in the world and that will motivate us as we need to show an excellent performance to get the victory."
Oscar also believes that Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari will be out for revenge after Brazil were beaten at Wembley earlier in the season.
He added: "The defeat at Wembley was hard and now we have to look for the moment to beat England. I would love to see England at the World Cup finals as they are a special team.
"Scolari is preparing this match with every detail. He has made it nearly an official match for us. Brazil needs to improve the image and England is a special test.
"Our fans deserve to see the best from Brazil before the Confederations Cup. I have much spoken with my team mates before the game on Sunday and I am convinced we can win."

Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/england-v-brazil-oscar-warns-1922172#ixzz2Ur0SD4iO

2013 French Open: Novak Djokovic beats Guido Pella to reach third round

Zee Media Bureau

Paris: Top seed Novak Djokovic registered a comfortable win over Guido Pella to advance to the third round of the French Open on Thursday.

Djokovic won 6-2, 6-0, 6-2 in just 1 hour, 26 minutes to set up a clash with Grigor Dimitrov.

The match was interrupted by rain but it had no effect on the Serbian who is aiming to win the only Grand Slam title that has eluded him so far.

“It`s like deja vu from two days ago, you know, coming in and out and warming up five times, but it is the way it is. I`m just glad that I finished the match today,” Djokovic was quoted as saying in media reports after the match.

Dimitrov created flutters when he beat Djokovic earlier this month in the second round of the Madrid Open. ------------------------- ZEENEWS.com

French Open: Mattek-Sands sends former champion Li Na packing

Zee Media Bureau

Paris: Bethanie Mattek-Sands came from a set down to beat former champion Li Na in the second round of the French Open on Thursday.

The American won 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the third round.

The rain interrupted the match but failed to dampen the spirits of the world No. 67.

"She`s a champion, and I had to play some of my best tennis ever to beat her. I`m really proud of myself that I was able to close out the match the way I did," Mattek-Sands said after the match.  ------------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Craig Bellamy on... Alan Shearer threatening to knock him out next time they met

30 May 2013 22:01

In this latest exclusive extract from his new book, Bellamy recalls a text-message row with his old Newcastle strike partner

"I certainly wasn’t scared of his 'Big, hard Al' act. Younger boys than me put him in his place"

Getty

I felt bad for Newcastle when they lost their 2005 FA Cup semi-final to Manchester United.
They had loaned me out to Celtic by then, but I still had a lot of affection for them.
They lost 4-1 and were never in it.
Afterwards, Alan Shearer did a television interview.
He mentioned shortcomings in defence, which made me laugh.
Alan needed to look at himself a bit more. He wasn’t the player he had been and now he was trying to pass the buck.
It was sad, because I had so much admiration for Alan as a player and I learned so much from him. But time had caught up with him.
I had seen the semi-final.
I had seen how poorly he performed personally.
I thought it was wrong for him to do an ­interview afterwards in those circumstances.
So I got my phone out and texted him.
“F****** typical of you,” I texted. “Looking at everyone else yet again. You need to look at yourself instead. Your legs are f****** shot. Concentrate on yourself and let the team take care of itself.”
I got one back from him straight away.
“If I ever see you in Newcastle again,” he wrote, “I’ll knock you out.”
“I’m back in Newcastle next week,” I texted back. “Pop round and say hello.”
I certainly wasn’t scared of him.
I’ve seen his bite.
His 'Big, hard Al' act wasn’t for me.
I have seen younger boys than me put him in his place on the team coach.
I watched him digging out Lomana LuaLua once, and when LuaLua told him to go to the back of the coach and say it to his face, Al didn’t fancy that much.
He didn’t move an inch.

Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/craig-bellamy-autobiography-alan-shearer-1922766#ixzz2UqzNvCuy

Craig Bellamy on... that golf club, John Arne Riise and what really happened in Portugal

30 May 2013 22:02

In the first fascinating extract from his autobiography, Bellamy tells how Liverpool's infamous Algarve trip descended into chaos

Tee hee: Bellamy's gof-themed goal celebration against Barcelona after his Riise bust-up

Getty

Craig Bellamy’s autobiography, GoodFella, lays bare one of the most notorious incidents in recent English football history.
In February 2007, Liverpool travelled to Portugal for a five-day training camp to prepare for their Champions League second round tie against Barcelona.
On the last night on the Algarve, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez allowed the players out for a meal but it was disrupted by an argument between Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise, whose nickname was Ginge...
Ginge was a nice enough lad.
He was a bit of a child. He was insanely ­competitive. If there was a competition to see who could ping a shot against the crossbar, he was always mad keen to win it.
People used to make a joke of it and say: ‘I bet Ginge could do that’.
That night at Vale do Lobo, I was sitting with Steve Finnan, who was my ­room-mate, Sami Hyypia and Ginge.
I told Ginge he had to sing a song. I might have said it a couple of times. He said he didn’t want to do it.
I mentioned it again and he snapped. He got s****y about it. He got up and started shouting. “Listen,” he yelled, “I’m not singing and I’ve had enough of you banging on about it.”
Sami told me to ignore him and Ginge left fairly soon afterwards. But as the evening wore on and I had more to drink, it started eating away at me.
At that time, the way I was, I didn’t know how to control my emotions if someone disrespected me in front of the rest of the players.
I am one of the worst people on drink. It doesn’t agree with me.
After a while, I told Finnan we were going.
I told him I wanted to sort it out with Ginge.
“I’m not having that,” I said to Finny.
“What are you on about?” he said.
“That ginger f****** p****, he ain’t speaking to me like that,” I said.
Finny told me to ignore him. He told me to forget it and go to bed.
“I’m not ignoring him,” I said. “I’m going to go to his room.”
Finny told me to calm down.
“No, let’s go to our room,” he said.
He was trying to humour me, like a warder with a madman.
We did go back to our room but I still couldn’t let it go.
We had a shared lounge with bedrooms that were upstairs.
Our golf clubs were in the lounge. I’d got one out as I was stewing over what Ginge had done.
It was an eight iron.
I started taking a few practice swings with it.
“Let’s go and see him now,” I said.

"I just whacked him across the backside ... if I’d taken a proper swing, I would have hit the ceiling with my backlift"

Action

 I just wanted to wind Ginge up a bit.
He had tried it on with me once or twice in training. He had given me a little nudge in the back.
I’d just look at him and think ‘F*** off, Ginge.’
So we got round to his room and I knocked on the door. There was no answer.
So I tried the door and it was open. I let myself in and turned the light on.
Ginge was in bed.
He was facing away from me and covering his eyes with his hands because the lights had been switched on.
I just whacked him across the ­backside with the club.
You couldn’t really call it a swing. It was just a thwack, really.
If I’d taken a proper swing, I would have hit the ceiling with my backlift.
Finny, by the way, was hiding behind the door at that point.
Ginge panicked.
He curled up in a ball with a blanket.
“You ever speak to me like that in front of people again,” I told him, “I will wrap this round your head.”
“Listen, I didn’t mean it like that,” he said.
“Yes you f****** did,” I barked at him.
“No, no, I didn’t,” he insisted.
“Yes, you did,” I told him again. “That’s a couple of times you’ve pulled that f****** stunt on me and it won’t be happening any more.”
I was warming to my theme now, like people who have had too much to drink usually do.
I threatened him a few times.
“And if you’ve got a problem with any of this, come and see me in my room tomorrow,” I told him. “Don’t go moaning about it.”
I look back at what I did now and I cringe.
It was pathetic. It was stupidity of the highest level. It was drunken, bullying behaviour.
Eventually, I left.
As Finny and I were going back to our room, the coach pulled up outside and all the players poured off it.
They bumped into us in the corridor and, not knowing anything of what had just gone on, piled into our lounge.
It had been a big night. Nobody even noticed the golf club in my hand. Or if they did, they didn’t mention it.
So the night out continued.
The lounge got wrecked basically.
Sofas were turned upside down, lampshades got knocked off lamps, somebody even chucked a plate at one stage and it split someone’s head open.
By the time I went to bed, that room was not a pretty sight.
The next thing I knew, Finnan was knocking on my door.
“The Gaffer and Pako are downstairs,” he said. ‘Oh, s**t’, I thought. ‘There are a whole number of reasons why they might be here’.
I went downstairs. It was not a pretty picture.
Rafa and his assistant, Pako Ayesteran, were sitting on a sofa that they must have had to pull upright themselves.
Rafa - the most ordered, controlling man I knew - surrounded by utter chaos, by a scene that screamed out loss of control.
There were plates and lampshades everywhere.
Rafa looked at me and told me to put some shoes on before I cut my feet on some debris.
“John Arne Riise has just come to my room to say you attacked him with a golf club,” Rafa said.
“I wouldn’t say I attacked him, exactly,” I said.
I gave him my version. I was already full of remorse.
Rafa looked bemused. It turned out he had had quite a night himself.
A little while later, Dudek appeared with grazes down the side of his face.
“What the f*** happened to Jerzy?” I asked.

