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Carrick: Sir Alex Ferguson does not encourage England players to withdraw from internationals The 31-year-old Manchester United midfielder insists that the club's manager does not put pressure on the players to rule themselves out of international matches
West Ham striker Carroll happy to remain in limbo until end of season The England international says that he has "loved every minute" on loan in east London but manager Sam Allardyce admits that a permanent deal will be hard to negotiate
Arsenal midfielder Ramsey: Pressure is on Chelsea and Tottenham now The Wales international believes that should the Gunners defeat Fulham on Saturday, they will become favourites to beat their London rivals to a Champions League spot
Mancini left unimpressed with Richards performance The right-back started for the first time in five months during Manchester City's 1-0 win over Wigan but his manager feels that the defender needs to work harder to improve
Ferguson: Carroll challenge on De Gea an obvious red card Manchester United inched closer to the Premier League title after a 2-2 draw with West Ham, but the manager was unhappy that the striker's challenge on the keeper went unpunished
Tottenham outcast Gomes yearning for PSV return Spurs' forgotten man is currently plying his trade out on loan at Hoffenheim but, with first-team opportunities lacking at White Hart Lane, he prefers a move to Netherlands
Swansea midfielder Agustien banned from driving after picking up 39 points The Dutch player's string of offences include running a red light and five cases of breaking the speed limit, as well as failing to identify the driver on four of those occasions
Vieira: Nasri still important to Manchester City despite disappointing season The club's development executive admits that the 25-year-old has had a lacklustre campaign, but says the ensuing criticism heaped upon his shoulders belies his undoubted quality
Arsenal and Everton escape punishment after half-time water bottle bust-up Arsene Wenger, who denied witnessing the fracas between Jack Wilshere and Kevin Mirallas, maintains that the controversy had no impact on his side’s half-time routine
Manchester City will be back, Barry warns title rivals Roberto Mancini's side may have feebly surrendered the Premier League trophy this term but the England international believes the experience will make them stronger
I’m lucky to be alive, admits Aston Villa captain Petrov With his leukaemia now in remission, the Bulgarian has paid tribute to the Villa faithful for their enduring support since the news of his illness became public last March
Norwich's Van Wolfswinkel deal has relegation clause - agent Regardless of the striker's right to opt out in the event of relegation, agent Louis Laros is confident the Canaries will find themselves in the top flight next season
Newcastle must prove themselves better than Sunderland next season - Pardew But before the Toon manager sets his sights on next year’s campaign, he knows his side must focus on the present as they seek to confirm their Premier League survival
Dede to snub Chelsea for Cruzeiro The defender had caught the attention of the 2012 Champions League winners, but has seemingly opted against a move to Europe
'I want to start more' - Chicharito bemoans reduced role at Manchester United The striker has started just seven Premier League games this season - much less than the 15 in his debut term and the 18 outings the following year - but he is not looking to leave
Schurrle is attracting interest - Voller The 22-year-old is thought to be close to agreeing a move to Chelsea in a €22 million move, with Kevin De Bruyne joining Leverkusen on loan as part of the deal
Hodgson: Premier League foreign imports harming England progression With top-flight clubs showing an increased tendency to shop abroad, the Three Lions boss believes the national side is being negatively affected - and will be for some time
Rio Ferdinand wary of repeat Manchester United title race collapse The centre-back believes in the squad's quality but is urging focus after losing an eight-point lead to rivals Manchester City last term
Fall guy Giroud exposes Arsenal's Van Persie-shaped hole yet again The French striker missed the Gunners' best chances in the stalemate with Everton as he continues to struggle to convince he will ever be the man to replace the Dutchman's goals
Carrick prefers to stay under Manchester United radar after Scholes comparison The midfielder has been likened to the Old Trafford legend in a new fan chant after becoming a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson's side, but would rather stay out of the spotlight
Benitez sees Chelsea legend Zola in Mata The interim manager says that the Spanish attacking midfielder reminds him of the old Stamford Bridge hero and hails him as a candidate to be crowned Player of the Year
Football Association defends 5:15pm kick-off time for FA Cup final
By Alex Ward
Apr 17, 2013 6:58:00 PM
The statement comes just days after the organisation came in for criticism from Wigan and Manchester City fans who accused them of prioritising commercial interests
The FA has defended their decision to schedule the FA Cup final at 5:15pm amid widespread castigation over the resulting transport issues facing Wigan and Manchester City supporters.
Both clubs have raised concerns that the timing of the even would hinder the travel plans for supporters making the trip from the north west, but English football's governing body insists the early-evening kick-off is not unusual for such an event.
“The FA would like to highlight that 5.15pm is a regular kick-off time in the football calendar” a statement on the FA’s official website reads.
“This time was agreed with major stakeholders and broadcasters and has been used across the game for a number of years for televised matches.
“In terms of transportation, a small percentage of Cup Final fans use the method of train travel.
“Additional coach services which National Express are running, including directly from Wembley Stadium, mean there are more options for fans returning north after the game from Wembley on Saturday 11 May.“
The statement goes on to explain that the later kick-off allows a greater number of fans to watch television coverage of the game, thus boosting the revenue potential of the event.
“The kick-off time is unchanged from last year and this allows more football fans around the country to watch The Cup Final in its entirety,” the statement continued.
“The domestic viewing figures for last year’s FA Cup Final, shown on ITV and ESPN, recorded a combined peak in-home audience of 11.7 million people in the UK.
“This was the highest peak viewing figure The FA Cup Final has achieved under the current TV deal and a higher audience than that of Bayern Munich v Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League Final.”
Earlier this week, the Wigan Supporters' Club spokesman Jason Taylor told the Guardian that the late timing of the game would leave fans of both Manchester City and Wigan unable to catch the last trains back to the north west, particularly if the result were to be decided in extra-time.
“It seems the FA are more interested in what the television companies want than the logistics of supporters getting to and from their final,” Taylor said.
“It’s not just us, it affects Manchester City as well.
“They are only 18 miles away and we will be using the same roads and, if it was possible, train lines. It was a nightmare for the semi-final.”
Robbed by Van Persie! West Ham boss Allardyce faces charge after accusing linesman over offside United goal
By NEIL ASHTON PUBLISHED: 22:55 GMT, 17 April 2013 | UPDATED: 00:50 GMT, 18 April 2013
Sam Allardyce faces an FA charge after an extraordinary attack on the match officials following West Ham’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Wednesday night.The furious West Ham manager accused referee Lee Probert and his linesmen of favouring United after Robin van Persie scored their second goal from an offside position. On a night when Manchester City closed the gap at the top to 13 points by beating Wigan 1-0, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson also claimed the game needed a ‘strong referee’ after Probert missed Andy Carroll aim a kick at Wayne Rooney and then take out United keeper David de Gea just before the break.
Fury: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce launched a stinging attack on the match officials
Ricardo Vaz Te had put West Ham in front. Antonio Valencia made it 1-1 before a Mo Diame stunner put Allardyce’s team on the brink of a dramatic win.But Van Persie pounced to equalise and angry Allardyce said: ‘Can I get my anger out of the way first? We played United and it was (almost) a famous victory for us. When we play like that and score the best goal of the season, the job of the assistant referee is to give it. That is their job. Their job is to give the offside decisions when they appear in front of them. ‘This was a blatant one. There is no excuse. It is not a positioning issue.’Assistant referee Harry Lennard kept his flag down after Van Persie reacted quickest when a Shinji Kagawa shot bounced out off both posts.
