Tag Archives: weekend

NextGen Series: Arsenal and Chelsea on course to meet in semi-finals, while Aston Villa play Sporting Lisbon

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Arsenal and Chelsea on collision course in NextGen semi-finals as Villa face Sporting

By
Adam Shergold

PUBLISHED:

16:06 GMT, 21 March 2013

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UPDATED:

16:06 GMT, 21 March 2013

Arsenal and Chelsea are on a collision course in the semi-finals of the NextGen Series.

If the young Gunners side can beat CSKA Moscow at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night, they will face their London rivals in the last four.

Aston Villa, who beat Olympiakos 1-0 last night to progress, will play Sporting Lisbon, who beat Tottenham 5-3, in the other semi-final.

London Derby: Chelsea, who beat Juventus 4-1 in the quarter-finals, could face Arsenal in the last four of the NextGen Series

London Derby: Chelsea, who beat Juventus 4-1 in the quarter-finals, could face Arsenal in the last four of the NextGen Series

NextGen Series

QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS

(click for match report)

Chelsea 4 Juventus 1
Aston Villa 1 Olympiakos 0
Tottenham Hotspur 3 Sporting Lisbon 5 (aet)

REMAINING QUARTER-FINAL
Arsenal v CSKA Moscow – Monday March 25, 7pm (Emirates Stadium)

SEMI-FINAL DRAW
Chelsea v Arsenal/CSKA Moscow – Friday March 29, 3pm local time

Aston Villa v Sporting Lisbon – Friday March 29, 8pm local time

Both at Stadio G. Sinigaglia, Como, Italy

Both semis, as well as the final and third place play-off, will be played at Como FC in Italy over the Easter weekend.

Chelsea booked their place in the last four with a 4-1 win over Juventus last Sunday, thanks to goals from Lewis Baker, Alex Kiwomya and Islam Feruz.

Villa got through last night thanks to a first half strike from Graham Burke.

Sporting beat Spurs in a rollercoaster
match played at Leyton Orient – trailing 3-1 with minutes to spare,
they forced extra time thanks to a Laste Dombaxe penalty and Roman
Michael-Percil's last gasp equaliser.

However,
the Portuguese side proved stronger in extra time, with further strikes
from Alexandre Guedes and a 45-yard volley by defender Atud Fokobo
ending hopes of an all-English final four.

Arsenal will hope to join Chelsea and Villa when they host CSKA on Monday evening.

Winner: Graham Burke (centre) scored the winner as Aston Villa beat Olympiakos 1-0

Winner: Graham Burke (centre) scored the winner as Aston Villa beat Olympiakos 1-0

Dramatic game: Sporting's Ruben Semedo celebrates the penalty that restored his team's lead in extra time against Tottenham

Dramatic game: Sporting's Ruben Semedo celebrates the penalty that restored his team's lead in extra time against Tottenham

David Moyes left to rue penalty decision as Everton draw with Arsenal

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Moyes rues Pienaar penalty decision as Toffees held to draw by Arsenal

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UPDATED:

01:33 GMT, 29 November 2012

Everton manager David Moyes was left to bemoan referee Mike Jones decision not to give them a penalty in the 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal.

The Toffees had recovered from conceding a goal to Theo Walcott after just 52 seconds with Marouane Fellaini scoring his seventh Barclays Premier League goal of the season.

And when Steven Pienaar went down under a challenge from former Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta in the second half Moyes was convinced Jones got it wrong in awarding only a corner.

Disappointed: Everton manager David Moyes was left to bemoan a penalty appeal turned down by referee Mike Jones as his side drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Goodison Park

Disappointed: Everton manager David Moyes was left to bemoan a penalty appeal turned down by referee Mike Jones as his side drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Goodison Park

'It was a penalty. We played Arsenal today, who are a really good team, but we also had very few decisions go for us,' he said.

'Sometimes referee's decisions change the games: in some games something might go in your favour but we were never going to get that tonight.

'We got nothing whatsoever and anything we were going to get we had to earn on our own because we were not going to get a jot.

'There was an incident when the ball got chipped into the box later on and he gave a push on Fellaini.

'I've had a chance to see it and it was never anything like it. I found that one as mystifying as any really.

'We found it a difficult night from that point if view but the players played really well throughout.'

