Wayne Rooney fit for World Cup: Fab news for Capello - but such a cruel twist for Manchester United

By Ian Ladyman and Matt Lawton

Hobbling on: Rooney

Wayne Rooney is expected to be fully fit for the World Cup, though he is likely to miss the next tumultuous month of Manchester United’s season.


*** Scroll down to watch Video **


Rooney arrived home from Germany with his United team-mates on Wednesday afternoon still using crutches and with his right foot in a protective boot after damaging his ankle towards the end of their 2-1 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old was whisked out of a side door of Manchester airport and taken to hospital for a scan. Although United refused to release the results of the examination last night, it is understood it was suspected to be a ‘grade one’ ligament tear.

If that is confirmed today, Rooney would be out for between three and four weeks, forcing him to miss pivotal games against Barclays Premier League rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday and Bayern again in Europe four days later.

However, enquiries by the FA’s medical staff yesterday morning went some way to allaying England manager Fabio Capello’s fears that Rooney would miss the World Cup in South Africa, and the Italian is hoping to have that confirmed today.


Walking wounded: Wayne Rooney leaves the Allianz Arena on crutches

It is not uncommon for United, at the behest of manager Sir Alex Ferguson, to be unhelpful when it comes to releasing information about their injured players. This is particularly the case if Ferguson suspects the interest is motivated by something other than the outlook for United.

Certainly this was the scenario yesterday as United flew home from a disappointing first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with all eyes and cameras trained on Rooney. Indeed, it is possible that Ferguson will not officially reveal the prognosis until his weekly press conference tomorrow.

Arriving at the steps of United’s plane in a private vehicle yesterday lunchtime, Rooney made light work of boarding as he used his crutches to help him up the stairway.

Once on board, Rooney sat a third of the way down the plane in an aisle seat and did venture to the lavatory, without the use of his walking aids, midway through the two-hour flight.

United, and indeed England, will not be totally satisfied that there is no damage to the bones in his foot until the swelling around his ankle goes down. Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, for example, was thought to have suffered only ligament damage until further investigation revealed an ankle fracture.


Moment of impact: Mario Gomez treads on the foot of Wayne Rooney


Long day: Rooney leaves a south Manchester hospital after having his ankle scanned

Nevertheless, the initial indications when United doctors examined Rooney at the team hotel in Munich yesterday morning were that the injury was restricted to the ligaments and soft tissue around his joint. He was, for example, able to put some weight on his foot once it was encased in a protective boot.

Despite this, Ferguson’s mood was grim as he contemplated the vital month ahead without his star striker. Rooney has scored 34 goals this season, 22 more than Dimitar Berbatov, United’s next-highest scorer.

Berbatov will be expected to lead the line against Chelsea on Saturday and then in games against Bayern, Blackburn, Manchester City and possibly Tottenham. Although the £30million striker has enjoyed some improved form recently, scoring twice last weekend at Bolton, he now faces one of the most critical periods of his up-and-down Old Trafford career.

United defender Nemanja Vidic said: ‘At Bolton on Saturday Berba showed what he could do. He had a great game against Bolton and is a great footballer

‘Also this season we have shown we play as a team. Wayne is unbelievable. He scored again against Bayern and had another chance, he is one of the best in the world. But we can cope. We will have to.’




source: dailymail

Cesc Fabregas broken leg fear: Arsenal midfielder set to miss title run-in and World Cup

By Matt Barlow

Floored: Arsenal players show their concern as injured Cesc Fabregas goes down in a heap


Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas was in agony last night amid fears he had broken his right leg during the 2-2 draw with Barcelona in the Champions League.

The Arsenal captain, who had been a doubt for the first leg of the quarter final with severe bruising to his knee and leg, suffered the injury when he was fouled by Carles Puyol and awarded a penalty in the 85th minute.

Fabregas scored from the spot to claim a 2-2 draw and hobbled through the closing moments as Arsenal had already used their three substitutes.

But Fabregas admitted he feared the worst as he left Emirates Stadium on crutches.

The Spaniard could miss Arsenal's title run in and the World Cup finals in South Africa.

'I am not good," he said. 'We have to wait for tomorrow, but I hope I can wear the Arsenal shirt again this season.


