Tag Archives: panel

Jim Boyle banned for two months for using Alkalising Agent on horse

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Boyle punished for using banned powder on horse despite being cleared of 'milkshaking'

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UPDATED:

19:47 GMT, 18 December 2012


Punished: Jim Boyle has been given a short-term ban

Punished: Jim Boyle has been given a short-term ban

Epsom trainer Jim Boyle has been fined 3,500 and will be prevented from making entries for two months following a British Horseracing Authority inquiry into alleged 'milkshaking'.

Although Boyle was cleared of using an alkalinising agent on New Den at Lingfield in April 2011, he was found guilty of knowingly using a ‘Tie-up Powder’ on the horse which is banned on race day.

The use of an Alkalising Agent, usually Sodium Bicarbonate, on racehorses is a practise that has particularly gained notoriety in America. It acts by reducing the build-up of Lactic Acid in muscles as fatigue sets in.

Boyle would have faced a fare more serious penalty had he been found guilty of ‘milkshaking’.

New Den never ran at Lingfield on the day in question after a random pre-race test showed abnormally high levels of TC02 in his system, often an indicator of ‘milkshaking’.

The BHA disciplinary panel concluded Boyle had been aware New Den had been given a 'tie-up powder' on the day of the Lingfield race, and that he was doing so 'in the knowledge that the powders administered could affect the gelding's racing performance'.

Boyle, a former vet who produced a series of good character references at the hearing, has been Epsom’s most successful trainer numerically in recent years. In 2009, he trained 59 winners but this year’s total has dropped to 24.

Unless he appeals, the two-month restriction on making entries is likely to start in just over a week. However, Boyle can still continue to train the horses in his care.

Racism in Spanish football "does not exist", says RFEF chief executive Llona

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Racism in Spanish football 'does not exist', says RFEF chief executive Llona

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UPDATED:

18:10 GMT, 10 October 2012

Spain's football chief has claimed racism 'does not exist' in the Spanish game despite numerous recent incidents.

UEFA fined the Spanish FA after Spain fans racially abused Mario Balotelli during Euro 2012, while last year Barcelona's Dani Alves said racism in the Spanish game is 'uncontrollable'.

Not a problem: Angel Villar Llona

Not a problem: Angel Villar Llona

Samuel Eto'o also highlighted racist abuse during his time with Barcelona.

But Angel Villa Llona, president of the Spanish FA and a member of both FIFA and UEFA's executive committee insisted racism was not a problem.

Asked how racism in Spanish football compared to the game in England, which has had two high-profile abuses cases in the last year, Villa Llona said: 'There is no racism in Spanish football.'

Asked about the incident when Thierry Henry was the subject of racist language from former Spain coach Luis Aragones, Villa Llona repeated his insistence it was not an issue in Spanish football.

In June, UEFA fined the Spanish FA 20,000 euros for racist abuse by their fans during Euro 2012.

UEFA's disciplinary panel found Spain guilty of 'improper conduct of its fans [racist behaviour, racist chanting]' after Spain fans targeted abuse at the Italy forward Balotelli.

Last year, Alves said he had learned to live with racism in Spain.

The Brazilian said: 'The clubs and the league try to do some things to stop it. They try to punish the clubs, but it is uncontrollable. It will not go away.'

James Graham pleads not guilty to ear bite charge

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England prop Graham pleads not guilty to NRL ear bite charge

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UPDATED:

22:40 GMT, 3 October 2012

England prop James Graham has pleaded not guilty to an NRL dangerous contact charge.

The Canterbury Bulldog was on Monday cited for allegedly biting the ear of Melbourne full-back Billy Slater during Sunday's Grand Final between the two clubs.

With video evidence appearing to suggest the 27-year-old former St Helens captain had a case to answer, it was reported he would be facing a lengthy ban, possibly of up to 12 games.

Not guilty! Graham has made his plea after being cited for dangerous contact

Not guilty! Graham has made his plea after being cited for dangerous contact

That could still be the case, with his not guilty plea leaving him open to further sanction if the NRL judiciary panel tomorrow decide he has committed an offence.

Graham was named in England's 24-man squad for the autumn international series against France and Wales.

Tottenham lead race for Clint Dempsey

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Spurs take lead in Dempsey chase as American's dream Liverpool move falls through

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UPDATED:

21:06 GMT, 31 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Tottenham are poised to pull off an 11th-hour swoop for Fulham's Clint Dempsey.

Aston Villa, Liverpool and Sunderland were interested in signing the American, with the player himself having his heart set on a switch to Merseyside.

