http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/henrys-replay-call-wrongfoots-french-1824816.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/henrys-replay-call-wrongfoots-french-1824816.html ]]> <p>Thierry Henry's extraordinary admission yesterday that France's World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland should be replayed wrong-footed the French football federation (FFF): officials in Paris had not authorised it and they have no intention of supporting his sentiments. </p> International Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/keane-savages-mentally-weak-ireland-players-1824817.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/keane-savages-mentally-weak-ireland-players-1824817.html <p>Roy Keane yesterday launched a savage attack on the Republic of Ireland players and the Irish football establishment for their complaints about Thierry Henry's handball and told them they were just sympathy-seeking, "mentally weak" hypocrites who should "get over it". </p> International Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/allardyce-bolton-was-a-fantastic-time-a-great-era-for-me-1824818.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/allardyce-bolton-was-a-fantastic-time-a-great-era-for-me-1824818.html ]]> <p>Rain hammering down on Pendle Hill from storm clouds as black as night: it is an early morning scene in Lancashire that Sam Allardyce has observed a thousand times before, but there seemed to be a particular poignancy in it yesterday as he wondered whether he would ever know a different landscape. </p> News & Comment Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/james-lawton-henry-is-a-cheat-ndash-and-a-replay-could-have-proved-it-on-wednesday-night-1824819.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/james-lawton-henry-is-a-cheat-ndash-and-a-replay-could-have-proved-it-on-wednesday-night-1824819.html <p>We can appraise however we like the moral strength of Thierry Henry's belated statement that it really would be quite a good idea to replay the World Cup match he distorted so profoundly. However, we cannot hope to be within a long throw of the central issue. </p> News & Comment Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/rooney-not-ready-for-club-captaincy-1824823.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/rooney-not-ready-for-club-captaincy-1824823.html <p>A new dad and captain of his country, Wayne Rooney returns to domestic duty today after being told he is behind at least five other players in Sir Alex Ferguson's pecking order for the Manchester United armband. </p> Premier League Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/grand-old-men-prove-yorke-is-off-target-1824825.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/grand-old-men-prove-yorke-is-off-target-1824825.html <p>Dwight Yorke, interviewed in these pages recently, wished for a management break as promising as Gareth Southgate's at then-Premier League Middlesbrough. The League Managers Association's celebration this week of the elite band to have overseen 1,000 matches should have made him reconsider.</p> News & Comment Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kakuta-rises-from-the-ruckus-1824827.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kakuta-rises-from-the-ruckus-1824827.html ]]> <p>Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager, claims Gaël Kakuta, the youngster at the centre of the club's transfer scandal, is the best 18-year-old he has seen and that bringing the French playmaker to Stamford Bridge was worth all the fuss. </p> Premier League Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/agassi-got-away-with-lies-ndash-some-people-do-says-atp-1824829.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/agassi-got-away-with-lies-ndash-some-people-do-says-atp-1824829.html <p> Adam Helfant, the executive chairman and president of the Association of Tennis Professionals, said yesterday that he had told Andre Agassi he was "disappointed" with the American's comments in his autobiography about drug taking. </p> Tennis Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-i-can-beat-federer-twice-in--a-week-1824831.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-i-can-beat-federer-twice-in--a-week-1824831.html ]]> <p>According to Phil Anderton, chairman of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, ticket sales for next week's event at the O2 Arena make it "the equivalent of 15 sold-out Led Zeppelin concerts". </p> Tennis Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/sport-in-brief-yates-takes-on-leading-role-at-skys-new-team-1824840.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/sport-in-brief-yates-takes-on-leading-role-at-skys-new-team-1824840.html <p> <i>Cycling: </i>Sean Yates has become Team Sky's latest signing after agreeing to join the British road team as sports director. </p> Others Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/tendulkar-celebrates-20-years-with-century-1824839.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/tendulkar-celebrates-20-years-with-century-1824839.html <p>Twenty years and five days after his first Test appearance, Sachin Tendulkar made his 43rd century yesterday. It was less dazzling than most of the previous 42 but there was a sense of inevitability that he would mark his two decades as an international batsman and it ensured that India saved the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad.</p> Cricket Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/panesar-starts-healing-process-on-the-highveld-1824838.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/panesar-starts-healing-process-on-the-highveld-1824838.html ]]> <p>As the rain pelted down here yesterday the forgotten man of English cricket was in a contrastingly sunny mood. Monty Panesar is spending the winter in South Africa trying to rediscover some semblance of the talent that not so long ago propelled him to fame, fortune and a seemingly enduring international career. </p> Cricket Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/jones-looks-for-wales-to-rediscover-cutting-edge-1824837.