LiveSportsday - rolling sports news

Summary

  1. Hart & Sterling out of England squad, Heaton called up
  2. Man Utd have 'big chance' of top four - Van Gaal
  3. Australia playing Bangladesh in World T20
  4. 'Men should be paid more' - Djokovic
  5. DEBATE: Worst ever performances

Live Reporting

By Jack Skelton and Marc Higginson

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'I thought we settled that issue years ago'

Tennis

AFP

Tennis great Martina Navratilova has responded to Indian Wells Tennis Garden CEO Raymond Moore's comments that the WTA tour "rides on the coat-tails of the men".

"It was really disheartening to see Ray Moore offer the extremely prejudiced and very old fashioned statements regarding women tennis players," she said.

"We have made it this far on our own, without help from male players, and will continue to do so in the future. It would be hard to imagine any women to want to go and play at Indian Wells if Moore stays as the tournament director."

On Novak Djokovic's comment that male stars should be paid more shed added: "As much as I love him, clearly doesn't understand why, when women and men play in combined tournaments, they must be paid equally. I thought we settled that issue years ago."

Fox-Pitt to return

Equestrian

Getty Images

Top British eventer William Fox-Pitt is set to make his comeback next week following a serious fall during last October's World Young Horse Championships.

The 47-year-old former world number one has four horses entered - including his 2015 Badminton winner Chilli Morning - in the Burnham Market International from April 1-3.

The Norfolk event will be Fox-Pitt's first since falling from his horse Reinstated during the cross-country phase in Le Lion-d'Angers.

MCC fight back against Yorkshire

Cricket

Getty Images

The MCC have ended day two of the Champion County game against Yorkshire in a strong position in Abu Dhabi.

Ben Foakes' unbeaten 83 and Rikki Clarke's 56 not out in an unbroken stand of 131 helped their side reach 282-6 at the close, a lead of seven.

Dropped England batsman Ian Bell earlier made 44 and Rory Burns hit 51 but the MCC fell to 151-6 before their late recovery.

Quiz time!

AFP
Yep, that would be a chimp demolishing a birthday cake. Any excuse for a funny picture, eh?

It's Twitter's 10th birthday today, so we've put together something to mark the occassion.

Forget cards - they're last century.

Forget cake - most people start a diet on a Monday. Until Tuesday.

Forget candles - who's got a lighter in their sky rocket, really?

Instead we made this fun quiz. And it's that good - the co-author, Caroline Chapman, only got 9/10 in it.

Enjoy - it's over here.

Williams responds to 'inaccurate' comments

Tennis

Getty Images

Serena Williams has defended women's tennis in light of comments, made by Indian Wells Tennis Garden CEO Raymond Moore.

Moore said on Sunday that the WTA Tour was "very, very lucky" because it "rides on the coat-tails of the men".

Williams reacted angrily to Moore's "mistaken" and "very, very, very inaccurate" statement, which he later apologised for.

You can watch Williams' reaction here.

De Boer snaps Achilles

Football

Getty Images

Ajax coach Frank de Boer has snapped his Achilles tendon playing a game of 'foot volley' with his players.

De Boer suffered the injury kicking a ball over a small net following his side's 2-0 win over title rivals PSV Eindhoven.

Ajax officials said De Boer may have an operation on Tuesday and it's not clear whether he'll recover in time for Ajax's next match at home to PEC Zwolle on April 3.

Voting open

If you haven't done so already, don't forget to vote for your favourite try of the Six Nations. The video below should help with your selection...

You've got until 16:00 to cast your vote.

British boxer banned

Boxing

Professional boxer Jez Wilson has been suspended from all sport for two years following an anti-doping violation.

The 36-year-old, from Wolverhampton, tested positive for a diuretic, furosemide, after an in-competition test on 21 November 2015, following his loss to Lewis Taylor in a fight for the English middlleweight title.

No France for Franck

Football

AFP

France coach Didier Deschamps has played down the possibility of Franck Ribery coming out of international retirement in time for Euro 2016.

Ribery, 32, retired from France duty in 2014 and endured two injury-plagued seasons with Bayern Munich before regaining full fitness recently.