However, Tottenham joined the race well into the evening and at 10pm Dempsey was undergoing a medical with the White Hart Lane club.

Villa leapt to the front of the queue on Friday morning when a 7million bid was accepted by the west London side.

Where to now Aston Villa, Sunderland and Liverpool all seem to have missed out

Where to now Aston Villa, Sunderland and Liverpool all seem to have missed out

Boss Paul Lambert was looking for reinforcements to take some of the burden off striker Darren Bent.

The deal was agreed on Thursday night and is cash only – with no add ons and no other players involved.

Fulham
reported Liverpool to the Premier League last week claiming Dempsey had
been tapped up and Craven Cottage boss Martin Jol criticised the player
for not keeping quiet about his wish to move on.

Fulham’s complaint was placed before the August meeting of the Premier League board and Liverpool have been asked for their observations.

The board will decide whether to take the complaint further. It could eventually go before an independent panel, who could impose fines or even suspended point sanctions on the Merseyside club.

Liverpool, however, are more likely to face a four-figure fine if Fulham’s complaint is upheld. The matter would be dropped if the clubs agree a fee for Dempsey, who was Fulham’s top scorer last season.

Spurs were discussing terms with
Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho for most of the say but appeared to
miss out on Andre Villas-Boas' top choice.

In the market: Manager Paul Lambert wants Dempsey at Aston Villa

In the market: Manager Paul Lambert wants Dempsey at Aston Villa

Meanwhile, Lambert received a boost as a 1m deal for 21-year-old Chesterfield striker Jordan Bowery is done.

Bowery will move for an initial 400,000 with the rest due on appearances.

Lambert said: 'Potentially he is very good and I've got no worries about throwing him in, none whatsoever.

'It (the signing) might have surprised a few people but it is a great opportunity for him.

'He is one for the future, but if he steps up to the plate I have no fear about playing him.'

Charlton midfielder Dale Stephens is another player Lambert is keen on signing.

He said: 'I've not heard anything back from that one. That is in Charlton's court at the moment.'

Target: Dale Stephens (right) has caught the eye of Villa boss Lambert

Target: Dale Stephens (right) has caught the eye of Villa boss Lambert

Hopes of signing Belgium international striker Christian Benteke appear to be fading after an improved offer of around 6m was also turned down by Genk.

Genk are reported to want at least double that amount and Lambert admitted Villa would not match those sort of financial demands.

He said: 'The situation hasn't changed from the last few days. It is where it is at the minute. Would Villa pay 15 million No.'

Rangers boss Ally McCoist handed suspended ban

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McCoist escapes with suspended touchline ban for SFA panel comments

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UPDATED:

18:37 GMT, 30 August 2012

Rangers manager Ally McCoist has been handed a suspended three-match touchline ban for comments made about the Scottish Football Association judicial panel.

McCoist was found guilty of two of three charges by an SFA fast track tribunal but his punishment is suspended for 12 months.

Chief executive Charles Green escaped with a censure for comments he made in the media claiming 'bigotry' was one of the reasons his newco club were denied entry to the SPL.

Punished: Ally McCoist (centre) has copped a suspended touchline ban

Punished: Ally McCoist (centre) has copped a suspended touchline ban

McCoist was found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute and not acting in the best interests of football for questioning the independence of the panel that handed Rangers a 12-month transfer embargo in April, before they were consigned to liquidation.

A third charge relating to his demands that the three-man panel's identities were made public was dismissed.

Rangers were censured for Green's comments, made before his newco club made their first appearance on the pitch, in a Ramsdens Cup clash in Brechin last month, since being denied entry to the SPL and voted into the Irn-Bru Third Division.

In response to the transfer ban, which applies after Friday night, McCoist had asked: 'Who are these people I want to know who these people are.

Trouble: Charles Green has also been censured for his comments

Trouble: Charles Green has also been censured for his comments

'I'm a Rangers supporter and the Rangers supporters and the Scottish public deserve to know who these people are, people who are working for the SFA.

'Make no mistake about it, this is an SFA decision. They have appointed the panel, so therefore they are working for the SFA, but who are they

'I think we have a right to know who is handing out this punishment to us, I really do.'

The three panel members were later given security advice by police following alleged threats. McCoist condemned such behaviour but stood by his calls for transparency.

Green's offending comments came as he discussed decisions made over his club's league status.

'Some of it has been driven by bigotry, some of its been driven by jealousy and some of its been driven by all the wrong motives,' Green said.

