City taking Wigan threat seriously
David Platt insists Manchester City's Premier League clash with Wigan on Wednesday is not simply preparation for next month's FA Cup final.
The two sides will come together midweek in the English top flight before competing again on May 11 at Wembley Stadium.
But Roberto Mancini's second-in-command is adamant that each match is a separate incident ahead of Wednesday's clash, citing the amount of football to be played in between.
"It is not a case of because we are playing them tonight, we will know how to play them in the cup final," he told the official FA website.
"Each team has four or five games before then."
Category: News
Views: 820
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:42
Dede snubs Europe for Cruzeiro
Brazil international Dede is on the verge of leaving Vasco da Gama for Cruzeiro, snubbing interest from Chelsea, AC Milan and Liverpool.
Reports from the UK on Wednesday suggested that Chelsea see the 24-year-old as the ideal replacement for John Terry and were willing to spend more than 17 million pounds on the defender, while Milan and Liverpool are closely monitoring his situation, too.
However, Dede looks set to remain in Brazil for the forseeable future, with Cruzeiro confident of landing him.
Cruzeiro, with the support of investment company DIS, are reportedly paying 4.74m pounds for 45 per cent of the player's economical rights.
Category: News
Views: 810
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:41
Seedorf stars in Botafogo win
Former AC Milan star Clarence Seedorf brought back memories of the legendary Garrincha during his side's Carioca clash on Sunday.
Playing for Garrincha's former side Botafogo, the Dutchman scored the opener in his team's 4-1 victory over Nova Iguacu before brilliantly setting up Nicolas Lodeiro for one of his two goals.
Seedorf opened the scoring after 18 minutes of the Group A encounter, and performed a brilliant feat of trickery to help Botafogo increase their advantage.
He sold an Iguacu defender a brilliant feint, conjuring images of Brazil legend Garrincha in his pomp, before delivering a perfect cross for Lodeiro to head home.
Category: News
Views: 729
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:39
ბარსელონამ რუნის დაუმიზნა
ემიუს ვარსკვლავი შესაძლოა ლიონელ მესის პარტნიორი გახდეს.
როგორც El Mundo Deportivo იტყობინება, "ბარსელონა” "მანჩესტერ იუნაიტედის” ფორვარდის უეინ რუნის გადაბირებითაა დაინტერესებული. იტყობინებიან, რომ "ბარსას” მთავარი მწვრთნელი ტიტო ვილანოვა იმედგაცრუებულია იმით, თუ როგორ თამაშობს მისი გუნდი ლიონელ მესის გარეშე. სწორედ ამიტომ, ზაფხულში კატალონიელებს, როგორც ჩანს, სერიოზული საკადრო ცვლილებები ელოდებათ.
"ბარსაში” გადაბარგების ერთ-ერთ მთავარ კანდიდატად უეინ რუნი მოიაზრება, რომელმაც ცოტა ხნის წინ განაცხადა, რომ ლიონელ მესით აღფრთოვანებულია. კატალონიაში გადაბარგების სხვა ვარიანტებად "ბაიერნისა” და "დორტმუნდის” ფორვარდები მარიო გომესი და რობერტ ლევანდოვსკი განიხილებიან. შეგახსენებთ, პრესაში ხშირად ვრცელდება ჭორები იმის შესახებ, რომ რუნით "პარი სენ ჟერმენია” დაინტერესებული, თუმცა
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Category: ახალი ამბები
Views: 744
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:36
ლივერპული ანდრე აიუთი დაინტერესდა
მარსელის ახალგაზრდა თავდამსხმელი შესაძლოა ნისლიან ალბიონზე აღმოჩნდეს.
ფრანგული კლუბის ფორვარდმა ანდრე აიუმ ზაფხულში შესაძლოა თავისი ხანგრძლივი ოცნება აიხდინოს და ინგლისის ჩემპიონატში გადაბარგდეს. განელი ფეხბურთელის გადაბირებით სერიოზულადაა დაინტერესებული მერსისაიდული "ლივერპული”.