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/jones-looks-for-wales-to-rediscover-cutting-edge-1824837.html <p>The Wales captain Ryan Jones wants a bold and ruthless approach from his team when they aim to rediscover their scoring touch against Argentina at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff today. </p> International Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/darcy-keen-to-stake-claim-on-centre-stage-1824836.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/darcy-keen-to-stake-claim-on-centre-stage-1824836.html <p>Gordon D'Arcy, the experienced centre, insists there is greater depth to Irish rugby, from provincial to national level, than ever before. </p> Club Rugby Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/elsom-casts-giant-shadow-over-scotland-1824835.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/elsom-casts-giant-shadow-over-scotland-1824835.html ]]> <p>Rocky was back on the big stage in the west end of Edinburgh yesterday. In his role as Australian captain, Rocky Elsom was leading Robbie Deans' Wallabies through their eve-of-battle paces at the home of Scottish rugby. Scotland and their head coach, Andy Robinson, can brace themselves for another Rocky Hero Show at Murrayfield this afternoon.</p> International Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/dylan-hartley-haka-will-make-hairs-on-my-neck-stand-up-1824834.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/dylan-hartley-haka-will-make-hairs-on-my-neck-stand-up-1824834.html ]]> <p>Dylan Hartley usually gives newspapers a wide berth, but as he spent last week at the England team headquarters in Surrey rather than on the dark side of Planet Zog, he could not help detecting just a whiff of pessimism concerning the immediate survival prospects of the red-rose pack. "Everyone thought we were going to be bullied by the Argentines," he says, grinning from ear to ear. "But we weren't bullied, were we? We won 80 per cent of the hits against a scrum rated the best in the world. I bet none of you saw that statistic coming."</p> News & Comment Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-desperate-to-avoid-a-mauling-1824833.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-desperate-to-avoid-a-mauling-1824833.html ]]> <p> By and large, Englishmen do not know a fat lot about winning games of rugby against the All Blacks. Only two men in red-rose history – Jason Leonard and a chap by the name of Martin Osborne Johnson – have tasted the glory of it more than once, and of those, only Johnson can claim to be in hat-trick territory. </p> International Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/brian-ashton-all-blacks-show-how-to-nurture-smarter-players-1824832.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/brian-ashton-all-blacks-show-how-to-nurture-smarter-players-1824832.html ]]> <p> Some of the rugby I've seen played in the British Isles of late, including major international contests, has set me thinking anew about what I consider to be one of the burning topics in the modern game: the relationship between coaches and players, both before a match and during it. </p> News & Comment Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/hes-off-egypt-pulls-ambassador-in-fallout-from-world-cup-clash-1824953.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/hes-off-egypt-pulls-ambassador-in-fallout-from-world-cup-clash-1824953.html ]]> <p>Never mind the "hand of Henry" – the "foot of Yahia" has caused an even greater World Cup fallout in north Africa as rioting erupted in the early hours of yesterday morning in Cairo. It was Algerian defender Antar Yahia's powerful right-foot volley that settled their play-off with bitter rivals Egypt in the week's most contentious match.</p> Africa Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/on-the-road-the-kindness-and-spontaneity-of-syrian-strangers-1824890.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/on-the-road-the-kindness-and-spontaneity-of-syrian-strangers-1824890.html <p>I feel like I've been taken hostage, but in a good way. True, I've been bundled into a car and taken to an unknown destination somewhere in the old city section of Homs. But there are no dank cells or handcuffs here. Instead it's just endless cups of tea and a table groaning under the weight of huge plates of food. This is Syria and, yet again, I've been befriended by a local family and brought home for lunch. This is a nation that takes hospitality very seriously. </p> European Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/stan-hey-65-against-1824843.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/stan-hey-65-against-1824843.html <p>In theory it should be a treat for London to host the ATP World Tour Finals, featuring the top eight men's singles players – well, top seven plus Sweden's Robin Soderling. What makes it tricky is finding a player who isn't physically exhausted or mentally switched-off.</p> Racing Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/chris-mcgrath-kauto-stars-on-every-stage-but-one-1824842.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/chris-mcgrath-kauto-stars-on-every-stage-but-one-1824842.html ]]> <p>Kauto Star is the sceptre among steeplechasing's crown jewels, but to the BBC he is just another paste gem. The corporation has gladly washed its hands of Haydock, as of so many tracks, and so leaves to Channel 4 the champion's reappearance this afternoon in the Betfair Chase. </p> Racing Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/a-final-twist-in-the-road-for-brawn-1824841.