Sorry sight: Cesc Fabregas hobbles off the pitch to receive treatment


'I fear the worst, which is that I have broken something. I do not think it is going to be good news, but still I hope there will be.

'When I took the penalty, I was quite strong, but after when I went to get the ball, I could not walk any more.

'It is the fibula. I think I put my leg between Puyol's when I was fouled, and kicked it.'

Fabregas added: 'Until the penalty, I was feeling quite good.

'It has been an amazing experience and I will remember it for the rest of my life.'


Spot on: Fabregas smashes his penalty past Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes


Arsenal also fear defender William Gallas, who went off in the first half, will miss the rest of the season after limping off with a calf problem.

The Spaniards had lived up to their billing as favourites following a blistering start and a second-half double from Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked to have all but killed off the tie.

However, Theo Walcott came off the bench to pull a goal back before Fabregas - who will miss the second leg at his old club after being booked - smashed in a late penalty after Puyol was sent off for fouling the midfielder in the box.


source: dailymail

Wayne Rooney 'out for two-four weeks with sprained ankle' as Manchester United star is tipped to make World Cup

By Sportsmail Reporter

Walking wounded: Wayne Rooney leaves the Allianz Arena on crutches


Wayne Rooney could be back in action in two to four weeks after initial indications suggested he suffered a sprained ankle rather than a break during Manchester United's defeat by Bayern Munich.

The England striker will not know the full extent of damage until undergoing scans on his return to Manchester, but the 24-year-old left Germany with positive reports that his injury might not be as bad as first feared.


Waiting game: Rooney is driven away from the ground last night


Moment of impact: Mario Gomez treads on the foot of Wayne Rooney


Rooney stayed in Munich overnight with the rest of the United side that lost 2-1 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday and arrived at Munich airport on Wednesday afternoon wearing a protective boot, limping across the tarmac with the aid of crutches.

If reports by Sky Sports News prove to be correct, the Barclays Premier League champions will be without their top scorer for crucial matches at the business end of the season, but at least Rooney should be in shape to make the World Cup finals.

England boss Fabio Capello voiced his concerns after seeing his talisman land awkwardly in a challenge with Mario Gomez at the end of the match in Germany.

Capello intends to speak to the former Everton striker later on Wednesday or on Thursday morning, once a clearer picture has emerged.


Worrying sight: Injured Wayne Rooney is helped off the pitch


United are due to touch down in Manchester at around 3.30pm and he is likely to be whisked straight to hospital for a scan.

If the results show ankle-ligament damage, Rooney could face longer on the sidelines and leave Capello's plans for South Africa 2010 in tatters.

Sir Alex Ferguson is also facing the dilemma of how to face Chelsea in Saturday's pivotal Barclays Premier League title clash.

A statement on the United website read: 'Rooney did not travel back on the team bus from the Allianz Arena, instead departing separately with security staff. His right foot was encased in a protective boot.'

To add to Rooney's woe, he was selected by UEFA for a random drug test after the match, meaning United's medical team were unable to attend to his injury as quickly as they would like.


source: dailymail

DEREK LAWRENSON: Don't give Tiger Woods the green jacket before he's won anything

Tiger Woods: Returning to the fray

One subject appeared to dominate the locker room at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week. It came from the professionals who have homes 20 minutes from Bay Hill at Isleworth and was passed from table to table

Tiger is on the driving range morning, noon and night and he is killing it, they said. Tiger’s been up to Augusta and he loves what he sees. Three to one odds against him winning? That might even be a tad generous, intoned one pro, with awe in his eyes. Paul Casey said Tiger can just roll up, turn the key and off he goes. Best of all was the verdict of John Cook, who can’t see anyone else winning the Masters.

Oh, please. We’re surely not going down this route again, where all the leading players of the day fall at the feet of Tiger Woods and let him walk all over them.

Five months out should be an insurmountable hurdle, but some players are doing their level best to help Woods clamber over it. Amazing isn’t it, how the more he proves himself all too human, the more some players talk him up into being a God.

Colin Montgomerie said Woods wouldn’t be playing the Masters next week if he didn’t think he could win. Well, that might be true. But the real reason he’s playing next week is that it offers him the easiest exit route from all his troubles. He’s going there in shame, not honour.

The facts are that Woods hasn’t won at Augusta since it was toughened up in 2006. He hasn’t played anywhere since last November - and the last time he played in a major, a redoubtable Korean called YE Yang actually stood up to him and beat him.

