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Sky Sports Today - Monday March 18
Sky Sports Today live blog for Monday March 18
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AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX[martinbrundle]The opening Grand Prix of the season Down Under certainly did not disappoint with Sky Sports F1HD's Martin Brundle enjoying a tense weekend which delivered a thriller in spite of the problems which saw qualifying abondoned and put back until race day itself.
The drivers certainly delivered on race day. Seven of the 21 starters led the race at some stage and we had ten lead changes. As expected it was all about tyres and the washed 'green' circuit and a mere 20 degree Celsius track temperature compounded the issue. The top ten had very much taken the shine of their super-soft Pirellis in qualifying and were of course obliged to start the race on them. I fully expected everyone from 11th backwards to start on medium compound tyres but only a few did, not least Adrian Sutil.
3/18/2013 9:57:11 AM -
FOOTBALL[skybet]There's a great deal of speculation surrounding the managerial positions at Championship clubs Leicester City and Leeds with Nigel Adkins emerging as a front-runner with Sky Bet for both positions. Adkins has been cut to 4/11 to move to Elland Road and succeed Neil Warnock who saw the Whites' play-off hopes nosedive following defeat to Huddersfield. Leicester boss Nigel Pearson's position is also under scrutiny after a defeat by Midlands rivals Derby County on Saturday left the Foxes sixth in the table having lost five of their last nine games. Pearson said afterwards:
I don't know whether my position is in jeopardy. But I'm a scrapper. I would hope I will be in a job if Leicester don't reach the play-offs. But I don't think this is a question I can really answer. There has been speculation. It is an unfortunate part of management that you have to be prepared to deal with that. I have to keep the focus on the job.
3/18/2013 10:04:02 AM -
FOOTBALLAnother manager to come under scrutiny is Stoke boss Tony Pulis who has come in for criticism from some fans after seeing his side win just once in their last 11 Premier League games. Saturday's goalless draw at home to West Brom ended a run of three straight defeats and defender Geoff Cameron insists the spirit in the squad remains positive.Losing to Newcastle with that late goal was a big dagger to us. Most teams would put their heads down and not come back from that but we showed we still have a positive attitude. The players are behind the manager 100 per cent. You get these bad bounces and there's no sense in being negative.3/18/2013 10:07:17 AM
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England captain Alastair Cook has vowed to take the positives from the drawn Second Test with New Zealand after rain washed out play on the final day.3/18/2013 10:09:30 AM
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FOOTBALL[ssn]Former Manchester City defender Andy Hinchliffe has been speaking about the club's defeat to Everton and their failure to keep pace with rivals Manchester United in the race for the Premier League title. Hinchliffe believes City have paid the penalty for drawing far too many matches at the start of the season.City have only lost four times this season but they have drawn far too many games. They have not scored the goals that they scored last season. Against Everton they were missing Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguerro. These are key players in any City side that is built to go forward and score goals. Turning one point into three has been a major problem all season. They look lethargic and going through the motions.3/18/2013 10:23:05 AM
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CRICKET
You've got this equation where it's one Test match and winner takes all. England are supposed to beat New Zealand in New Zealand but New Zealand will go out there with no fear and just think 'hang on, we've got a chance of winning a Test series here.
3/18/2013 10:23:30 AM -
CRICKETIndia are closing in on victory over Australia in the third Test. Chasing 143 for victory, they are currently 103-2 after the tourists collapsed once again. Sachin Tendulkar is leading the run chase.3/18/2013 10:28:29 AM
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RUGBY UNIONWith the Six Nations over, attention now turn to the British and Irish Lions' tour to Australia - a series you can watch live on Sky Sports. Tony Curtis has watched the key players in action during the Six Nations and has seen a number of players rise to the occasion and put themselves at the forefront of coach Warren Gatland's mind ahead of the first Test in Brisbane.Curtis has gone for seven Welsh players in his side following their thumping win over England in Cardiff and you can see his Lions XV here.3/18/2013 10:36:14 AM
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FOOTBALL[ssn]So who will be relegated from the Premier League? Aston Villa, Southampton and Wigan all gave themselves lifelines with vital victories at the weekend but Reading and QPR are now cast adrift at the foot of the table on 23 points, seven points from safety and four behind 18th-placed Latics. Former Charlton manager Alan Curbishley told us he believes the bottom three will be the clubs to go down.I'm looking at the bottom three. I know Wigan have been there and done it before but will this be the season they go down. Villa and Southampton have given themselves a great opportunity to get out of it. Two more wins and they are safe.So who do you think will go down? Join the debate on Twitter. Tweet @skyfootball and use #skysportstoday hashtag.3/18/2013 10:42:12 AM
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3/18/2013 10:43:19 AM
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BASKETBALLA big night of action in the NBA saw the Miami Heat extend their unbeaten run to a sensational 22 games. The Pacific-leading Los Angeles Clippers also maintained their good run, while the Oklahoma City Thunder had Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant to thank as they edged out the Dallas Mavericks. You can view the highlights from the latest round of games here3/18/2013 10:43:42 AM
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[bn]Oldham expected to name Lee Johnson as new manager at 2pm news conference3/18/2013 10:47:53 AM
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FOOTBALLLiverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson insists their bid for European football is far from over despite defeat at Southampton. While the top four - now nine points away - looks out of reach Henderson believes seventh-placed Liverpool can still secure a place in European competition next season.It was a big disappointment against Southampton but Europe's not gone yet. We've still got eight games to play and that's a lot of points to play for. We've still got to play some of the teams above us so we have to keep going. We have to pick ourselves up from this and ensure we respond positively against Aston Villa after the international break.3/18/2013 10:52:01 AM
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FEEDBACKSky Sports rugby union writer Tony Curtis has put his neck on the line and named his Lions line-up for the first Test against Australia in the summer and you have been quick to give us your views on his selections. Here is what some of you have been saying...Makaay07 disagrees with the inclusion of Farrell
Farrell at 10 over Sexton? Please. Are we all supposed to hop on the Farrell band wagon. Great kicker, yes. Good player. Sexton is a great kicker and an amazing rugby player. Just look how Ireland struggled without him. Look at his performances in Heineken Cup finals. The man is a monster. And the Lions need him to be fit.