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/a-final-twist-in-the-road-for-brawn-1824841.html ]]> <p> Everyone knows that in motor racing, Britain's got talent. After all, the past two years have yielded two British world champions. </p> Motor Racing Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/advantage-westwood-as-mcilroy-wilts-1824830.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/advantage-westwood-as-mcilroy-wilts-1824830.html ]]> <p>Aptly enough for a man in a desert with a thirst to satisfy, Lee Westwood is refusing to be blinded by the glare. While Rory McIlroy admits to still being distracted by the numbers in the Order of Merit race, Westwood's focus is solely on taking one step at a time towards the Dubai World Championship. The Englishman calls it "a plodding game" and he has managed to plod his way into a two-shot lead. </p> Golf Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/neil-warnock-i-couldnt-get-into-spirit-of-friendlies-ndash-so-i-went-to-watch-scrooge-instead-1824828.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/neil-warnock-i-couldnt-get-into-spirit-of-friendlies-ndash-so-i-went-to-watch-scrooge-instead-1824828.html <p>I had a tough decision when it came to England v Brazil. How big a box of popcorn should I order? I spent the week leading up to the match telling people it would be a joke, a waste of two hours of their lifetime. So when they kicked off I was at the pictures, watching A Christmas Carol in 3D. It is amazing watching a film though those glasses, I really enjoyed it, though as I said to Sharon, "I'm glad no one's got a photograph of me wearing them." </p> News & Comment Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/mourinho-heat-is-on-barccedila-1824826.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/mourinho-heat-is-on-barccedila-1824826.html ]]> <p>Swine flu and Jose Mourinho all in the same week – it could be a very difficult few days for Barcelona's European champions. </p> European Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/london-caught-in-matchfixing-raids-1824824.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/london-caught-in-matchfixing-raids-1824824.html <p>A Europe-wide investigation into "the biggest match-fixing scandal that European football has ever seen" led to an initial 17 arrests yesterday during raids in four countries, including England, and the seizure of around £900,000 in cash suspected of being gained by illegal means. </p> News & Comment Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/lampard-joins-rush-to-placenta-healer-1824822.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/lampard-joins-rush-to-placenta-healer-1824822.html <p>Frank Lampard has become the latest Premier League star to seek the healing hands of the mysterious horse placenta woman Marijana Kovacevic. The Chelsea midfielder was in Serbia yesterday for treatment on his torn thigh muscle that has ruled him out of his club's game against Wolves today. </p> Premier League Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hughes-hoping-city-can-impress-torres-1824821.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hughes-hoping-city-can-impress-torres-1824821.html ]]> <p>Manchester City travel to Anfield today in the belief that victory might set in motion a train of events that could take Fernando Torres to Eastlands. </p> Premier League Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/who-will-go-fourth-and-conquer-1824820.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/who-will-go-fourth-and-conquer-1824820.html ]]> <p>The task of resurrecting Liverpool's season always did look like the mother of all ventures so it's as well that Rafael Benitez has been looking in the right place. "Are you married?" he asked yesterday, when asked to expand on how the process of slapping horse placenta on his injured players has left his side in a fit state to meet Manchester City this lunchtime. "Ask your wife," he replied.</p> Premier League Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/sailing/ainslie-gets-revenge-as-team-origin-win-1824775.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/sailing/ainslie-gets-revenge-as-team-origin-win-1824775.html <p> An emphatic win for Britain’s Team Origin in the semi-final of the Louis Vuitton Trophy series in Nice squared the best of three at 1-1 as skipper Ben Ainslie took revenge for the opening loss to Italy’s Team Azzurra, skippered by Francesco Bruni. </p> Sailing Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:17:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/jordan-predicts-schumacher-comeback-1824760.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/jordan-predicts-schumacher-comeback-1824760.html ]]> <p> Former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan believes Michael Schumacher will replace Jenson Button at the newly-named Mercedes team for next season. </p> Motor Racing Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:59:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/iraq-suspended-by-fifa-1824751.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/iraq-suspended-by-fifa-1824751.html <p> Iraq were today suspended by world governing body FIFA after the Iraqi Olympic Committee dissolved the governing board of the Iraq Football Association. </p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:56:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/2010-world-cup-teambyteam-guide-1824688.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/2010-world-cup-teambyteam-guide-1824688.html ]]> <p> Qualification is complete and now we can look forward to South Africa 2010, which kicks off on June 11. </p> News & Comment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:04:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/zola-warns-suitors-off-carlton-cole-1824670.