Contentious: Robin van Persie scored Manchester United's equaliser despite a dubious offside call
Allardyce added: ‘He is straight across the line on the last defender and can see Van Persie is two yards offside. When it hits the post and comes to him, he should put his flag up but doesn’t. Two minutes into the second half we have a shot and the assistant referee puts his flag up, what’s going on there?‘He has taken a famous victory from us. To draw this game by default is a bitter pill to swallow.‘His bosses have to look at it, he needs better coaching. I just tell them to have a look at the decision and then accept they have made a mistake. If he had better coaching he could make a better call. Some of our players get rubbished for the type of football they play because of me, but I do think that is a disgrace as well. ‘If my players make those mistakes they get dropped. If you don’t get them right you’re out of the team.'
Collision course: Andy Carroll and David de Gea came together from a corner in the first half
He added: ‘So should they (the officials) be. Our fans would have gone home with 41 points knowing we are safe — there is £60m, £70m or £80m riding on it.’Carroll could have been sent off after kicking out at Rooney and clattering United keeper De Gea from a corner on the stroke of half-time. But the Hammers striker said: ‘It was just a bit of banter between me and Wayne, nothing more than that.’ On the collision with De Gea, the West Ham striker added: ‘It was momentum, I couldn’t stop myself.’ Carroll was booked, but Allardyce insisted: ‘Andy was trying to get the ball. It’s a foul. He was committed and he couldn’t stop. It’s like the Highway Code — if you are travelling at 60mph it takes 300 yards to stop. Carroll was probably travelling at 15mph and couldn’t stop.’
Angry: Sir Alex Ferguson believes West Ham forward Carroll should have been shown a red card
Ferguson was clearly angry. The United manager said: ‘It’s obvious and we don’t need to dwell on it, it’s an obvious red card.‘The ball is in the air and we have to defend those things, they are very aggressive and we hope there is a strong referee. I’m not sure there was.’ Asked if he thought Van Persie was offside when he scored, Ferguson replied: ‘Was he? No.’
My dad told me he'll die happy: Cardiff fan Bellamy's delight at helping club to top flight
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI PUBLISHED: 21:52 GMT, 17 April 2013 | UPDATED: 00:52 GMT, 18 April 2013
It took a hug from his father and a flashback for Craig Bellamy to realise the full scale of what he and his Cardiff City team-mates had achieved on Tuesday night. He doesn't have the psychological scars of some in that dressing room - people like Peter Whittingham and Kevin McNaughton who played for Cardiff in finals of the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Championship play-offs and lost each of them. Neither was he involved in last season's play-off semi-final disappointment.
Glory: Craig Bellamy has been a Cardiff fan since he was a young boy
Deserved: Bellamy indulges himself with some champagne after Cardiff secured promotion
Nervy: Cardiff drew against Charlton, but it was enough to see them in the top flight
But he was there at Ninian Park and countless other grounds as a young City fan with his dad, Doug, trying to figure out how it could get any worse for a team flapping around in the bottom two divisions.Those conversations came into his mind when his father appeared with his arms outstretched at the end of the 0-0 draw with Charlton that made promotion to the Premier League a certainty. It was a result and outcome that left Bellamy on his knees in tears and his employer, Vincent Tan, making promises of a £25million transfer budget ahead of Cardiff 's first top-flight campaign for 51 years.
Mentor: Bellamy also praised Cardiff manager Malky Mackay for his contribution this season
MEANWHILE...
Five years ago Cardiff were beaten 1-0 by Portsmouth in the FA Cup final.
That win gave the south coast club a place in the UEFA Cup where they faced European giants such as AC Milan.
But last night, as the Welsh club celebrated their promotion to the Barclays Premier League, their conquerors in the 2008 final were relegated to League Two.
Oldham's 1-0 win over Yeovil on Tuesday night sealed Portsmouth's fate, sending them down to the Football League's lowest division.
'To have people I truly love around me to share this with - it was emotional,' said Bellamy. 'To see my dad afterwards, after all the heartache he has been through over the years. I have lost count of how many games I used to go to with him on a Tuesday night against some team.'He'd pull me to the side and we'd leave 10 minutes before the end, saying we would never go back. Then on the Saturday we would be there again.'For him to see us go to the Premier League and for his son to play a part in that makes it even more special. It hit home to me a little bit. He said he will die a happy man.'Bellamy added: 'I am grateful to have played a small part in this club's future and past.'Yet there has been nothing small about the part Bellamy has played in this remarkable campaign in which promotion has been secured with three games remaining. He has not stood out from the rest, in words or deeds, quite as much as when he arrived for a season on loan from Manchester City in 2010. But his impact on the group in his second coming has been profound. 'Everyone looks up to him,' Whittingham told Sportsmail recently.
Job done: Rudy Gestede and Craig Noone celebrate Cardiff's promotion to the Premier League
'He is always trying to help, talking to the younger lads to help them get the best out of themselves. He hasn't been as loud as we were expecting, but he has just spread this attitude of determination. He has brought so, so much, as a player and a person.'Everyone in this squad has been on a bit of a mission to get promoted this season.'Much of that drive has come from Malky Mackay, a manager of great intensity who has become a kindred spirit of sorts for Bellamy.
Some people are on the pitch: Cardiff fans celebrate on the pitch saying goodbye to the Football League Show and welcoming being on Match of the Day
'He has been immense,' said Bellamy. 'His professionalism, his expectations of us as a group, the way he has grasped the city. We are a different breed down here. This is where I am from. We are intense, wear our heart on our sleeve and he has taken that on board.'We have taken to him and the club have taken to him. He has really pushed us forward.'Bellamy added: 'It has been so many years since this club was in the top flight. Everyone has been so desperate for it. We understood that as players. We have a hardworking group of boys who will do anything for each other. They will do anything to get a result.'It makes it so special to be with this group of players to achieve that. I didn't really feel for one minute that we wouldn't. Even after a setback Monday at training was the same - an honest group who were positive and wanted to work hard for one another.'The manager has instilled that in the players he has brought in. It has been a joy to be around and to be involved and achieve that goal of promotion is great for them as well. It's exciting to see what comes next.'
Riding a wave: Leon Barnett is carried by fans after winning promotion
To that end, the eccentric owner, Tan, has already stated his intentions. It will come as a relief to some that he has abandoned his plans to change the club's name to something with a dragon theme and has since suggested Mackay will have money to spend in the summer.' We need to strategise well and we'd like to spend some money - maybe £20m to £25m,' said Tan. 'Others have spent a big amount of money and not done well, so we will try to spend smartly.'Early indications suggest a striker is on the cards - none of the squad have reached double digits for goals this season - and defensive cover is also needed. Bellamy, 33, expressed a tongue-in-cheek hope that Cardiff don't look too closely at alternative left wingers. His place, in the team and the club's history, should be fairly secure.