But Deschamps told German magazine Kicker: "For me the Ribery question isn't on the agenda, we must not get ahead of ourselves.

"I'm happy that Franck is smiling again and enjoying playing again. His comments pleased a number of people in France. In my case it made me smile a little."

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Worst ever performances

Tim Yorke: William Prunier in a 4-1 defeat at Spurs back when Manchester United were good. Looked like Jaap Stam but played like Jaap's gran.

Robert Large: Efe Sodje for Huddersfield against Scunthorpe. Scored an own goal, conceded a penalty, then was sent off. Hat-trick of sins.

David Melton: Seeing Thomas Brolin come on as sub for Crystal Palace against Chelsea. Rather portly and only lasted 10 minutes before being subbed.

Australia v Bangladesh live

Cricket

On the subject of cricket, Australia against Bangladesh in the World T20 has just got underway.

Bangladesh are already one wicket down in a must-win game for both sides - with the loser set to take one step closer to the exit door.

You can watch in-play highlights of all the action in the company of our live text team over here.

More chances for the 'minnows'?

Cricket

Some cricketing heavyweights have been throwing their weight behind calls for more of the smaller countries to be given more of a chance in world tournaments...

Such a shame we won't see Countries like Afghanistan in the next WC..It's refreshing and great for the game..Please change your minds @ICC

Completely agree. Spirit & performance of teams like Afghanistan & Oman echo the need for more teams at WC & beyond! twitter.com/BrianLara/stat…

'I've got no choice'

Football

Getty Images

You rarely hear Newcastle owner Mike Ashley in the media so when he does speak it's usually worth a listen.

We're not sure his latest comments will exactly dispel Newcastle fans' worries though.

On the chances of his side avoiding relegation, he told Sky Sports: "I'm going to say we've got the right manager in the job and if there's any chance of us staying up then hopefully Rafa Benitez can do the business."

And will he stick by Newcastle if they do go down? "I've got no choice, I'm wedded to Newcastle like I'm wedded to Sports Direct."

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Worst ever performances

Tristan Kirkwood: Martin Skrtel against Southampton on Sunday.

Brad Chuck: David James' performance in goal for England's 4-1 defeat to Denmark in 2005 - he blamed his dreadful display on a computer game.

VIn Duggal: Wayne Bridge. West Ham 0 Arsenal 3 in 2011. It was like he had never seen a football.

Conte coy on Chelsea

Football

Getty Images

Will he? Won't he? Just when you think Antonio Conte to Chelsea is a done deal, another twist suggests it's not yet certain.

This time it's Conte himself who has declined to talk about his future at his first press conference since announcing he will step down as Italy manager after Euro 2016.

"At this moment, nothing interests me. I'm the coach of the national team and it's an experience which has taught me so much," he said.

Conte cooling on Chelsea? Chelsea cooling on Conte? Or cards being held close to chests?

Scotland call up McCormack and Caddis

Football

Getty Images

Scotland have called up Fulham striker Ross McCormack and Birmingham right-back Paul Caddis for Thursday's friendly against the Czech Republic.

Norwich duo Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker have both withdrawn from the squad preparing for the trip to Prague.

Caddis' call-up brings the number of uncapped players in the squads to face the Czechs and Denmark to eight.

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Worst ever performances

Charlie Bester: Martin Palermo missing three penalties in one game in the Copa America. God loves a trier.

Steve Jones: Paul Rachubka Leeds vs Blackpool. Kop chanting off off off and replaced at half-time by a youth team goalie.

Daniel Darie: Brazil in last year's World Cup 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany. Never seen anything like it.

On this day

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2013: The Football Association board unanimously approved the nomination of Greg Dyke to succeed David Bernstein as chairman. Dyke took up the post in July 2013.

Demare denies tow

Road Cycling

Getty Images

Mechanical doping may be the scandal du jour in professional cycling but there's a whiff of a classic underhand tactic around again.

Milan-San Remo winner Arnaud Demare has rejected accusations he was towed by his team car during Saturday's race.

The French rider recovered from a crash 30km from the finish to beat Britain's Ben Swift in a sprint to the line.