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/zola-warns-suitors-off-carlton-cole-1824670.html ]]> <p> West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has issued a firm "hands off" warning to potential suitors of Carlton Cole as the England striker prepares for his return to first-team action. </p> Premier League Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:30:59 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/martins-broke-despite-pound75000aweek-wages-1824669.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/martins-broke-despite-pound75000aweek-wages-1824669.html ]]> <p> A court has heard that former Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins was broke despite earning £75,000-a-week wages. </p> News & Comment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:27:14 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-oneday-match-abandoned-1824662.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-oneday-match-abandoned-1824662.html ]]> <p> England's first one-day international against South Africa was washed out at the Wanderers today. </p> Cricket Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:53:14 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/uefa-investigate-european-matchfixing-claims-1824661.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/uefa-investigate-european-matchfixing-claims-1824661.html <p> UEFA are looking into 12 matches in the Europa League and three in the Champions League as part of their investigation into alleged match-fixing. </p> News & Comment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:47:49 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/england-want-to-answer-critics-says-moody-1824651.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/england-want-to-answer-critics-says-moody-1824651.html ]]> <p> Lewis Moody insists England's wounded players are "chomping at the bit" to prove their army of critics wrong in tomorrow's final autumn showdown against New Zealand. </p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:04:13 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/wenger-backs-call-for-ireland-replay-1824650.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/wenger-backs-call-for-ireland-replay-1824650.html <p> Arsene Wenger has echoed Thierry Henry's calls for France's controversial World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland to be replayed. </p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:01:15 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/replay-the-best-solution-says-henry-1824593.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/replay-the-best-solution-says-henry-1824593.html ]]> <p> France captain Thierry Henry has admitted replaying the World Cup qualification play-off against the Republic of Ireland would be "the fairest solution". </p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:47 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/england-v-new-zealand-match-preview-1824582.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/england-v-new-zealand-match-preview-1824582.html ]]> <p> England entertain the All Blacks at Twickenham this Saturday in what some are calling a make-or-break Test for coach Martin Johnson. </p> News & Comment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:14:03 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/france-tell-ireland-to-move-on-1824576.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/france-tell-ireland-to-move-on-1824576.html ]]> <p> The France Football Federation believe the controversy of their World Cup qualification should be put aside following FIFA's decision that the play-off against the Republic of Ireland will not be replayed. </p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:03:59 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/roy-keane-tells-fai-what-goes-around-comes-around-1824518.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/roy-keane-tells-fai-what-goes-around-comes-around-1824518.html ]]> <p> Roy Keane had little sympathy for the Football Association of Ireland's campaign to have their controversial World Cup play-off against France replayed and said: "What goes around comes around." </p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:33:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/real-insist-ronaldo-will-not-be-rushed-back-1824512.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/real-insist-ronaldo-will-not-be-rushed-back-1824512.html ]]> <p> Sporting director Emilio Butragueno insists Real Madrid will exercise caution with the returning Cristiano Ronaldo. </p> European Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:15:46 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/ecclestone-sets-silverstone-december-deadline-1824464.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/ecclestone-sets-silverstone-december-deadline-1824464.html ]]> <p> Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has set Silverstone a December deadline to keep next year's British Grand Prix on the calendar. </p> Motor Racing Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:39:32 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/button-banned-from-mclaren-activities-by-brawn-1824463.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/button-banned-from-mclaren-activities-by-brawn-1824463.html ]]> <p> Brawn GP will not allow world champion Jenson Button to be involved in any team activities for McLaren before the end of the year. </p> Motor Racing Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:38:06 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/wilkinson-issues-england-warning-1824462.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/wilkinson-issues-england-warning-1824462.html ]]> <p> Jonny Wilkinson has warned England will have to toughen up if they are to stand any chance of overturning the odds and beating New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday. </p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:35:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/strauss-will-not-return-to-twenty20-1824459.