საინტერესოა, რომ ადრე აიუს სახელს მილანის "ინტერსა” და თურქულ "ფენერბაჰჩესაც” უკავშირებდნენ.
Category: ახალი ამბები
Views: 716
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:34
Petrov admits he is lucky to be alive
Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov believes he is lucky to be alive after being diagnosed with life-threatening leukaemia early last year.
The 33-year-old has been forced to suspend his playing career while undergoing a year-long treatment programme for the disease, which he has now completed.
And after the success of the intensive chemotherapy programme, Petrov has set his sights on returning to normal life.
"I've had my hard moments but I've had good moments as well," the Villa midfielder told the club’s official website.
"I'm lucky because some people with this disease will die very quickly. I'm glad that this hard year is behind me now and I can conc
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Category: News
Views: 820
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:32
QPR plan to leave Loftus Road
QPR owner Tony Fernandes plans to build a new stadium, despite imminent relegation from the Premier League.
The news was broken on Tuesday following the announcement that the Rs had taken out a 15 million pounds loan secured against the club's assets - the first time they have borrowed significantly under the Malaysian businessman's tenure.
The loan, with Barclays Bank in Hong Hong, was finalised on March 18 and, despite currently being saddled with a debt of about 90m pounds, a spokesperson insisted the club's shareholders remain 'wholly committed to the club's short, medium and long-term objectives'.
Fernandes tweeted on Tuesday evening: "Loan for qpr is for new stadium. Next 2 weeks will be hopefully good news. But work is
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Category: News
Views: 868
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:31
Pardew sets long-term goal
Alan Pardew is challenging his Newcastle squad to avenge Sunday’s 3-0 home loss to Sunderland by finishing above them next season.
Paolo Di Canio enjoyed his first victory in charge of the Black Cats in emphatic style at St James' Park, with goals from Stephane Sessegnon, Adam Johnson and David Vaughan piling misery on Newcastle.
But Pardew, whose side sit just two points clear of their Wearside rivals, has urged the club to look to next season to exact retribution.
"Next year we have to prove that we're a bigger and better club," he told the Newcastle Chronicle.
"That's in terms of our Premier League position by finishing well above them (Sunderland). That'
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Category: News
Views: 789
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:29
Spain or Brazil, that is Rodrigo´s choice
The biggest conundrum facing rising Benfica star Rodrigo is whether to represent Brazil or Spain.
Rodrigo was born in Rio de Janeiro, but left Brazil as a teenager with his family for Spain, where he began playing football for Celta de Vigo.
His father Adalberto Machado was a star for Flamengo in the 1980s and represented Brazil but for Rodrigo, it appears his adopted homeland has won out.
"The fact that I've lived for so long, people from Brazil do not know me, because I've never played there," the 22-year-old said.
"Since I moved to Spain, I feel very good in the country, despite not being born there but I have lived most of my life in Spain. <
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Category: News
Views: 673
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:28
Gundogan pledges loyalty to Borussia
Ilkay Gundogan has no intention of leaving Borussia Dortmund and is keen to sign a contract extension with the club.
The Germany international has been in fine form this season and was linked with Barcelona among other teams earlier this year.
A summer transfer is not an option for the 22-year-old, though, as he is completely focused on Dortmund for now.
"I am 100 per cent sure that I will still be with Dortmund next season," Gundogan told Sport Bild.
"Rumours do not really affect me. I still have two more years on my contract with Dortmund and I know what I have at this incredible club.
Category: News
Views: 638
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:26
Ajax look to extend De Boer´s contract
Sporting director Marc Overmars has made it clear Ajax are keen to hold on to Frank de Boer.
Overmars said they will soon open contract talks with the successful coach to keep him at the club.
De Boer has guided the Godenzonen to two Eredivisie titles since taking charge of them in December 2010, and is on the verge of landing his third, following their 3-2 win over rivals PSV at the weekend.
