Suarez snubs Evra handshake

Saturday, 11 February 2012

The Red Devils captain offered his hand to the Uruguay international, who was banned for eight matches for racially abusing the defender, but he bypassed the Frenchman and went straight to goalkeeper David de Gea.

Evra did not accept that and attempted to grab Suarez's arm to complete the formalities, but the striker shrugged him off.

Rio Ferdinand, next in line to De Gea, then refused to shake Suarez's hand.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said earlier in the week: "People are already speculating on the pre-match ceremony, but from Luis's point of view we have spoken to him and I know he will shake the hand of Patrice Evra and the other Manchester United players before the game."

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Breaking News: Fabio Capello resigns as England coach

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

England coach Fabio Capello dramatically quit just four months before the European Championship after publicly challenging the Football Association’s decision to remove John Terry as captain.

The FA says that “in a meeting for over an hour, Fabio’s resignation was accepted and he will leave the post of England manager with immediate effect.

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Barca reject RVP talk

Monday, 6 February 2012

Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has denied the club have held talks with Arsenal over striker Robin van Persie.

The Holland international's contract expires in 2013, leading to intense speculation over his long-term future at Emirates Stadium.

Reports suggested the Spanish giants had spoken with the Gunners with a view to landing Van Persie in the summer.

However, Barca say no contact has been made with the club or his agent and that they are focused on winning the Liga and Copa del Rey.

Rumours

"Nothing exists with RVP," explained Bartomeu after Saturday's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad.

"It's rumours that appear in the papers. We've not contacted Arsenal, nor his agent.

"Our focus is now on the Liga and Copa del Rey.

"It's necessary to be focused on the task at hand and not be distracted by the transfer market."

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Robin van Persie tips Oxlade-Chamberlain for the top

Robin van Persie believes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can become a star for club and country, but is wary of placing too much pressure on the teenager.

Arsenal spent big last summer to secure the 18-year-old's services, with a number of Premier League sides having spotted his obvious potential.

The Gunners have been careful to ease the England U21 international into top-flight action this term, with the first half of the campaign seeing him make sporadic appearances.

He has, however, forced his way into Arsene Wenger's plans over recent weeks and has rewarded his manager's faith with a string of eye-catching displays.

The most recent of those came against Blackburn on Saturday as he netted his first Premier League goals in a 7-1 mauling of hapless Rovers.

Prospect

Van Persie outshone his young colleague as he grabbed a hat-trick, but the Gunners skipper feels Oxlade-Chamberlain is destined for the top - providing Arsenal continue to nurture him in the right way.

"It's always good to have a good mixture of young talents, experienced players and I really like him," said Van Persie.

"He is a fantastic player already, he's only 18 and is so young. He's good on the ball, he has everything.

"Alex is quick, has movement and technique. He can score a goal, give an assist. He has a great future.

"In the future (he can make the England team), definitely. He's a big prospect. Everyone is enjoying watching him, I do, you do and he brings something extra to the game and people just love it.

Confidence

"Don't put too much pressure on him. You always have periods when you are young when you have really high highs and you go up and down until you balance it a bit better.

"He will have ups and will have periods when he's not playing so well. So my advice is to be aware of it and be patient.

"It reminds me of my own period when I was breaking through and was 18 or 19.

"When you have all these qualities then it gives you confidence and you can enjoy yourself.

"He's not someone who thinks about negatives, just positives and you can enjoy the game like that."

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