British government contact Serbian government over U21s police charges

The British government has contacted the Serbian government for an explanation over plans to charge two England U21 players with criminal offences.

It was announced on Tuesday two unnamed Young Lions are among 12 people who have been charged by Serbian police for their part in the on-pitch brawl following England's 1-0 win in the U21 European Championship qualifying match in Krusevac on 16 October.
Five Serbia U21 players and the assistant coaches of both teams have also been charged.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol revealed on Wednesday the British government has been in touch with their Serbian counterpart via the Foreign Office to seek clarification over why the charges have been bought.
A British government spokesman said: "Serbian police have announced that they have submitted charges against two England players and an assistant coach to the public prosecutor following an incident at the England-Serbia under-21 football match in Serbia earlier this month.
"We are investigating the full details of these charges before considering our response."
The brawl occurred after the final whistle of the qualifier, with players and officials from both teams clashing on the pitch amid accusations of racist abuse from the stands towards England defender Danny Rose.
Both countries' football associations have been charged by UEFA over the incident, while the Serbian FA has also been charged over the alleged racist abuse.
The English FA revealed in a statement on Tuesday it is yet to be contacted by authorities in Serbia over the police charges.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12016/8214455/British-government-contact-Serbian-government-over-U21s-police-charges

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard makes U-turn on Everton criticism

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted that he should not have slammed Everton the way he did this week, saying: "I went too far."

Following the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park in the Merseyside derby on Sunday, the Reds midfielder claimed that the Toffees have a direct and physical style that is comparable to that of Stoke City.
Those comments saw Everton defender Phil Jagielka hit back at the 32-year-old, and Gerrard now admits that he went a bit too far with his criticisms.
"Just to clarify I've watched the game again, and I've seen some of Everton's matches this season, and what I said in relation to their style of play went too far," he told The Liverpool Echo.
"I was frustrated by the disallowed goal from Luis [Suarez] when I spoke and also some of the things (diving allegations) that have been said about Luis in recent weeks which haven't been fair in my opinion.
"As captain I have a duty to stand up for our players when I feel they are unfairly singled out. But it wasn't my intention to disrespect Everton or Stoke for that matter and I certainly didn't intend any disrespect to their manager or players.
"I have the utmost respect for David Moyes and Tony Pulis and the job they have done at their respective clubs.
"My main issue was with the goal that wasn't given and that Liverpool did not get the three points I felt we deserved in what was a fantastic derby match."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11671/8214211/Liverpool-captain-Steven-Gerrard-makes-U-turn-on-Everton-criticism

Chris Ashton could be banned for England's clash with Fiji after being cited

Chris Ashton could be banned for the start of England's autumn internationals after being cited for a dangerous tackle.

The Saracens winger has been cited for a tackle on Northampton winger Vasily Artemyev during the Aviva Premiership clash on Saturday.
The citing counts on Ashton's record as a yellow card, taking his tally for the season to three and triggering a disciplinary hearing.
A Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel of Jeff Blackett, Jeremy Summers and Peter Budge will consider the matter in London this evening.
Ashton was shown yellow cards for dangerous charging in the matches against London Irish on 1 September and Exeter Chiefs on 23 September.
During his first season with Northampton in the old National League One, Ashton was banned for one week after a similar situation.
If the RFU's disciplinary panel decide to impose a suspension on this occasion, it would not apply to weeks when he is inactive.
And as Ashton was not among the England players released for Premiership duty this weekend, the next match he is due to play is England's Test against Fiji on 10 November.
The RFU disciplinary hearing is scheduled to start at 7pm.
http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12504/8214290/Chris-Ashton-could-be-banned-for-England-s-clash-with-Fiji-after-being-cited

England fear Dylan Hartley will miss whole QBE autumn series through injury

England hooker Dylan Hartley may be forced to sit out the whole QBE autumn international series with the knee injury he sustained at the weekend.

The Northampton front-rower will definitely miss the opening Test against Fiji on November 10, but England head coach Stuart Lancaster is now sweating on Hartley's progress to ascertain whether he will be available to face Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
The 26-year-old is expected to be sidelined for up to four weeks meaning his involvement in the series now seems unlikely and Lancaster accepts it would be a big blow to lose his first-choice hooker.
"Dylan was one of our key players in the Six Nations and in South Africa, there is no doubt about it," stated the England supremo.
"He was desperate to part of a massive autumn series and to have it snatched away so close to being here is cruel for him.
"It is not unrealistic for him to get back in the mix, but it is going to take some work. A lot of things have to happen before then.
"We have got to get him some game-time for Northampton before we can pitch him into international rugby, particularly if you look at our last two games against South Africa and New Zealand."
In Hartley's absence, England will choose between the uncapped Tom Youngs and London Irish's David Paice, who won two caps off the bench in New Zealand four years ago, for the hooker's jersey this autumn.

