The Sports Matrix: Wednesday 26 October 2011

Chelsea accused over pitch battle

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has left voicemails asking for help putting a prominent opponent “on the sidelines” ahead of tomorrow’s vote over the future of Stamford Bridge. The club faces opposition from fans’ groups over the proposed relocation.

Grunters targeted by WTA officials

The WTA are to take action over the grunting and shrieking of female players. Stacey Allaster, chairman of the body that runs the women’s tour, said the WTA had noticed an increase’ in fans complaints. “On that basis, we should look at it,” she said.

India complete series whitewash

England collapsed spectacularly to lose by 95 runs to India as the hosts completed a 5-0 one-day series whitewash in Kolkata. Chasing 272, England – who recently thrashed the Indians in England – crumbled from 129 for 0 to 176 all out.

Tevez warned and fined over ‘refusal’

Carlos Tevez was last night fined four weeks’ wages and handed a written warning following his alleged refusal to warm up during last month’s Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich. The Argentinian striker has a fortnight to lodge an appeal.

Cockerill attacks French haka fine

Leicester director Richard Cockerill has criticised the IRB’s decision to fine France for confronting New Zealand’s haka during last Sunday’s World Cup final. “It’s madness,” he said. “I don’t think the French were out of order. Fair play. It was great theatre.”

Bluebirds and Eagles flying high

Crystal Palace handed Southampton only their third defeat in 17 matches this season, winning 2-0 through goals from Darren Ambrose and Jermaine Easter. Cardiff joined them in the last eight, beating Burnley 1-0 thanks to a Joe Mason curler.

Thomas announces surprise retirement

Welshman Gareth Thomas has announced his immediate retirement, just days before the start of the Four Nations. The 37-year-old represented his country in both codes, winning 100 caps for the Union side before switching to League in 2010.

Exclusive: Kean in plea to fans

Blackburn manager Steve Kean has called on the club’s fans to get behind the side. “We need them to back us and get behind the lads,” he said. “Get behind me, get behind the owners, because we all want the same thing.”

United forget local difficulties to coast to win at Aldershot

Manchester United staged the perfect recovery from Sunday’s derby humbling, easing to a 3-0 victory at Aldershot to reach the League Cup quarterfinals. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, who lost 6-1 at home to neighbours City on Sunday, went ahead after only 15 minutes last night, Dimitar Berbatov slotting home after good work from Ji-sung Park and the returning Tom Cleverley. Scorer then turned provider as Berbatov superbly passed across goal for Michael Owen to hit his third in three matches as the champions went into the break 2-0 ahead. Antonio Valencia, one of 11 United changes, scored with a superb curling effort from outside the area to make it three after the interval. Dean Holdsworth’s side rallied thereafter, going close with a number of long-range efforts, but United keeper Ben Amos went untroubled.

Arsenal recover to make last eight

Arsenal came from behind for the second round in a row to beat Bolton 2-1 and make the last eight. Former Arsenal midfielder Fabrice Muamba opened the scoring just after the break, before Andrei Arshavin and Chu-young Park turned the tie around.

New Jersey race added to calendar

The 2013 F1 calendar will include a race in New Jersey, according to reports. Felix Roque, mayor of West New York, said the Grand Prix will run through the town and neighbouring township Weehawken. The US last hosted a race in Indianapolis in 2007.