gforce_14 (via Twitter) is not a fan of Brian O'Driscoll earning a place in the starting XVsorry but BOD won't start neither will Evans or heaslip. Jones best second row in tournament.
golden-boy takes up the challenge and names his XVmy 15 would be - Halfpenny, Cuthbert, Tuilangi, Roberts, North, Sexton, Phillips, Falatau, Tipuric, Warburton, Ryan, Evans, Jenkins, Hibbard, Jones. Majority welsh as these are the palyers who have played the best. No scots but hogg and gray are not far out. Ireland been dire all tournament and england bottled it last game
What do you think of the selections? Get in touch via Twitter - @skysports and use hashtag #skysportstoday3/18/2013 11:03:42 AM -
FOOTBALL[ssn]Mark Halsey, the referee at the centre of the controversy at the DW Stadium which saw Newcastle's Massadio Haidara stretchered off following a challenge by Wigan's Callum McManaman has been defended by former Premier League official Alan Wiley who says Halsey was unsighted.From the referee's point of view he's in the position where you'd expect him to be. It's just one of those situations that when the incident happens, a player runs across his path. When the ball runs to the touchline, Mark probably thinks McManaman has played the ball.3/18/2013 11:06:12 AM
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[bn]India win the third Test with Australia by six wickets to take a 3-0 series lead3/18/2013 11:10:12 AM
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FORMULA ONEF1 made a cracking return to our screens at the weekend with the opening Grand Prix of the year creating plenty of talking points. F1 Editor Pete Gill has been drawing his conclusions from the opening round of the 2013 season and looks at:
- McLaren's miserable Melbourne display
- The performance of Kimi Raikkonen and Lotus
- Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes debut
3/18/2013 11:19:35 AM -
FORMULA ONE[ssn] Tony Jardine has joined us in the studio to discuss the Australian Grand Prix and believes Lotus surprised everybody in Melbourne with their opening race speed.
Lotus had a bad winter in testing so there were question marks there but Kimi Raikkonen has been finishing in the points consistently and starting to worry the top guys on the podium. The low temperatures in Melbourne caused Red Bull problems and they have admitted that they did not have the car set up properly.
3/18/2013 11:43:01 AM -
FOOTBALLFrank Lampard enjoyed a memorable weekend, netting his 200th Chelsea goal but the England star has been praising his Blues teammate Eden Hazard, who netted the second in the 2-0 win over West Ham. He has also been comparing him to Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola.
Eden is 22. He has got the world at his feet and he can handle the pressure because he is that good. His ability and speed off the mark and the way he is able to turn on a sixpence is what all great attacking players have and he's got it in abundance. Zola did it throughout his career while Eden's at a relatively early part of his career but what he is showing now are glimpses that he can be in that bracket and be one of the top players in the world.
3/18/2013 11:48:19 AM -
FOOTBALLThe race for promotion to the Premier League is gathering pace with challengers Watford and Hull City both suffering surprise defeats at the weekend. Sky Sports pundit and former Nottingham Forest striker Gary Birtles says his ex-club are not out of the race for a top two place, following their win at the KC Stadium on Saturday.
To go to Hull who are in good form and to win the game may see them put pressure on the teams around them as everyone seems to be slipping up. Forest have got a really good chance if they can keep it going. It is possible to get into the top two the way they are going.
