Mutu: Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu has offered his support to Sampdoria striker Francesco Flachi who has tested positive for cocaine. Romanian Mutu served a seven-month ban for testing positive for cocaine and was sacked by Chelsea in October 2004. "I hope that Flachi will get over this unhappy story," Mutu told Reuters. "I understand him very well and I know how difficult his situation is... I was lucky to rebuild my professional and private life."
Heitinga: Dutch international John Heitinga has signed a three-year contract extension with Ajax Amsterdam, taking his stay up to 2011. The 23-year-old defender came through the youth system at Ajax and made his debut in 2001. Heitinga has won two titles and domestic cups with Ajax and has won 24 caps with the Dutch national team.
Appeal rejected: Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane's appeal against his red card for deliberate handball on the goalline against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday was rejected by the FA yesterday. Keane, who had earlier scored twice and set up a third in the Premier League match which Spurs went on to win 4-1, was dismissed in the 36th minute for handling a goal-bound header by Ivan Campo. It was the first red card of the Ireland striker's career but he claimed the ball had struck his chest.
Jewell: Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell has admitted a charge of improper conduct for his behaviour towards referee Phil Dowd following his side's 2-1 defeat by Arsenal on Feb. 11, the FA said. Jewell was furious Dowd failed to award Wigan a penalty in the game at the Emirates Stadium. The FA said Jewell had requested a personal hearing.
Referee suspended: A Brazilian referee was suspended for sending off the wrong player during a match at the weekend. Rodrigo Martins Cintra has been banned indefinitely following his performance during the Corinthians-Rio Branco match in the Paulista championship, the head of the Paulista Football Federation's referees committee said. The incident happened during the first half when a Corinthians player was tripped by Rio Branco's Josias. However, Cintra showed a yellow card to Felipe who had already been booked and was therefore sent off.