Eccentric: Vincent Tan celebrated on the pitch with the players after the Charlton match
Laudrup excited by Cardiff derby next season The 48-year-old believes Malky Mackay's side's promotion to the top flight will serve as a boost to the entire country, confessing he is excited by the local rivalry
No agreement with Liverpool for Eriksen, say Ajax The club's press manager was adamant the two teams are yet to reach a deal for the playmaker, but technical director Marc Overmars again indicated the player's intention to leave
Terry: Chelsea players must keep focus despite squad rotation The 32-year-old acknowledged that everyone at the club - including himself - wants to play at every opportunity, but highlighted the importance of staying prepared when left out
Fulham boss Jol: Scoreline in Chelsea defeat harsh The 57-year-old believes conceding three goals was an unfair reflection of his side's display, before admitting his anger at Mike Dean's decision to book Bryan Ruiz for diving
'I'm only focused on Atletico Madrid' - Falcao plays down Manchester United links The in-demand forward insisted he does not know where speculation regarding a move to Old Trafford has emerged from, while revealing he dreams of being a "star" at World Cup 2014
Manchester City sweat on Aguero hamstring strain The 24-year-old was withdrawn at half-time after feeling tightness in his leg, but David Platt insists the change was precautionary and the striker suffered just a "slight problem"
Richards: Lack of fitness showed in Manchester City comeback The defender made his first appearance after a long spell out and felt his tiredness was evident, while ex-team-mate Nigel de Jong said Mario Balotelli is "doing well" at AC Milan
Liverpool owner Henry asked Manchester United for advice, reveals Ayre The Merseyside chief believes the club's hierarchy have proved their dedication by scouring opinion from rival sides on how best to run the operation at Anfield
Box office Luiz celebrates Chelsea century in style The Brazilian defender marked his 100th appearance for the west London club with a goal on the ground where he made his debut and had given away a sloppy penalty
Premier League move would interest Manchester City target Hernanes - agent The Brazilian has impressed for Lazio this season, aiding their cause with nine league goals, and reports suggest that John Guidetti could be involved should any deal be struck
Johnson hails partnership with Downing on Liverpool's right flank The right-back believes that the understanding he shares with his team-mate on the wing can cause problems for opponents, and praised the way he has won his place back in the team
Redknapp: QPR can still avoid the drop The west London club are 10 points from safety with five Premier League games remaining but the 66-year-old insists his side still have a chance of survival
I will not rush my Manchester City comeback, says Richards The defender admits the form of Pablo Zabaleta will make it difficult to secure regular playing time before the end of the season
Jol backs Arsenal to bag Champions League spot The 57-year-old has hailed the form of Arsene Wenger's side but has urged his own side to get back on track after Wednesday's defeat to Chelsea
Benitez only focused on Chelsea ahead of Liverpool return The 53-year-old spent six years at the Anfield outfit, winning the Champions League, but insists he will put former allegiances aside when the two teams meet on Sunday
We have made progress under Rodgers, says Jose Enrique The Anfield outfit failed to win any silverware this year but the left-back believes the side have improved, while also indicating his happiness with the current brand of football
'I am very happy at Swansea' - Vorm denies exit rumours The Dutch goalkeeper insists he is happy to remain at the Liberty Stadium amid speculation he could move to Liverpool, and is looking forward to competing in the Europa League
Yaya Toure: I've never considered joining Real Madrid because of Barcelona ties The Cote d'Ivoire midfielder says his former club are "the best team in the world", and says that he would not think of leaving Manchester City to join los Blancos
'It's possible we can win the league' - Manchester City coach Brian Kidd has not given up on retaining title The former United and City forward, now Roberto Mancini's lieutenant, has urged the club not to give up on the league and to capitalise on any 'jitters' the Red Devils may suffer
Tottenham boss Villas-Boas 'confident' Bale will play against Manchester City The winger returned to training this week and will be available for selection over the weekend, while Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon are also hoping to be fit in time for Sunday
Gordon Taylor defends Suarez nomination for PFA Player of the Year award The chief executive of the organisation believes the Liverpool striker's inclusion is justified despite his controversy and lauded him as "one of the finest players in the world"
Hodgson scared to pick Carroll, says West Ham boss Allardyce The Hammers manager insists the on-loan forward deserves a place in the national team, and believes he would form a formidable strike partnership alongside Wayne Rooney
Yaya Toure: Abidal is a fantastic person The Manchester City star spoke of his respect for the Frenchman as well as giving his opinion on Barcelona's upcoming Champions League semi-final clash with Bayern Munich
Hazard, Lukaku, Welbeck & Wilshere among nominees for PFA Young Player of the Year award Christian Benteke and 2011 Player of the Year winner Gareth Bale - who is also on the shortlist this term - make up the rest of the names up for end-of-season award
Bale, Carrick, Suarez & Van Persie all nominated for PFA Player of the Year award Chelsea duo Juan Mata and Eden Hazard make up the shortlist as the nominations for the annual award are announced, with the winner to be revealed on Sunday April 28
Ashley Young ruled out for the season The winger damaged his ankle in the 2-1 home defeat to rivals City, and Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the 27-year-old will play no further part in their title pursuit
Ferguson dismisses Rooney to PSG reports Rumours had suggested the striker could be on his way out of Old Trafford after dropping down the pecking order, but his manager has moved to quash such speculation
Swansea keeper Vorm denies Barcelona deal The Netherlands international insists he was only visiting the city on a family holiday, but hinted at potential interest in reuniting with Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool
Szczesny back as Arsenal No.1 after Fabianski suffers cracked rib An injury to the deputy goalkeeper has seen the 23-year-old fellow Pole regain his place in the first team after a run of poor form had initially seen him dropped
Fulham open talks with Roma over €6m Stekelenburg swoop The Londoners have made another move for the Dutch goalkeeper after failing in a bid to land him on loan from the Giallorossi in January, with Mark Schwarzer set to turn No.2
'I was 100 per cent sure he would make it' - Terry pays tribute to Liverpool boss Rodgers The Chelsea skipper praises the Reds manager, who previously managed the Blues' reserves and academy, for his help while working under former coach Jose Mourinho
Rapid rise a shock for Liverpool starlet Sterling Injury has slowed the extraordinary 18-year-old's meteoric rise for club and country this season, but the future remains bright for one of England's most exciting talents
No problem with Andy Carroll challenge, says Wenger The Arsenal manager comes out to defend the physical nature of the English game after the West Ham striker's collision with David de Gea on Wednesday drew criticism
Adebayor: Tottenham can capitalise on Manchester City indiscipline The Togolese striker claims that his former side lack self-control under pressure and that his Spurs outfit can take advantage of that mental fragility to win on Sunday
Moyes has earned the right to decide future in his own time, says Everton full-back Coleman The 24-year-old believes the manager is correct to delay the decision on his career until the end of the season, but admits he is eager to see the Scot stay at Goodison Park
Evra: Manchester United have more character than anyone else Sir Alex Ferguson's men came from behind once again to secure a point against West Ham, but their French left-back feels that such performances are taken for granted
Arsenal manager Wenger: Giroud is desperate to do well The Gunners boss has defended the under-fire striker, saying that the Frenchman has adapted physically to the Premier League and that there is more to come from him next season
Pardew wary of burning out Newcastle's 'best player' Cabaye The French midfielder has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Magpies, and his manager is worried that a long season is taking its toll on the 27-year-old
Manchester City must overcome mental fatigue, says David Platt Roberto Mancini's assistant admits that recent battles against Manchester United and Chelsea have taken their toll on the champions, who face Tottenham on Sunday
Chelsea captain Terry accepts Benitez's rotation policy The defender insists he has no problem with the interim manager's selection policy, and is adamant he will be 'the biggest supporter in the dressing room' when not picked
Sigurdsson backing Tottenham to bounce back from Europa League disappointment against Manchester City Spurs have not played since crashing out of the Europa League on penalties in Basel, and the midfielder is expecting a positive reaction
Dawson: Tottenham must be 'positive' in race for Premier League top four The centre-back hopes Spurs can beat Manchester City on Sunday to set up a strong finish to the season, calling on the White Hart Lane crowd to generate a "rocking" atmosphere
Benitez: My aim is to beat Liverpool on Anfield return Even though the 53-year-old Chelsea boss still retains close ties with the Merseyside outfit, that won't stop him from trying to beat the Reds
Ramsey delighted with recent Arsenal form The 22-year-old has come in for criticism from the club's fans at times this season, but believes a settled role in the team has aided his progress
Barton targets Marseille stay: I don’t want to play for any other football club The 30-year-old has spent the year out on loan at Élie Baup's side in Ligue 1 and remains adamant that he will not return to parent club QPR
Carrick shortlisted for PFA Award along with Bale, Van Persie, Suarez, Mata and Hazard
By SIMON STONE, PRESS ASSOCIATION PUBLISHED: 11:14 GMT, 19 April 2013 | UPDATED: 16:56 GMT, 19 April 2013 Michael Carrick is one of the six stars on the shortlist for the prestigious Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award. The Manchester United midfielder has been included along with team-mate Robin van Persie, Liverpool's Luis Suarez, Spurs forward Gareth Bale and Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and Juan Mata. The shortlist includes no defenders or goalkeepers, and no representation from champions Manchester City. The biggest surprise is the absence of Swansea forward Michu, who many believe to be the signing of the season.
