Football: Ince fined and warned by Ferguson: England midfield player disciplined for 'celebration'

THE Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson, who has been accused of taking too lenient a line with his wayward stars, has fined Paul Ince and warned him about his future conduct following his excessive celebrations during the Charity Shield match against Blackburn at Wembley.

Ferguson was unhappy when the England midfield player, having just scored his side's second goal, ran to the United supporters pointing animatedly at his shirt. Ince said it was his way of declaring he had no desire to leave (he has since signed a new long-term contract to stay at Old Trafford), but Ferguson said he was fortunate not to have been booked.

By making their stand, United have headed off possible disciplinary action by the Football Association. An FA spokesman said: 'We are happy with the way United have handled this and no further action will be taken by us.'

Jurgen Klinsmann will make his home debut for Tottenham against Everton tonight after coming through his first training session since receiving the blow to his head at Sheffield Wednesday which necessitated eight stitches in a mouth wound.

The Spurs manager, Ossie Ardiles, looks certain to name an unchanged side and the same attacking formation which began the season so impressively. 'I would always rather win a game

4-3 than 1-0 and so would 99 per cent of our fans,' he said. The game is a sell-out and Spurs have reminded supporters without tickets that they will not get in.

Gary Lineker's business agent, Jonathan Holmes, has dismissed reports that the former Spurs and England striker is ready to return to the domestic game when his contract with the Japanese club, Grampus Eight, expires in December.