Ajax's good performances under De Boer have not gone unnoticed elsewhere and Manchester City supposedly see the former Netherlands defender as a good option if Roberto Mancini was to leave.
However, the Amsterdam giants have no intention of letting go of their coach any
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Category: News
Views: 592
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:25
Mackay plans Premier League assault
Cardiff manager Malky Mackay said his side will be ready to hit the ground running when they enter the Premier League next season.
Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Charlton means Cardiff can finish no lower than second in the Championship, seeing them return to English football's top flight for the first time in 51 years.
And Mackay, who took over the top job at the club in June 2011, said he is already thinking about engineering their Premier League survival.
"We will plan properly and that has begun already – now we are ready to put that plan into action," Mackay said.
"We will make sure what we have done over the last two years in terms of structure at the c
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Category: News
Views: 657
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:23
Moyes:Must-win situation for Everton
Everton manager David Moyes said only five wins from as many games could earn his side a spot in the Champions League.
Moyes' men held Arsenal to a 0-0 stalemate at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, but the Merseyside club would have wanted all three points against one of their rivals for a top-four spot.
Everton are two points shy of fourth-placed Chelsea - although Rafa Benitez's Blues have two games in hand, while fifth-placed Tottenham have a game spare and are level with last season's Champions League winners on points.
But Moyes was still optimistic, in light of their charge towards Europe's top club tournament seemingly ending with their draw in London.
Category: News
Views: 607
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:22
Martinez acknowledges potential Bayern treble
Javi Martinez said Bayern Munich are well aware of just how close they are to clinching a treble haul of major trophies this season.
The Bavarians had already clinched the Bundesliga title and a place in the Champions League semi-finals, before Monday's 6-1 win over Wolfsburg in the last four of the DFB-Pokal.
Their latest success - courtesy of goals from Mario Mandzukic, Arjen Robben, Xherdan Shaqiri and a six-minute hat-trick from Mario Gomez - looks set to intensify talk of their quest for three major trophies but Martinez is doing his best to not look too far ahead.
"It is impossible not to talk about the treble but we do not want to think about it," he told Marca.
Category: News
Views: 601
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:21
Copa Libertadores wrap: Santa Fe lead the way
Colombia's Santa Fe have secured top spot in Group Six of the Copa Libertadores with a 2-0 victory over Real Garcilaso of Peru.
In a top-of-the-table clash in the group, Real Garcilaso could have moved above Santa Fe with a win but had no answer to their Colombian hosts on Tuesday.
After a goalless first half, Santa Fe took the lead in the first minute after the break when Wilder Medina finished off the good lead-up work of Argentine midfielder Omar Perez.
The home team made it 2-0 in the 71st minute when Medina's strike partner Cristian Martinez Borja also got on the scoresheet, putting the ball in the back of the net after a pass from substitute Hugo Acosta.
Category: News
Views: 1180
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 19:19
Premier League: West Ham Vs Manchester United - Betting Tip
The English Premier League football match between West Ham United (12th) and Manchester United (1st) kicks off on 17 April 2013.
West Ham United has played 15 English Premier League matches this season on The Boleyn Ground (Upton Park). On home ground West Ham United has won 7, drawn 4 and lost 4 matches. This ranks the Hammers 10th in home team performance in the English Premier League.
Manchester United has played 15 English Premier League matches this season away from home. On away ground Manchester United has won 11, drawn 2 and lost 2 matches. This ranks the Red Devils 1st in away team performance in the English Premier League.
Category: Betting Tips
Views: 1203
Added: Better
Date: 17.04.2013 - 05:00
Allardyce in awe of scary Manchester United
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has praised the 'scary' Manchester United team his side are set to face in Wednesday's Premier League clash.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men are 15 points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City and would break the division's record points tally if they win all of their remaining games, leading the Hammers boss to hail the Red Devils vintage as possibly their best ever.
"I think you have to say the United team is as good as it has ever been because nobody normally wins the title so easily and by so big a margin, or has this much of a margin at this stage of the season," Allardyce told reporters.
