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General Sports News

No City switch for Messi

Author: Craig Williams
Date: 05/03/2009

Argentina international Lionel Messi has dismissed betting speculation linking him with a summer transfer from Barcelona to Manchester City.

Reports on Thursday morning suggested City were lining up a big-money bid for Messi, but the 21-year-old has responded by saying he is more than happy to stay at the Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, controversial Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole was arrested on Thursday morning after becoming involved in a drunken confrontation with police.

The 28-year-old England international is reported to have repeatedly sworn at police outside the Collection nightclub in South Kensington. After refusing to tone down his language, Cole was detained and taken to a police station to sober up.

Everton boss David Moyes has confirmed that Victor Anichebe will play no more football this season.

The young striker damaged the cartilage in his right knee during last month's draw at Newcastle United after being caught by Kevin Nolan, a challenge that led to the Magpies midfielder being sent off.

A scan on the injured knee has proved inconclusive so Anichebe will undergo exploratory surgery.

In cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board have reacted angrily to charges of failed security arrangements following the terrorist attacks in Lahore.

The Sri Lanka team bus and a smaller vehicle carrying match officials to the third day's play of the second Test match at the Gaddafi Stadium came under attack from a number of gunmen.

After their escape, match referee Chris Broad and umpires Simon Taufel and Steve Davis all voiced their concerns at the lack of security personnel on the scene.

However, PCB chairman Ijaz Butt insists Broad has fabricated his statement and insists there was no change in the level of security.

In rugby union, disgraced former England prop Matt Stevens has decided to resign from his Bath contract rather than face a disciplinary hearing.

The 26-year-old has just started a two-year ban for testing positive for cocaine and has opted to avoid the need for further action from his club side by stepping away.

In rugby league, Warrington Wolves have reacted to their dreadful start to the 2009 Super League campaign by naming Tony Smith as their new head of coaching and rugby.

James Lowes, who has presided over three defeats in three matches so far this term, will take on the role of first-team coach.

Smith, who has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Warrington, will continue in his role as England's head coach, but has given up his job as the RFL's technical director.

Finally in formula one, chief executive Nick Fry insists a Honda team will be able to take part in the new season.

Honda pulled out of the sport in December as a result of the global financial crisis, but will be able to field a team in 2009 due to recent cost reductions in formula one.

Jenson Button is expected to be one of the team's drivers in the new season with either Rubens Barrichello or Bruno Senna acting as his team-mate.

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