Every pro in the field at the Masters should be thinking it would be one of the miracles of the age for Woods to win next week - not thinking that he’s overdue a victory at Augusta. His absence from the field of battle shouldn’t be making their hearts grow scared, but race with excitement.

Yes, if Woods were to claim a fifth green jacket and a 15th major championship, it would be testament to his unique qualities. But it wouldn’t say a lot for everyone else.


source :dailymail

Wayne Rooney exits on crutches: United seek to allay fears England striker has broken his foot again

By Ian Ladyman

Feeling the pain: Wayne Rooney in agony after injuring his ankle


This was the moment a nation held its breath as Wayne Rooney clutched his ankle in agony at the end of Manchester United's 2-1 Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich.

The striker on whom England's World Cup hopes rest was injured in the dying seconds last night after Mario Gomez trod on his right foot. He will be assessed today but looks likely to miss Saturday's pivotal title clash with Chelsea.


The sight of him limping off sparked fears for South Africa, particularly as he suffered a metatarsal injury in the same foot four years ago almost to the day.

United led through a 64-second Rooney goal but an equaliser from Franck Ribery - deflected in off Rooney - and a stoppage-time winner from Ivica Olic gave the German side victory.


Moment of impact: Mario Gomez treads on the foot of Wayne Rooney


Rooney, who was also booked, was injured in the build-up to the winning goal.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: 'Wayne has got a kick on the ankle. We don't know how serious it is.'

United sought to allay fears that Rooney had broken his foot again, though he left the Allianz Arena on crutches and with his right leg in a brace.


Worrying sight: Injured Wayne Rooney is helped off the pitch


Ferguson was in no mood to absolve his team for a defeat that leaves the quarter-final tie delicately balanced going into Wednesday's second leg at Old Trafford.

He said: 'We never played well and gave the ball away all night. That's not like us. The winning goal was a terrible one


Walking wounded: Wayne Rooney leaves the Allianz Arena on crutches


'At least we have an away goal. Bayern have a strong chance but at home we should be confident. Our keeper made saves time and time again and kept us in it.'

Bayern coach Louis van Gaal believes Rooney's absence could be crucial.

The Dutchman said: 'He is their most important player and if you looked at United's statistics you would see their second highest scorer had been their opponents. They had 11 own goals. That's how important Rooney is.'


Quick fire: Wayne Rooney opens the scoring after just 64 seconds



source: dailymail

Boxing-mad Wayne Rooney hits the punchbag as Manchester United star looks to smash Bayern with a knockout blow

By Sportsmail Reporter

Goal hero: Prolific Rooney scores against CSKA Moscow


Wayne Rooney has revealed he gets the punch bag out if he wants to get rid of some excess anger.

The Manchester United star is no longer the firebrand he was in his younger days, too often flying off the handle at any little problem.

But the 24-year-old, who aims to down Bayern Munich in the Champions League, retains an ultra-competitive edge that occasionally requires an outlet.

When those situations occur, Rooney is happy to pull the boxing gloves on, as he learned to do when he was still at school.

'I used to do boxing and football,' he told Champions magazine. 'I was training every night with one of them and when I got to about 15, Everton said I had to stop boxing if I wanted to carry on playing football. I had a good chance of making the first team, so I stopped.


Pride of Manchester: Rooney supports Ricky Hatton (centre), posing with Marco Antonio Barrera in Las Vegas in June 2007


'I still love watching boxing. It is a big thing in my family. I can still do a bit now after training, but obviously not fighting. I enjoy it. It is a good way to get rid of some anger.

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes there will be no reason for Rooney to get angry in the Allianz Arena as the striker returns from a bruised foot for the quarter-final first-leg tie.


Anger management: Rooney clashes with Dermot Gallagher during his Everton days


Rooney has established himself as one of the most feared forwards in Europe thanks to his 33-goal contribution to United's season.

However, Ferguson believes it is the presence of another England man who missed Saturday's four-goal destruction of Bolton that is even more crucial to United's chances of recording a record seventh successive away win in the competition, £29.1million defender Rio Ferdinand.


Ready for action: Rooney trains with United in Munich


'The return of Ferdinand and Vidic to keep our back four solid is significant,' said Ferguson.

