Nistelrooy accepts FA foulplay charge

Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has accepted a Football Association (FA) charge of serious foul play during Sunday’s Prem...

Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has accepted a Football Association (FA) charge of serious foul play during Sunday’s Premier League match against Arsenal, his club said in a statement on Tuesday.

Van Nistelrooy caught Arsenal defender Ashley Cole with his studs in United’s 2-0 win at Old Trafford, which ended the champions unbeaten Premier League run of 49 matches.

‘‘Ruud van Nistelrooy has decided to accept the FA’s charge of misconduct relating to the incident with Ashley Cole,’’ United said in a statement on their website. ‘‘Ruud has accepted the automatic penalty of a three-match suspension and Manchester United fully supports Ruud’s decision.’’

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The Dutchman said he accepted responsibility for the incident but added that he had not intended to hurt Cole. ‘‘Throughout my 10-year career I believe my disciplinary record is very good, not only for Manchester United but at all clubs,’’ Van Nistelrooy said.

Keegan pulled up by the FA
LONDON: Kevin Keegan has been charged with criticising the referee after Manchester City’s weekend Premier League defeat against Newcastle United, the Football Association (FA) said on Tuesday.

The City manager has two weeks to admit or deny the charge of using abusive or insulting language, the FA said in a statement on its website.

Keegan had argued referee Steve Dunn cost his side Sunday’s away match as they went down 4-3. ‘‘I have never seen a refereeing display like that and I told him that,’’ he was quoted as saying on Manchester City’s web site. ‘‘Those things he got wrong cost us the match.’’

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Mallorca sack coach Floro
MADRID: Real Mallorca have sacked coach Benito Floro after a run of poor results that has left the team second from bottom of the Primera Liga, Spanish media reported on Monday.

The board gave Floro a vote of confidence at the start of last week but a\fter Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad the club have decided to remove him, state television said.

Chile set to recall Pizarro
SANTIAGO: Chile coach Juvenal Olmos said he will recall playmaker David Pizarro for next month’s World Cup qualifying match in Peru after leaving him out of this month’s qualifiers as a disciplinary measure.

Pizarro, who plays for Udinese in Italy’s Serie A, kicked an advertising board in anger and then stormed straight into the tunnel after being substituted during September’s goalless draw at home to Colombia.

— Agencies