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General Sports News

Suspended ban for McLaren

Author: Rose Young
Date: 29/04/2009

McLaren have escaped with a suspended three-race ban for misleading stewards at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in March.

The Woking-based team were given the punishment by motor sport's governing body, the FIA, following a specially arranged inquiry in Paris.

McLaren were found guilty of misleading race stewards following the season-opening Melbourne race, which led to betting favourite for the championship Lewis Hamilton being disqualified.

However, Hamilton's team will only be punished should either 'further facts emerge' about the incident or if there is a 'further breach' of the rules.

"Having regard to the open and honest way in which McLaren team principal, Mr Martin Whitmarsh, addressed the WMSC and the change in culture which he made clear has taken place in his organisation, the WMSC decided to suspend the application of the penalty it deems appropriate," read a World Motor Sport Council statement.

England's cricket selectors have sprung a couple of surprises in the squad for the first Test against the West Indies at Lord's next week.

Ian Bell and Michael Vaughan have been left out of the 12-man party, with the selectors opting for Essex's Ravi Bopara instead, while all-rounder Tim Bresnan of Yorkshire and Durham paceman Graham Onions are poised for debuts.

Bresnan has played in a handful of one-day internationals for England, but Onions has yet to feature at the highest level.

The agent of Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has dismissed fresh rumours linking his client with Juventus, who came close to signing the Spain international last summer.

The 27-year-old eventually stayed put at Anfield and has enjoyed a fine campaign for the Reds, helping them challenge for a first league title in two decades.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United's interim manager Alan Shearer may gamble and throw midfielder Joey Barton into the Magpies' starting line-up at Liverpool on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Scouser has not featured for United since late January, but was named on the bench for the goalless draw at home to Portsmouth last time out.

In rugby union, versatile Scotland back Hugo Southwell has opted to leave Edinburgh to join French side Stade Francais on a two-year contract.

The 28-year-old, who has won nearly 50 caps for his country, has been in the Scottish capital for the last six seasons, having previously played in England with both Bristol and Worcester.

Another Scotland international could be heading to France along with Southwell, with Northampton Saints admitting they are unsure over the future of Sean Lamont.

The 28-year wing has been linked with a move to French club Brive this summer, but Saints head coach Jim Mallinder is in the dark over the player's future.

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