Round-up: Italy international Gennaro Gattuso has defended his decision not to take a voluntary blood test after Sunday's Serie A match between AC Milan and Roma.

Former Rangers player Gattuso and Milan team-mate Giuseppe Pancaro agreed to the mandatory urine tests for banned substances, but refused the blood tests - as they are entitled to do under current regulations.

Midfielder Gattuso, who is set to face Scotland in a World Cup qualifier this Saturday, justified his reasons in the aftermath of Milan's 2-0 win.

He said: "I refused because either you do things seriously or not at all. For months no one has been doing them and now they bring this new thing up. Anyway I don't see what the problem is as it is not an obligation. Let's plan the tests well, treat everyone the same and I will be happy to comply."

Manchester City will vehemently deny any allegations from Tottenham Hotspur that Thimothee Atouba was racially abused if he cites it as mitigation in his FA disciplinary case.

City have been dismayed by reports that Atouba informed Tottenham's manager Martin Jol after Saturday's game at White Hart Lane that he had been the victim of a racist slur.

The Cameroon international is being investigated for elbowing Joey Barton, an offence which was missed by the match officials.

Atouba faces a three-match ban for violent conduct but, if he cites racial abuse, officials at Soho Square will be under pressure to seek an explanation. He is away on international duty and the FA's disciplinary committee has extended its deadline for him to respond to the charge to next Thursday.

Milan Baros has apologised for the challenge which left Alan Stubbs in agony and Liverpool short of attacking options for their Champions League challenge.

The striker was given a straight red card after his crude lunge connected with the Everton defender's knee during the Merseyside derby on Sunday.

Baros claims his tackle was not intended to hurt the Everton skipper. "I wanted to kick the ball away," Baros said. "I closed my eyes and ran for it and unluckily I hit his knee. I am sorry. My style of playing is based on aggressiveness."

German defender Robert Huth has told Chelsea that he does not want to join Bayern Munich. Chelsea looked in danger of losing Huth when Bayern admitted they were keen to take him to the Olympic Stadium.