Sport in Short: Football

DUNCAN FERGUSON, the Dundee United and Scotland striker, yesterday lost his appeal against a fine of two weeks' wages imposed by his club for unspecified breaches of club discipline.

JOHN BARNES has been confirmed as Liverpool's captain. Four players have led the side during a testing season, and Barnes has recently taken charge in the absence of Steve Nicol.

LUIS ARAGONES resigned as the coach of Atletico Madrid last night, the day after his team were beaten 5-0 at home by Barcelona in a third round, first leg Spanish Cup tie. 'Luis had to examine the situation and act to stop the deterioration of both his own and the club's image,' Jesus Gil y Gil, the club's president, said.

RADOMIR ANTIC, the former Luton Town player and Real Madrid coach, has been named as the new coach of the Spanish First Division side, Real Oviedo. Antic, a 43-year-old Serb, who was sacked by Real Madrid last season despite being undefeated in his first 13 games, succeeds Javier Irureta, who has been dismissed after a series of poor results.

TRANSFERS: Nathan Peel, striker, Sheffield United to Halifax Town (loan). Julian Broddle, midfielder, St Mirren to Partick Thistle (undisclosed fee).

THURSDAY'S LATE RESULT: Neville Ovenden Combination First Division: Queen's Park Rangers 1 Bristol City 2.