Snub! Ferdinand provokes Terry by ignoring Chelsea skipper and Cole in handshake

There was controversy at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon when the pre-match handshake was marred by Anton Ferdinand opting to ignore both John Terry and Ashley Cole in the line-up.
The QPR defender provoked an angry reaction from the Chelsea skipper, who was barely acknowledged by Ashley Cole, who appeared as a character witness for Terry, further down the line.

Controversy: All focus was on Anton Ferdinand and John Terry as the pair met for the first time since the latter was acquitted of racially abusing the former during a Premier League game last season

The Barclays Premier League encounter is the first meeting between the clubs since Terry was found not guilty of using a racial slur against the Hoops' Ferdinand in the corresponding fixture last October.
No other QPR player appeared to ignore Terry or Cole, who testified as a character witness for his England team-mate at the trial.
Terry, who remains the subject of a Football Association investigation over the charges that he denies, had been a doubt for the Loftus Road clash but recovered from an ankle injury sustained on England duty. Ferdinand himself has been hampered by a shoulder injury.

Ignored: Ferdinand snubbed Ashley Cole, who appeared as a character witness for Terry

Fury: It had been suggested the pre-match ritual be scrapped to avoid unnecessary attention

QPR fans then began making derogatory chants aimed at Terry and Cole. The pair were jeered every time they touched the ball as the highly-charged west London derby got under way.
The handshakes had been abandoned in advance of the previous two encounters between the clubs.

Tension: Both Terry and Ferdinand were jeered every time they touched the ball during the match

QPR manager Mark Hughes branded the handshake row 'ridiculous' on Friday and called for the ritual to be axed.
'Is this the best way to do it? I think it’s open to debate,' he said. 'Maybe something could be done after the match.

'The lead-up to the game has been ridiculous and everyone has been focusing on this one moment just prior to the game.

Bad blood: Terry and Ferdinand clashed last season in the same fixture at Loftus Road

'When I saw the list of questions I was likely going to answer (at his press conference) there was nine on the handshake and one on Hillsborough. Ridiculous.'
It is not the first time Terry has been involved in a handshake row. Wayne Bridge snubbed the former England captain following allegations of an affair with the Manchester City defender's former partner.
And Luis Suarez refused Manchester United's Patrice Evra's offer of a handshake, despite the Liverpool forward being found guilty by the Football Association of racially abusing him earlier in the season.

Previous: The Premier League has been hit with handshake controversy before, namely between Wayne Bridge and terry, and Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra

New Zealand 21 South Africa 11: Smith brilliance makes it four wins from four

Replacement half-back Aaron Smith scored an outstanding individual try to inspire New Zealand to victory over South Africa at Forsyth Barr Stadium in the Rugby Championship.
Smith, who had been dropped to the bench for a breach of team protocol last weekend, replaced Piri Weepu at half-time and scooted through the defence midway through the second half for the try which broke the 8-8 deadlock.
The All Blacks scored two tries to one to record their 14th Test win but the Springboks had their opportunities, particularly in goal-kicking where Morne Steyn, Frans Steyn and Johan Goosen combined for only two of nine attempts.

Trybound: Aaron Smith skips away from Duane Vermulen

Rugby Championship table

New Zealand                        W 4 D 0 L 0 Pts 16
Australia                              W 2 D 0 L 2 Pts 8
South Africa                         W 1 D 1 L 2 Pts 7
Argentina                              W 0 D 1 L 3 Pts 3

South Africa missed two early opportunities, with wing Bryan Habana unable to hold an awkward pass with the line open and Frans Steyn missing a shot at goal from almost 50m on the angle.
But when the All Blacks infringed at a breakdown, Morne Steyn kicked truly from 36m to open the scoring after 18 minutes.
However, the All Blacks struck back immediately, hooker Andrew Hore making good ground and number eight Kieran Read laying on the pass to give full-back Israel Dagg a clear run to the line to make it 5-3.
Morne Steyn was to the right with a penalty from 44m and in front and the All Blacks swept back on to the attack.