Brought down: Steven Pienaar went down in the box under challenge from former Everton player Mikel Arteta, but referee Mike Jones waved play on

Brought down: Steven Pienaar went down in the box under challenge from former Everton player Mikel Arteta, but referee Mike Jones waved play on

The difficult night continued with Leighton Baines, Everton's stand-out player of the last two seasons, sustaining a hamstring injury which makes him a major doubt for the weekend trip to Manchester City.

'He felt it in the game and played on in the last 10 or 15 minutes,' added the Scot.

'I felt we out in a lot of energy tonight but it might take its toll.

'We've got Gibbo (Darron Gibson) and Hibbo (Tony Hibbert) back and that has eased it a little bit but I am worried about Nikica Jelavic (ill) who has not trained since Saturday and yesterday I was not playing him.'

Injury concern: Leighton Baines suffered a hamstring injury and is a major doubt for the weekend's trip to Manchester City

Injury concern: Leighton Baines suffered a hamstring injury and is a major doubt for the weekend's trip to Manchester City

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was pleased to leave Goodison Park with a point despite his side dominating the last 10 league meetings, winning eight and drawing just two.

'It was a game of big physical intensity, we had a good start and after that I felt Everton came back into it and their direct game was always a threat,' he said.

'There are regrets on the goal we conceded but 1-1 is a fair result and it is a good point here.

'We needed to show great spirit to get away with a point and I am pleased with the effort they put into the game.'

Arsenal lost Laurent Koscielny to a groin strain after just four minutes and Wenger said he expected the centre-back to be out for three weeks.

Pleased: Arsene Wenger was happy with the outcome, despite Arsenal dominating the last ten meetings between the sides

Pleased: Arsene Wenger was happy with the outcome, despite Arsenal dominating the last ten meetings between the sides

Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button to be guarded by extra security at Brazilian Grand Prix

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Button and Hamilton to be guarded by extra security at Brazilian GP after past troubles

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UPDATED:

12:07 GMT, 22 November 2012

Extra security will be laid on for Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton ahead of this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix.

Button's car was ambushed by armed men two years ago and McLaren will not take any risks this time around.

Violence has broken out in Sao Paulo where local reports claim 250 people have been killed since the start of October. Eight buses were also torched last weekend.

Security: Hamilton and Button will be handed a police escort at this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix

Security: Hamilton and Button will be handed a police escort at this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix

Button and Hamilton will be accompanied by a police escort and armoured vehicles on the 45-minute trip from the Interlagos track to their hotel.

Button described the situation in 2010 as 'scary' after the British driver, accompanied by his father John, manager Richard Goodard and trainer Mike Collier saw three men brandishing machine guns approach their car just minutes before arriving at the track.

The McLaren star lauded the quick-thinking of his driver after escaping the scene without further incident.

On fire: Eight buses were torched last weekend

On fire: Eight buses were torched last weekend

Button however, has been undeterred by the potential hijacking. He said: 'I love racing here and the fans are very passionate. It is a good race. It has been around for a long time and the people here love their motorsport.'

The 32-year-old added: 'We are having armoured vehicles and a police escort.'

Mark Hughes misses QPR training

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Look Hughes missing… under-fire QPR boss skips training amid battle to cling on to job

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UPDATED:

17:30 GMT, 19 November 2012

Mark Hughes was reportedly absent from QPR training today in the clearest indication yet that his tenure at Loftus Road is set to end.

Rangers players seemed in buoyant mood at the club’s Harlington HQ, despite them languishing at the foot of the Barclays Premier League table with a measley four points – and no victories.

Sportsmail understands that Hughes' is in an extremely vulnerable position but his job is safe – for now.

Former Wales and Manchester City boss Hughes appeared not to take the field for the session – as these pictures show.

Up in the air: Mark Hughes leaves training on Monday afternoon

Up in the air: Mark Hughes leaves training on Monday afternoon

The 49-year-old, however, was
photographed leaving the training ground in his car – shortly followed
by QPR chief executive Phillip Beard.

Hughes' apparent absence has led to speculation that he was in crunch talks with Beard over his managerial future.

Hughes, who has also managed Blackburn and Fulham, has been on the brink since Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat by Southampton during which fans chanted the name of Harry Redknapp.