Double nomination: Tottenham's Gareth Bale is nominated for PFA and Young player of the year awards
PFA chairman chief executive Gordon Taylor has defended the presence of Suarez on the list.There is no doubt Suarez has been one of the stand-out players in the Barclays Premier League this campaign. However, his reputation has been damaged by the eight-match ban he received for racially abusing Patrice Evra at Anfield last season. Given his blatant handball also denied Ghana an appearance in the 2010 World Cup semi-finals and the periodic allegations of diving, some would argue he hardly deserves to be acknowledged by his peers.
Up for the award: Robin van Persie and Luis Suarez are both contenders for the award
But Taylor, whilst accepting Suarez will always be a controversial figure, feels the Uruguay star's on-pitch performances, including 29 goals, for Liverpool this term, make him worthy of inclusion.
'Sometimes controversy travels with players,' said Taylor.
'Sometimes it is in their very nature. Sometimes it is that very intensity that causes a problem also makes sure they win.'Luis Suarez is helping to restore Liverpool. It is a credit to them that he seems comfortable there and no one could deny he is one of the finest players in the world.'Yet no one could deny either that if Suarez wins the award when it is announced on April 28, it will put the PFA in an uncomfortable position given his background.'It is very difficult at times,' admitted Taylor.
Pass master: Michael Carrick is included on the shortlist
'Players are expected to be top role models and set the finest example. That goes with the trade these days.'I don't underestimate the need for them to do all they can to be seen as a good example. But they are also human beings. It is not always possible to put old heads on relatively young shoulders.'This is a footballing award and Suarez's footballing ability shines through.
'It would be naive to think controversy won't continue to travel with him. But I think his football has maintained his place.'Like Bale, Hazard has also been listed for the Young Player prize, where he faces competition from Christian Benteke, Romelu Lukaku, Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere. Welbeck, Wilshere and Carrick are the only English players out of the 12 men nominated.For the first time, there will be a Women's Player of the Year prize too, with Scotland's Kim Little amongst those nominated in addition to 20-year-old Arsenal team-mate Jordan Nobbs, who scored a stunning debut goal against Italy in England's triumphant Cyprus Cup campaign in March.
Blues brothers: Chelsea pair Eden Hazard and Juan Mata have both been nominated for the main award
Fresh from his warrior performance against Vidic, here's model professional Andy Carroll as you've never seen him before... looking like a nice boy from next door
By MATT LAWLESS PUBLISHED: 13:04 GMT, 19 April 2013 | UPDATED: 13:04 GMT, 19 April 2013
On the pitch, he is West Ham's warrior who left Sir Alex Ferguson complaining that Manchester United were relieved to escape the Upton Park 'war zone' on Wednesday night. But off it, Andy Carroll is the mild-mannered boy-next-door, complete with his clean shaven looks and smart slicked-back hair. The Newcastle-native is pictured here from a recent photoshoot with Umbro.
Angel of the North: His hair slicked-back and clean shaven, Andy Carroll shows off his charming side in a photoshoot with Umbro
Showing his gentile side in this stunning set of portraits, Carroll looks far from the uncompromising forward that he is perhaps unfairly depicted at times. Carroll has flourished during his loan spell in the East End with a succession of impressive performances of late that have deservedly catapulted him back into the England reckoning. Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson was in the stands to see him excel against arguably the best central-defensive pairing in the country in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Net buster: England international Carroll has scored five goals in his last eight games for the Hammers
Although the 24-year-old failed to score, he twice came close and executed a brilliant headed assist for Ricardo Vaz Te's opening goal. Carroll was very-much a frustrated figure on the sidelines for most of the first-half of the season, nursing a knee injury. But since his return to action at the end of January, he has been a permanent fixture in Sam Allardyce's starting XI. In his last eight appearances he has scored five goals and played a huge part in safeguarding the Hammers' Premier League status.
Head boy: Carroll enjoyed a tough battle with Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic on Wednesday
Hammer time: West Ham want popular Carroll to stay at the club after his loan deal from Liverpool ends next month
His final destination this summer is far from certain yet but West Ham fans are keen for the £35million Liverpool striker to stay. And who could blame them? He looks the every-inch the part off-the-pitch here, just as he does on it...
Looking the part: Carroll's recent performances have put him in contention for a return to the England squad
Andy Carroll wears the Umbro Speciali 4 Pro. Built for ultimate comfort and fit, the Speciali is Umbro’s most iconic boot. www.umbro.com
Chelsea captain Terry denies rift with Benitez The centre-back insists he will continue to back his team-mates and the Spaniard, regardless of whether he secures a place in the starting line-up every week or not
Mertesacker not easy on the eye but he's efficient, says Wenger The Arsenal boss admits the German is less elegant than other centre-backs in the Premier League but insists the 28-year-old shines in other areas
Fergie warning to misfiring Rooney: You must fight for your place at Man United
By CHRIS WHEELER PUBLISHED: 22:01 GMT, 19 April 2013 | UPDATED: 01:49 GMT, 20 April 2013
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Wayne Rooney that he is no longer guaranteed a place in the starting line-up at Manchester United. After playing the England striker in central midfield for the second game in a row at West Ham on Wednesday night and substituting him in the second half, Ferguson insisted he would do the same again.
No go: Wayne Rooney will not join PSG in the summer, according to Sir Alex Ferguson
Off you go: Rooney rubs his face as he walks off the pitch to be substituted against West Ham
Rooney is bound to have concerns about being played out of position and his future role at Old Trafford if he signs a new deal this summer. Negotiations are due to begin at the end of the season when the player will have the opportunity to air his grievances. Rooney has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain but Ferguson played down the speculation yesterday, saying: ‘I don’t think there is anything in that at all.’
However, the United manager stopped well short of assuring the 27-year-old that he will play in the more familiar forward role he has become accustomed to in his nine years at United. Asked if he sees Rooney’s long-term future in midfield, Ferguson replied: ‘It’s difficult to say. We’re picking teams to win and we did that at Stoke. I’ll be doing the same (against Aston Villa) on Monday.’Ferguson confirmed that he substituted Rooney for the second time in three games at West Ham because he wasn’t playing well enough.
Uncertain future: Rooney has indicated he wants to stay at Old Trafford
Overlap: As his touch map shows, Wayne Rooney (left) was continually tracking back into his own half to try and claim possession, limiting his attacking influence to the effect that he had just one touch in the West Ham penalty box. He seemed to be interfering with the duties of Michael Carrick (right), employed as an anchoring midfielder. Source: Opta
Cold shoulder: Rooney walks off the pitch past manager Alex Ferguson after being substituted against West Ham
He added: ‘As far as taking him off on Wednesday it was simple, he wasn’t playing as well as Shinji Kagawa and we had to get that goal that mattered. There are so many games where Wayne Rooney has been better than most players, but on the night Shinji was playing so well.’That assessment will undoubtedly concern Rooney, who has scored 197 goals for United but touched the ball just once in West Ham’s penalty box. He has been forced to play in a number of different positions since losing his place up front.
Rooney’s former United and England strike partner Michael Owen admitted that he would be ‘feeling ousted out of his favourite position’, while Alan Shearer urged him to leave Old Trafford if he is unhappy.The warning signs were there before Rooney was dropped to the bench for the Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid last month.There have been concerns at the club for some time over his fitness and conditioning, with Ferguson demanding more from the player in training.
