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General Sports News

No appeal hope for Fletcher

Author: Rose Young
Date: 06/05/2009

UEFA have ruled out the possibility of Manchester United appealing against Darren Fletcher's sending-off in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final win over Arsenal.

Fletcher was red-carded 15 minutes from time in the 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening, meaning that he will miss the Final in Rome later this month.

United are slight favourites to win the tournament with online betting experts.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has opened the door for a possible move to England, although he insists he is going nowhere in the immediate future.

The 21-year-old Argentina forward is widely regarded as the best player in the world at the present moment and has no plans to exit the Camp Nou just yet.

Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath has confirmed that he will leave the Bundesliga leaders at the end of the season.

The 55-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Schalke in recent weeks, having spent two seasons in charge at the Volkswagen Arena.

Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon has admitted that a knee injury may have ended his season prematurely.

The 26-year-old Scotland international has not featured in the first team since the 1-0 home win over Hull City and is awaiting the verdict from specialists.

Wigan Athletic defender Emmerson Boyce has confirmed that he has opened talks over a new contract at the JJB Stadium.

The versatile 29-year-old still has another year of his current deal to run, but is keen to sort his long-term future out as soon as possible.

In cricket, West Indies skipper Chris Gayle has defended his decision to play in the IPL and therefore enjoy little or no practice for the Test series in England.

The 29-year-old flew in to England on Monday, ahead of Wednesday's start to the first Test at Lord's.

In rugby union, it seems likely that the disciplinary hearing relating to eye-gouging allegations against Alan Quinlan will be delayed until next week.

European rugby's governing body has said it needs time to set up the panel to hear the case against the Munster flanker who could miss the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa if found guilty.

It is thought the hearing might not take place until 13 May.

Meanwhile, Harlequins flanker Chris Robshaw has been named as the Guinness Premiership player of the year.

His team-mate, Jordan Turner-Hall, claimed the discovery of the season award while Leicester's Richard Cockerill was named the top director of rugby.

Bath's Australian forward Justin Harrison has been cleared of making contact with the eyes or eye area of Saracens skipper Steve Borthwick.

The 34-year-old second row star was cited for an incident that occurred on Saturday after the final whistle as Bath beat Saracens 33-18.

However, the charge has been dismissed by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel.

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