He was then accused by two rival riders of getting a tow from his team car back up to the leading group as they climbed the Cipressa but Demare says: "I have done nothing wrong."

Spin to win

Cricket

AFP

England could play three spinners in their World Twenty20 match against Afghanistan on Wednesday, according to Moeen Ali.

If conditions in Delhi favour slow bowling, uncapped left-armer Liam Dawson would be an option to join Moeen and Adil Rashid in the England line-up.

After following up defeat to West Indies with a stunning victory over South Africa, England will take a step closer to the semi-finals should they beat Afghanistan in Delhi.

You'll be able to watch in-play highlights of all the action on the cricket section of the BBC Sport website.

BreakingHeaton replaces Hart

Football

Getty Images

Burnley keeper Tom Heaton has been called up to replace Joe Hart in the England squad to face Germany and Netherlands.

Hart injured his calf while stretching to clear Martin Demichelis' under-hit backpass during Manchester City's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

Fellow City player Raheem Sterling has also been ruled out of the two friendlies after sustaining a groin injury early on against United.

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Worst ever performances

Ashley Bass: Gary Breen for West Ham v Man Utd in a 6-0 defeat in the FA Cup. At fault for most of the six.

David Thackeray: 1966 US Open final round, Arnold Palmer leading by seven shots on the 10th tee but managed to lose.

Andy Kaye: Mido for Barnsley. Came off the bench for his debut. Got booked, walked around a bit. Never played again.

Wales 'must cope without star duo'

Football

Ashley Williams has urged Wales to cope without Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey and maintain momentum heading towards Euro 2016.

Wales crank up their Euro 2016 preparations with friendlies against Northern Ireland in Cardiff on Thursday night and in Ukraine four days later, two fellow finalists in France this summer.

"Momentum's a big thing and we want to keep it going," said Wales captain Williams. "We lost to Holland in our last game but we played very well.

"There were a lot of good performances from guys who came in and don't play very much.

"The boys coming in have got something to prove because they're trying to secure themselves a spot in the squad for the Euros."

Juan Cuadrado to extend his Juve stay?

Reuters

Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has warned Chelsea he is keen to keep hold of Juan Cuadrado this summer and the Serie A leaders want to trigger an option to buy him.

This could be bad news for potential incoming manager Antonio Conte who has already reportedly told the Chelsea hierarchy he is keen on the winger.

Read that in full here

Plenty of tries to wash your lunch down with, isn't there?

Now let's crack on with some more football transfer gossip...

Best try of the Six Nations?

Scotland's Visser against France

Best try of the Six Nations?

England's Watson against France

Best try of the Six Nations?

Scotland's Hogg against Ireland

Best try of the Six Nations?

Ireland's Jamie Heaslip against Italy

Best try of the Six Nations?

France's Guirado against Scotland

Best try of the Six Nations?

Italy's Ghrialdini against Scotland

Best try of the Six Nations

Rugby Union

What's for lunch, everyone? Lovingly-made, fresh sandwiches? Leftovers from the weekend's pizza?

Whatever it is, hopefully it's as tasty as some of the tries in the Six Nations. You'll get to vote on the best ones very shortly (12:30 GMT) - at the top of this page.

In the meantime, shall we watch those tries again?

Pep looking down the Rode

Manchester City

AP

The Daily Star are reporting that Pep Guardiola may be interested in Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Rode.

The 25-year-old has struggled to get regular Bayern appearances this season and could be looking for more first-team football.

Read that here.

Women's FA Cup draw

Football

The draw for the Women's FA Cup quarter-finals has just been made, with all matches due to be played on Sunday, 3 April:

  • Manchester City vs Sporting Club Albion
  • Sunderland vs Reading
  • Chelsea vs Aston Villa
  • Arsenal vs Notts County

On this day

Getty Images

2006: Lisa Dobriskey won a gold medal for England and Hayley Tullett the bronze for Wales in the women's 1500m final at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Player 'stabbed' in Spain

Football

Some worrying news to bring you from Spain, where a regional club says one of its players has been injured after being stabbed by a spectator following a match.