No concerns

However, Lancaster insists he has no concerns about how either will respond in the Test arena if presented with the opportunity.
"We have had other players who have been in that situation," he continued. "Tom Croft was one of our key players in the Six Nations and he wasn't available for (the tour of) South Africa but Tom Johnson took his opportunity.
"Hopefully that can happen again. One thing I would say about trusting players who haven't got that much experience is that we have always gone with our gut instinct and to date they haven't let us down.
"Youngs has been playing well. He has been given big responsibility by Leicester in the Premiership and in Europe.
"David has matured as a player. He has had his ups and downs but I spoke to him today and he is excited. He said he is ready to stake his claim."
http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12504/8214049/England-fear-Dylan-Hartley-will-miss-whole-QBE-autumn-series-through-injury

England tour of India: Alastair Cook's hundred highlights solid day for touring batsmen

Alastair Cook struck a century in his first innings since being appointed Test captain as England closed day two of their tour match against India A on 286-4 in reply to the hosts' 369.

Cook, elevated to the top job following Andrew Strauss' retirement, finished unbeaten on 112 at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium.
He was well supported by Jonathan Trott (56) in a second-wicket stand of 95 and later put on an unbroken 153 with Samit Patel (82no).
Kevin Pietersen also briefly shone in his first innings for his country since last summer's text-message saga, racing to 23 off 24 balls before being caught-and-bowled by old nemesis Yuvraj Singh.
But there was disappointment for Nick Compton, who fell for a third-ball duck after being handed the chance to open alongside Cook and press his claims for a Test debut in Strauss' place when the four-match series starts in Ahmedabad on November 15.
Compton, the leading run scorer in first-class cricket last summer, shouldered arms at his first two balls and edged the next one behind in Ashok Dinda's opening over.
Ian Bell was the other batsman to miss out, caught by Suresh Raina at slip to become a second wicket in as many overs for left-arm spinner Yuvraj (2-52).
Bell's exit reduced England to 133-4 but that was the final breakthrough of the day for India A as Cook and Patel took centre stage for the remainder of the afternoon and throughout the evening session.
Cook's only blemish was an escape on 87 when he edged an attempted cut at Yuvraj and was dropped by wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha. He went on to complete his 39th first-class hundred and by the close had faced 251 balls and hit 13 fours, while Patel's 82 came off 145 deliveries with 12 fours.
Earlier, James Anderson (2-65) trapped Vinay Kumar lbw for 25 with the first ball of the day to polish off India A's first innings.
http://www.skysports.com/cricket/match_report/0,,11066_13515_1,00.html

Arsene Wenger thinks Arsenal's Capital One Cup win at Reading was a miracle

Arsene Wenger described Arsenal's astonishing victory at Reading in the Capital One Cup as a miracle after watching his side win a 7-5 classic.

The Gunners looked like they were going to be dumped out in the fourth round at the Madejski Stadium after falling 4-0 down in the opening 37 minutes.
But Theo Walcott inspired an epic comeback in the final seconds of normal time of a see-saw contest, which ultimately saw Arsenal progress to the quarter-finals after extra time.
"You always see new things in our game," Wenger told Sky Sports. "That is why it is never boring.
"It finished well for us but Reading made a fantastic start. We were not sharp, beaten in every single one-against-one and it was 4-0. It could have been one or two more.
"After that, I believe, in the second half, we came back after 4-1.
"We created chance after chance and it was 4-2 but, at 89 minutes, we still needed to score two goals.
"The miracle happened. In extra time, we were always in front."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/8213828/Arsene-Wenger-thinks-Arsenal-s-Capital-One-Cup-win-at-Reading-was-a-miracle

Nico Hulkenberg to race for Sauber in 2013

Nico Hulkenberg will race for Sauber next season after the German's much-speculated move to the Swiss team was confirmed on Wednesday morning.

The 25-year-old has spent the last two seasons with Force India, the first as test and Friday driver, but a transfer to the team's rivals has been mooted for several weeks in wake of Sergio Perez's transfer to McLaren.
Hulkenberg's impending switch was finally made official on Wednesday with the driver saying he believed he was joining a team that he could achieve success with.
"I'm really looking forward to working with the Sauber F1 Team," he said.
"It's a well-placed team and very competitive.
"Plus it's a team in which young drivers have repeatedly delivered exceptional performances. I would like to take up that baton.
"The Sauber F1 Team is currently going through a very positive development and I'm certain that together we can achieve a lot.
 