'Along with Edwin van der Sar there was a time when all those players were injured. It wasn't easy and we were very fragile.

'But you can see the solidity now. You can see the experience of these players and it is making a massive difference to the performances of the team.

'It is a true saying strong at the back, strong as a team. We are looking very strong now.'


source: dailymail

Cesc Fabregas in race to face Barcelona as injured Arsenal skipper sits out training

Concern: Fabregas injured his right knee at Birmingham


Cesc Fabregas missed training with Arsenal today and boss Arsene Wenger admits his captain is a major doubt to face Barcelona tomorrow.

The midfielder suffered severe bruising to his right knee and leg during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Birmingham and is running out of time to prove his fitness before the Champions League quarter-final first leg



Wenger confirmed: 'He did not train this morning and at moment he is not fit to play. We will give him 24 hours more, but I don't know if he will be available.

'If the game were today, he would not play. If he is not capable to play, I would not take a gamble and put him on the bench


In the running: Vela, Vermaelen, Rosicky, Eboue and Denilson train, but Arsenal skipper Fabregas is nowhere to be seen


Fabregas is desperate to play against the team with whom he spent six years before joining the north London club

Although the Spain international might not be available, centre back William Gallas has returned to training after missing eight games with a calf problem and will be in the squad.

Wenger has been short on defensive options, with Kieran Gibbs and Johann Djourou also out. The absences have led to Sol Campbell becoming a regular since his surprise return to the club in the winter.


Comeback trail: Gallas (front) hasn't played since February


Thomas Vermaelen should partner Campbell in the centre of defence against Barcelona after the Belgian served a one-match ban.

Abou Diaby also picked up a slight knock in the Birmingham match. Samir Nasri and Andrey Arshavin, are struggling with groin and knee problems respectively, but both were able to train at London Colney.


source: dailymail

David Beckham raises a smile as he watches LA Galaxy's triumphant match from VIP box

By Chris Johnson and Ben Todd

Smile: David Beckham looked cheerful as he watched his club LA Galaxy beat New England Revolution 1-0 in a home match at California's Home Depot Centre

He was a long way from the subs' bench - and from the football pitch for that matter.
But injured David Beckham managed to raise a smile at the weekend as he took a spectator's seat to watch his club LA Galaxy's home win.

The England star was pictured in a VIP box with a huge grin across his face as he watched the U.S. club beat New England Revolution 1-0.

His cheery smile made a welcome change from his gloomy appearance of late after he pulled his Achilles tendon while playing for A.C. Milan earlier this month - the Italian club from which he is currently on loan.

But while his World Cup career looks over, it seems watching the game on Saturday at California's Home Depot Centre gave the sportsman cause to smile.

It has emerged that the BBC and ITV are battling to sign Becks as a pundit during this summer's World Cup.


Hi there: Becks gives a young fan a wave during the match


With his dreams of playing for England in the tournament over, Beckham is said to be considering offers from both channels.

They believe his signing could be pivotal in a ratings war when the event kicks off in South Africa in June.

A source revealed: 'Everyone is on tenterhooks. Having Becks would be ratings gold - and also a disaster for the other side.


On the pitch: New England Revolution's Kheli Dube, left, knocks the ball away from Los Angeles Galaxy's Leonardo

'Initially, everyone just presumed he wouldn't do it - but now he's seriously thinking about it, it's turned all the World Cup planning on its head.'

But sources say the long-term positioning of Brand Beckham is more important than any money the channels may pay the star, who is estimated to be worth £125million.

There is also still a chance Beckham could go to the World Cup with the squad as a talisman.

Manager Fabio Capello has said he believes the former captain can be 'an important man in the dressing room' despite his injury.


source: dailymail

Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand fit for Manchester United's trip to Bayern Munich

By Sportsmail Reporter

Flying high: Rooney at the airport on Monday morning


Manchester United have received a Champions League boost after Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand declared themselves fit for travel ahead of Tuesday's quarter-final with Bayern Munich.

The England duo missed Saturday's 4-0 win at Bolton with a bruised foot and groin injury respectively.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson expressed confidence that the big-money pair would be available for the first leg encounter and both were among the United party that checked in at Manchester Airport on Monday morning.

United are looking for a positive result against the four-times winners to take into the Old Trafford decider next Wednesday.