3/18/2013 11:52:59 AM -
GOLFWe're just a few weeks away from the first Major of the year, the Masters, and the likely contenders are beginning to up their preparations. The Tampa Bay Championship in Florida last week didn't offer too many clues with most of the leading Augusta fancies sitting the tournament out but this week Masters favourite Tiger Woods is back in action along with several other Green Jacket hopefuls as the PGA Tour heads to Orlando for the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.3/18/2013 11:58:09 AM
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RUGBY LEAGUE
Rugby league players are tough as old teak but Adrian really gets the badge of honour for being the toughest!
3/18/2013 12:00:22 PM -
CRICKETIndia are on course for a series whitewash over Australia after today's six-wicket win put them 3-0 up in the four-Test series. Chasing just 133 in 36 overs for the win, time was always likely to be the biggest obstacle on day five, but they reached the target with two and a half overs to spare. After two devastating defeats, the visitors were more competitive but a disastrous morning session when they lost five wickets for 95 runs cost them dear.3/18/2013 12:00:24 PM
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3/18/2013 12:01:34 PM
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FOOTBALLBarcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura has described as "absurd" rumours of a rift between Lionel Messi and David Villa. The pair combined to devastating effect in the 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano and Roura, who is deputising for Tito Vilanova as he continues to recover from cancer surgery in New York, felt moved to categorically dismiss reports of bad feeling between the two.
This issue of a conflict I have heard many times - it is absurd. Currently the relationship between the two is just like it was a few months ago. I mean, very good.
3/18/2013 12:09:08 PM -
FOOTBALLFormer Premier League referee Jeff Winter says it is time for the FA to get off the fence and take action against Wigan's Callum McManaman for his tackle on Newcastle's Massadio Haidara who was stretchered off during his side's 2-1 defeat at the DW Stadium on Sunday. McManaman, who was making his first Premier League start, escaped punishment for the tackle on Haidara with referee Mark Halsey unsighted but Winter told Sky Tyne and Wear:
It was the poorest tackle I've seen in a long, long time. When you actually look at Mark Halsey's position, there is a player obliterating his view. The assistant referee is probably thirty yards away, but the point of contact is on the other side of the player. The officials were slightly unfortunate in that neither of them have the perfect view. But that being said the officials will carry the can for this. Not seeing it is not an excuse.
Should McManaman be punished for his challenge on Haidara. Get in touch via @skyfootball and use #skysportstoday in your tweets.3/18/2013 12:13:53 PM -
[bn]UEFA say disciplinary case to be opened against Inter Milan, following reports of fans racially abusing Spurs players in Europa League3/18/2013 12:15:04 PM
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FOOTBALLNewcastle's James Perch has added his voice to the debate surrounding Callum McManaman's tackle on Massadio Haidara and also feels the Magpies did not get the rub of the green in the 2-1 defeat at the DW Stadium.
I don't think I've ever been involved in a game where so many big decisions have gone against us. The handball for the goal is blatant. Everyone could see it at the time and everyone will see it on the replays. And the tackle was a bad one. I know referees get the odd thing wrong and I can accept that but 100 per cent he (McManaman) should have been sent off.
3/18/2013 12:19:55 PM -
The British and Irish Lions tour is live on Sky Sports this summer so here is something to whet your appetite...
3/18/2013 12:24:08 PM -
FOOTBALL[chriskamara] Sky Sports expert Chris Kamara is, as usual, having his say on the controversial incidents of the weekend and he says the poor decisions in the Wigan v Newcastle game highlights the need for better communication between referees and their assistants.
There was a clear handball before Wigan's winning goal and I can't believe the lack of communication between referees and their assistants. They've been given headsets so that they can chat and communicate, but it seems to have gone completely out of the window. It was the same with Marouane Fellaini's handball against Man City when they got the decision wrong again. There was no consultation and the assistants didn't get involved.
3/18/2013 12:33:56 PM -
FOOTBALLAfter another action-packed weekend in the Premier League, Rachel Griffiths has selected the stand-out players in our Team of the Week.Chelsea's Eden Hazard makes the cut after a superb performance in yesterday's 2-0 win over West Ham, while Aston Villa frontman Andreas Weimann is another addition after he helped his side edge out fellow relegation candidates QPR on Saturday.3/18/2013 12:36:19 PM
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FOOTBALLThe Football Association says it will study all the available TV footage of Callum McManaman's challenge on Newcastle's Massadio Haidara before deciding if retrospective action can be brought. FA disciplinary officials are also waiting for the report of referee Mark Halsey before making a decision. Usually, on-the-ball incidents cannot be dealt with retrospectively as it is seen as challenging the opinion of the referee. If however, Halsey reports he did not see the studs-up lunge by McManaman because he was unsighted then there is the possibility the Wigan player could be charged.3/18/2013 12:38:22 PM
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[bn] Two men have been arrested due to alleged racially-aggravated public order offences at the Chelsea v West Ham match yesterday, police have announced.3/18/2013 12:42:50 PM
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RUGBY UNION[ssn]Jason Robinson has told Sky Sports News that he believes British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland will look at the Wales squad for the majority of his selections.