"Until that time I will remain fully focused on my job with the Sahara Force India Team. I'd like to thank the management at Sahara Force India for giving me the chance to return to Formula One as a team driver."
Sauber made no mention of the identity of Hulkenberg's team-mate for next season in the announcement, however, simply saying they will "announce its second driver for the 2013 season at a later date".
With Kamui Kobayashi thought unlikely to be retained, Sauber's current Mexican test driver Esteban Gutierrez has been hotly-tipped to join Hulkenberg in the 2013 line-up although young Dutchman Robin Frijns has also been mentioned.
On Hulkenberg's impending arrival, Sauber Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn said the German's performances in his two racing seasons in F1 to date had impressed all at Hinwil and she was confident the young star would fit right in.
"We've been observing Nico for some time now and his performances have been very persuasive," she said.
"That was the case in GP2 and has continued into Formula 1. An obvious highlight was how he scored pole at Interlagos in 2010 despite the most challenging external conditions. He clearly showed that he can seize the chance if it arises.
"But high spots like that are one thing; systematic teamwork is another - and on that score I have confidence in Nico too. I'm sure he will fit in very well with the Sauber F1 Team. We look forward to working together with him."

Given Sauber are only one position ahead of Force India in the Constructors' Championship, and both teams are perennial midfield outfits, some observers in the paddock have suggested that such a switch for Hulkenberg - who made his F1 debut with Williams in 2010 - would be something of a sideways move.
However, speaking on Sky Sports F1 over the Indian GP weekend, Ted Kravitz explained that the big advantage of any move could be that Sauber have long-time ties to Ferrari.
"I refer you back to some pretty strong rumours we heard earlier in the season that Ferrari were interested in Hulkenberg in terms of taking over from Felipe Massa," Ted said.
"Some Italian journalists even reported that Hulkenberg had a contract to replace Massa at Ferrari. So these are all pointers to perhaps Ferrari wanting to know a little bit more about Hulkenberg.
"Yes, he's had a pole position in difficult conditions in the wet in Brazil when he was driving for Williams and yes he's undoubtedly fast but because Sauber are a bit of a satellite Ferrari team this is a way, potentially, for Ferrari getting to know Hulkenberg better with an eye to maybe replacing Massa in 2014."
The 2013 grid so far:
Red Bull: Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
McLaren: Jenson Button and Sergio Perez
Ferrari: Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa
Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg
Lotus: Kimi Raikkonen and TBC
Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBC
Still to be announced:
Force India, Williams, Toro Rosso, Caterham, Marussia and HRT.
http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12433/8214146/Nico-Hulkenberg-to-race-for-Sauber-in-2013-season

Arsenal come from four goals down to win 7-5 at Reading in Capital One Cup classic

Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick as Arsenal produced an incredible comeback in what was probably the most remarkable game in the history of the League Cup to win 7-5 after extra time at Reading.

A Jason Roberts volley, Laurent Koscielny's own goal, Mikele Leigertwood's strike and Noel Hunt's header inside the opening 37 minutes at the Madejski Stadium appeared to be sending former Gunner Brian McDermott's Reading into the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup.
But a truly astonishing Arsenal turnaround came as Walcott started and finished, with the final kick of normal time, a stunning fightback at 4-4 with goals either side of headers from substitute Olivier Giroud and Koscielny.
Forgotten man Marouane Chamakh then looked like he had won the tie in extra time but, with the additional half-an-hour almost complete, Pavel Pogrebnyak delivered yet another grand twist with an equaliser at 5-5.

Reading, though, suffered the final heartbreak as first Walcott and then Chamakh settled the 12-goal epic to leave Wenger looking bemused and McDermott inconsolable in the respective dugouts.
It appeared as if it was going to be a most recent stumble from Arsenal, who have been trophyless for seven years, after a nervy win over Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League on Saturday had seemingly only papered over their cracked confidence of defeats by Norwich City and Schalke and a controversial AGM.
It was an explosive start, which should have offered a clue of what was to come, and soon Arsenal were behind as Roberts shook off his marker, Koscielny, inside the six-yard box to slide and meet Hal Robson-Kanu's 12th minute cross.
Wenger's team were rocking as they continued to make a wretched, error-strewn beginning and they found themselves two goals down in the 18th minute, when Koscielny's nightmare first half continued by poking a Garath McCleary cross into his own net.