And for Ryan Giggs at least, the clash will bring back many happy memories of 11 years ago when late goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saw United defeat the Germans 2-1 in the final in Barcelona.

'I can't believe it's 11 years ago,' said the veteran Welshman. 'It was one of the greatest nights of my life and for many fans too, this will bring back a lot of happy memories.


Plenty to smile about: Rooney (left) and Ferdinand should face the German giants


'We will settle for the same score as in 1999 too, but hopefully not leaving it as late as we did then.'

That night remains the only time in seven encounters United have beaten the German giants.

Yet on every occasion, the outcome has been close, including Bayern's quarter-final triumph in 2001, when they won both legs by a single goal.

It lends weight to Giggs' belief their next clash is too close to call.

'I am a little bit surprised about our overall record but it has always been tight,' he said.
'It is usually difficult against German sides, and against the top ones even more so


Memories: Giggs is relishing another crack at Bayern Munich


'We have won the European Cup three times. They have won it on four occasions so you are talking about two clubs with massive history; full of experience and full of great players so hopefully it's going to be a great spectacle.'

Giggs certainly expects it to be different to 1999, not least because Bayern no longer have the same physical characteristics.

They are now more reliant on the stealth of Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben, who is rated as an extreme doubt anyway.

'The team we played against in 1999 was really powerful. It had strength all the way through,' said Giggs.

'Now Bayern have a lot of trickery with Ribery and Robben, and some other individual matchwinners.

'But our European record in recent times has been good and if we play to the best of our ability we really fancy ourselves.'


source :dailymail

Andy Murray worry as he admits: I've fallen out of love with tennis

By Mike Dickson Tennis Correspondent reports from Miami

A beaten man: an angry Andy Murray allows his frustration to boil over in the Florida heat


The eyes looked slightly moist and the head was hung low. Never before has Andy Murray appeared such a picture of despondency as he was in the wake of Saturday night's defeat at the Sony Ericsson Open.

And later came the startling revelation that he has, for the moment, fallen out of love with the game that is his life.

'I need to start enjoying my tennis again. This has been going on for a few weeks now,' he admitted after losing 6-4, 6-4 to Mardy Fish.

So to add to the list of woes currently afflicting British tennis, such as Davis Cup humiliations and parliamentary hearings about the sport's administration, there is now turmoil in the mind of the country's one genuine championship contender.

This is all quite a turnaround. For a fleeting few weeks 12 months ago when he won the title here and Roger Federer was in meltdown, Murray was being acclaimed as the best player in the world.

Less than two months ago he looked to be an honourable second best, having lost out in the final of the Australian Open to a completely restored Federer.

Yet on Saturday against Fish, albeit a dangerous early round opponent, he was unrecognisable.

The consistently short forehand seemed to be that of a humble journeyman, while his appalling body language was that of someone who would rather have been anywhere than defending a major title against a player ranked 101 in the world.

In deeply pensive mood later on, third seed Murray, who received a first-round bye, assured everyone that there were no hidden problems in the background. He said: 'I've been very happy off the court but just not on it, and that's where I need to be happy because that's my career, this is what I do. It's only me who can figure it out.


Hangover: Murray has won just two of five matches since the Australian Open

'People think sportsmen are different to other people but we're not - we all go through bad patches. I've got to get back to how I felt in Australia at the start of the season.'

Murray was emphatic that his malaise, which has seen him win just two of five completed matches since Melbourne, is not down to any profound reassessment since losing to Federer.And he also stressed that he is happy with the team around him.

It is fair to speculate, however, that his fortunes mirroring those of the British game might not be entire coincidence. His performances and those of Elena Baltacha and Laura Robson gave cause for much optimism in January, but that has largely been washed away.

Murray has been constantly asked about British tennis of late, and was doubtless hurt by John Lloyd's retrospective bitching about his non-participation in the recent Davis Cup debacle.

There was even a polite request last week from his handlers that questions on the subject be given a rest.


Murray's conqueror: American Mardy Fish

Every time the ongoing crisis within the British game comes to the fore, it can only be a reminder to Murray of the pressures associated with being the one serious hope from the country which hosts Wimbledon. This adds considerably to his marketability and wealth, but it is an onerous position to be in.