Gutted: Jannie du Plessis hangs his head after defeat

Frans Steyn was just under the bar with a penalty attempt from almost 10m inside his own half, a reminder of what distance he is capable of.
The Springboks were giving as good as they received in the forward exchanges, with lock Flip van der Merwe prominent, but Morne Steyn missed his second consecutive penalty attempt.
He then missed two other attempts at goal and the Springboks had the poor return of one success out of six to help the All Blacks lead at the interval.
The All Blacks were fortunate to be ahead, though, as the Springboks had 58 per cent territory and forced six turnovers from the All Blacks while conceding two.

Clearing his lines: Dagg kicks away despite the attentions of Andries Bekker

Habana threatened early in the second spell but lost the ball forward in the tackle of Aaron Smith and the chance was lost.
Habana, though, gave the Springboks the lead with a brilliant individual try eight minutes into the half. He raced from a line-out 40m out, chipped and re-gathered to score in the right corner.
But Morne Steyn missed again and Aaron Cruden kicked a neat penalty three minutes later to tie the scores at 8-8 as the arm wrestle continued.
Winger Cory Jane had been safe under the high ball for the All Blacks and made another fine take as the Springboks tried to pressurise New Zealand's back three.

Crunching: Tendai Mtawarira is tackled by Aaron Cruden

South Africa were kicking too much ball away and the All Blacks made them pay when Smith dummied and sidestepped through the defence from 25m out to score a gem of a try.
South Africa suffered another blow when replacement prop Dean Greyling was sin-binned as he dived indiscriminately into a ruck.
Johan Goosen took over from the out-of-sorts Morne Steyn but missed with a long-range attempt from 55m to make it one goal from eight for the Springboks.
But he was on target from 39m soon after and it was 15-11 with 11 minutes left.
Cruden's two late penalties added gloss to the final score of 21-11 as the hosts held on.

Manchester United use Kagawa link to set up Japan promotion

Manchester United have announced a new three-year partnership with leading Japanese engineering firm Yanmar.
The agreement will allow United to utilise Yanmar's expertise in their key markets worldwide and enhance their profile in Japan.

Link man: Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa (left)

 

Yanmar are one of the world's largest engine manufacturing companies and also have a strong record in supporting young sporting talent in Asia.
In 1957 the company founded the football club now known as Cerezo Osaka, which is where current United player Shinji Kagawa began his professional career.
United commercial director Richard Arnold said: 'Like Manchester United, Yanmar is steeped in history, this year celebrating a centenary of creating ground-breaking state-of-the-art technology in its field.
'With 659million followers United has a huge global audience and through our alliance we hope to introduce Yanmar and its expertise to some of our key markets.
'In return Yanmar will help us in our desire to engage with our nearly 4million Japanese followers.'
Kagawa, who joined United from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, was present at the announcement of the partnership at Old Trafford with team-mates Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez.

Liverpool youngster Ngoo booked for Hillsborough tribute as Chelsea U21s thrashed

Liverpool U21 striker Michael Ngoo was booked in his side's demolition of Chelsea's youth team for removing his shirt to reveal a Hillsborough tribute.
After Ngoo scored the fourth goal in Liverpool's 4-1 rout he displayed a message on his undershirt which read '96 reasons 4 justice'.

Tribute: Michael Ngoo showed this message after he scored

 

Official guidelines indicate that referees should produce the yellow card when football shirts are taken off but most would have preferred it not to happen on this occasion.

The crowd, at Brentford's Griffin Park, booed the referee and cheered Ngoo for his tribute, which came in the week the Hillsborough Independent Panel released their report into what had really happened in the disaster.
It showed shocking evidence of a police cover-up as to the real reasons 96 fans died on April 15, 1989.
Another notable feature of the match was Marko Marin's return to action for Chelsea.
Marin, a £7million acquisition from Werder Bremen, was the club's first signing of the summer but a hamstring injury has kept him from Roberto Di Matteo's first-team plans.

On the move: Marko Marin made his first appearance since pre-season

While Oscar and, more dramatically, Eden Hazard have begun to make their mark in English football, Marin has been left frustrated.
But more frustration was the order of the day for the 23-year-old German left winger as Dermot Drummy's youth team were comfortably seen off by Liverpool's. 
Marin was withdrawn at half-time for Adam Phillip with the game goalless, but the Reds ran amok in the second half.

