`Pitiful' fine for Aragones.
Anti-racism campaigners last night condemned as "pitiful" the pounds 2,060 fine levied on Spain coach Luis Aragones after his racist slur on Thierry Henry and spiteful outburst against British colonialism. The 66-year-old could have been sacked, but he escaped with a financial penalty equivalent to one day's wages, to the alarm of `Kick It Out'. The punishment was the result of a drawn-out investigation into Aragones telling Spain forward Jose Antonio Reyes that he was better than "that black ****" Henry, his Arsenal team-mate. Kick It Out spokesman Leon Mann said: "We expected very little from the Spanish Football Association and are not surprised by this pitiful fine. The only positive is there's finally been a recognition that what Aragones said was racist, despite his protests. Questions have to be asked as to why the fine is only e3,000 (pounds 2,060) when it took such a lengthy process to get to this decision, and why someone found guilty of a racist comment is still in a job."Semi live on Sky
SKY Sports will screen the Tennent's Scottish Cup semi-final between Celtic and Hearts live on Sunday, April 10 at 12.15pm. The other semi between Dundee United and Hibernian will take place on April 9 with a 3pm start.
Red card stays
CARDIFF will not appeal against striker Alan Lee's red card at Sunderland last Saturday after viewing a video of the incident. The Republic of Ireland international was dismissed for elbowing Black Cats defender Stephen Caldwell in stoppage-time and will now be banned for matches against Sheffield United, Coventry and Ipswich.
Guppy released
WYCOMBE have released veteran former England international Steve Guppy and he will now continue his playing career in America.
Tough task
OLDHAM have entrusted former Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore with the task of halting their slide towards League Two. The 52-year-old, who left the Millers by mutual consent at the end of January, has been given until the end of the season to turn the club's fortunes round. Former Latics boss Brian Talbot paid the price last week for a run of seven straight losses when he departed Boundary Park, also by mutual consent.
Norse link up
FORMER Everton midfielder Alex Nyarko has linked up with Norwegian side Start in a bid to earn a contract. Nyarko was a pounds 4.5mn signing for Everton when he joined from French side Lens in July 2000. However, the Ghana international, who trained with both Middlesbrough and Southampton, has struggled to find a new employer after being unable to get a work permit last summer.
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
|---|---|
| Publication: | The Journal (Newcastle, England) |
| Date: | Mar 2, 2005 |
| Words: | 430 |
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