Save me: Dudek was bailed out (literally) by boss Benitez

 After I had left the previous night, things had got out of hand.
Jerzy had refused to leave the bar and the police were called and he had ended up in the cells. Rafa had to go and bail him out.
I actually felt relieved.
‘That’s miles worse than my one,’ I thought as I stared over at Jerzy. ‘That might save me.’
That delusion didn’t last long...
Click here for Bellamy on the day Shearer vowed to knock him out
Click here for the day Liverpool fan Bellamy agreed to join Everton
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Federer warns against on-court phone usages

Johannesburg: Tennis ace Roger Federer has warned players that carrying their mobile phones onto the court for receiving coaching tips can be a serious threat to the game`s integrity and regulations.

Federer`s warning comes following two incidents where mobiles were used for the players benefit during the French Open.

Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky used his phone to take a picture of the ball imprint after a controversial line call during his first round defeat by Richard Gasquet.

Stakhovsky was later fined 2000 dollars for unprofessional conduct by posting the picture on Twitter.

French player Gael Monfils too clicked a picture of the crowd which rose to salute him during his second-round victory over Ernests Gulbis, but escaped punishment as he had asked the umpire for permission.

Federer said the breach of game rules is going to happen even more, adding that the problem is that the players might engage in receiving coaching ideas through their mobile devices.

The use of phones on court is prohibited as officials have instructed that no electronic device should be permitted `during matches unless approved by the ITF supervisor or the referee` and a fine can be issued of upto 20000 dollars if officials suspect a player of receiving coaching through their phones.

Grand Slam Committee director Bill Babcock said that although the existing rule prohibits players from not using devices at all unless approved, the authority must always consider ways to ensure that the rule is consistently enforced.

ANI ---------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Eric Abidal announces Barca departure

Madrid: FC Barcelona defender Eric Abidal on Thursday announced that he will leave the football club at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old made the announcement in a press conference held alongside club president, Sandro Rosell and director of sport, Andoni Zubizaretta and with first team coach Tito Vilanova and the rest of his companions from the Barcelona first team squad in attendance.

Abidal has spent six years at Barcelona and has won the hearts of the supporters after he was diagnosed with a liver tumour in March 2011. He recovered from that and was able to lift the Champions League title at the end of May that year with the rest of his teammates after Barca had defeated Manchester United at Wembley.

However, in March 2012 it was announced that he needed a liver transplant as a result of `unresolved issues` following his first treatment and the following year was spent recovering from the operation and recovering his fitness.

The defender made a handful of appearances at the end of this season, but the club has opted against renewing his contract, although he was offered a non-playing role at the club.

"This is a complicated day for me. I have been six years at the club and it has been the best experience of my life as I have had the best companions in the world," said Abidal, who also thanked the medical team behind his recovery.

"I had two objectives, which were to fight to see my children grow up and to be with my wife and the other was to play again. I want to play for two more seasons and at the moment I don`t have any offers," he said.

Abidal will make his final Barca appearance when Barcelona entertain Malaga in what is now certain to be an emotional final game of the season.

"I hope the coach gives me some minutes Saturday," he said, before again thanking his Barca teammates.