Clearly, there is also a debate in his head and around his team about whether the essentially counter-punching style that is his instinct is ever going to be quite enough to land him one of the sport's major prizes.

He tried out a more attacking mode at the recent Dubai Championships and not only did he lose in the second round, but he was also given an official rebuke for openly stating - not very tactfully - that he had been experimenting and defeat there was not the end of the world. 'Maybe it is just something to do with my game,' he ventured.

This is a good time for the European clay court season to arrive, as it is the one time of year when Murray does not have to contend with especially high expectations.

There is now a good chance that he will add next month's Monte Carlo Open to his schedule as an early exit here means extra time to prepare for the dirt.

Top-ranked Federer held every service game and won his opening match by beating Nicolas Lapentti 6-3, 6-3.

Federer, the champion in 2005-06, has an inviting path to the final with Murray now out because world No 2 Novak Djokovic was eliminated on Friday.

Rafael Nadal will now overtake Murray for the world No 3 spot in the next set of rankings, while Fish advances to the third round of this event for the first time since 2003.


source :dailymail

Jenson Button's proud girlfriend can't hide her delight as he wins Australian Grand Prix

By Sarah Bull

Number one: Jenson Button celebrates his Australian Grand Prix victory with model girlfriend Jessica Michibata

Jenson Button's girlfriend Jessica Michibata could not have looked any more excited when her sportsman beau won the Australian Grand Prix today.

The 25-year-old Japanese model failed to hide her delight after McLaren driver Jenson crossed the finish line at Melbourne's Albert Park in first place.



And the fashionista even wore t-shirt in the McLaren team colours, orange, in honour of her boyfriend's win - despite the fact it clashed horribly with her pink flowered dress.



Victory: Jessica hugs her champion boyfriend after he crosses the finish line in first place


Jenson, who started dating Jessica in early 2009, beat British rival Lewis Hamilton, who finished in sixth place, and Germany's Micahel Schumacher, who finished 10th, in the race.

But 30-year-old reigning world champion Jenson insisted he had no idea he would be winning races so soon after signing up with McLaren last November.

He said: 'I thought it would take longer than this. A lot depends on what sort of car you come out of the box with.

'I don't know in general pace where we would stand but that is not all racing is about. It is also about strategy, thinking and conserving.

'We did it correctly today and we came away with a good victory. This is very special and whatever happens over the next few races, this means a lot to me.'


Ecstatic: The couple pose with the Grand Prix trophy


In love: Jenson and Jessica can't hide their excitement over the sportsman's win


Jenson, who moved to McLaren after winning the world championship with Brawn GP, added: 'After being with one team for seven years and then clinching the title, getting a victory here after two races is very special for me.'

'When you can get good points finishes like this it really does mean a lot when you have a car you don't think is quick enough really to win races every weekend.

'We just have to work hard and hope we can bring a good package to the next few races.'





Clash: Jessica doesn't seem to care that the orange McLaren t-shirt doesn't really go with her pink flowered dress


Jenson's latest win will no doubt fuel rumours that he will soon propose to his stunning girlfriend.

Prior to Jenson's championship win last November, Jessica had said in an interview: 'If Jenson wins the title in November we will celebrate a lot and it will be by him getting down on one knee!'

Later rumours suggested the couple were planning to wed before the F1 2010 season started in March.


It's too loud: Jessica puts her fingers in her ears as she watches the race from the paddock area of Melbourne's Albert Park earlier in the day


However, Jenson has now vowed to marry Jessica after winning the world championship for a second consecutive time this year.


He said: 'We’re happy the way we are right now. But if I win again next year, yeah, I’ll propose then.

'I love Jessica to bits. We have so much in common


Stars in his eyes: Jenson crosses the finish line as John Travolta waves the chequered flag


Jenson won on a star-studded day at the Grand Prix.
Pregnant Dannii Minogue attended the event with boyfriend Kris Smith while Brian McFadden, who lives in Sydney with girlfriend Delta Goodrem, also made an appearance.

John Travolta also attended as ambassador for Australian airline Qantas, and waved the chequered flag as Jenson crossed the finish line.