"It is pretty scary what total they might actually finish with. They have been outstanding and their squad ro
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Category: News
Views: 842
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:50
Gibson lucky to escape red, says Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lamented the lack of a red card for Darron Gibson in his side's 0-0 draw with Everton.
The midfielder was spared being sent off after a cynical challenge on Theo Walcott as the Toffees frustrated the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium for a result that did few favours for either team's Champions League hopes.
Wenger felt that referee Chris Foy was too lenient on the visitors for their physical approach but remains satisfied with the north Londoners' position in the top-four race.
"We should have won the game," he told reporters after the game. "It keeps us in a strong position in the race for top four.
Category: News
Views: 913
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:48
Heynckes delighted with Gomez hat-trick
Mario Gomez earned high praise from Jupp Heynckes for his quickfire hat-trick in Bayern Munich's 6-1 thumping of Wolfsburg in the DFB Pokal.
The victory sent the Bundesliga champions into a showdown against either Stuttgart or Freiburg in the final.
It took Mario Mandzukic 17 minutes to fire the hosts into the lead at the Allianz Arena, with Arjen Robben doubling the score 18 minutes later, although Diego Ribas' piledriver on the stroke of half-time made for a potentially nervy second half.
However, Heynckes saw his side sprint out of the blocks with a strike from Xherdan Shaqiri not long after play resumed and a late hat-trick - three goals in six minutes - from Gomez was the icing on the cake for the dominant Bavarians.
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Category: News
Views: 801
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:47
Aguero sorry for Luiz challenge
Manchester City's Sergio Aguero apologised to Chelsea's David Luiz following his rash challenge on the defender during the FA Cup semi-final.
Aguero caught the Brazilian with a high two-footed tackle in the Wembley clash, which the Premier League champions won 2-1 thanks to a goal from the Argentine and another from Yaya Toure.
However, their success has been somewhat overshadowed by the furore caused by the incident, for which Aguero received no punishment from referee Chris Foy or from the FA's disciplinary panel.
The 24-year-old has moved to bring an end to the fall-out, taking to his Twitter account to admit his regret for his actions.
Category: News
Views: 773
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:45
Kombouare reveals Tottenham talks
Ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss Antoine Kombouare has claimed he held talks with Tottenham last summer over replacing Harry Redknapp.
Andre Villas-Boas eventually filled the void following Redknapp's departure - but Kombouare has revealed he met Spurs officials, as well as fellow Premier League sides West Brom and Swansea.
The 49-year-old decided to take control at Middle East side Al-Hilal - but has since left the club and is seeking a new challenge.
"After my sacking from PSG I had a six-month break. Then I wanted to coach in the Premier League, rather than France," he told L'Equipe.
"I had contacts but it was never sorted because I was always the second or th
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Category: News
Views: 816
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:44
Neymar is ready to play for Barcelona
Mario Felipe Peres has referred to Neymar as 'one of the best players in the world' and insists that he is ready for a move to Barcelona.
The Santos coach knows the forward's capabilities better than most, and maintains that he has the quality necessary to have success with the Catalans.
"Barcelona is one of the best clubs in the world. Neymar has quality to not just play at the club, but to succeed and to triumph in Barcelona," he told La Xarxa.
"The decision to go to Europe now or later is up to him. Barcelona is fit for his playing style. He is an excellent player, has great quality and is very fast.
"He is one of the best players in the world, he i
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Category: News
Views: 853
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:41
Juventus must improve financial results, says Elkann
John Elkann has urged Juventus to translate their success over the last two years into 'better financial results'.
Last season Bayern Munich earned 128 million euros more than the Serie A club, and the financial gap between the teams was clearly visible in their quarter-final fixtures in the Champions League.
The Fiat chairman remains very close with the club and believes it is important for them to not waste all the good work they have done.
"They worked in a splendid way to build an unparalleled winning mentality, which is the real strength of this company," he wrote in a letter to Italian-based investment company Exor shareholders.
