A round-up of today's other soccer news in brief
Fenlon backs McGuinness
BOHEMIANS’ manager Pat Fenlon says that Jason McGuinness’s racial abuse of Sligo Rovers’ Romuald Boco was totally out of character and that he will learn from the incident.
Fenlon confirmed Bohemians fined and suspended the 26-year-old defender for racially abusing Benin international Boco during the 0-0 draw between the clubs at the Showgrounds on April 18th.
Both McGuinness and Fenlon apologised to Boco and Sligo manager Paul Cook immediately after the game.
However, referee Derek Tomney noted the incident in his report and the case will be heard by the FAI’s Disciplinary Committee next Wednesday with McGuinness likely to get a lengthy suspension.
“He’s a great lad, Jason. He’s a great fellah,” said Fenlon. “It’s just unfortunate that it happened, but he’s got to learn from it, like us all. He’s dealing with it, in fairness to him. He’ll definitely get all the support he needs from within the dressingroom, that’s for certain.”
O'Neill backs Celtic and Rangers
MARTIN O’NEILL has backed proposals which could see his former club Celtic and Rangers becoming part of a revamped Premier League. The league could discuss the possibility of extending to two divisions – including the two Scottish giants – during the summer.
And Aston Villa boss O’Neill believes the duo would become “monumental players” if they decide to move. O’Neill told Aston Villa TV: “My personal thought is that Celtic and Rangers would enhance the Barclays Premier League.
“Glasgow is a phenomenal football city. Celtic house 60,000 fans and Rangers house 50,000 fans every game. I’m not sure about Rangers but I know Celtic’s capacity could go from 60,000 to 80,000 overnight, without a doubt.”
“If you’re asking for a personal opinion, I think Celtic and Rangers joining would enhance the Barclays Premier League and make us all strive to get better.”
Webb admits he was wrong
REFEREE Howard Webb has admitted he was wrong to award a penalty to Manchester United in their Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The visitors were leading 2-0 when Webb ruled that Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes had fouled Michael Carrick after 57 minutes when television replays showed he had palmed the ball away to safety before colliding with the midfielder.
Cristiano Ronaldo converted the penalty and put United back into the game. Webb said: “I’ve looked at it again and I think it was a mistake but we make these decisions honestly. It’s not always easy to see the way the play pans out from pitch level. I could see the Manchester United player touch the ball and saw him get clattered by the goalkeeper but didn’t see the extra deviation from the goalkeeper’s fingers touching the ball.”
Boyd rules out Scotland return
KRIS BOYD yesterday slammed the door on a Scotland return under George Burley after the manager once again extended an olive branch to the Rangers striker.
Boyd made a dramatic exit from the international stage in October after becoming frustrated with a lack of opportunities under Burley.
The Ibrox hitman (25) vowed never to return while the former Ipswich and Hearts boss remained in charge.
Burley has extended numerous invitations for Boyd to change his mind since, the latest of which came yesterday when he announced his squad for next Wednesday’s ‘B’ international against Northern Ireland.
But when informed of Burley’s comments, Boyd said: “I made my decision at the time, I’ve come back to club level and I’m happy,” he said. “I’m enjoying my football again and I’ll continue doing that.”
Elano wants to stay at City
BRAZILIAN midfielder Elano says he is ready to sign a new contract with Manchester City and “remain here for a long time”.
Elano is coming to the end of his second season at Eastlands and has rediscovered the form which made him such a favourite after he was signed from Shakhtar Donetsk by Sven-Goran Eriksson. “I would love to renew my contract at City and remain here for a long time. I am very happy here.”
Gerrard likely to return against Newcastle
STEVEN GERRARD is likely to face Newcastle on Sunday, according to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.
The England midfielder has returned to training after recovering from a groin injury. It is a welcome boost for Liverpool ahead of the match, especially as they could be six points adrift of leaders Manchester United come kick-off.
United are in action on Saturday when they face struggling Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. Benitez said: “Steven is doing well and is training with the rest of the team. I think he will be fit and available for Sunday. It is good news for the team and for him because he can be a key player for us over the remaining games.
“Without Steven the squad has been playing well and scoring goals, so that is positive.”
Benitez insists his thoughts are only with continuing their title bid and not potential business in the transfer market after Xabi Alonso was linked again with a move to Juventus.
