The Sports Matrix: Monday 17 December 2012

Referee's inaction infuriates Laudrup

Michael Laudrup, the Swansea manager, launched an outspoken attack on referee Mike Dean for failing to stop play in injury time at the end of his team's 1-0 defeat at White Hart Lane yesterday when it appeared that striker Michu could have been knocked unconscious.

There was uproar on the Swansea bench as play continued despite the fact the Spanish striker, above, was lying prone on his back following a collision with Spurs' goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, with players from both sides frantically calling for medical attention.

Laudrup said that the collision had reminded him of the one between Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher and France defender Patrick Battiston in 1982 that left the latter with a broken neck. Michu later recovered and finished the game.

Laudrup said: "I was very angry, I did not want a free-kick or red card for Lloris or anything. But when possible head injuries happen like this one there is no doubts [the game should be stopped]." MORE

Yesterday's results:

Tottenham 1-0 Swansea

West Bromwich 0-0 West Ham

Chelsea squander silverware chance

Rafa Benitez failed to claim a second Fifa Club World Cup after his Chelsea team lost 1-0 to Corinthians in Yokohama. Paolo Guerrero scored the only goal in the 69th minute, heading past a crowd of defenders, while Fernando Torres had a late header ruled out. MORE

Opinion: Sam Wallace

Bringing 35-year-old Thierry Henry back for a second year in a row would be one more small acceptance that Arsenal have failed to move on from the better times he represents. MORE

Mancini sanctions Balotelli charge

After leaving Mario Balotelli out of Saturday's trip to Newcastle, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has personally sanctioned a £340,000 fine and misconduct charge for the Italian striker, which the striker is to fight at a Premier League tribunal this week. MORE

Former Coventry star in car accident

Coventry say their thoughts are with former striker Peter Ndlovu after he was seriously injured in a car crash which claimed the life of his brother Adam, who was also a former professional footballer for FC Zurich. Peter was deemed "out of danger and stable" by nurses last night.

Wiggins beats Ennis to award

Olympic gold medallist and Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year last night, ahead of Jessica Ennis and Andy Murray. British cycling mastermind Dave Brailsford was named coach of the year, while Team GB took the team gong.

England must fight for historic victory

England face a nervy fifth day in the final Test as they look to complete a first series victory in India for 27 years. The tourists, who need a win or draw in Nagpur, ended the fourth day 165 runs ahead, with Jonathan Trott 66 not out. MORE

Saracens close in on quarter-finals

Owen Farrell helped Saracens to a compelling 19-13 win against Munster at Vicarage Road which put them top in Pool One of the Heineken Cup. With two games left in the pool stage, they hold a two-point advantage over France's Racing Métro. MORE

Toulon run in nine tries against Sale

Sale suffered their heaviest Heineken Cup defeat as Toulon raced to a 62-0 victory at Stade Felix Mayol. The French side were sensational against the Aviva Premiership's bottom-placed club as they made it four wins from four in Pool Six. MORE

Wenger: We must look at ourselves

Arsène Wenger believes the key to solving Arsenal's recent problems lies with his own players. They head to Reading tonight in need of a confidence boost. "We can only look at ourselves, get on with it and look for the future," said Wenger. MORE

Khan claims vital win in Los Angeles

Amir Khan returned to winning ways after two losses with a comprehensive 10th-round stoppage of previously unbeaten American Carlos Molina in a light-welterweight contest on Saturday night in LA. MORE