The situation is in stark contrast to Rooney’s contract dispute two and a half years ago when he questioned whether the club could match his ambitions. But now the boot is on the other foot with United able to question how he figures in their plans.Meanwhile, Ferguson yesterday confirmed England winger Ashley Young will miss the remaining five games of the season with the ankle injury he picked up in the Manchester derby last week. City defender Pablo Zabaleta was booked for the challenge, and Ferguson said: ‘We took Ashley down to a specialist in London and the prognosis was not very good at all. It’s unfortunate and it’s a bad blow.’
However, the United boss was more concerned with the treatment meted out to his players at Upton Park in midweek when David De Gea and Nemanja Vidic were hurt in collisions with Andy Carroll. Ferguson believes that Sam Allardyce’s complaints over Robin Van Persie’s disputed equaliser disguised the fact that Carroll should have been sent off. He added: ‘Vida has got a beautiful bruise on his cheekbone and we’re coming out of that war zone happy to see no-one seriously injured.‘It was a red card for Carroll, there’s no disputing that. Sam talking of being robbed has masked the fact they should have been down to 10 men.’
The Sweeper: Champions League qualification key to Arsenal's Jovetic swoop
Apr 20, 2013 8:18:00 AM
The Montenegro international is keen on moving to Arsene Wenger's side but one of his main objectives is to play in Europe's elite competition next term
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE KEY TO ARSENAL'S JOVETIC MOVE
Arsenal have made Stevan Jovetic one of their principal targets as they formalise their summer recruitment plans.
But The Sweeper understands that the Gunners' hopes of landing the Fiorentina striker are dependent on them securing a top-four Premier League finish.
Early talks with Jovetic's camp have revealed that the Montenegro international is keen on moving to Arsenal but one of his prime concerns is to play in next season's Champions League.
The Gunners are not hopeful of signing the forward without the carrot of Europe's biggest stage, something that Manchester City, another of the clubs pursuing the player, will almost certainly be able to offer.
The FA Cup finalists negotiated first option on Jovetic when they bought his former team-mate Matija Nastasic on deadline day last August for €14 million.
But the Montenegrin is likely to be a fall-back option only if City fail to secure the signing of one of their A-list striker targets, headed by Napoli's Edinson Cavani.
City pursued Jovetic as part of a double swoop last summer but Fiorentina held on to the 23-year-old fans’ favourite amid fears of a huge backlash from supporters if they sold him.
It is understood that Jovetic agreed to remain in Florence for another season on the proviso that he can leave in the forthcoming summer.
- Wayne Veysey
OSMAN STARTS COACHING BADGES
Everton midfielder Leon Osman is taking his coaching badges.
The 31-year-old now has one eye on the future, having been at Goodison Park since his teens.
Osman is determined to play on for a few more years yet, but has ambitions to join the club's backroom staff one day.
- Paul Clennam
MANCHESTER UNITED TITLE CHASERS GET BUTTERFLIES
Don't dare suggest it to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, but the title butterflies are now kicking in around his players.
The inside of United's Carrington training complex has been overrun by Red Admiral butterflies.
Staff have been forced to dive for cover as the insects swoop around the corridors.
United coach Brian McClair told the latest issue of Inside United magazine: "One of our more intelligent colleagues thought it would be a good idea to liberate one of our pets by putting it out of the window.
"He was puzzled as to why it plummeted straight to the ground in the Arctic wind!"
- Paul Clennam
BUILDERS UNHAPPY WITH MANCHESTER CITY-BRANDED VESTS
Rival football-supporting builders working on Manchester City's new £150 million training campus are up in arms after being forced to wear sky blue high-vis vests with 'Man City team member' written on the back.
Scores of workmen have already complained and tried to get out of wearing the official attire but have been told they will be off the site if they do not get their kit on.
City are building a state-of-the-art academy on a run-down 80-acre site next to the Etihad Stadium - set to be the biggest in the world - which will open next year.
It will include nature running trails, 16 pitches, a 7,000 seater youth team stadium, a college and will create hundreds of new jobs in the deprived area of east Manchester.
Walcott: I've stayed at Arsenal because we can win silverware The England international has revealed he extended his contract at the north London club as he wants to help them end their trophy drought, and repay the faith he was shown
Any club in England would want Suarez, says Rodgers The Liverpool boss has played up the talent of the striker, who has been nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award, by insisting he would star for any team in England
Fulham boss Jol denies Wenger feud claims The Dutch coach has dismissed suggestions of a rift with the Arsenal boss following heated exchanged between the two in his Tottenham days
Manchester United's PFA nominations delight Ferguson The Red Devils' boss has expressed his excitement that Michael Carrick, Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie are on the shortlist for the players' Player of the Year awards
Lescott warns Man City: I must play The England international has admitted that he could be forced to move clubs if he is not assured of first-team football ahead of the summer 2014 tournament in Brazil
Brian Kidd lashes out at Adebayor's 'pressure' claim The Manchester City assistant has hit back at the club's former striker, stating that the Tottenham player has not been at the club for the past two seasons to see the change
Mourinho would bring success to Chelsea, says Lampard The midfielder believes the Real Madrid boss is one of the "legends of the Champions League" and admits Stamford Bridge is in need of managerial consistency
Swansea agree deal for Betis midfielder Jose Canas The 25-year-old, who was close to joining Michael Laudrup's side in January, will sign a long-term contract and join the club at the start of the summer transfer window
'Kagawa was playing better' - Ferguson explains Rooney substitution The Manchester United manager admits that it was an easy decision to take off the Englishman against West Ham, as his performance was weaker than the Japan international's
Chelsea target Schurrle will only be sold if it suits Bayer Leverkusen, says Voller The sporting director has again spoken out regarding the youngster's reported future move to Stamford Bridge, warning the Blues that any deal must satisfy the Bundesliga outfit
Sir Alex Ferguson looking to beat Chelsea's record Premier League points haul The Red Devils manager is eyeing up five straight wins in order to finish the season with a record-breaking 96 points, beating the Jose Mourinho's Blues 95-point total set in 2005
Arsenal defender Koscielny hails Mertesacker partnership With the Germany centre-back keeping club captain Thomas Vermaelen out of the side, the 27-year-old lauds the pair's growing understanding after their second clean sheet in a row
Top four represents 'psychological hurdle' for Tottenham - ex-Arsenal striker Alan Smith The former forward feels Spurs are doubting about their ability to finish above their rivals as the race heats while, before underlining Jack Wilshere's importance to the Gunners
Sir Alex Ferguson wants Rio Ferdinand to stay at Manchester United The Old Trafford boss is hoping that the veteran defender will begin negotiations over a new contract shortly, with his current deal due to expire in the summer
Arsenal will 'respect' Van Persie in Manchester United clash, insists Wenger The former Gunners striker will make his first return to the Emirates Stadium since leaving for Old Trafford in the summer and could run a gauntlet of abuse from the home fans
Arsenal still managing Wilshere ankle pain - Wenger The Gunners boss has opted to give the England midfielder less game time in order to aid his full recovery from the injury which necessitated his being dropped to the bench
Excessive added time cost Chelsea victory at Liverpool, fumes Benitez Luis Suarez headed in a 97th-minute equaliser at Anfield after Eden Hazard's penalty looked to be the winner and the former Reds manager was shocked at the amount of injury time
'World-class trouble' will see Suarez miss out on Player of the Year - Lawrenson The former Liverpool defender expects the controversial striker to face serious disciplinary action by the FA for biting Branislav Ivanovic in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea
Suarez offers Ivanovic apology for 'inexcusable behaviour' The Liverpool forward was spotted by TV cameras appearing to bite the Chelsea defender and the club have moved swiftly to condemn their star's actions as "unacceptable"
Ivanovic not happy at all after Suarez bite, says Cech The Chelsea goalkeeper notes his team-mate's reaction to seemingly being bitten on the arm by the Liverpool forward, who later went on to net an injury-time equaliser