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/strauss-will-not-return-to-twenty20-1824459.html ]]> <p> Andrew Strauss has confirmed he has no plans to go back on his decision to stop playing Twenty20 cricket. </p> Cricket Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:33:22 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-can-cope-without-van-persie-says-wenger-1824428.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-can-cope-without-van-persie-says-wenger-1824428.html ]]> <p> Arsene Wenger maintains Arsenal have the strength to cope without injured frontman Robin van Persie. </p> Premier League Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:24:20 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/beckham-defends-henry-over-hand-ball-1824427.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/beckham-defends-henry-over-hand-ball-1824427.html ]]> <p> David Beckham has defended Thierry Henry following the France striker's controversial handball in the World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland. </p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:22:46 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/domenech-baffled-by-frances-guilty-tag-1824411.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/domenech-baffled-by-frances-guilty-tag-1824411.html ]]> <p> France coach Raymond Domenech is baffled as to why his side are being portrayed as the guilty party following their controversial World Cup play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland. </p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:20:58 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-identify-ferdinand-injury-problem-1824408.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-identify-ferdinand-injury-problem-1824408.html ]]> <p> Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Rio Ferdinand will not be consigned to a lengthy period on the sidelines after identifying the root of his current injury problems. </p> Premier League Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:17:58 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/fifa-rule-out-ireland-replay-1824407.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/fifa-rule-out-ireland-replay-1824407.html ]]> <p> FIFA today dashed the Republic of Ireland's hopes replaying their World Cup qualifying play-off with France. </p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:15:35 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/the-ten-best-acts-of-sportsmanship-1823706.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/the-ten-best-acts-of-sportsmanship-1823706.html ]]> <p> Thierry Henry could have handled the 'Hand Gaul' situation all so differently. </p> News & Comment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/mcilroy-finds-feet-following-awkward-start-to-duel-1823922.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/mcilroy-finds-feet-following-awkward-start-to-duel-1823922.html ]]> <p>Rory McIlroy is not just trying to overcome Lee Westwood here but also his own age and inexperience. That much was perfectly obvious on a first day of the Dubai World Championship in which the young pup felt all the pressure and the old dog went on his normal stroll around the park. </p> Golf Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/cooldine-leads-hot-properties-of-winter-game-1823924.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/cooldine-leads-hot-properties-of-winter-game-1823924.html ]]> <p><b>1. Alfie Sherrin</b> (Trainer: Paul Nicholls) </p> Racing Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/wakefield-could-be-forced-to-release-prop-stosic-1823923.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/wakefield-could-be-forced-to-release-prop-stosic-1823923.html ]]> <p>James Stosic's future with Wakefield is in doubt following his failure to secure a Macedonian passport. The New Zealand-born prop, previously with Cronulla and the Gold Coast, played for Wakefield as an overseas player last season and was to be retained on the understanding that he would be exempt from the import quota of five per club.</p> Rugby League Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-italian-pair-are-latest-recruits-for-team-sky-1823926.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-italian-pair-are-latest-recruits-for-team-sky-1823926.html ]]> <p>Team Sky have confirmed the Italians Dario Cioni and Davide Vigano as their latest recruits. </p> Others Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/athletics/semenya-to-keep-title-as-tests-stay-under-wraps-1823928.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/athletics/semenya-to-keep-title-as-tests-stay-under-wraps-1823928.html ]]> <p>The Sport and Recreation department of the South African Government announced yesterday that Caster Semenya would be allowed to keep the 800 metres gold medal she won at the athletics World Championships in Berlin in August, and also the $60,000 (£36,000) in prize-money that she earned. The $64,000 question remains, however. It is likely to be some while yet before the 18-year-old knows whether she will be free to chase any further gold.</p> Athletics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/del-potro-moves-within-striking-range-of-murray-1823930.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/del-potro-moves-within-striking-range-of-murray-1823930.html ]]> <p>If Juan Martin del Potro fails to reach the final of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at London's O2 Arena a week on Sunday it will at least give him a chance to catch up with friends. The 21-year-old Argentine is on good terms with many of his country's leading footballers and it will not have escaped his attention that Liverpool, the club of Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua, meet Everton that day.