Chelsea third kit 2012/13 revealed

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Black and yellow: European champions Chelsea unveil new third strip

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UPDATED:

11:50 GMT, 26 July 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Releasing three kits a season has become normal for many Premier League clubs and it's no different at Chelsea who have a history of pushing the envelope in design for their change strip.

And their third kit for the 2012/13 season is no different with the club revealing a striking yellow and black number.

In recent years we have seen the club run out in luminous green, luminous yellow and orange and black in strips that have garnered attention.

Scroll down to watch the video

Standing out: Chelsea have unveiled their new third strip for next season

Standing out: Chelsea have unveiled their new third strip for next season

That will also be the case with their latest release which although features yellow, a longtime staple on Chelsea change strips, looks more like a goalkeeper's jersey with its flashy design on the front of the kit.

According to designers adidas, the striking sun graphic on the front of the black shirt creates a contrast in colours, giving the impression of power, while the fade in the graphic represents speed.

The Chelsea badge is black and white and stands out against the sun graphic.

Although the kit is based on something as hot as the sun it is laced with adidas' ClimaCool technology, a mixture of heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air flow to the skin in the key heat zones.

Sun coloured mesh panel also feature on the sleeves of the shirt for better breathability in core sweat zones.

Danish Kaneria suspended by Pakistan Cricket Board

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Kaneria suspended by Pakistan Cricket Board as bowler appeals life ban

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UPDATED:

14:55 GMT, 9 July 2012

Ban: Kaneria has been suspended from playing cricket in his home country

Ban: Kaneria has been suspended from playing cricket in his home country

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has been suspended from playing cricket in his home country by the Pakistan Cricket Board while he appeals a life ban for his alleged involvement in a spot-fixing plot.

The 31-year-old was last month found guilty by the England and Wales Cricket Board of 'cajoling and pressurising' former Essex team-mate Mervyn Westfield into accepting cash in return for trying to concede a set number of runs in an over during a Pro 40 match in 2009.

Kaneria, who denies all involvement in the plot, immediately appealed the ban and the PCB today said they will not consider him for selection until they know the outcome of that.

Top Spin

'The Integrity Committee of Pakistan Cricket Board deliberated upon the recent ban imposed by Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) of English and Wales Cricket Board consisting of independent adjudicators against Mr. Kaneria and its implementation in Pakistan,' read a PCB statement.

'The committee discussed in detail the ICC and PCB Anti-Corruption codes under which Pakistan Cricket Board is bound to recognise, respect and enforce the ban in its respective jurisdiction.

'It was also brought to the knowledge of the committee that Mr. Kaneria intends to appeal against the decision of the Cricket Discipline Commission.

'Keeping in view this aspect, and in the light of the decision by CDC of ECB dated 22nd June 2012, the facts of which are being considered in detail by the Integrity Committee, and till the matter is finally concluded by ECB's Appeal Panel, the Integrity Committee decided that Mr. Danish Kaneria will not be eligible to play any cricket match, or participate in any cricket event/activity in Pakistan.'

Kaneria has not played for Pakistan since September 2010 because of the spot-fixing allegations.

Rangers entry to SPL could be short-lived

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Double blow! SPL entry could be short-lived and Rangers must answer case over EBTs

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UPDATED:

22:31 GMT, 18 June 2012

Newco Rangers could face the grim prospect of winning entry to the SPL — only to be kicked out again almost immediately.

The fallen Glasgow giants will hear their fate on July 4 when the 12 member clubs rule on their application to be parachuted back into the top flight.

The SPL board also ruled that Rangers had a ‘case to answer’ regarding alleged dual contracts under the controversial Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) scheme.

Setback: Rangers owner Charles Green faces an early blow to his regime

Setback: Rangers owner Charles Green faces an early blow to his regime

And in an extraordinary development it emerged that, even if they win a place back in the top tier, the ‘contract’ issue could still see newco Rangers being expelled.

A senior SPL source confirmed that one of the main conditions that could see a newco Rangers re-elected to the top tier was for owner Charles Green to agree to the oldco being punished over the alleged contract breaches between 2000 and 2010.

But in accepting that condition, there could be a ‘double-jeopardy’ situation whereby an independent judicial panel set up by the SPL could still rule that they should be kicked out of the league. The panel would have wide-ranging sanctions and could also strip Rangers of ‘tainted’ titles secured during the EBT decade.

SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster confirmed newco Rangers had applied for re-entry and the issue which has pushed Scottish football to the brink of civil war will finally be decided by all 12 member clubs at a meeting at Hampden on July 4, where an 8-4 vote is needed to re-elect Rangers.