Category: News
Views: 690
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:39
Jol rules out Lampard capture
Martin Jol has dismissed suggestions that Frank Lampard could be heading to Fulham next season.
The veteran midfielder is in line to make his 600th appearance for Chelsea against Fulham on Wednesday but, with his contract expiring in the summer, the prospect of the 34-year-old remaining at Stamford Bridge next season is in serious doubt.
When asked about Lampard, Jol was full of praise for the man who is just two goals short of the Blues' all-time goalscoring record and freely admitted that he would definitely take him at Fulham - though he expects the England man to stay where he is.
"He is the most productive midfield player in England in the last 30 or 40 years," the Dutchman told reporters.
Category: News
Views: 692
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:38
Standard Liege 3:0 Genk
A stunning strike from Michy Batshuayi has wrapped up Standard Liege's 3-0 win over Genk in the Belgian First Division playoffs.
Standard extended their unbeaten run in the playoffs to four games with their third victory on Tuesday, moving above Genk into second position and just one point behind leaders Anderlecht.
Central midfielder Yoni Buyens gave Standard the lead in the 26th minute before Paul-Jose M'Poku made it 2-0 eight minutes into the second half.
In the 73rd minute, Batshuayi wrapped up an impressive match for the hosts as he received Jelle Van Damme's pass on the left-hand side of the penalty area, up against the byline.
Category: News
Views: 785
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:34
Ronaldinho retained in Brazil squad
Brazil star Ronaldinho has kept his place in the squad for next week's international friendly against Chile.
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has called up a host of high-profile names for the World Cup 2014 hosts' clash with their South American counterparts at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte.
The Atletico Mineiro forward, who played well in a 4-0 victory over Bolivia 10 days ago, was named in an 18-man squad of locally-based players for the match.
The likes of Neymar, Leandro Damiao and Alexandre Pato will jostle for a spot up front, while Corinthians' Paulinho, Sao Paulo's Jadson and Gremio's Fernando will vie for a place in midfield.
Category: News
Views: 641
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:32
Liverpool rule out Suarez sale
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre insists that the club will not sell Luis Suarez.
Premier League rivals Manchester City are reportedly keen to offer the Uruguayan, who has scored 22 Premier League goals so far this season, the Champions League football that he wants.
With Liverpool seventh in the table, qualification for Europe's top competition is unlikely but Ayre was categorical in his rejection of any potential sale.
"To play at the highest level in the Premier League and European soccer, you need players like Luis and Steven Gerrard on your team so the last thing in our mind is selling Luis Suarez. He's not for sale. It's not something we're interested in," he told Sports Illustrated.
Category: News
Views: 608
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:29
Bayern Munich 6:1 Wolfsburg
Mario Gomez scored a blistering hat-trick at the Allianz Arena as Bayern Munich crushed Wolfsburg 6-1 to reach the final of the DFB Pokal.
Mario Mandzukic, Arjen Robben and Xherdan Shaqiri were also on target for Jupp Heynckes' side as they disposed of the visitors, who briefly threatened to get back into the contest thanks to a fantastic strike from Diego just before half-time.
With the Bundesliga title secured and a massive Champions League semi-final with Barcelona on the horizon, Bayern hosted Wolfsburg on Tuesday still in the hunt for an historic treble.
Despite resting the likes of Franck Ribery, there was no let-up from the Bavarians as they went straight on the offensive, hungry for victory in the semi-fin
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Category: News
Views: 723
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:27
Premier League: Arsenal 0:0 Everton
Arsenal and Everton both missed the chance to significantly boost their Champions League prospects after a 0-0 draw at Emirates Stadium.The Gunners remain in third place on the Premier League table, two points ahead of Chelsea albeit having played two games more, while David Moyes' side lie a further two points adrift.
The visitors, who impressed hugely on their last visit to north London in their entertaining 2-2 draw with Tottenham earlier this month, were dominant in the early stages, pressing high up the pitch and denying Arsenal's artisans time and space to create.