 
Things were to get worse for the visitors just two minutes later, with Chamakh, who was making his first start for Arsenal since January among 11 first-team changes, giving the ball away and goalkeeper Damian Martinez making a mess of Leigertwood's soft shot.
But still Arsenal's first-half misery was not complete and in the 38th minute, from another McCleary cross, Hunt's header made it 4-0 to leave some visiting fans seemingly heading for the exits.
Arsenal, though, rescued some hope on the stroke of half-time, when Walcott dinked a finish over Adam Federici and the goal proved to be a turning point in a historic night which saw Wenger's unchanged 11 players emerge for the second half as if they were a different team.
In the 62nd minute, Giroud entered the fray and instantly added to the impetus by expertly heading into the back of the net just two minutes later as Reading began to show the nerves of a squad who sit without a win in the Premier League relegation zone.

 
Koscielny's 89th minute header from a corner then had McDermott's side really twitching at 4-3 and it proved too much for them to handle, with Walcott scrambling an effort just over the line with the last kick of six minutes added time to set up an extra half-an-hour.
Extra time was therefore required after a quite sensational and, given Arsenal's ineptitude in the first half, totally unpredicted comeback, which gave the visitors the momentum at a time when Reading, who have never beaten their London opponents in any competition, were crumbling.
In the 103rd minute, Chamakh proved to be one of the heroes when hitting an effort from range past the despairing Federici but Pogrebnyak's 116th minute header seemingly set up a penalty shoot-out.
Arsenal had other ideas and Walcott ensured he would keep the match-ball when finishing a Koscielny and Andrey Arshavin-led counter-attack before Chamakh ended any doubts by lobbing in the final goal of the night to secure a breathless 7-5 result.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/278489/report

Serbian police file charges against two England Under-21 players over brawl

Two unidentified England Under-21 players are among 12 people who have been charged by Serbian police for their part in the on-pitch brawl following the game in Krusevac earlier this month.

Five Serbia U21 players and the assistant coaches of both teams have also been charged.
The brawl occurred following England's 1-0 European Championship qualifying win on 16 October, with players and officials from both teams clashing on the pitch amid accusations of racist abuse from the stands towards England defender Danny Rose.
Serbian police did not give the names of the players charged but said they had "committed an act of violence during a sports event".
The FA has, however, yet to be contacted by authorities in Serbia.
"Further to the Serbian police announcement regarding charging English Under-21 players and staff, the Football Association can confirm it has not received any formal notification of any charges filed by the Serbian authorities," a statement read.
"We have not been made aware of any of the names of individuals connected with these charges and we therefore await further details and formal communication on these matters.
"Meanwhile we are in contact with the British Government for advice, as well as speaking with our colleagues at UEFA."
Both countries' football associations have been charged by UEFA over the incident, while the Serbian FA has also been charged over the alleged racist abuse.
The Serbian FA previously banned two of their players for a year for their part in the brawl, as well as two members of their coaching staff.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12016/8213329/Serbian-police-file-charges-against-two-England-Under-21-players-over-brawl

Chris Robshaw is set to be confirmed as England captain for the autumn internationals

England will announce their captain for the upcoming autumn internationals today with Chris Robshaw expected to be confirmed in the role.

The Harlequins flanker skippered England during last season's Six Nations and led them on tour in South Africa.
Dyaln Hartley took over for the final Test against the Springboks in Robshaw's absence but the Northampton hooker is struggling with a knee injury.
And with Robshaw expected to recover from a facial injury he suffered against London Irish, the Quins skipper is set to lead England against Fiji, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
Hartley, along with team-mate Courtney Lawes, is to have a scan on the knee injury he suffered during Saturday's defeat to Saracens.
London Irish hooker David Paice has been called up with Hartley a serious doubt for England's opening clash with Fiji a week on Saturday while George Robson was summoned as cover for Lawes.
Northampton flanker Tom Wood, who was a strong candidate to lead England before suffering an injury prior to last season's Six Nations, is back in Stuart Lancaster's squad.
However Robshaw remains favourite for the openside flanker position and the captaincy after impressing in the roles this year, while Wood's priority will be to fight for a place in England's match-day squad.
http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/20876/8210726/Chris-Robshaw-is-set-to-be-confirmed-as-England-captain-for-the-autumn-internationals

Micah Richards could be out for four months after requiring knee surgery

Manchester City defender Micah Richards has had knee surgery after he was injured against Swansea on Saturday and he could be out for up to four months.