Doncaster said: ‘The SPL has ruled that there is a case to answer in respect to our investigation into payments to, or for the benefit of, players allegedly made by Rangers FC outside of contracts.

‘Disciplinary charges will be brought when the future status of Rangers is clarified (on July 4) and prior to the start of season 2012/13. There are 18 different types of sanctions which would be available.

‘It’s fairly straightforward what happens next and I wouldn’t want to jeopardise that by discussing these issues any further at this stage.

‘Also, an application for registration of transfer of Rangers’ SPL share has been received and consideration of that application by member clubs on July 4 will depend on receipt by the SPL board of all required documentation and verification.’

The SPL announced an inquiry into EBTs back in March — after revelations in Sportsmail by former Rangers director Hugh Adam regarding mis-registraion of players, a claim denied by former Ibrox owner Sir David Murray.

The league’s probe was held up because Ibrox administrators Duff & Phelps failed to hand over key documents until last week, after Rangers were consigned to liquidation.

A Rangers spokesperson said: ‘We note the announcement from the SPL. It is disappointing we have received no formal notification of this to date beyond a media statement.’

Who'll have us Rangers do not yet know which division they will play in

Who'll have us Rangers do not yet know which division they will play in

The issue of sporting integrity against financial necessity has split the SPL and Motherwell last night reflected the difficulties faced when they admitted they would be forced to opt for ‘the least worst option’ when voting for a re-entry by Rangers.

And the Fir Park club acknowledged that even a ‘yes’ vote may not see the Ibrox club playing SPL football next season.

A statement read: ‘We are fully aware an overwhelming majority of our fans and most others, who have so far expressed an opinion, are totally opposed to newco being allowed immediately back into the SPL.

‘In any event it would appear a ‘yes’ vote may not even guarantee that newco will play in the SPL next season as the club is still subject to SFA sanctions and there is an ongoing investigation into the use of EBTs to make payments to players.

‘But the consequences of five or more clubs voting no to newco do also need to be taken into account.

‘In addition to lower gate receipts, we are likely to lose an unquantified amount of commercial revenue.

‘In the event of a shortfall we do not have a bank or benefactor able to fund the gap.’

A statement on St Mirren’s official website said: ‘Once all the facts are available to the board of directors, they shall take any decisions that are required, in the best interests of St Mirren Football Club only as their guiding line.’

London 2012 Olympics: Tonia Couch appeals Monique Gladding call-up

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Couch launches appeal over Gladding call-up as selection row now hits GB diving team

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UPDATED:

13:33 GMT, 13 June 2012

Appeal: Tonia Couch was left angered

Appeal: Tonia Couch was left angered

Monique Gladding's Olympic dream is officially on hold after Tonia Couch lodged an appeal against her place in Great Britain's diving team.

Gladding, 30, was selected for her first Olympics in the women's platform on Monday just 16 months after she almost died after fracturing her skull at a meet in Russia.

A British Diving selection panel made the emotional call despite Couch beating Gladding at the weekend's British Gas Diving Championships in Sheffield, which were effectively an Olympic trial.

Couch, who reached the 2008 Olympic final, finished second at Ponds Forge behind Stacie Powell – who was also named in the squad – while Gladding was third as all three recorded personal best scores.

But with Couch set to challenge for an Olympic medal alongside Sarah Barrow in the platform synchro in London the selection team, headed by performance director Alexei Evangulov, opted for Gladding.

Couch was left in tears at Ponds Forge on Sunday night after she was informed of the decision, which has caused outrage in her home city of Plymouth where council leader Tudor Evans described her omission as a “slap in the face” for the city.

Coach Andy Banks had also revealed his frustration on Monday, hinting he would appeal, telling BBC Sport: 'I feel, quite strongly, that she (Couch) has demonstrated over the course of this year that she is still the UK's premier platform diver – she has been since 2008 when she made the Olympic final.'

British Diving confirmed that the complaint had been filed this morning with all 12 members of the diving Olympic team, including Gladding and Couch, having already flown out to Majorca for a two-week training camp.

The complaint is now set to be heard by a Fast Track Appeal process with a decision set to be made before the weekend.

Diving in to the team: Monique Gladding

Diving in to the team: Monique Gladding

Should Gladding lose her place it would almost certainly spell the end of her career, which had certainly looked over when she almost lost her life in February last year.

Gladding had to be dragged to safety from the bottom of the diving pool after she hit her head on the 10m concrete platform and plummeted unconscious into the water.