Spokesman Salvador Ferrer, of Alhaurin de la Torre, told Associated Press that the attack occurred after Sunday's match between the club's B-team playing away at rivals El Palo.

Ferrer says the player - whose name was not released - was stabbed on the pitch after the end of the game.

A spokesperson for Malaga's Hospital Regional told AP the 24-year-old player is in a "serious but stable condition'' after being treated for two stab wounds to his chest. Ferrer says the police are investigating.

Waley-Cohen's National place in doubt

Horse Racing

Frank Keogh

BBC Sport

"Sam Waley-Cohen will miss next month’s Grand National at Aintree if a riding ban is upheld, says the British Horseracing Authority.

"The leading amateur jockey was given a seven-day suspension after he stopped riding his mount Long Run prematurely at Carlisle on Sunday.

"Stewards ruled the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run, who finished fifth on Sunday and was retired after the race, could have finished third.

"Waley-Cohen, 33, has told the BBC he had the welfare of his horse in mind and will appeal against the ban.

"The BHA says his suspension will cover days on which there are races for amateur riders – and these include the Thursday and Saturday of the Aintree meeting, ruling him out of the Foxhunter Chase and Grand National as it stands."

Get Involved

Worst ever performances

Len Morrison: Yuji Ide in Formula 1. Was so shocking in his four races, he had his racing license taken away from him!

Alexander B: Marco Apicella's entire Formula 1 career lasted the first 800 meters of the 1993 Italian Grand Prix.

Matt H: Ali Dia for Saints. Came on for Le God and was subbed off later, described as "like Bambi on ice". Embarassing.

Ah of course Ali Dia's infamous run out for Southampton is featuring heavily...keep them coming #bbcsportsday

Happy work anniversary, Garry

Garry Richardson celebrated 35 years as the Today programme's sports reporter on Saturday. So it was only right we celebrated with a fitting montage. Enjoy that here.

BBC

'Man City were in decline long before Guardiola was announced'

Football

Rex Features

So Pep Guardiola is definitely on his way to Manchester City, Champions League or not, and perhaps his arrival can't come soon enough.

A derby defeat to Manchester United on Sunday was just the latest in a deep-rooted malaise around the Etihad that leaves City with the very real possibility of missing out on the top four.

But what exactly has gone wrong for Manuel Pellegrini and co?

Our chief football writer Phil McNulty analyses the reasons why City's decline started even before Guardiola's appointment was announced.

No get-out clause for Pep

Football

Simon Stone

BBC Sport

Pep Guardiola will be Manchester City manager next season.

City’s poor form, which continued with Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium, has led to questions about whether Guardiola has a get-out clause in his contract should the Blues fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The answer is he does not. Guardiola’s three-year contract is watertight and the 45-year-old will be at City in July come what may.

And one of Guardiola’s first games is likely to be against Manchester United.

The organisers of the pre-season International Champions Cup are due to announce the games in the Chinese leg of their global competition on Wednesday.

It is anticipated City will play United at the Birds’ Nest Stadium in Beijing.

PL players called up by Dutch boss

Football

Getty Images

England could well be faced by Sunderland's Patrick van Aanholt and Stoke's Ibrahim Afellay after both were called up by the Netherlands for next Tuesday's international friendly at Wembley.

Coach Danny Blind has seen five players withdraw from his squad through injury - Erik Pieters, Daryl Janmaat, Ron Vlaar, Jurgen Locadia and Davy Propper. 

On this day

PA

1960: Brazil's three-time Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna was born. A 41-time grand prix winner and 65-time pole-sitter, Senna is regarded by many as the greatest driver of his or any other generation. He died in a crash at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994, aged 34.

Twitter at 10

Test your knowledge of sporting tweets

Twitter

Sportspeople and social media. A means of keeping the sponsors happy, interacting with fans and, of course, the odd meltdown or misguided post.

As Twitter celebrates its 10th birthday, BBC Sport tests your knowledge on the best, worst and most absurd tweets from the sporting world.

Take the test here.

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Worst ever performances

Getty Images

Rob: Michael Theoklitos GK for Norwich in August 2009. Conceded seven on his debut and never played for us again.