Last night, the QPR chief had not been given any assurances from co-owner Tony Fernandes, who had been unwavering in his public support of Hughes.

Fernandes is not due in the UK ahead of the weekend clash against Manchester United, but Sportsmail understands Rangers staff have been put on red alert in case the tycoon makes an unscheduled arrival.

Decision time: Chief executive Phillip Beard leaves their training ground

Where's the boss Djibril Cisse speaks to one of QPR's coaches

Where's the boss Djibril Cisse speaks to a QPR coach (right), who is believed to have met Phillip Beard (left)

The club’s co-owner was upset at the manner of the loss to Southampton but is leaning towards giving Hughes more time, unless other directors can persuade him otherwise.

It is believed key shareholder Ruben Gnanalingam will be in the country before the match against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, while Hughes and Fernandes are expected to have talks this week.

An unexpected arrival of Fernandes would surely spell the end for Hughes as a growing resignation descends on Loftus Road that the manager will be sacked before the visit to Old Trafford.

The former Manchester City boss is dividing opinion at the club. Most shareholders and board members are said to have lost faith in his management.

The same group wanted Hughes out after the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on October 27 and are seriously questioning Fernandes’s decision to stand by his manager. Many believe the key reason behind his decision not to sack Hughes is a probable hefty pay-off.

Sportsmail has also learned players have lost faith in Hughes, unimpressed with how he has addressed his side’s sorry form. The potential appointment of Harry Redknapp is openly discussed.

What happens next QPR's players take a breather during Monday's training session

What happens next QPR's players take a breather during Monday's training session

Representatives of the former Tottenham boss, as well as ex-Liverpool chief Rafa Benitez, have indicated their interest to QPR.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Redknapp refused to rule out becoming QPR boss: ‘Mark’s still in the position, he’s a top bloke and an excellent manager.

‘He knows what he’s about and until there’s a change, if there is one, then it would not be fair for me to discuss it.’

But even supporters slated Hughes and some of his summer signings on Saturday, chanting: ‘You’re only here for the money!’

Hughes defiantly insists Fernandes and fellow co-owner Amit Bhatia would be wrong to sack him, but has sympathised with fans who criticised his players.

Hands up: Shaun Wright-Phillips (centre) in the thick of it at Harlington

Hands up: Shaun Wright-Phillips (centre) in the thick of it at Harlington

‘I can understand totally the
frustration of the fans and they’re well within their rights to say that
but I can assure them that’s not the case,’ said Hughes.

‘Everyone is working really hard to
turn this around. When you have a performance like Southampton, the fans
are absolutely right to criticise, given where we are.

‘In fairness, I was of the same view.
But stability is absolutely what this club needs long-term, making
wholesale changes again at this club would be the wrong decision. You
would expect me to say that, but I honestly believe it.’

To compound Hughes’s problems,
striker Djibril Cisse was caught up in a Twitter row with a QPR fan who
criticised the Frenchman.

Cisse replied with the club address and postcode, tweeting: ‘Come to the training ground, we’ll have a chat big man.’

Mark Hughes position causes civil war at QPR

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EXCLUSIVE: Hughes fights on as civil war rages at QPR over his future

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UPDATED:

22:45 GMT, 18 November 2012

Mark Hughes is clinging on to his job against the backdrop of civil war at Queens Park Rangers.

The 49-year-old is facing a fight after Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat by Southampton left them rooted at the foot of the Premier League table, without a win in 12 games.

On Sunday night, the QPR chief had not been given any assurances from co-owner Tony Fernandes, who had been unwavering in his public support of Hughes.

Come in, Harry: Mark Hughes is clinging onto his job at QPR after another match without a win

Come in, Harry: Mark Hughes is clinging onto his job at QPR after another match without a win

Come in, Harry: Mark Hughes has vowed to fight on at QPR despite the fans turning on him

Fernandes is not due in the UK ahead of the weekend clash against Manchester United, but Sportsmail understands Rangers staff have been put on red alert in case the tycoon makes an unscheduled arrival.

Fernandes was upset at the manner of
the loss to Southampton but is leaning towards giving Hughes more time,
unless other directors can persuade him otherwise.

It is believed key shareholder Ruben
Gnanalingam will be in the country before the match against Sir Alex
Ferguson’s side, while Hughes and Fernandes are expected to have talks
this week.