IANS ----------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Liverpool's Luis Suarez offered Real Madrid contract worth £140,000-a-week

30 May 2013 22:30

Spanish giants want striker to make it clear he wants out and will offer Reds £20million plus reserve forward Callejon

Berna-bowing out? Real target Suarez doesn't want to join one of Liverpool's domestic rivals

Getty Images

Real Madrid have offered Luis Suarez a four-year contract - and he is ready to tell Liverpool he wants to go.
Suarez’s agent, Pere Guardiola - brother of new Bayern Munich boss Pep - is thrashing out personal terms with the Spanish giants ahead of a possible £25million transfer.
Real have proposed a £140,000-a-week for the striker, with incentives and bonuses on top for trophies won, goals scored and appearances.
Now, of course, they need to strike a deal with Liverpool.
Uruguayan Suarez will make it clear he wants to move to the Bernabeu, and has already laid the groundwork by admitting it “would be hard” to snub Real and blaming the English press for unfair coverage of his bans for racially abusing one opponent and biting another.
He's since told a press conference ahead of Uruguay's friendly against France that "it's a good moment for a change of environment."
He may have to force the issue by making it hard for Liverpool to not sell a player who wants out.
Real believe there is a £40m buy-out clause in the controversial 26-year-old's contract, but will only go to £25m as a straight-cash fee.
Instead, they are prepared to offer a player-plus-cash deal of £20m plus their Spain Under-21 forward Jose Callejon.

 Real are likely to make their move on Monday, aware that Suarez wants to join them.
The Suarez camp insist there is also interest from English clubs - Manchester City tried to sign him in the past - but he only wants to move to Spain, partly out of respect for Liverpool.

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Manchester United target Cesc Fabregas' future set to be decided next week

30 May 2013 22:30

David Moyes fancies the frustrated midfielder but Barcelona must give Arsenal first option to buy back their former captain

Adios? Fabregas could play his final match for Barcelona this weekend

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno

Cesc Fabregas will decide his Barcelona future next week - and still dreams of a return to Arsenal.
Former Gunners captain Fabregas will meet with Barca coach Tito Vilanova once the Spanish season ends this weekend to discuss whether the Spain international should stay at the Nou Camp for what will be a World Cup year.
The Nou Camp giants do not want to sell, but Fabregas has grown frustrated because even though he has done well in domestic competition but is often overlooked for the big European games.
Incoming Manchester United boss David Moyes is a big admirer of the 26-year-old midfielder and would like to lure him to Old Trafford.
We understand Manchester City and Chelsea are also watching developments.
But Arsenal hold the trump card as they wrote a “first refusal” clause into Fabregas’ Barcelona deal, which was worth around £40m in total.
Two years on, the north Londoners would be able to buy Fabregas back for between £20m and £25m.
If Barcelona receive any offer for the player, the terms of the buy-back are that they must inform Arsenal to give them first option.
Fabregas has reservations about going to another English club, especially after seeing pal Robin van Persie become public enemy No1 when he gave up the Arsenal captaincy for a move to Man United.
The Spaniard has claimed he would love to rejoin the Londoners, his club from the age of 16, one day and the uncertainty about his future at Barcelona has suddenly raised the prospect.
Until recently, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had been reluctant to go back to players he's worked with before, but he has since re-signed ex-Gunners Sol Campbell, Thierry Henry and Jens Lehmann.
An Emirates 'homecoming' still seems a long way off with Fabregas and Barcelona undecided about what happens next, but United’s interest may force the issue.
Arsenal do have serious cash to spend this summer, and a midfielder is on their agenda - as are all other areas of the team.
Wenger wants a keeper too, with QPR’s Julio Cesar, Asmir Begovic of Stoke and Sunderland No.1 Simon Mignolet among those on his radar.
They are also watching developments on Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain and remain in for Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic - although Juventus are also keen on him - as they look for a stellar-name striker.
And to complete the set, they fancy Swansea and Wales centre-back Ashley Williams.

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Sneijder revels in Inter's misery

Sneijder revels in Inter's misery

By Stefan Coerts

May 31, 2013 8:13:00 AM

The attacking midfielder has lashed out at his former club after he was forced out earlier this season and was rather pleased to see them struggle throughout 2012-13

Wesley Sneijder says Inter's struggles this season serve as justice for the way the club's hierarchy treated him before his move to Galatasaray in January.

