Other soccer stories in brief

Martinez denies anti-Ferguson quotes

WIGAN manager Roberto Martinez has categorically denied that he suggested the Football Association are afraid to punish Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson.

Martinez was reported to have claimed the FA were almost “apologising” to Ferguson for sanctioning the Scot over his comments that referee Alan Wiley was unfit to do his job.

But the Wigan boss insists he never made any comments about Ferguson and released a statement through the League Managers’ Association which read: “Wigan Athletic manager, Roberto Martinez, has today categorically denied making the comments about Sir Alex Ferguson that have been attributed to him in a number of media reports.

“Martinez has referred the matter to the League Managers Association.”

Ronaldo to miss Milan return tie

STRUGGLING Real Madrid will have to do without Cristiano Ronaldo for next week’s Champions League clash with AC Milan after results of an MRI scan on the Portugal international’s ankle injury revealed he is still not ready to return.

Ronaldo, who first sustained the injury during the Champions League match against Marseille in September and then aggravated it while playing for Portugal against Hungary, had hoped to be back in time for the Milan clash.

But the Primera Division club today confirmed he will be out of action at least until he undergoes another test in one week’s time.

That means the big summer signing from Manchester United will not only miss this weekend’s derby against Getafe at the Bernabeu, but also the return meeting with Milan next Tuesday when Madrid will try to bounce back from their 3-2 home defeat to the Italians last week.

The news is another blow for Madrid, who have won just once in five matches without Ronaldo.

Brown remains at the helm 

HULL have denied reports Phil Brown has been sacked as their manager.

A number of bookmakers, including Paddy Power and William Hill, have suspended betting on Brown being the next Premier League manager to leave his job. But, a statement on the clubs official website, read: “Contrary to media speculation the club can confirm that Phil Brown has not been sacked and remains the manager of Hull City FC.”

Premier League boss rules out idea of Old Firm joining

RICHARD Scudamore claims there is no chance of the Old Firm joining the English Premier League.

Both Celtic and Rangers are desperate to quit Scottish football, with England their preferred destination.

But Premier League chief executive Scudamore cannot see his organisation’s 20-member club voting to let them in.

Scudamore also revealed he was personally against the Old Firm – who have also been linked with an Atlantic league – leaving Scotland.

Speaking on last night’s ESPN programme ‘Between The Lines’, he said: “I don’t think it’s a serious proposition for a whole number of reasons.

“Scottish football is Scottish football. For a traditionalist like me, that’s where the Old Firm should play.” He added: “I see the benefits for Celtic and Rangers if they moved to our Premier League but I don’t think our 20 clubs are going to vote to allow these clubs into our league.”

Davenport charged with assault

PREMIER League footballer Calum Davenport has denied that he assaulted a woman during an incident in which he was stabbed in both legs.

The West Ham United and former England U-21 defender, 26, was charged by Bedfordshire Police yesterday afternoon with assault causing actual bodily harm on a woman.

But Davenport said in a statement: “I am deeply shocked and disappointed at the decision that has been made to charge me with assault. I deny any wrongdoing and will plead not guilty. For legal reasons, I am unable to discuss the matter further at this time.”

Worrell Whitehurst, 25, appeared in court charged with attacking the centre-back as well as his mother, 49-year-old Kim Stupple, in the driveway of her home in Springfield Avenue, Bedford, in August.

Sources said the woman Davenport is accused of assaulting was his sister, sister Cara, 28.

A statement from Bedfordshire Police said: Professional footballer Calum Davenport has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm on a woman following an incident in Bedford on August 22.

Pompey hit by transfer embargo

PORTSMOUTH have confirmed they have been hit with a transfer embargo from the Premier League for failing to pay money owed to other clubs.

The embargo means Paul Hart will be unable to bring any new players in to Fratton Park until further notice as he seeks to save the troubled club from relegation.

Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson said: “We can confirm that there is an embargo on Portsmouth registering any new players.”

The south coast club are confident the embargo will not be in place for long, though. Portsmouth director of communications Gary Double said: “This concerns unpaid money to other clubs and it is in the process of being sorted.

“We are confident the situation will be sorted by the end of the week.” The transfers involved are believed to be Lassana Diarra’s move from Arsenal in January 2008 and Glen Johnson’s signing from Chelsea in August 2007.

Keane considers new role for Taylor

PETER Taylor has held brief talks with Ipswich manager Roy Keane about joining the coaching staff at Portman Road.

Former Hull, Crystal Palace and England under-21 manager Taylor is available having been sacked by Wycombe earlier this month and Keane is thought to want an experienced coach alongside him as he bids to turn around Town’s poor start to the season.

“Possibly something might be done next week but I’m not prepared to get involved in what at the moment is only speculation,” said Taylor.

“Roy and I have had a chat, a little chat, and that’s as far as it has gone so far.”