An unexpected arrival of Fernandes
would surely spell the end for Hughes as a growing resignation descends
on Loftus Road that the manager will be sacked before the visit to Old
Trafford.

The former Manchester City boss is
dividing opinion at the club. Most shareholders and board members are
said to have lost faith in his management.

The same group wanted Hughes out
after the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on October 27 and are seriously
questioning Fernandes’s decision to stand by his manager. Many believe
the key reason behind his decision not to sack Hughes is a probable
hefty pay-off.

Sportsmail has
also learned players have lost faith in Hughes, unimpressed with how he
has addressed his side’s sorry form. The potential appointment of Harry
Redknapp is openly discussed.

Representatives of the former Tottenham boss, as well as ex-Liverpool chief Rafa Benitez, have indicated their interest to QPR.

Out of ideas: QPR's abject performance against Southampton shocked Tony Fernandes

Out of ideas: QPR's abject performance against Southampton shocked Tony Fernandes

Out of ideas: QPR's abject performance against Southampton shocked Tony Fernandes (who was not at the game but in America)

Speaking on Match of the Day,
Redknapp refused to rule out becoming QPR boss: ‘Mark’s still in the
position, he’s a top bloke and an excellent manager.

‘He knows what he’s about and until there’s a change, if there is one, then it would not be fair for me to discuss it.’

But even supporters slated Hughes and some of his summer signings on Saturday, chanting: ‘You’re only here for the money!’

Hughes defiantly insists Fernandes
and fellow co-owner Amit Bhatia would be wrong to sack him, but has
sympathised with fans who criticised his players.

‘I can understand totally the
frustration of the fans and they’re well within their rights to say that
but I can assure them that’s not the case,’ said Hughes.

‘Everyone is working really hard to
turn this around. When you have a performance like Southampton, the fans
are absolutely right to criticise, given where we are.

‘In fairness, I was of the same view.
But stability is absolutely what this club needs long-term, making
wholesale changes again at this club would be the wrong decision. You
would expect me to say that, but I honestly believe it.’

To compound Hughes’s problems,
striker Djibril Cisse was caught up in a Twitter row with a QPR fan who
criticised the Frenchman.

Cisse replied with the club address and postcode, tweeting: ‘Come to the training ground, we’ll have a chat big man.’

Nigel Adkins in Southampton talks over future

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EXCLUSIVE: Under-fire Adkins locked in talks over future at struggling Southampton

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UPDATED:

14:10 GMT, 6 November 2012

Southampton boss Nigel Adkins is locked in crunch talks over his future with the Barclays Premier League's bottom club.

Sportsmail understands Adkins is already resigned to the fact he will lose his job, and the likeable Liverpudlian could be gone as early as today, meaning he is set to lose his job before the weekend clash against Swansea after the newly-promoted side's poor start to the campaign..

Executive chairman Nicola Cortese is said to be furious with the Saints' sorry start and last night's 2-0 defeat against West Bromwich Albion was the final straw.

Southampton chiefs have been locked in meetings with regards to Adkins future and it now seems inevitable that the ex-Scunthorpe boss will be axed sooner rather than later.

Dread: Nigel Adkins wants to avoid getting the vote of confidence after another away defeat at West Brom

Dread: Nigel Adkins wants to avoid getting the vote of confidence after another away defeat at West Brom

James Coney
WHY ADKINS MUST STAY…
/11/06/article-2228464-15DD72B3000005DC-608_634x369.jpg” width=”634″ height=”369″ alt=”Easy as that: Peter Odemwingie latched onto a Shane Long ball to double kill the game for West Brom ” class=”blkBorder” />

Easy as that: Peter Odemwingie latched onto a Shane Long ball to double kill the game for West Brom

Midfield battle: Morgan Schneiderlin (left) battles with Claudio Yacob

Midfield battle: Morgan Schneiderlin (left) battles with Claudio Yacob

Former Scunthorpe boss Adkins took over at St Mary’s two years ago when Saints were still in League One.

The ex-Tranmere Rovers and Wigan
goalkeeper, who is also a qualified physio, won his third Football
League promotion in May 2011, and made a storming start to the following
season in the Championship, losing only two in their opening 17 games.