Rodgers: Liverpool will review Suarez bite The Reds boss refuses to comment on the incident but reveals that the club will be investigating the clash between the Uruguay international and Branislav Ivanovic
Suarez adds twist to season finale as three-way Champions League chase reaches fever pitch Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are locked in an increasingly fascinating tussle for a top-four finish even though the Reds forward likely to take the immediate headlines
Suarez in the 'last-chance saloon' at Liverpool after Ivanovic incident, claims Souness The former Reds player and manager was embarrassed after the Uruguayan appeared to bite the Chelsea defender before bagging the equaliser in the 2-2 draw on Sunday
Mancini bullish in face of title surrender The Italian manager did congratulate Sir Alex Ferguson's men on their impending triumph, but refused to admit his side are inferior to the Old Trafford outfit
Tottenham 'character' will help in Champions League push, says Bale The 23-year-old indicated the confidence gained from the impressive turnaround against Manchester City will boost their cause, while Jermain Defoe was delighted with his goal
Manchester United one win away from Premier League title Sir Alex Ferguson's side can wrap up their 20th league crown against Paul Lambert's struggling Aston Villa following Tottenham's dramatic victory at home to Manchester City
Suarez plays down Liverpool exit talk The Uruguayan striker has been linked with several of Europe's biggest clubs following a prolific campaign, but insists he believes his immediate future lies at Anfield
Sigurdsson: 'Fantastic' Bale has got used to the hype around him The 23-year-old has been impressed with the Welshman's ability to perform consistently, while he has also expressed sympathy for Scott Sinclair's current plight at Manchester City
I will never say anything bad about Liverpool - Torres Chelsea's Spanish striker returns to Anfield on Sunday hoping to boost the Blues' quest for a top-four finish, but acknowledges a debt of gratitude to the Reds he left behind
I have improved Torres for Chelsea, insists Benitez The striker has failed to recapture the form which made him one of the most feared strikers in the world at Liverpool since his £50 million move, but has 20 goals this season
Liverpool don't have the money to make huge improvements – Rodgers The Northern Irishman is confident the Reds will progress again next season but not enough to swiftly bridge the gap between themselves and the Premier League's top four
Lampard & Gerrard: England's golden midfielders near the end of an era Similarities of position, playing style, career paths and achievements made comparison inevitable between two great midfielders destined to be rivals as well as team-mates
Barry hopes to renew Manchester City contract in the summer The midfielder has not yet given up on his England career and would like to stay at the Etihad Stadium to improve his performances with a view to impressing Roy Hodgson
Avoiding relegation 'almost impossible' for QPR, concedes Redknapp The Rs boss admits that his fight to keep the club in the top flight is nearly lost and warns that bouncing straight back from the Championship may not be straightforward either
Liverpool star Suarez is favourite for Player of the Year, argues Barnes The Anfield legend feels the Reds forward has made the biggest on-pitch impact, insisting the award does not have to reward "the most morally perfect person"
Wenger: No complaints over Giroud red card The Gunners boss was relieved to see his side take all three points at Craven Cottage, but knows that he must find a solution up front in light of his French forward's suspension
Ferguson still fuming over Carroll 'assault' on De Gea The Manchester United boss remains enraged by the West Ham striker's challenge on his goalkeeper during Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Upton Park, but praised the bravery of the Spaniard
Ba feeling no pressure at Chelsea The Senegalese striker says he is not fazed by high expectations at Stamford Bridge and believes that stints at West Ham United and Newcastle United have aided his progression
Arsenal co-owner Usmanov named Britain's richest man
By George Ankers
Apr 20, 2013 8:40:00 PM
The Russian businessman, who has a near-30 per cent stake in the Gunners, advances ahead of QPR investor Lakshmi Mittal and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to top the list
Arsenal co-owner Alisher Usmanov has been named as the wealthiest man in Britain by The Sunday Times's annual Rich List.
The Russian business magnate, who owns nearly 30 per cent of the north London club, replaces QPR stakeholder Lakshmi Mittal at the top of the list, now in its 25th year.
Usmanov has had a stake in the Gunners since 2007 and has repeatedly criticised the team’s ambition, particularly under majority shareholder Stan Kroenke.
His total wealth is measured at €15.5 billion, with his business interests ranging from iron ore to internet and mobile phone companies.
Mittal, who was part of the group who took control of QPR in 2007, dropped down to fourth after eight consecutive years at the top of the rankings, though is still worth €11.7bn.
One place behind him is Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, whose personal riches are listed as a total of €10.9bn.
Manchester City slap €17.5m price tag on wantaway Richards
Apr 21, 2013 12:40:00 AM
The 24-year-old is considering his options ahead of the summer transfer window and the Etihad Stadium outfit are willing to listen to offers for the out-of-favour defender
By Paul Clennam
Manchester City will demand at least €17.5 million from clubs hoping to sign Micah Richards this summer, Goal.com understands.
The 24-year-old has indicated to City officials that he may look elsewhere at the end of the season, with Pablo Zabaleta's form and a succession of injuries having hampered his progress under Roberto Mancini.
The City boss would be open to allowing Richards a move away this summer after failing to receive an offer for him in January, despite interest from AC Milan, and would look to accrue between €17.5m and €23m for his services.
Richards made his first appearance for the Premier League champions since October, having recovered from knee surgery, on Wednesday against Wigan but Mancini was critical of the defender's performance, which lasted 83 minutes.
"I think that he needs to work a lot," the Italian asserted. "I didn't like it [the performance]. I am happy because he comes back to play but I thought that he was in better form."
Richards's long-term absence has seen Zabaleta shine at right back for the champions this season and the England international knows that he may have to move in order to secure consistent first-team opportunities.
Speaking following his return against Roberto Martinez's side, Richards voiced his frustration over being out of first-team contention for so long.
"Five-and-a-half, six months - it is quite frustrating to be out so long," he admitted. "When I came back I was playing really well.
"Now Zaba has been class this season. It is going to be hard to get back in but you know what football is like, one minute you are in and the next you are out. When I am in I am going to have to take my chance."
Arsenal and Liverpool are reported to be monitoring Richards's progress ahead of the summer transfer window but City would rather sell to a non-Premier League club.
Football hits a new low as Liverpool star bites opponent: £120,000-a-week player sinks teeth into Chelsea defender's arm
Luis Suarez bit Branislav Ivanovic in 2-2 draw with Chelsea yesterday
Suarez then scored dramatic late equaliser as Liverpool snatched draw
Striker was branded a 'cannibal' in Holland for biting a player while at Ajax
Liverpool MD: 'behaviour not befitting of player wearing a Liverpool shirt'
Former Liverpool boss Graeme Souness called latest incident 'embarrassing'
Later Suarez is 'sad' and apologised on Twitter for 'inexcusable behaviour'
He got eight-match ban for racist abuse against other player last season
By BEN SPENCER, MARK DUELL, JOHN DRAYTON and MARTIN ROBINSON PUBLISHED: 18:57 GMT, 21 April 2013 | UPDATED: 07:34 GMT, 22 April 2013
Luis Suarez's future in English football is in doubt today after the Uruguayan bit an opponent as millions watched on television around the world. The controversial Liverpool striker, 26, was forced to apologise for his 'inexcusable behaviour' after he sank his teeth into the arm of Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during their 2-2 draw yesterday. Merseyside Police told MailOnline today that Mr Ivanovic was spoken to by officers after the match, but he decided not to make a complaint.It is not the first time Suarez has been in trouble for biting, having earned the nickname 'The Cannibal of Ajax' and a seven-match ban in 2010 for drawing blood from the shoulder of PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal while playing in Holland. A year later he moved to Liverpool and the striker was fined £40,000 and banned for eight matches for racially abusing Manchester United star Patrice Evra.