The sickening incident left her with a huge scar across the top of her head and her Olympic hopes seemingly in tatters.

Remarkably Gladding was back on diving's highest board less than six months before top-10 finishes at the World Cup and European Championships this year marked a stunning comeback.

Those results seemingly proved enough for the selectors to overlook the weekend result, after which Gladding had admitted she had almost given up on reaching an Olympics.

'There was a definite moment when I started doubting it,' she said. 'I had to really draw on something much deeper than I ever have before to get myself back and get the confidence back. It's my third attempt at an Olympics. To be in London, after the year I've had – I've had to dig deeper than ever.'

London Olympics 2012: Monique Gladding joins Tom Daley and Peter Waterfield in Team GB diving team

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Gladding defies odds to join Daley and co in Team GB diving squad

PUBLISHED:

12:09 GMT, 11 June 2012

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UPDATED:

12:09 GMT, 11 June 2012

Monique Gladding will compete at her first Olympics just 18 months after she almost died following a freak accident at a diving competition in Russia.

British Diving included the 30-year-old in a 12-member squad that is headlined by Games poster boy Tom Daley.

Miracle: Monique Gladding almost died 18 months ago and now is in the Olympic squad

Miracle: Monique Gladding almost died 18 months ago and now is in the Olympic squad

While Daley's inclusion was a formality, after he won both the individual and synchro platform titles at the British Gas Diving Championships at the weekend, Gladding had to rely on the discretion of British Diving's selection panel.

Gladding finished third in the women's platform in Sheffield but despite that it was decided to include her alongside winner Stacie Powell in London.

That has set the stage for an emotional Olympic debut for Gladding following a remarkable comeback from her near-death experience in February last year.

Formality: Tom Daley was selected along with Gladding

Formality: Tom Daley was selected along with Gladding

The City of Sheffield diver had to be dragged to safety from the bottom of the diving pool after she hit her head on the concrete 10m platform and plummeted unconscious into the water.

She was left with a large scar across the top of her scalp and thought her Olympic dreams was in tatters.

Remarkably Gladding was back on diving's highest board less than six months before top-10 finishes at the World Cup and European Championships this year.

Those results seemingly proved enough for the selectors to overlook the weekend result, after which Gladding had admitted she had almost given up on reaching an Olympics.

'There was a definite moment when I started doubting it,' she said.

Partners: Daley and Peter Waterfield (right) will compete alongside one another

Partners: Daley and Peter Waterfield (right) will compete alongside one another

'I had to really draw on something much deeper than I ever have before to get myself back and get the confidence back.

Proud: Gladding made the Olympics squad for the first time in her diving career

Proud: Gladding made the Olympics squad for the first time in her diving career

'It's my third attempt at an Olympics, last time I missed out slightly and the time before.

'To be in London, after the year of had – I've had to dig deeper than ever.

'It's been such a good year. I have given everything I've got.'

Britain will take a full diving team to an Olympics for the first time this summer with former platform world champion Daley the number one contender for a medal.

The 18-year-old will take career-best form to London, after claiming a personal best 565.05 when reclaiming the European championship last month, and is set to offer the greatest challenge to the all-conquering Chinese with a home crowd in support.

'It's going to be tough to get near them, they're the best in the world, but I guess they will have to look out for me,' he said.

'The home advantage will be important too.'

Daley will compete in the individual and synchro platform alongside Pete Waterfield, who makes his fourth Olympics.

Waterfield, a synchro silver medallist in Athens, had struggled with niggling injuries of late and needed an injection in his left shoulder immediately after last night's competition.

Despite that the 31-year-old denied any concern he might not be ready to partner Daley this summer.

United: Sarah Barrow (left), Tonia Crouch (middle left), Waterfield (middle right) and Daley

United: Sarah Barrow (left), Tonia Crouch (middle left), Waterfield (middle right) and Daley

'After these injections I should be right to go again. I can get a good block of training in and get the consistency back,' he said.

'I'm old now – it's what is needed to be done but once these niggles go I'll be right.'

Tonia Couch, who was overlooked for Gladding, will instead focus on her partnership with Sarah Barrow in the 10m synchro.

The newly-crowned European champions are expected to push for a podium place after just being edged into fourth at last year's World Championships.

Elsewhere, Rebecca Gallantree and Nick Robinson-Baker were picked for their second Olympics while rising star Jack Laugher heads a list of four teenagers heading to their first Games along with Chris Mears, Hannah Starling and Alicia Blagg.

The Olympic diving events begin on July 29 before finishing with Daley's platform final on August 11.