No way through: Chelsea youngster George Saville on the ball

Goals from Jack Robinson, Conor Coady, Krisztian Adorjan and Ngoo were only answered with one from Patrick Bamford.
Liverpool played a young, promising German of their own in Samed Yesil. The 18-year-old couldn't find the net but he caused concern in the Chelsea defence, with one shot cleared off the line.

MATCH FACTS

Chelsea (4-3-3): Jamal Blackman; Todd Kane, Alex Davey, Nathan Ake, Aziz Deen-Conteh; Billy Clifford, George Saville, Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Jeremie Boga 43); Islam Feruz, Patrick Bamford, Marko Marin (Adam Phillip 45).
Unused subs: Mitchell Beeney, Andreas Christensen, John Swift.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Peter Gulacsi; Brad Smith, Stephen Sama, Andre Wisdom, Jack Robinson; Conor Coady, Craig Roddan; Adam Morgan, Krisztian Adorjan, Dani Pacheco; Samed Yesil (Michael Ngoo 56).
Unused subs: Joao Teixeira, Jamie Stephens, Marc Pelosi, Jordan Ibe.

Chelsea and Manchester City tracking £24m hot shot Oliveira

Chelsea and Manchester City are leading the chase for one of Europe's top prospects after making repeated checks on Benfica striker Nelson Oliveira.
The 20-year-old has been on Chelsea's radar since impressing as a substitute for Oscar Cardozo at Stamford Bridge in the Champions' League last April, while City have begun monitoring his form after a clear signal Benfica may have to cash in on him at the end of the season.

Hit shot: Nelson Oliveira

Barcelona are also keen admirers, while Real Madrid are aware of a likely scramble to sign him next summer, with Jose Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes representing him.
At 6ft 1in, Oliveira has been likened in Portugal to a taller version of City striker Sergio Aguero, for his mobility and link-up play as well as clinical finishing.

Eye-catching: Oliveira impressed against Chelsea

A surprise selection for this summer’s European Championships, after being voted second-best player at the under-20 World Cup 12 months earlier, he made four substitute appearances and followed up with his first senior international goal, in a 2-0 win over Panama.
Oliveira is currently on a season-long loan at Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna. His Benfica deal runs until 2017 and contains a £24million buy-out clause.

Prospect: Oliveira played for Portugal at Euro 2012

Hatton attacked by his own dad hours before announcing comeback

The father of former boxing champion Ricky Hatton was arrested for attacking his son the day before he announced his comeback, police sources said.
It is understood that Hatton, 33, had to protect himself after his dad Ray, 61, attacked him during a heated row in the car park outside his Manchester gym.
Police were called and Hatton senior was arrested and cautioned.

Attack: Ricky Hatton (left) was hit by his father Ray (right) in a car park

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: 'Shortly before 11.45am on Thursday, police received reports that there had been a fight involving two men outside a health and fitness club on Market Street, Hyde.
'A 33-year-old man was assaulted by a 61-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of common assault and subsequently given a police caution.
'The 33-year-old man was not injured in the incident.'
On Friday, Hatton - nicknamed The Hitman - said he would strive to earn the nation's pride again after seeing his life 'turn to mush' in the three years since he last fought.

He's back! Hatton announced his comeback in Manchester on Friday

The Hyde fighter has suffered a series of well-publicised issues in his private life since his last fight saw him knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in their IBO light-welterweight title fight in Las Vegas.
Hatton insisted he did not want to see those demons tarnish his legacy in the sport, with another world title belt in his sights.
The fighter was the subject of allegations of cocaine abuse two years ago and within days he was admitted to a rehabilitation facility.
Drink and depression were major issues for Hatton at the time.

Flattened: Manny Pacquiao destroyed Hatton in his last fight in 2009

'I don't want people telling my kids that I blew it,' Hatton said as it was announced he would return to the ring on November 24 in Manchester.
'I want my kids to be able to say, 'He was a world champion, he had his problems, but my did he bounce back'.
'I want people to be proud of me again. I want British sport, my kids and my fans and my friends to be proud of me.'
Hatton's agent declined to comment on the incident.

