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General Sports News

Magpies suspend Barton

Author: Rose Young
Date: 05/05/2009

Newcastle United have suspended midfielder Joey Barton until further notice, following his sending-off in the 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Barton's season is over after he was red-carded for a two-footed challenge on Xabi Alonso, having been entrusted with a start by interim boss Alan Shearer for a crucial clash.

A short club statement read: "Newcastle United can confirm that Joey Barton has been suspended from the club until further notice.

"The club will be making no further comment on the matter at this time."

Betting favourite and Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has been named as the PFA Fans' Player of the Year for 2009.

The 28-year-old England international won three monthly awards through the campaign and has been given the nod for the overall prize.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor commented: "I am thrilled that football fans up and down the country have acknowledged Steven in this way.

"Like his many supporters, I have the utmost respect and admiration for the way he continues to go about his business. He is a top pro and a worthy winner."

The Rugby Football Union have confirmed that England will bid to host the World Cup in 2015.

The official bid package will be presented to the International Rugby Board Council in Dublin in just over a week's time.

RFU chief executive Francis Baron stated: "We believe it is time that we brought the tournament back to England.

"We are confident we would be able to provide the best platform to profile the sport on the world stage and enable us to make a lasting commitment to grassroots rugby."

French club Bourgoin have protested over the European Challenge Cup final against Northampton Saints being staged at Gloucester's Kingsholm ground.

Having seen off Worcester Warriors in the semi-finals, Bourgoin are unhappy at the final being held in England for a ninth straight season.

A statement from the French club read: "Our disappointment is clearly immense. The final will take place less than a week after a decisive Top 14 match against Brive.

"Our supporters are forced to make a long, complex and costly trip on a Friday. It is also the ninth successive final to take place in England."

In cricket, new England team director Andy Flower has admitted that some of his players are under-prepared for the first Test against West Indies.

The likes of Paul Collingwood, Kevin Pietersen and Ravi Bopara have all been away on IPL duty in recent weeks and have played no first-class cricket in the lead-up to a hectic summer.

In golf, Muirfield has been confirmed as the venue for the 2013 Open Championship, having last staged the tournament in 2002.

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