They stayed in the top two all season
and won promotion to the Premier League with a 4-0 victory over
Coventry City on the last day of last season in front of a record crowd
at St Mary’s Stadium.

Get in: Odemwingie fired West Brom into the lead after appearing to handle the ball earlier in the move

Get in: Odemwingie fired West Brom into the lead after appearing to handle the ball earlier in the move

Southampton hardly splashed the cash
in the summer, or sign players with proven Premier League experience,
but they did add to their squad for the top flight.

Adkins signed Emmanuel Mayuka from
Young Boys, Gaston Ramirez from Bologna, Maya Yoshida from VVV Venlo,
Steve Davis from Rangers, Nathaniel Clyne from Crystal Palace, Paulo
Gazzaniga from Gillingham and Jay Rodriguez from Burnley.

But Cortese wants results from the summer investment in personnel and answers from his manager.

Liverpool opponents Anzhi to lay Hillsborough wreath

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Liverpool's Europa League rivals Anzhi to lay wreath at Hillsborough memorial

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UPDATED:

15:38 GMT, 23 October 2012

Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala will pay tribute to victims of the Hillsborough disaster after they train at Anfield on Wednesday.

The club are on Merseyside for Thursday's Europa League clash with Brendan Rodgers' side, but will use the stadium for a final practice session on the eve of the Group A match.

Coming to town: Ex-Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink is manager of Anzhi Makhachkala

Coming to town: Ex-Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink is manager of Anzhi Makhachkala

Anzhi, managed by former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, will lay wreaths at the memorial to the 96 who lost their lives in 1989.

Russian media report Hiddink, as well as Roberto Carlos, star player Samuel Eto'o and others, will make the heart-felt gesture at 6pm.

With attention on the game, goalkeeper Pepe Reina will miss the match through injury, but expects to be back in time for the weekend clash with Mersey rivals Everton.

The Spaniard said: 'I'm getting better, little by little. It wasn't worth taking any risks because you risk it getting worse. I'll be patient and get really good.

'Brad was excellent. He was composed, he was really good in the air, when he was called on he was fast off his line, and he played well with his feet. He had a complete game.

Remember the 96: The Hillsborough memorial stands proud outside Anfield

Remember the 96: The Hillsborough memorial stands proud outside Anfield

'He's a good fighter and a good keeper for Liverpool, not just an understudy. He's another 'keeper for the club and he'll do his best to play as many games as possible.'

Liverpool have three points from their first two Europa games, while Anzhi top the group with Udinese on four points. Young Boys of Bern are yet to register.

Korean Grand Prix 2012: Yeongam stats and facts

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Korean Grand Prix 2012: Lowdown on the big race at the Yeongam circuit

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UPDATED:

13:41 GMT, 12 October 2012

YEONGAM TRACK GUIDE

Click here for your guide to the Korea International Circuit

With Sebastian Vettel having narrowed Fernando Alonso's championship lead to four points, Korea is set to be a pivotal race in the 2012 season.

Alonso's first-corner exit at Suzuka means trying to manage his advantage is a thing of the past. Ferrari need to go on the attack if the Spaniard is to secure a third crown.

Red Bull dominated in Japan, and did likewise in Korea last year. A repeat performance on Sunday would see Vettel lead the championship for the first time since May.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton, Mark Webber and Jenson Button all retain mathematical hopes of the title, but will need fortune to swing in their favour to catch the front two.

With a critical weekend lying ahead, Sportsmail brings you all the necessary facts and figures for the third running of the Korean Grand Prix.

On track: The Korea International Circuit in Yeongam hosts its third Forula One Grand Prix this weekend

On track: The Korea International Circuit in Yeongam hosts its third Forula One Grand Prix this weekend

Venue: Korea International Circuit, Yeongam
Circuit length: 5.615km/3.489miles
Laps: 55
Race distance: 309.155km/192.099miles
Lap record: One minute 39.605 seconds (Sebastian Vettel 2011)
2011 winner: Sebastian Vettel
2011 pole position: Lewis Hamilton 1:35.820s
2011 fastest lap: Sebastian Vettel 1:39.605s
Tyre compounds to be used: Soft/supersoft
Bumpiness: Through turns seven and eight
Overtaking chance: Mainly into turn three
Engine severity: Medium
Brake severity: Low
Average speed: 205kph (127.38mph)
Full throttle per lap: 62 per cent
Gear changes per lap: 51
Number of corners: 18 (11 left/7 right)
Number of safety cars deployed last year: one

Number one: Sebastian Vettel will be hoping to repeat last year's victory in Korea

Number one: Sebastian Vettel will be hoping to repeat last year's victory in Korea

Phil Duncan F1 blog

Sebastian Vettel's 34th career pole position in Japan moved him third on the all-time list behind only Michael Schumacher (68) and Ayrton Senna (65).