The Netherlands international, 28, was frozen out at the Nerazzurri earlier this season after he refused to accept a pay-cut, with the midfielder joining the Istanbul giants for a reported €7.5m.

"I feel very sorry for the players and fans, but I do not mind at all for others at the club that Inter finished only ninth this season and that the coach had to go," Sneijder told De Telegraaf.

"They did not even qualify for European football and I hope this has made the people in charge think about what's happening at the club. What's happened is not Inter-worthy.

"Inter tried to break me time and time again. Had I not had such a strong personality, I would have hung up my boots.

"A lot of people at the club are not worthy of my trust and respect. I had a lot of difficult moments, but what happened has made me stronger in the end."

Sneijder ended the 2012-13 campaign on a high as he won the Turkish Super Lig title with Galatasaray. ------------------- goal.com

FIFA boss accused of `sexism` over `good looking` comment to Oz woman candidate

Sydney: FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been accused of sexism after he called Australia`s candidate for a new woman`s place on the executive committee as `good and good looking`.

In an address to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Blatter had praised Moya Dodd, who is an AFC vice-president and one of the four women standing for the seat on the top executive committee.

However, Blatter`s praise seemed to have offended certain female sentiments, with a senior lecturer in sport management at the University of Technology, Sydney, Dr Johanna Adriaanse, saying that Blatter`s comments about Dodd were blatantly sexist and added that had Dodd been a man, Blatter would not have made the comment.

Adriaanse, who is the co-chair of the International Working Group on Women and Sport, said that Dodd is `super capable` and the ideal candidate to serve on the top executive committee with her legal background and skills, adding that she has played the game at the highest level.

Echoing Adriaanse, president of the Australian WomenSport and Recreation Association Janice Crosswhite said that Blatter`s comment was disappointing, although she added that she is not surprised at the comment with Blatter`s record in leadership regarding women in football.

According to Crosswhite, such comments are not necessary as Dodd is strong and capable of standing on her legs, adding that she has proved her leadership qualities in Australian football.

However, Dodd denied taking any offence over Blatter`s comment, saying that she was more focused on his earlier comments that she was a very good candidate.

Blatter also confirmed in the speech that he would ask for the suspension of a decision on the introduction of age and term limits for high-ranking officials until at least next year, saying that he will propose that the 209 member countries `postpone this problem`.

ANI  --------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Real Madrid offers Suarez 140,000 pound-a-week deal

London: Liverpool`s striker Luis Suarez has been offered a four-year contract and 140,000 pound-a-week by Real Madrid along with incentives and bonuses for trophies won, goals scored and appearances made.

Real is prepared to offer under-2 1 forward Jose Callejon and 20 million pound cash to Liverpool.

Suarez has admitted that it `would be hard` to ignore Real, adding that `it is a good moment for a change of environment.`

Suarez`s agent, Pere Guardiola is striking personal terms with the Spanish club ahead of the probable 25 million pound transfer.

The Suarez camp insisted that Suarez only wants to move to Spain, partly out of respect for Liverpool, despite receiving offers from Manchester City.

ANI -------------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Brazil - England Preview: Three Lions eye second win on the bounce over Selecao

Goals from Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard secured a 2-1 triumph at Wembley in February, with the hosts currently floundering in their lowest-ever Fifa ranking of 19th

By Alex Young

Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BRAZIL CesarAlves, Thiago Silva, Luiz, Marcelo Ramires, Paulinho, Moura Neymar, Hulk, Damiao

ENGLAND HartJohnson, Jones, Lescott, ColeCarrick, Lampard, Milner Walcott, Rooney, Welbeck

Premier League-based trio David Luiz, Ramires and Julio Cesar are all expected to start, while Oscar will be competing against the likes of Lucas Moura and Paulinho for a spot in midfield.

New Barcelona striker Neymar could feature from the off, as youngster Bernard while be hoping to add to his one cap after his surprising call-up to the Confederations Cup squad.

For England, striker Daniel Sturridge (ankle ligament) is waiting on scan results after injuring himself during Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland. Jermain Defoe came on in place of the Liverpool man at Wembley to partner Wayne Rooney, but is struggling with an Achilles problem, while Danny Welbeck will also be hoping for some game time.

