News

Ferguson faces FA action

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 06/10/2009
Football betting

The Football Association is to review comments made by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce at the weekend.

Ferguson was critical of the fitness of referee Alan Wiley, who took charge of the 2-2 Old Trafford draw with Sunderland on Saturday.

"He was not fit enough for a game of that standard," Ferguson fumed.

"The pace of the game demanded a referee who was fit - he was not fit. It is an indictment of our game.

"You see referees abroad who are as fit as butchers' dogs. We have some who are fit. He wasn't fit."

Can Manchester United win a fourth straight Premier League title? - Latest Football betting

Meanwhile, Allardyce faces possible action after slamming Peter Walton for failing to award Rovers a penalty in the 6-2 thrashing at Arsenal.

England head coach Fabio Capello has named a full-strength squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Belarus.

The Italian had been expected to give chances to the likes of Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill, but has opted to keep faith in his regulars.

Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster and Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe miss out due to injury, while Aston Villa forward Ashley Young has been omitted.

Sebastian Vettel is confident of overturning Jenson Button's lead at the top of the drivers' standings in the final two races of the Formula One season.

Vettel's victory after leading from start to finish at Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix has moved him to within 16 points of the Brawn GP world championship leader.

Button picked up just one point at Suzuka and his closest challenger remains team-mate Rubens Barrichello, who is now 14 points adrift.

However, Red Bull ace Vettel is refusing to give up on his own title chances ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix in two weeks.

"It can still be done," declared the German. "Jenson will be looking at both sides (to Barrichello and him) after this."

England captain Steve Borthwick will make his return from an eye injury during Saracens' Challenge Cup tie with Toulon on October 15.

Borthwick is currently sidelined after being kicked in the face during Sarries' 19-16 Guinness Premiership win over Gloucester last month.

Initial fears that he would miss England autumn international following a kick by Gloucester's Olivier Azam have been allayed.

However, director of rugby Brendan Venter has now revealed that Borthwick will make his return at week later than expected - in a European tie with Toulon.

Nottinghamshire's director of cricket Mick Newell has ruled his club out of the running to sign Worcestershire opening batsman Stephen Moore.

The 28-year-old England Lions star is pondering an exit from New Road following Worcs' relegation form the first division of the County Championship.

BET NOW