</p> Tennis Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/dan-carter-it-looks-like-jonny-is-back-to-his-best-1823932.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/dan-carter-it-looks-like-jonny-is-back-to-his-best-1823932.html ]]> <p>The All Blacks have spent the last few years shedding their image as the unsmiling giants of world rugby: a reputation bought and paid for in hard currency by the mean-eyed monsters of old – utterly ruthless types like Wayne Shelford and, before him, Colin Meads, of whom the expensively educated old-school England lock David Marques once famously said: "You know, the thing one most dislikes about that chap is the way the terminal traces of one's jockstrap hang from the corners of his mouth at the end of a game."</p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/ankle-injury-rules-davies-out-of-wales-pumas-test-1823934.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/ankle-injury-rules-davies-out-of-wales-pumas-test-1823934.html ]]> <p>Wales have been forced to make a change among their replacements for tomorrow's Test against Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.</p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/what-if-henry-had-done-the-decent-thing-1824116.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/what-if-henry-had-done-the-decent-thing-1824116.html ]]> <p>A wave of indignation and recrimination swept across the Irish Sea towards Paris yesterday after France's controversial passage to the World Cup finals via the outstretched left hand of Thierry Henry provoked an official demand from Dublin for a re-match and raised questions about the ethical obligations of multimillionaire footballers.</p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/exclusive-england-2018-bid-set-to-win-key-backing-from-europe-1823939.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/exclusive-england-2018-bid-set-to-win-key-backing-from-europe-1823939.html ]]> <p>England's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup has not been damaged by recent political infighting, according to exclusive canvassing by <i>The Independent</i> of members of the all-important Fifa Executive Committee (ExCo), which will decide the host for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. </p> News & Comment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/inside-englands-2018-campaign-ndash-how-the-votes-are-won-1823938.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/inside-englands-2018-campaign-ndash-how-the-votes-are-won-1823938.html ]]> <p>A fortnight ago a delegation from England's 2018 World Cup bid team, led by Lord Triesman, was in Paraguay to visit Dr Nicolas Leoz, the president of the Conmebol federation. Dr Leoz is one of 24 men who will vote on the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. </p> News & Comment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/james-lawton-henry-has-never-been-an-angel-now-he-is-beyond-redemption-1823937.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/james-lawton-henry-has-never-been-an-angel-now-he-is-beyond-redemption-1823937.html ]]> <p>Irish football is entitled to believe it has never seen anything so cynical, so far removed from the spirit of sport, as the devilish hand played by Thierry Henry to deny Giovanni Trapattoni's team a place in the World Cup finals that would have been so thoroughly deserved.</p> News & Comment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/henry-should-have-owned-up-says-wenger-1823936.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/henry-should-have-owned-up-says-wenger-1823936.html ]]> <p>Arsene Wenger yesterday said Thierry Henry should have admitted to his blatant handball that sent France to the World Cup finals, as the Football Association of Ireland called for their controversial World Cup play-off in Paris to be replayed.</p> International Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/how-the-world-cup-bid-rivals-compare-1823935.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/how-the-world-cup-bid-rivals-compare-1823935.html ]]> <p>England's campaign to win the 2018 or 2022 World Cup faces a field of rivals that has never been so crowded or competitive. Partly this is because the tournaments for 2010 and 2014 were effectively shoo-ins for South Africa and Brazil. Football continues to expand, so more nations want a piece of the world's biggest single-sport event. The strengths and weakness of the field are as follows.</p> News & Comment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/chelsea-target-boro-winger-in-1634m-loanback-1823933.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/chelsea-target-boro-winger-in-1634m-loanback-1823933.html ]]> <p>Chelsea are to planning to offer £4m for Middlesbrough's England Under-21 winger Adam Johnson in January, and then loan him back to the Championship side for the rest of the season.</p> Transfers Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/johnson-responds-to-placenta-treatment-1823931.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/johnson-responds-to-placenta-treatment-1823931.html ]]> <p>Glen Johnson's encounter with placenta specialist Marijana Kovacevic appears to have elicited some rapid results, with the right-back, whose defensive weaknesses are "not as bad as people think" according to his manager, Rafael Benitez, ready to start for Liverpool against Manchester City tomorrow lunchtime.</p> Premier League Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-promise-a-better-fight-1823929.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-promise-a-better-fight-1823929.html ]]> <p>England have never won a one-day series in South Africa. Three previous attempts in the past 14 years have ended in outright failure, accompanied by the conclusion that the team were going nowhere and needed restructuring.