Wales came out and played a great style of rugby. They were very strong in the scrum, very strong at the breakdown and they had backs that could score a try. Unfortunately England didn't seem to have that and were beaten in most aspects of the game. I am sure Warren Gatland, after watching that game, will be looking to the Welsh team for most of the players.
3/18/2013 12:43:45 PM -
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has paid tribute to Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan after India wrapped up a 3-0 Test series victory over Australia with one match to play. The pair put on 289 for the first wicket in the first innings, with Dhawan's 187 the highest score by an Indian on debut - and Dhoni was delighted with their display.CRICKET
It was one of the best batting exhibitions when it comes to batting in pairs, from Vijay and Shikhar. Especially Shikhar, on his debut, the way he batted. It is always important to get a good start in your first game. Your first game you are a bit nervous, but he handled it well.
3/18/2013 12:49:49 PM -
FOOTBALLLeon Osman was a star performer for Everton in their shock 2-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday and the veteran midfielder is hoping to get a chance in England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers after retaining his place in Roy Hodgson's squad.
Read more from Osman on his hopes of featuring for EnglandTo still be in the squad means the world to me. I just need to keep my head down, keep working hard and if another chance comes, I have got to take it.
3/18/2013 12:51:11 PM -
FOOTBALLWales have arranged a friendly fixture against the Republic of Ireland at the Cardiff City Stadium on August 14th this year as both sides gear up for the closing stages of their respective World Cup qualifying campaigns. Wales manager Chris Coleman believes the clash will be good preparation for their qualifying double-header.
This will be a very useful test for us before embarking on the two World Cup games (against Serbia and Macedonia) in September. The timing of the August friendly match is always so near to the start of the new domestic season, so that means a home game is always useful to cut-down on travelling and I am sure that our friends from Ireland will feel the same.
Coleman looks ahead to the friendly clash3/18/2013 12:55:58 PM -
FOOTBALL[twtr]We asked for your feedback on McManamam's tackle. Here's what you've been saying on Twitter
@SkySports #SkySportsToday McManaman deserves a lengthly ban and he should've told the referee to stop the game right away.
Chris.
via Twitter at 12:59 PM
Get involved in the debate. Use #skysportstoday in your tweets
@SkySports #SkySportsToday tackle it was sickening #McManaman shld get at least a 4-5 match ban n fine
Andrew Coster
via Twitter at 12:58 PM3/18/2013 1:01:23 PM -
RUGBY UNION[stuartbarnes]
Wales turned up with one of the finest performances I can remember from the men
in red. The defence was back to its intense best but the sharpness of their
attack was something we have NEVER seen from this group of players. Had Wales
played like this, they would have beaten Australia last summer; heck, they would
have beaten the All Blacks. No team in the world would have lived with them on
Saturday.3/18/2013 1:07:29 PM -
[bn]Rio Ferdinand pulls out of England squad for World Cup qualifiers against San Marino & Montenegro3/18/2013 1:12:05 PM
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[bn]Ross McCormack, James Forrest & Danny Fox withdraw from Scotland squad3/18/2013 1:13:13 PM
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FOOTBALLHere's more on Rio Ferdinand's decision to pull out of the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro. The Manchester United defender, who earned his first call-up under Roy Hodgson for the double header and was due to join up with the squad today, insists he wants to continue his international career. Tottenham defender Steven Caulker, originally in the Under-21 squad, has been called up as a replacement.Hodgson, who met Ferdinand in London said:I'm disappointed Rio will not be available, but due to the detailed pre-planned training and medical programme he must follow it's not possible.What do you think of Ferdinand's decision? Get in touch via @skyfootball and use #skysportstoday with your tweet3/18/2013 1:18:23 PM
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3/18/2013 1:20:10 PM
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FOOTBALLReading's caretaker manager Eamonn Dolan remains unsure over whether or not he'll be in charge for the Royals' next game against Arsenal. His first match at the helm ended in a 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday.I don't know about Arsenal, we haven't discussed it and wouldn't. Anton (Zingarevich, Reading's owner) has been fantastic with me and let me get on with it. I want to stay at Reading Football Club definitely as some sort of manager, academy or whatever.3/18/2013 1:21:02 PM
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CRICKETAustralia captain Michael Clarke is looking for his side to finish their disappointing Test series against India on a winning note.
We are disappointed, but hopefully we can finish on a high in Delhi (on Friday). Over the past two years, we have been consistent at home, but not away from home. We continue to learn, there are some positives but there are certainly areas we can get better.
3/18/2013 1:25:40 PM
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