Football news

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has admitted a FA charge of improper conduct and asked for a personal hearing.

The Argentine was charged on Wednesday after being sent off in Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Manchester United. Mascherano reacted badly to the red card and had to be ushered off by Liverpool staff and team-mates.

The hearing has been set for next Thursday. Mascherano is serving an automatic one-match suspension and misses the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield tomorrow. He could be suspended for longer if declared guilty of improper conduct.

Gilardino may opt for transfer

Alberto Gilardino's future will be decided in the summer, according to his agent. The Milan striker has struggled to make an impact at the San Siro this season and has been linked with a move to Roma.

Giovanni Bia, his agent, said: "Of course, to play alongside Francesco Totti would be a pleasure for any player. Alberto is a team player and he has contributed to many goals scored by Milan.

"We will discuss his future in June but for the time being Alberto has a contract with Milan."

Gilardino is under contract with Milan until June 2011.

Prandelli not leaving

Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli has dismissed suggestions he could be tempted to leave the club after their strong run to fourth place.

"The idea of becoming an Alex Ferguson in viola? It interests me a lot. This is a winning city and I want to win here," he told Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of tomorrow's Serie A clash at sixth-placed Udinese.

In recent weeks, Prandelli has been touted as a possible replacement for Roberto Mancini at Inter.

He is under contract with Fiorentina until 2011.

Mellberg eager to join Juventus

Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg is doing his homework on his new team Juventus ahead of his move to the Serie A next season. The Sweden international has called time on a seven-year stay in the Premier League and will head to Turin on a free transfer.

"I am following them (Juventus) all the time now," Mellberg said.

"I watch all of the games on TV. They are doing well at the moment and it is important that they qualify for the Champions League."

Mpenza decides not to move

Manchester City striker Emile Mpenza has turned down the chance of first-team action elsewhere to stay at Eastlands.

Belgium international Mpenza, 29, was wanted on loan by a number of Championship clubs for the last few weeks of the season. Mpenza has started just eight of his 14 Premier League appearances this season.

Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "He has had a lot of requests but so far he wants to stay."

Cobolli Gigli says Ranieri stays

Giovanni Cobolli Gigli believes Juventus can fight for second place after last week's victory over Inter. Juve grabbed an unexpected 2-1 win in the Derby d'Italia and lead fourth-placed Fiorentina by five points but trail Roma by six.

"For us, the win over Inter was more than just a football result," the Juve president said. "For 12 million Juve fans it was a moment of atonement."

The win also took the pressure off coach Claudio Ranieri.

"Ranieri's position was never up for debate," the Juve chief insisted.

"He is our coach this year, next year and the year after."

Celtic facing UEFA charge

UEFA is examining videos appearing to show Celtic supporters involved in sectarian chanting in Barcelona.

A UEFA spokesman confirmed the footage included singing outside and inside the Nou Camp stadium for the Champions League last-16 match on March 4.

"We have received some footage showing Celtic supporters singing some alleged anti-Queen and pro-IRA songs - sectarian songs," he said.

"If the investigation is conclusive, a disciplinary case would be opened."

Owen backing for Beckham

Michael Owen insists David Beckham is good enough to carry on and add to his 100 England caps. Beckham was replaced in the 63rd minute after a subdued display in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat by France in Paris.

"I think David can keep playing for England, he's still got the quality," Owen told BBC Sport.

"He's also still got the appetite to play for England and I think he showed enough to demonstrate that he can go on and win more caps."

Jewell urges Derby to show pride

Paul Jewell has called on his players at Derby to show some pride against Fulham today in a game which could see the Rams relegated. If they fail to win and Birmingham beat Manchester City, Derby's brief Premier League stay will come to an end.

"If things go against us it's D-day as far as the drop is concerned," he said.

"We don't want that in front of our fans. It's a game we can win, hopefully it's a decent game for the fans, and more importantly we'll get something."