</p> Cricket Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/raikkonen-to-take-year-off-formula-one-1823927.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/raikkonen-to-take-year-off-formula-one-1823927.html ]]> <p>The former world champion Kimi Raikkonen has confirmed he will take a one-year sabbatical from Formula One next season and says it is uncertain whether he will return in 2011. </p> Motor Racing Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/sri-lankans-in-record-stand-1823925.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/sri-lankans-in-record-stand-1823925.html ]]> <p>Mahela Jayawardene and Prasanna Jayawardene broke a 72-year-old world record yesterday as Sri Lanka took a 334-run first-innings lead on the fourth day of the first Test against India. </p> Cricket Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/sailing/alinghi-must-meet-measurement-rules-1823786.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/sailing/alinghi-must-meet-measurement-rules-1823786.html <p> Extra pressure poured on the Swiss holder of the America's Cup, Ernesto Bertarelli's Alinghi, following the latest ruling from New York judge, Shirley Kornreich. </p> Sailing Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:08:34 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/monye-ready-to-atone-for-stinker-1823773.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/monye-ready-to-atone-for-stinker-1823773.html ]]> <p> Ugo Monye is ready for anything New Zealand throw at him after a particularly apt church service last Sunday put his "absolute stinker" of a performance against Argentina into clear perspective. </p> International Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:59:24 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/england-among-top-seeds-for-euro-2012-1823766.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/england-among-top-seeds-for-euro-2012-1823766.html ]]> <p> England have been named among the top seeds for February's European Championship qualifying draw - but Scotland are in the third band after falling down the rankings. </p> International Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:56:56 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/fifa-set-to-reject-ireland-replay-appeal-1823761.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/fifa-set-to-reject-ireland-replay-appeal-1823761.html ]]> <p> FIFA are set to reject the Republic of Ireland's call for a replay of last night's World Cup qualifying play-off with France. </p> International Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:54:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/ireland-call-for-replay-1823624.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/ireland-call-for-replay-1823624.html ]]> <p> Irish FA calls on Fifa to order a replay of the controversial World Cup playoff against France. </p> International Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:57:39 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/ireland-call-for-match-to-be-replayed-1823616.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/ireland-call-for-match-to-be-replayed-1823616.html ]]> <p> Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney has urged FIFA to uphold their own principles and "step up to the plate" by agreeing to replay last night's controversial World Cup play-off defeat by France. </p> International Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:42:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/raikkonen-confirms-year-off-from-f1-1823478.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/raikkonen-confirms-year-off-from-f1-1823478.html ]]> <p> Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen confirmed today that he will take a one-year sabbatical from Formula One next season and said it's uncertain whether he will return in 2011. </p> Motor Racing Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:40:54 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/trapattoni-demands-answers-over-referee-1823613.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/trapattoni-demands-answers-over-referee-1823613.html ]]> <p> Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni wants FIFA to explain their choice of referee for last night's World Cup play-off against France in Paris. </p> International Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:37:17 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-starts-world-finals-against-del-potro-1823585.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-starts-world-finals-against-del-potro-1823585.html ]]> <p> British number one Andy Murray will face US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in the opening singles match at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London on Sunday. </p> Tennis Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:17 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/the-most-controversial-goals-in-football-1823571.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/the-most-controversial-goals-in-football-1823571.html ]]> <p> Thierry Henry secured France's path to the World Cup with a blatant handball to help set-up the winner against Ireland. </p> News & Comment Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:46:50 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/aquilani-desperate-for-liverpool-start-1823557.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/aquilani-desperate-for-liverpool-start-1823557.html ]]> <p> Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani may have to be patient for a little longer before getting his first start for Liverpool since his £20m summer move from Roma. </p> Premier League Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:55:18 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/hughton-plays-down-campbells-newcastle-comments-1823556.