In possession, meanwhile, Everton carried a significant threat and should have taken a sixth-minute le
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Category: News
Views: 697
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 03:25
Chelsea will loan out De Bruyne again, says agent
The midfielder's representative claims Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke are all interested in the 21-year-old after a promising campaign at Werder Bremen.
Chelsea will send Kevin De Bruyne out on loan for another season, according to the midfielder's agent.
The 21-year-old De Bruyne has been a regular fixture at Werder Bremen this term, scoring six goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances and has reportedly commanded the interest of Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke.
German daily newspaper Welt claims Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle has agreed to join Chelsea this summer on a five-year contract, but the German club is stalling the deal as it also reportedly wants De Bruyne included in the package.
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Category: News
Views: 740
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 00:42
Chicharito should leave Man Utd if playing time remains sporadic
The Mexican great believes that Javier Hernandez would be better served at a club where he can receive more regular playing time leading into next summer's World Cup.
Former Mexico striker Luis "Matador" Hernandez stated Monday that, in his opinion, current El Tri striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez should look for another club if he isn’t going to get regular playing time with Manchester United.
"I would recommend that, if he isn’t given chances to play at Manchester United, he looks for another competitive team in Europe that can give him the regularity he needs to be in optimum condition for the Brazil World Cup,” the 1998 World Cup veteran said in an interview with Spanish daily Marca.
Category: News
Views: 688
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 00:40
Ronaldinho returns to Brazil squad for Chile friendly
The Atletico Mineiro attacker has been named in the Selecao selection alongside the likes of Neymar and Leandro Damiao, with all European-based players having been omitted.
Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has called up a host of high-profile, but domestically based-only, names for the World Cup 2014 hosts' friendly with Chile on April 24, with Ronaldinho returning to the international fray once again.
The ex-Barcelona playmaker was left out the last squad - which saw the Selecao draw with Italy and Russia on neutral European turf in March - but the Atletico Mineiro man was selected on Tuesday by the former Portugal and Chelsea boss.
The likes of Neymar, Leandro Damiao and Alexandre Pato will jostle for a spot up front,
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Category: News
Views: 668
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 00:38
Silence and black armbands at Arsenal-Everton for Hillsborough & Boston tragedies
After three people died and more than 150 were injured in a shocking attack in Boston on Monday, the victims were honored along with the 96 fans who were killed in 1989.
A moment of silence was observed at the Emirates Stadium before kickoff in Arsenal's match against Everton to mourn the 24th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy as well as Monday's bombing of the Boston Marathon.
Three people, including eight-year-old child Martin Richard, were killed in Massachusetts after explosions at the event's finishing line. Players for both Arsenal and Everton wore black armbands to honour the dead and more than 150 others who were injured in the blasts.
The attack came coincidentally on the same day, April 15, as 96 fans we
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Category: News
Views: 755
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 00:37
Jol: Lampard would never play for Fulham
The former Tottenham boss laughs off suggestions that the veteran Chelsea midfielder could make the short journey from Stamford Bridge to Craven Cottage in the summer.
Fulham boss Martin Jol has dismissed suggestions that Frank Lampard could be heading to Craven Cottage next season.
The veteran midfielder is in line to make his 600th Chelsea appearance against Fulham on Wednesday, but, with his contract expiring in the summer, the prospect of the 34-year-old remaining at Stamford Bridge next season is in serious doubt.
When asked about Lampard, who has been strongly linked to a summer move to the LA Galaxy, Jol was full of praise for the man who is just two goals short of the Blues' all-time goalscoring record and freel
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Category: News
Views: 649
Added: Sky
Date: 17.04.2013 - 00:34
Materazzi: Serie A refs are scared
The ex-Nerazzurri and Italy center back believes the officials in Italy's top flight are not up to scratch after decisions have gone against his former club lately.
Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi has criticized the standard of refereeing in Italy’s top flight.
A number of decisions appear to have gone against the Nerazzurri in recent weeks which has led to the ex-Italy international to speak out.
"I do not believe in bad faith, I believe that the referees are scared, they show it Sunday after Sunday,” he told reporters.