Roy Hodgson may well change his central defensive partnership as he continues to decide on his first choice pairing following the retirements of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, while the more experienced James Milner will be hoping for a start after being afforded just a short cameo against Ireland.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The last time Brazil hosted England at Maracana was in 1984, when goals from John Barnes and Mark Hateley secured a famous 2-0 win for the visitors.

• Despite being just 21 years old, Neymar is the highest-scoring member of the current Selecao squad with 20 goals.

• Brazil legend Ronaldo scored his first ever international goal against England, in a 3-1 win at Wembley in 1995.

• England won their last meeting with Brazil, in February, but that was their first triumph over Selecao since 1990.

• Wayne Rooney (pictured right) has scored seven goals in his last eight games for the Three Lions.

• The game on Sunday marks the official reopening of the Maracana before the 2014 World Cup - these two teams also met to mark the senior England side's first competitive game at the new Wembley in 2007. ---------------------------- goal.com

Brazil v England friendly confirmed after suspension fears

Brazil v England friendly confirmed after suspension fears

The recently renovated Maracana Stadium

By Jamie Dunn

May 31, 2013 7:40:00 AM

The clash at the Maracana had been thrown into doubt over a lack of required safety reports for the stadium, but the court order has since been overturned

England will play Brazil in a scheduled friendly on June 2, after a court ordered suspension over safety concerns surrounding the Maracana Stadium was overturned.

Judge Adriana Costa dos Santos had declared the game at the newly renovated stadium could not go ahead due to the lack of a number of safety reports required.

But the Rio de Janeiro state government insisted the Maracana had met all requirements and attributed the issue to a "bureaucratic misunderstanding."

And officials in Rio have since confirmed the friendly will now go ahead as originally planned on Sunday.

"The match between Brazil and England is confirmed for June 2, in accordance to all safety conditions", said the statement on Friday morning.

The England squad had already travelled to Brazil prior to the game, following the 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Wednesday. -------------------- goal.com

2013 French Open: Novak Djokovic beats Guido Pella to reach third round

Zee Media Bureau

Paris: Top seed Novak Djokovic registered a comfortable win over Guido Pella to advance to the third round of the French Open on Thursday.

Djokovic won 6-2, 6-0, 6-2 in just 1 hour, 26 minutes to set up a clash with Grigor Dimitrov.

The match was interrupted by rain but it had no effect on the Serbian who is aiming to win the only Grand Slam title that has eluded him so far.

“It`s like deja vu from two days ago, you know, coming in and out and warming up five times, but it is the way it is. I`m just glad that I finished the match today,” Djokovic was quoted as saying in media reports after the match.

Dimitrov created flutters when he beat Djokovic earlier this month in the second round of the Madrid Open. --------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Ponting dismisses Ashes recall statement

Sydney: Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has backed off from a statement that he could return to Test cricket as an emergency Ashes back-up and has ruled himself out of the upcoming back-to-back series against England.

Although Ponting had recently said in an interview that he would not say no to the Australian team management if he was needed at the last minute for the Ashes, he, however has since made clear his international career was definitely over.

Admitting that he probably did not make his stance on not returning to cricket clear in the interview, Ponting said that he is a happily retired international cricketer, adding that he is not necessary to the Ashes squad.

According to Ponting, there would be almost 17-18 players and also a few reserve batsmen on standby, ready to go if anyone in the starting XI loses a bit of form Insisting that he would not playing in the Ashes again this year.

Ponting, retired from Test cricket in December, however said that he was pleased that some people thought he was still good enough to play although he argued that it was time for the younger generation to make their mark.

Ponting, who is in England to play county cricket for Surrey, had further said in the interview that although he would not be a part of the Australian squad in the Ashes, he would keep an close eye on proceedings and would not hesitate to offer his help if he is asked for it.

Although the former captain wished to have another crack at arch-rivals England, he said that he was convinced that he was no longer reaching the required standard after a poor series at home to South Africa.

The Australian team is currently in Wales at the start of their ICC Champions Trophy campaign.

ANI  --------------------------- ZEENEWS.com