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/hughton-plays-down-campbells-newcastle-comments-1823556.html ]]> <p> Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has played down reports linking Sol Campbell with a move to the club. </p> Football League Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:54:17 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/athletics/semenya-to-keep-gold-medal-1823493.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/athletics/semenya-to-keep-gold-medal-1823493.html ]]> <p> The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has agreed that South African runner Caster Semenya will keep her 800 metres world title, the country's sports ministry said today. </p> Athletics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:30:45 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/toure-happy-at-barcelona-1823490.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/toure-happy-at-barcelona-1823490.html ]]> <p> Barcaelona's Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure has again insisted that he is happy at the Camp Nou, amid talk of interest from several English clubs. </p> European Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:24:42 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gattuso-not-joining-manchester-city-says-agent-1823489.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gattuso-not-joining-manchester-city-says-agent-1823489.html ]]> <p> AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is not on the verge of joining Manchester City, according to his agent. </p> Premier League Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:22:15 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/button-proud-of-allbritish-partnership-1823477.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/button-proud-of-allbritish-partnership-1823477.html ]]> <p> Jenson Button vowed to make the United Kingdom proud after joining Lewis Hamilton at McLaren to form an all-British line-up. </p> Motor Racing Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:38:50 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-aims-to-learn-from-criticism-1823474.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-aims-to-learn-from-criticism-1823474.html ]]> <p> England manager Martin Johnson revealed his men are in "determined mood" heading into Saturday's showdown with New Zealand, the final Investec Challenge of a tough autumn campaign. </p> International Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:36:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/middlesex-want-tendulkar-after-signing-gilchrist-1823473.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/middlesex-want-tendulkar-after-signing-gilchrist-1823473.html ]]> <p> Middlesex have signed Adam Gilchrist for the group matches of next season's Twenty20 Cup - and are confident of securing Sachin Tendulkar as well. </p> Cricket Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:35:05 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/swann-ruled-out-for-england-1823472.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/swann-ruled-out-for-england-1823472.html ]]> <p> England's injury woes increased today when it was announced spinner Graeme Swann will miss the first two one-day internationals against South Africa due to a side strain. </p> Cricket Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:33:47 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/footballer-dies-during-routine-training-session-1823471.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/footballer-dies-during-routine-training-session-1823471.html <p> A United Arab Emirates footballer collapsed and died during a routine training session after suffering a massive heart attack yesterday. </p> News & Comment Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:31:13 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-star-barry-could-haunt-benitez-1823469.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-star-barry-could-haunt-benitez-1823469.html ]]> <p> Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will get a close-up of the missing piece of his jigsaw puzzle on Saturday when Gareth Barry runs out for Manchester City at Anfield for a match with huge implications for both clubs. </p> Premier League Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:29:22 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/keane-blasts-platini-and-blatter-1823467.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/keane-blasts-platini-and-blatter-1823467.html ]]> <p> Robbie Keane hit out at the presidents of FIFA and UEFA following the Republic of Ireland's World Cup exit, claiming they would be "delighted" that France had gone through thanks to a hugely controversial winning goal. </p> International Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:26:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenals-gibbs-on-course-for-chelsea-clash-1823458.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenals-gibbs-on-course-for-chelsea-clash-1823458.html ]]> <p> Arsenal have confirmed Kieran Gibbs' foot injury is not as bad as first feared - and he could now be fit to face Chelsea later this month. </p> Premier League Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:24:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/hiddink-silent-on-future-after-russia-exit-1823456.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/hiddink-silent-on-future-after-russia-exit-1823456.html ]]> <p> Coach Guus Hiddink was giving nothing away regarding his future as his Russia side were denied a place at the World Cup finals by Slovenia. </p> International Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:22:55 +0000