His 24th career win at Suzuka was also enough to move him level with five-time champion Juan Manuel Fangio in ninth place on the all-time list.

McLaren's failure to secure pole position in Japan ended their best run of qualifying results since Mika Hakkinen took six in a row during the 1999 season.

Vettel's pole in Japan was his second of the season, and the race win his third. At the corresponding stage of last season he had secured 12 poles and nine wins.

The main straight covers 1,050m, the fourth longest of the season after International Circuit (1,170m), Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina (1,140m) and Italy's Monza (1,120m).

The Korea International Circuit is among five on the 2012 calendar to run anti-clockwise. The others are Singapore's Marina Bay, Interlagos in Brazil, Yas Marina and the new Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Turkey's Istanbul Park having dropped off the schedule.

Having ended a two-year podium drought in Japan, a repeat performance in Korea would see Felipe Massa score back-to-back podiums for the first time since 2008.

Newcastle United superhero Whey Aye Man

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Unmasked! New Geordie superhero 'Whey Aye Man' set to take the Toon by storm

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UPDATED:

10:49 GMT, 4 October 2012

Batman has been spotted speeding away to the hills in the Batmobile, and nobody's seen Spiderman swinging around the Toon for weeks.

Why There's a new caped crusader in town and with the speed of Hatem Ben Arfa, the strength of Shola Ameobi and the reflexes of Tim Krul, he's better than both combined.

Meet Whey Aye Man – the new Geordie superhero unveiled by Newcastle United this week.

Local Hero: Newcastle have released a Whey Aye Man costume as part of their fancy dress range

Local Hero: Newcastle have released a Whey Aye Man costume as part of their fancy dress range

With his black and white wig and mask, ripped physique and club y-fronts, Whey Aye Man is your favourite now.

Newcastle has released the outfit, priced at 49.99, as an alternative to the traditional matchday attire, or as a unique stag weekend costume.

The Whey Aye Man outfit is available to buy in Newcastle club stores and Shearer's Bar.

Whey Aye Man boasts the speed of Hatem Ben Arfa

Whey Aye Man boasts the speed of Hatem Ben Arfa…

...the strength of striker Shola Ameobi...

…the strength of striker Shola Ameobi…

...and the reflexes of goalkeeper Tim Krul

…and the reflexes of goalkeeper Tim Krul

Jordi Gomez wins red card appeal for Danny Rose tackle

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Red card rescinded as Gomez wins appeal over lunge on Rose at Sunderland

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UPDATED:

19:23 GMT, 2 October 2012

Wigan midfielder Jordi Gomez has won his appeal against a three-match suspension imposed for his sending off in his side's 1-0 defeat at Sunderland over the weekend.

Gomez was shown a straight red card for serious foul play just two minutes into the second half on Saturday after a lunge at defender Danny Rose.

Off you go: Gomez is handed his marching orders by Howard Webb

Off you go: Gomez is handed his marching orders by Howard Webb

The Spaniard was set to miss out in the
Latics' three fixtures this month as a result but a regulatory
commission upheld Gomez's claim for wrongful dismissal, the Football
Association have confirmed.

He will therefore be available for Wigan's home clash against Everton at the weekend – news which was welcomed by Roberto Martinez.

'It does not bring back the time lost when Jordi had to leave the field but I am delighted that we can draw a line under this incident and that Jordi is available for us on Saturday,' said the Wigan boss on the club's official website.

The Latics had enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes at the Stadium of Light but Gomez's sending off changed the game and Steven Fletcher fired Sunderland to their first Barclays Premier League victory of the season.

Cruncher: Gomez was shown a straight red for this challenge

Cruncher: Gomez was shown a straight red for this challenge