The 24-year-old picked up the injury towards the end of City's narrow 1-0 victory, pulling up and holding onto his knee without any other players close by.
He was stretchered from the field while wearing an oxygen mask and the England international ended up having an operation to mend a torn knee cartilage.
The unfortunate Richards had only returned to action at the start of October, after picking up a heel injury while on duty for Team GB at the London Olympics.

 
Richards said: "The positive thing is that the injury has been repaired so the knee will be as good as new.
"I have a brace on it and I am using crutches. I can't do anything at all for the next four to six weeks and I am probably looking at 12-16 weeks before I am back in action.
"I knew straight away that it was quite a bad injury. The knee locked and I couldn't straighten it.
"I suppose it could have been even worse and not repairable, so I am being positive. Injuries are part and parcel of the job but, with this coming on top of the other one, I do feel a little hard done to!
"I will be working as hard as I can to get back as quickly as I can and I thank all the fans who have sent their best wishes."

Injury worries for City

The loss of Richards leaves Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini short of options on the right-hand side of his defence in the short term.
Pablo Zabaleta and Maicon are already sidelined with hamstring and foot problems respectively, although both are due to return soon.
Kolo Toure replaced Richards on Saturday, but the Ivory Coast international is not registered in City's Champions League squad.
Richards added: "I felt I was doing OK. We beat Sunderland, West Brom and Swansea, and kept two clean sheets in those three games, so things were going well in the Premier League.
"I am sure the lads will continue that run of form and I will look forward to getting stuck into the title defence as soon as possible when I return.
"Everyone has their opinion about how we have started but the league table looks pretty good."
 http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11679/8210729/Micah-Richards-could-be-out-for-four-months-after-requiring-knee-surgery

England v India A, day one: Steve Finn suffered thigh injury on day of toil for tourists

England lost Steve Finn to a thigh injury as India A reached 369-9 on day one of the opening tour match in Mumbai.

Finn pulled up chasing a ball to the boundary during the morning session, then aborted the second over of his second spell and left the field.
He will played no further part on Tuesday and is expected to have a scan to determine the extent of the injury.
Kevin Pietersen, back in an England side for the first time since his summer travails, got his name on the scoreboard with a catch as England asked to field after Alastair Cook lost the toss.
Pietersen held a straightforward chance in the gully to remove Ajinkya Rahane, one of six wickets to fall before tea as the home side were reduced to 224-6.
The boundaries flowed on pitch offering some pace, Abhinav Mukund (73) and Yuvraj Singh (59) both completing half-centuries before falling to Graeme Swann's spin.
Yuvraj, looking to press his claims for a Test recall after recovering from cancer, hit four sixes in his 80-ball contribution, which ended when he was stumped by Matt Prior.
England struggled for most of the final session as seventh-wicket pair Manoj Tiwary (93) and Irfan Pathan (46) extended their partnership to 120.
Pathan was eventually Swann's third victim and Tim Bresnan ended the day on a high, yorking Tiwary to deny him a century and following up by bowling Ashok Dinda with his next delivery.
Bresnan was the pick of the seamers on show, finishing with 3-59, while Swann picked up 3-90 and there was a wicket apiece for James Anderson (1-65) and Samit Patel (1-95).
http://www1.skysports.com/cricket/news/12173/8210303/Steve-Finn-has-suffered-an-injury-during-England-s-warm-up-match-in-India

Wayne Rooney among 23 players on FIFA Ballon d'Or shortlist

Five Premier League players have been named on the shortlist for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or, including Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli are also among the 23 men in the running to be recognised as the world's greatest player after helping Manchester City win the title last season.
Didier Drogba has also been included after his contribution to Chelsea's Champions League success, while there are a number of contenders from Spain's Euro 2012-winning squad.
The shortlist will be narrowed down to three on 29 November, with Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid the favourites to top the list.

 
Meanwhile, Roberto Di Matteo, Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini are among a shortlist of 10 in the frame for the coach of the year award.
Vicente del Bosque, Pep Guardiola, Jupp Heynckes, Jurgen Klopp, Joachim Low, Jose Mourinho and Cesare Prandelli have also been credited for their good work over the past 12 months.
Shortlist: Sergio Aguero (Man City), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Mario Balotelli (Man City), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Didier Drogba (Chelsea/Shanghai Shenhua), Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan/PSG), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Manuel Neuer (Bayern), Neymar (Santos) Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Yaya Toure (Man City), Robin van Persie (Arsenal/Man Utd) Xavi (Barcelona).
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8208802/Wayne-Rooney-among-23-players-on-FIFA-Ballon-d-Or-shortlist