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Errant Barton set to face FA action

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 12/11/2010
Football betting

Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton seems certain to face FA sanctions after appearing to punch Morten Gamst Pedersen in the stomach during the 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Blackburn Rovers.

The 28-year-old later gestured that he had only slapped the Norwegian, but that is unlikely to wash, with TV pictures giving a perfect view of Barton's indiscretion.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is confident that England midfielder Frank Lampard will finally make his return from injury in the clash with Sunderland next Sunday.

The 32-year-old has been sidelined since late August after undergoing hernia surgery, with his return delayed on several occasions, but Ancelotti is hopeful that Lampard will play some part against the Black Cats.

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FC Porto have ruled out allowing Brazilian striker Hulk to leave the club in the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old is reported to be attracting interest from a number of clubs in England, but Porto have ruled out a quickfire sale.

A statement from the Portuguese club read: "No players will be leaving our club in January. If we receive any proposals, they will be studied at the end of the season."

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has threatened to resign if his club are fined for fielding an under-strength side in the 3-2 defeat Aston Villa.

Holloway made a host of changes from the team which drew 2-2 with Everton at the weekend, having taken a leaf out of Wolves boss Mick McCarthy's book - with Wolves having been fined £25,000 by the Premier League last season for the side which played at Manchester United.

"I'd pack in, I can't work for this madness. I would resign," Holloway fumed. "They do not know what they're talking about."

Essex have completed the signing of England batsman Owais Shah on a two-year contract, following his release by Middlesex at the end of last season.

The 32-year-old right-hander has played in six Test matches and 71 one-day internationals for England and Essex head coach Paul Grayson is delighted to have brought such a talented player to the club.

He commented: "He's probably one of the top three batsmen not currently playing international cricket, alongside Mark Ramprakash and Marcus Trescothick."

Castleford Tigers have signed former Wigan Warriors utility man Martin Aspinwall on a one-year contract following his release by Huddersfield Giants.

The 29-year-old, who features most often as a second-row forward, had spent the last five years with the Giants.

Tigers head coach Terry Matterson told the club's official website: "While he can play in the outside backs, we have signed him as a back-row forward."

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