News

Lengthy ban for Richards

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 19/08/2009
Rugby Union betting

Former Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards has been banned from coaching for three years following an investigation into the fake blood injury controversy.

Quins winger Tom Williams was found to have faked a cut in his mouth in order for fly-half Nick Evans to return to action against Leinster in last season's Heineken Cup.

Williams was originally banned for 12 months but a European Rugby Cup (ERC) disciplinary panel appeal hearing on Monday reduced his punishment to four months.

However, the panel has decided to ban Richards for three years for his part in the controversy and also his involvement in four previous similar offences.

Meanwhile, Harlequins' initial £206,000 fine has also been increased to £259,000.

Can Quins overcome their troubles and win the Heienken Cup this season? - Latest Rugby Union Betting

In football, Fulham have completed the signing of Damien Duff on a three-year contract from Newcastle United.

The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international was given permission to speak to the Cottagers over the weekend after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee which is believed to be in the region of £4million.

Hull City have been handed a major blow with news that captain Ian Ashbee is facing another nine months on the sidelines after suffering a setback in his recovery from injury.

Sportsbook Premier League favourites Chelsea have completed the signing of Serbia Under-21 international midfielder Nemanja Matic.

The 21-year-old has joined the Blues on a four-year contract for a fee of 1.75million euros.

Atletico Madrid have rejected fresh claims that Sergio Aguero could be heading to the Premier League to join the Blues.

Weekend reports claimed the Argentina international striker had been the subject of a club record £45million offer from the Blues.

Manchester United are also rumoured to be interested in signing the diminutive 21-year-old forward.

Paul Lambert has been appointed the new boss of Norwich City after resigning as manager of League One rivals Colchester United.

The former Livingston and Wycombe Wanderers manager had been in charge of the U's for 11 months, but his side's 7-1 thrashing of the Canaries on the opening day of the new season led to the sacking of City boss Bryan Gunn.

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes a European League containing the continent's most powerful clubs could be a reality within 10 years.

The Gunners take on Celtic in a Champions League play-off first leg tie in Glasgow on Tuesday night with a place in the lucrative group stages of Europe's premier club competition up for grabs.

When asked whether Celtic and fellow Scottish Premier League heavyweights Rangers could one day find themselves playing in the Premier League, the Frenchman suggested a more likely destination could be a continental league.

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