Tristan Tamplin: Steven Gerrard against Man United last March. On to lead the fightback, sent off after 38 seconds effectively ending all hope.

Connor Slack: Chris Iwelumo's Scotland debut? Missed an open goal from three yards out!

Australia women 103-8

Cricket

After their disastrous start in losing four wickets for as many runs Australia's women have fought back somewhat to post 103-8 against New Zealand in the World T20.

Ellyse Perry starred once again with a vital 42 and was ably supported by Jess Jonassen's 23 as the Southern Stars scraped past 100.

New Zealand's chase will be underway shortly and you can follow all the actions, including in-play highlights, on our live page here.

One Direction star teams up with Rose

Golf

Getty Images

One Direction’s Niall Horan will play alongside Justin Rose at this year's Celebrity Pro Am at Wentworth in May.

Horan said: “Playing in the Celebrity Pro Am last year was incredible and I can’t wait to be involved again. Hitting my tee shot off the first in front of so many people was probably one of the most nerve-wracking things I’ve ever done, but once that was out of the way I relaxed and we had a laugh. 

“Justin has become a great friend over the last few years and I can’t wait to play alongside him.”

'Rafa's not a magician'

Football

Getty Images

Aleksandar Mitrovic's last-gasp equaliser in the Tyne-Wear derby certainly got the Newcastle faithful out of their seats...

...quite literally for one pitch invader who celebrated with the striker in bizarre fashion.

But the Magpies are still in the mire as they fight to stave off relegation.

And Rafa Benitez has plenty of challenges ahead if he is to lead them to safety, according to Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer.

Manchester derby arrests total 11

Football

Eleven arrests were made at Sunday's Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium. Greater Manchester Police reported minor incidents of disorder and fighting between supporters around the ground before kick-off and after the final whistle, but no major incidents. All those arrested are men and all remain in custody. 

On this day

Getty Images

2002: West Brom were awarded three points and a 3-0 win over Sheffield United by the Football Association after the league match between the two was abandoned when the Blades were reduced to six men.

Don't rush back England stars - Campbell

Football

Getty Images

Sol Campbell believes it would be "counter-productive" for England to rush the likes of Jack Wilshere and Luke Shaw back for Euro 2016.

Arsenal midfielder Wilshere has not played this season and Manchester United left-back Shaw has been absent since sustaining a double leg break in September.

"I wouldn't want to waste time trying to get people fit," Campbell told Sportlobster. "It's counter-productive. It's a distraction you can do without.

"You want everyone firing on all cylinders. It's important that the vast majority of your squad have played the last 15 or 20 league games and have that match sharpness you need going into a major tournament."

What happens if Harry Kane breaks a metatarsal next week, Sol?

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Worst ever performances

Shuvam Sinha: Massimo Taibi's performance against Southampton in 1999/2000 has to be down there. Didn't last long at Man United after that.

Vaughan Try: Peter Crouch, sent off after 14 minutes of a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. Terrible for a striker!

Gareth Davis: The 82 seconds Audley Harrison lasted against David Price in 2012.

More meldonium positives

Athletics

AP

Four Russian athletes have tested positive for the banned drug meldonium.

At least 16 Russian sportspeople, including tennis player Maria Sharapova, have tested positive for the substance since it was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency on 1 January.

The latest four are yet to be named.

Russia's athletics federation is suspended from international competition for its alleged involvement in widespread doping, with a decision on potential reinstatement due in May.

Australia women v New Zealand women

Cricket

So not an auspicious start for Australia's women in their game with New Zealand in Nagpur.

They've lost a fifth wicket after their catastrophic start but have steadied the ship somewhat at 34-5 off 12 overs.

A big finish will be needed for them to set a competitive total though.

You can follow that game and watch in-play highlights of all the action on our live page here.

Emotional morning at Upton Park

Football

Getty Images

Hundreds of West Ham supporters remembered loved ones at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday morning.

In a special memorial service held before the club moves to the Olympic Stadium, the club chaplain led a service for those whose ashes have been scattered or buried around the ground and Memorial Garden.

Full story here.