Bite: Millions of fans around the world watched on TV as controversial Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 26, sank his teeth into the arm of Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during the clubs' 2-2 draw
Preparing to lunge: Suarez grabs Ivanovic's arm before appearing to bite it during yesterday's match
Apology: Liverpool striker Suarez said on his official Twitter account that he was 'so sorry' for what happened
Previous: The Liverpool striker was branded the 'Cannibal of Ajax' after he bit the neck of PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal, drawing blood in 2010
The FA is now likely to action against him again, with experts calling for him to be banned for at least the final four games of the Premier League season. And his club is under huge pressure to kick the player out of their club, with its managing director Ian Ayre admitting: 'His behaviour is not befitting of any player wearing a Liverpool shirt.' After the match Suarez tweeted: 'I'm sad for what happened this afternoon, I apologize Ivanovic and all football world for my inexcusable behaviour. I'm so sorry about it!! 'I've just spoken to Ivanovic on the phone and I could apologise directly to him. Thanks for accepting.' But it may not be enough as manager Brendan Rodgers admitted that no player was irreplaceable.
Soccer pundit and former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness likened the star to a ‘child in a pram’ who was throwing a tantrum, adding that ‘they bite things if they are not happy’. Suarez, who last week was among six players nominated by their fellow professionals for the PFA Footballer of the Year award, has been one of Liverpool’s top stars since he joined the club from Ajax for £22.8million two years ago. Last summer the striker, who is married to childhood sweetheart Sofia Balbi and has a two-year-old daughter Delfina, signed a new contract doubling his basic pay to £100,000 a week. This season he has scored 22 goals in 32 games.
Couple: Suarez is is married to childhood sweetheart Sofia Balbi and is understood to earn £100,000 a week at Liverpool
Family: The couple, who married in 2009, also have a two-year-old daughter called Delfina
Luis Suarez appears to bite Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic
<center></center> While not as bad as the infamous incident in 1997 when heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was disqualified for biting chunks out of Evander Holyfield’s ear, Suarez could face a another long ban and his future in English football could be in doubt.
'Having reviewed the video footage and spoken to Luis, his behavior is unacceptable and I have made him aware of this'
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers
Yesterday’s match, at Liverpool’s Anfield ground – less than a week after the club marked the 24th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster in which 96 fans died – saw the forward involved in a tussle with Ivanovic in the 74th minute. During the incident, captured by TV cameras, Suarez – who earlier had given away a penalty – appeared to grab hold of the defender’s arm and bite his elbow.
He escaped unpunished as the referee failed to see the disgraceful act, and went on to score an equaliser. Last night he apologised to Ivanovic and the ‘football world’ for ‘my inexcusable behaviour’ via Twitter, saying he was ‘sad’ at the incident.
Confrontation: The Chelsea star made no secret of his unhappiness over the incident with the Liverpool man
Crazy: The Chelsea defender appeared to have done very little to provoke Suarez before the incident yesterday
Look, ref: Ivanovic shows his arm to referee Kevin Friend following the biting incident at Anfield yesterday
It will take some time for the FA to decide if Suarez will be banned as referee Kevin Friend must first submit his report.
'People will be talking about this for a long time. I’ve never seen anything like that in a football match before'
Graeme Souness, former Liverpool boss
Souness, an ex-Liverpool player and manager, said: ‘He is making it very difficult to stay at Liverpool. The directors must safeguard the good name of the club. It shows Liverpool in a bad light in this week of all weeks, the anniversary of Hillsborough.
'People will be talking about this for a long time. I’ve never seen anything like that in a football match before. ‘That’s what children do in the pram, they bite things if they are not happy with it. He must be on the borderline of doing something crazy every time he goes out there if he is capable of that.’
Present and past: Brendan Rodgers and Rafa Benitez shared the same Anfield touchline during the game
Out of nowhere: The incident happened after Suarez had already handballed just 10 minutes earlier
Pain: Ivanovic could not believe what had happened as he sat on the ground for a moment after the bite
97th minute: Suarez's equaliser couldn't have come much later in the game to get Liverpool a 2-2 draw
Key: Chelsea will be aggrieved that Suarez was still on the pitch when he scored late on in yesterday's game
Fist raised: Liverpool striker Suarez celebrates scoring their late goal during the Premier League match
Former club captain and Daily Mail columnist Jamie Redknapp said what Suarez did was inexcusable. ‘He got a seven-game ban at Ajax for doing the same thing. He obviously has a real problem,’ said Redknapp.
'Luis is aware that he has let himself and everyone associated with the club down'
Ian Ayre, Liverpool managing director
‘There is that madness-genius gene in him because as a player... he’s exceptional, but what he did today, is indefensible. That is an absolutely incredible act of brutality. It’s madness.’ Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers initially refused to comment on the incident, but criticized Suarez after watching replays. 'Having reviewed the video footage and spoken to Luis, his behavior is unacceptable and I have made him aware of this,' Rodgers said in a statement issued by Liverpool. The club's managing director Ian Ayre said Suarez's behavior 'is not befitting of any player wearing a Liverpool shirt and Luis is aware that he has let himself and everyone associated with the club down.'
DINNER TIME: 'PLAYERS ON THE SUAREZ MENU' WAS TRENDING ON TWITTER LAST NIGHT - AND HERE ARE SOME OF YOUR BEST ATTEMPTS...
Ashley Coleslaw - Ashley Cole
Bacary Lasagne - Bacary Sagna
Andy Casaroll - Andy Carroll
Peter Odem-chicken-wingies - Peter Odemwingie
Sirloin Ebanks-Steak - Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
John Cherry - John Terry
Sergio Biscuits - Sergio Busquets
Fer-Nandos Torres - Fernando Torres
Patrik Burger - Patrik Berger
Shaun Wright Fillets - Shaun Wright-Phillips
Philipp Lamb - Philipp Lahm
Thomas Itsaburger - Thomas Hitzlsperger
Paulo One-chop - Paulo Wanchope
Benteke Fried Chicken - Christian Benteke
Ryan Babel & Squeak - Ryan Babel
Phil Kebab - Phil Babb
Ryan Figgs - Ryan Giggs
Branislav Ivanosandwich - Branislav Ivanovic
Concern: Suarez didn't look particularly happy on his departure from Anfield, accompanied by a steward
Souvenir? But he did have a Chelsea shirt to mark the day, after helping his side to a dramatic 2-2 draw
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SIX-YEAR HISTORY OF LUIS SUAREZ'S CONTROVERSIES
Liverpool forward Luis Suarez is back in the spotlight after appearing to bite Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic on the arm during the 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Anfield, going on to score a late equaliser.
Here are some of the previous controversies surrounding the Uruguayan forward.
February 2007: Suarez made his international debut for Uruguay against Colombia but was sent off in the final minutes after being shown a second yellow card for dissent.
November 2007: Joined Ajax from Uruguayan side Nacional but he was later suspended by the Dutch giants after a half-time dressing-room altercation with team-mate Albert Luque.
July 2010: During the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals, Suarez prevented Ghana's Dominic Adiyiah from scoring in the final minute with a deliberate handball on the line and was subsequently sent off. A penalty was awarded but missed by Asamoah Gyan and footage showed Suarez celebrating on the sidelines. Uruguay eventually went through to the last four on penalties.
November 2010: Suarez was handed a seven-match ban by the Dutch FA and fined by his club for biting PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal during an Eredivisie match.
October 2011: Following his move to Liverpool in January 2011, he was involved in a tackle with Everton's Jack Rodwell and goes down with apparent minimal contact. Rodwell was then sent off.
October 2011: Suarez was alleged to have racially abused Manchester United's Patrice Evra during a Premier League match. Suarez was later found guilty by an independent regulatory commission and banned for eight matches and fined £40,000.