Forget it! Mourinho rules out selling Madrid star Ronaldo to City

Jose Mourinho has told Manchester City to forget about signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese forward claimed he was 'sad' after the 3-0 win over Granada a fortnight ago and has been linked with a move to the Premier League champions.
But his boss has ruled out selling Ronaldo, who has scored 150 goals in 149 games.

Going nowhere: Cristiano Ronaldo (right) will not be leaving Real Madrid

'I would say to every club to forget Cristiano,' Mourinho said.
'Don’t waste your time... Cristiano and Real Madrid are perfect for each other.'
Madrid return to action on Saturday against Seville after mustering just four points from three games.

Warning: Jose Mourinho expects Ronaldo to be at his best against Sevilla

And Mourinho warned Ronaldo he must be at his best.
'If he plays awful and tired I will take him off in the 75th minute like anyone else.
'Finally after 15 days of talking about Ronaldo it is time to see if he plays well or not. Ronaldo now needs peace, quiet and to play football which is what he does the best and likes the best.'

Mancini fury over Aguero trip as striker battles to be fit to face Real Madrid

Roberto Mancini hit out at the ‘stupid rule’ that has jeopardised Sergio Aguero’s chances of being fit for Manchester City’s trip to Stoke and their Champions League clash with Real Madrid in the Bernabeu on Tuesday night.
Aguero has not played for almost a month since twisting his right knee on the opening day of the season, but Argentina invoked their right to summon the striker on a fruitless 14,000-mile round trip to South America to check on his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.

Back in the game: Sergio Aguero is in contention to face Stoke on Saturday

City feel that his recovery would have been better served by staying in England for treatment, with Mancini unhappy over the FIFA law that forces clubs to release their players.
'This is a stupid rule because if we had a player who is injured for two weeks it is better he stays here to recover,' said the Italian.

Back in action: Aguero was put through his paces with team-mate Carlos Tevez

Flamingoes coach warns against complacency

Flamingoes have been warned by their coach not to get all laid back as the team will be going into the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup tournament holding in Azerbaijan later in the month of September.
Flamingoes are in Group A with Azerbaijan, Colombia and Canada in a tournament that will start from September 22 to October 13.
The Flamingoes Coach, Peter Dedevbo charged the team especially his strikers to deliver against any team they meet that is do magic in front of goalpost by scoring goals.
Presently, the team is in Portugal where their training tour was scheduled as the team is straining themselves out with warm-up matches, cooking up several strategies plus rigorous training but the coach is still insisting that everything still boils down to the tournament proper which the tournament holding in Azerbaijan.
The coach charged the team to take every chance at goal by making it count that he is confidence that the team will deliver.

Taiye Taiwo getting comfortable at Dynamo Kiev

Super Eagles rocky defender; Taye Taiwo opened up about his new passion for Ukrainian football as he has adjusted properly and he is fitting well into his new team; Dynamo Kiev.
The defender who is presently on a loan transfer to Dynamo Kiev from AC Milan at the beginning of the Serie A season said despite many stars and players on the club he has already found his feet and it is that one factor that has helped him settle in quickly into the team.
Taiye Taiwo also revealed that the players in the club are under immense pressure to deliver result in every league game.
Taiwo also known as a goal-scoring defender has played five league matches and he is yet to open his goal account.

Obafemi Martins joins Levante from Rubin Kazan

Former Super Eagles striker; Obafemi Martins has moved to Spanish club Levante dumping his Russian club Rubin Kazan as he agreed to terminate his contract with the Russian club.
Martins who left inter Milan to Wolfsburg before he moved to Rubin Kazan is expected to earn an annual wage of around €600,000 every season.
Obafemi Martins was entitled to a wage of €2.2 million at Rubin Kazan after signing a deal worth €9 million from German Bundesliga side, Wolfsburg.
Martins signed a two-year deal with Levante on Tuesday and will be unveiled today.