He added, "Against Juve, a penalty was not given on [Antonio] Cassano, then a penalty was given
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Date: 17.04.2013 - 00:32
Catania lands former Liverpool attacker Leto
The former Liverpool and Panathinaikos winger joins the Serie A side on a free transfer and will meet up with his new club in July.
Sebastian Leto is set to join Serie A side Catania in the summer on a free transfer, the club announced Tuesday.
The Argentine attacker had been playing for Panathinaikos in Greece who he joined in 2009-10 and won the Greek Super League that season; however, after suffering from a series of injuries he was released from the club in January and was without an employer when Catania secured his services.
Leto began his career in his homeland with Buenos Aries club Lanus before a move to Premier League side Liverpool. He never made a league appearance due to work
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Date: 17.04.2013 - 00:28
Platt living FA Cup dream, again
Manchester City coach David Platt believes the FA Cup still holds a special place in the hearts of English supporters.
City defeated Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday to reach the showpiece final with Wigan on May 11, a result Platt believes is huge in the context of the season.
"It is a big result. There are trophies to play for, you set off every season playing the trophies that you are involved in and you want to win them all," Platt said.
"The FA Cup has got its own status in this country.
"There is nothing like an FA Cup final in England really, it stands the test of time despite all the euphoria around the Champions League and the Premier League, which are the big
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Date: 17.04.2013 - 00:24
K-League wrap: Steelers go top
The Pohang Steelers moved to the top of the K-League after beating Gangwon 3-0 at the Gangneung Stadium on Tuesday.
Goals from Ko Mu-Yeol, Park Seong-Ho and Moon Chang-Jin sealed an ultimately comfortable win for the away side against cellar dwellers Gangwon.
The Steelers have 15 points, but have played a game more than their closest rival the Suwon Blue Wings, who could reclaim top spot if they beat Busan I'Park on Wednesday.
Pohang took an 18th-minute lead when a free-kick from the right was directed in by Ko Mu-Yeol.
The home side missed a great chance to equalise shortly after but Brazilian forward Patrick shoot wide.
Category: News
Views: 641
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Date: 17.04.2013 - 00:21
Lambert praises Villa faithful
Paul Lambert says the Aston Villa fans are helping his side achieve Premier League survival as the season draws to a close.
Villa are only one place outside the relegation zone, but are level on points with both Sunderland and Stoke who lie in 15th and 16th.
The Midlands side have won three and drawn four of their last five games and Lambert believes this good form is due, in no small part, to the continued passion of the fans.
"That we have remained so vibrant and assertive into the second half of the season - and now into the latter stages - is in no small measure down to the fans," the Scot told the club's official website.
Category: News
Views: 602
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Date: 17.04.2013 - 00:20
Cup success vital for Stramaccioni´s future
A place in the Coppa Italia final is not the only thing riding on Inter Milan's match against Roma on Wednesday.
With their Serie A title bid all but over, the cup appears to be Inter's only chance of silverware this season and perhaps Andrea Stamaccioni's only hope of keeping his job.
Reports suggest the Inter coach is on the way out but Stramaccioni said he doesn't think his job will depend solely on Wednesday's result.
"At the end of June the president will analyse the whole season and judge it, but I don't think that my future will depend on tomorrow's game," Stramaccioni said.
"My future and everyone else's future will be judged at the end of June for w
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Date: 17.04.2013 - 00:19
Sagna aims to defeat Everton
Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna believes beating Everton would be a 'massive step forward' in the push for a top-four spot.
The Gunners are third in the Premier League, three places ahead of Everton, and Sagna thinks the club need to continue to play 'the Arsenal way' following their dramatic 3-1 win over Norwich on Saturday.
He told the club's official website: "We have to start well. We have to keep playing as we are at the moment, to keep looking forward and play the Arsenal way.
"It will be a massive step forward (if we win) because we would play our last games with more confidence and in a good position. We know we have to win.
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Views: 590
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Date: 17.04.2013 - 00:16