December 2011: Was seen making an offensive gesture towards Fulham fans. At this time he had already been charged by the Football Association over the racism incident, although not yet punished, but was handed a further one-match ban for the gesture.
February 2012: United and Liverpool met again at Old Trafford, but more controversy blew up as Suarez refused to shake Evra's hand before kick-off.
October 2012: Celebrated a goal against Everton by diving in front of Toffees boss David Moyes who had earlier claimed that "divers2 such as Suarez were putting fans off the English game.
January 2013: Handles the ball prior to scoring Liverpool's winner in the FA Cup third round tie at Mansfield.
April 2013: Appears to bite Branislav Ivanovic on the arm but escapes punishment on the pitch as the referee fails to see it, and scores Liverpool's equaliser seven minutes into stoppage time as they draw 2-2 with Chelsea at Anfield.
The Uruguayan striker confirmed on Twitter he received an undisclosed club punishment following the incident that marred yesterday's last-gasp 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Anfield
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has revealed he has been fined by the club after biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, with the fee being donated to the Hillsborough Family Support Group.
Unseen by match officials, the 26-year-old lashed out at the arm of Serbian in the 2-2 draw at Anfield, with the Professional Footballers Association since announcing they are to offer the striker anger management counselling.
Suarez tweeted: "For my unacceptable behaviour yesterday the club has fined me today, I have asked the club to donate the money to the Hillsborough Family Support Group for the inconvenience I have created to the Liverpool fans and to Ivanovic."
Speaking after the game yesteday, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and managing director Ian Ayre hinted that the club would take action against Suarez.
Ayre, who cancelled a trip to Australia in order to personally deal with the matter, said the incident did not "befit" the behaviour of a Liverpool player.
"Luis is aware that he has let himself and everyone associated with the club down," Ayre told the club's official website.
"We will deal with the matter internally and await any action from the Football Association."
The Football Association are yet to announce their own course of action, but Suarez will likely face a lengthy ban.
Toon hitman Cisse and his Miss Newcastle girlfriend targeted by racists
By GRAEME YORKE PUBLISHED: 07:20 GMT, 22 April 2013 | UPDATED: 07:51 GMT, 22 April 2013
Papiss Cisse and his girlfriend have been targeted by racists who are opposed to their mixed-race relationship.The Senegalese striker, 27, is going out with Rachelle Graham, 22, the current Miss Newcastle. She was undertaking a 13,000ft skydive to help raise money to buy an ambulance for Senegal and the pair received abuse on a website because of it.
Abuse: Papiss Cisse and Rachelle Graham, the current Miss Newcastle, were racially abused on a website
Police are investigating the abuse as a hate crime after Rachelle's mum reported the website.Rachelle told Sky Tyne and Wear: 'It is horrific. The website targets the pair of us because I am white and Papiss is black.'Some of it is really threatening. I don’t understand why people would say these things, especially as Papiss is such a nice guy.'I guess we just have to ignore it and move on.'Rachelle managed to raise £900 for Cisse's charity, Friends of Sedhiou.
Big drop: Graham pictured on her skydiving charity mission, which saw her leap from a plane at 13,000ft
A fake Twitter account was set up in her name and that other Newcastle players' wives started to receive racist messages. That account has now been suspended.Rachelle, a cafe owner, told The Mirror: 'At first the messages came from a US website which targets white people who are going out with black people.'The person behind that may also have set up the fake Twitter account in my name. It was made to look as much like mine as possible, using my photos and virtually the same address.
Miss Newcastle: As well as being a beauty queen, Rachelle also owns a cafe
Vile: Cisse and Graham were abused by idiots who also set up a fake Twitter account
'The first I knew of it was when I started to get messages from friends responding to tweets I had not sent. This person was sending out abuse and saying I was no longer with Papiss, and would use racist terms.She added: 'They put up pictures of monkeys with knives, and would change newspaper stories on him, using terms like "imported from Senegal".''Papiss has seen this kind of racism before, and said we should ignore it. But I think it’s not on and we have to do something to stop it.'
Charity: Graham was raising money for Cisse's charity, Friends of Sedhiou
It was goal of the century! Ferguson hails Van Persie's volley as United wrap up 20th league title
By PAUL COLLINS PUBLISHED: 22:25 GMT, 22 April 2013 | UPDATED: 04:02 GMT, 23 April 2013
Sir Alex Ferguson praised Manchester United's consistency as they won back the Premier League title after losing last season's race on goal difference to Manchester City. The United manager also described Robin van Persie's second goal as the 'goal of the century' after the Dutchman's volley put the game out of reach of Aston Villa. He said: 'I'm delighted for all the players, for myself, the staff and the supporters.'You can go on and on about losing a title (last season) but at the end of the day, our consistency for the last 20 years is unbelievable.
Proud: Robin van Persie holds up his No 20 shirt after Manchester United claim their 20th league title
'The focus of the team was good, they focused on the challenge of City and came up trumps.'Van Persie took less than two minutes to open the scoring, then unleashed a stunning volley that drew comparisons with Marco van Basten’s strike for Holland in the 1988 European Championship final, before adding a third soon after. Asked if Van Persie’s second strike was the goal of the season, Ferguson said: ‘It was goal of the century for me! It was a marvellous hit, head down, over the ball, perfect timing - a magnificent strike.'He's been unbelievable, his early form in the first six months was fantastic. He had the spell where he didn't score but he was unbelievable tonight.'Even on their way to the title, Ferguson's team have had to face the criticism that they lack the quality of United teams of the recent past.
Three and easy: Robin van Persie scored a first half hat-trick to secure the title
But their manager said: 'It's dead easy to say that, nostalgia plays tricks on people's minds. Put it in context, we've now got 84 points with four games left - we've never done that.'We've won most of our games, drawn three, lost four, and the goal tonight... all the great goals we've scored over the years, from David Beckham through Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Eric Cantona, that goal has joined that. These players have joined the pedestal.'Meanwhile, Van Persie was understandably delighted after propelling Manchester United to their record-breaking Barclays Premier League title.Van Persie has often been cited as the key factor in United's success this season and fierce rivals City falling well short of regaining the crown they won last year.
The grand master: Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates his 13 title as Manchester United manager
And the Dutchman underlined his class with a fabulous first-half hat-trick in the Red Devils' 3-0 win over Aston Villa which wrapped up their 20th domestic league crown.'It didn't really matter who scored as long as we won this game and we did win this game,' said the former Arsenal forward on Sky Sports 1.'From the first minute everyone played well and everyone wanted it. It was a great to score so early and it was a fantastic game of football.'I'm very happy but it's weird. I had to wait for so long for my first title and it's a great feeling.'
Van the man: Van Persie celebrates after securing the title
After putting United ahead as early as the second minute, Van Persie then scored a wonderful second after 13 minutes - volleying in from just outside the area following Wayne Rooney's ball over the top - before sealing his hat-trick just after the half-hour mark. Speaking of his second goal, Van Persie modestly added: 'It was a great ball from Wayne, so the only thing I had to do was guide it right and hit it properly and it went in great but more important was the result.'Rooney revealed last year's heartbreak against City, who won the title in the last minute of the 2011-12 season, spurred them on to glory this season.
Trending: The United scoreboard indicates United are Champions
Simply the best: The United players celebrate their title win
'It's what we've worked all year for and we've fully deserved it. We won this game in the first half and it is a fantastic night for us,' the England striker said.'When you lose the title, it's hard to take and the way we did it wasn't a nice feeling last time so we've all dug in deep and all worked together and done fantastic to put ourselves in the position tonight to finish the job off.'You know how football is so you never take anything for granted so we worked hard and thankfully now it's done.'The manager has great desire and a winning mentality. We all buy into that and want to do well for the club.'