Baby on board: Dannii Minogue, an avid race fan, and boyfriend Kris Smith


Celebrities: Brian McFadden and Dannii Minogue showed their faces at the sporting event


source: dailymail

Burnley 0 Blackburn 1: David Dunn on the spot as Rovers see off their fierce rivals

By Sportsmail Reporter

Delight: Blackburn players celebrate with David Dunn after his penalty for Rovers


David Dunn's first-half penalty earned Blackburn the local bragging rights and increased Burnley's relegation fears in a controversial derby at Turf Moor.

Dunn converted a 20th-minute spot-kick after Clarets goalkeeper Brian Jensen was adjudged to have tripped Martin Olsson, although replays suggested the Swede was already going to ground before any contact was made.

Referee Mike Dean then failed to spot an obvious hand-ball by Rovers keeper Jason Brown as Burnley's 31-year wait for a win over their neighbours continued

Burnley's fans showed plenty of passion, but Brian Laws' players failed to rise to the occasion and remain three points adrift in the Barclays Premier League drop zone.

Sam Allardyce's Rovers, meanwhile, move up to 10th in the table with their second victory in five days.

Burnley were awarded a free-kick early from which Graham Alexander sent in a curling delivery that Leon Cort was just unable to get a head to


Terror in the terrace: Burnley fans clash with police at Turf Moor


Steven Nzonzi then rose in the box at the other end but failed to connect with a Morten Gamst Pedersen free-kick before the Norwegian midfielder fired a wild effort high and wide from long range.

Blackburn thought they had the lead in the 18th minute but Olsson was ruled offside after taking the ball down, turning and lashing it past Jensen.

If that decision appeared contentious, even more controversy surrounded the incident that followed as Rovers made their breakthrough.

Olsson broke into the box and cut inside Jensen, who had rushed out to meet him.


Ferocious battle: Blackburn's Michel Salgado and Burnley's David Nugent are involved in an altercation


There seemed to be minimal contact between the two players but Olsson tumbled to the turf and referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot.

Dunn stepped up to smash home his third goal of the week and put the visitors ahead.
Burnley tried to raise their game and Wade Elliott put a cross into the danger-zone which Chris Samba headed behind for a corner.

Blackburn looked to hit back and Roberts twisted and turned his way into the box before being crowded out.

Dean had done little to enamour himself to the Burnley faithful and made himself even more unpopular in the 39th minute as Chris Samba brought down Elliott on the edge of the area.


On the run: Blackburn's Martin Olsson holds off Kevin McDonald


Samba was booked and Clarets fans cried out for a penalty but Dean only gave a free-kick which was subsequently wasted.

Both sides had chances to score just before the break with Michel Salgado blasting wide and then Cort failing to guide his effort on target having brought the ball down on his chest.

Burnley started the second period brightly and Steven Fletcher was almost quick enough to take advantage when Nzonzi under-hit a back-pass, but Brown came out to clear.

Tyrone Mears then brought down a ball flighted into the box but Olsson put it behind for a corner before Mears could get a shot away.

The Clarets finally registered a shot on target in the 54th minute as Martin Paterson turned and fired from distance into the arms of Brown.


Celebration time: Sam Allardyce is toasting victory in the Lancashire derby


At the other end, Cort and Jensen almost got in each other's way in scrambling to clear a dangerous Pedersen free-kick, but Burnley's supporters had been lifted and roared their team on to keep attacking.

Paterson made way for Robbie Blake and Alexander attempted a speculative volley which went well wide before being booked for showing his studs to Pedersen.

The resulting free-kick was not properly cleared and Olsson rifled an effort that cracked against the crossbar and bounced down before Jones headed the rebound wide.

Olsson then found himself unmarked in the box, but Jensen parried his effort after he had controlled and shot.

Salgado whipped in a volleyed cross which substitute Franco Di Santo headed off-target.


Derby joy: Blackburn fans were in fine voice as their side claimed victory


Dean was involved in yet more controversy with 15 minutes from the end when he failed to spot a clear handball by Brown.

David Nugent chased a ball which Brown rushed out to gather, but the goalkeeper made a hash of it and clearly handled as he stumbled out of the box.

The crowd were incensed but Dean missed it and play went on.

Burnley were inches away from an equaliser soon after when Danny Fox's low cross was narrowly missed by both Elliott and Fletcher sliding in.

Five minutes of added time were played but a disappointing finale completed a miserable afternoon for the home fans as Rovers hung on for the victory


source: dailymail