Football news

Zadar winger Hrvoje Custic is in critical condition after suffering a head injury in Saturday's 1-0 home win over Croatian championship rivals Cibalia Vinkovci.

Custic hit a concrete wall by the touchline after a tackle and lost consciousness before he was taken to Zadar hospital's intensive care unit with internal bleeding, the Index sports news website ( www.index.hr ) reported.

Match-fixing network like Mafia

The network behind the 2006 Italian match-fixing scandal worked like the mafia or the masons, a prosecutor told a court hearing last weekend.

Naples prosecutor Giuseppe Narducci said former Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi, a central figure in the affair, had become obsessed with winning at all costs.

A decision is due soon on whether the case should go to a criminal trial.

Totti to miss United clash

Roma captain Francesco Totti will miss tomorrow's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Manchester United at the Olympic stadium with a thigh injury.

"At the end of yesterday's encounter, Francesco Totti complained of a pain in the flexor of his left thigh," the club said on their website, referring to Saturday's 1-1 Serie A draw at Cagliari in which the striker scored.

"He was subjected to tests that highlighted a muscular injury in the cavity of the left thigh flexor. The player needs a period of rest and the situation will be monitored over the next few days."

Lens seek cup final replay

Lens mayor Guy Delcourt has asked for Saturday's French League Cup final to be replayed after Paris St Germain supporters unfolded a racist banner during the game at the Stade de France.

"Paedophiles, unemployed, inbred: welcome chez les Ch'tis" read the banner referring to a film about the life of the Ch'tis, a nickname for the people of northern France, which is breaking box office records in France.

The banner was unfurled at the start of the second half of the game won by PSG 2-1 through a controversial penalty three minutes into added time.

The French football league (LFP) yesterday announced it has opened an inquiry into the incident.

Lippi was envious - Baggio

Roberto Baggio has spoken out on Marcello Lippi's "envy" in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The people loved me and this meant I took the spotlight off some other people," Baggio said about his relationship with Lippi when the two worked together at Inter. "This created difficulties in my rapport with some figures, Lippi more than others."

About his wish to become Inter's youth coach, the former Italy stalwart said: "Moratti is the right person for my project helping out youngsters. We talked about it. When he is convinced it is time to go, then I will be ready."

Bentley hints at Rovers exit

David Bentley may press for a move away from Blackburn Rovers next season as European football is not on the cards.

"I owe so much to Blackburn," he said. "They have given me a platform - financially and to play every week. My contract is getting negotiated at the minute, but you never know what is round the corner.

"We need to be in Europe but we are probably not going to make it - which is disappointing from a personal point of view."

Platini backs Mascherano red card

UEFA president Michel Platini believes the sending-off of Javier Mascherano in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United was the "right thing" and has backed the Football Association's clampdown on dissent.

"Mascherano got a yellow card for running at the referee, which is correct," Platini said. "He won't do it again now. What the referee did was good, it was the right thing to give him the second yellow card."

Parry calls for end to conflict

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has called for a swift resolution to the on-going wrangle between the club's American co-owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

With Dubai International Capital keen to launch a full takeover of the club, Hicks has so far refused to do business unless he can retain a controlling share, while Gillett appears more receptive to DIC's interest.

"My plea is that something happens this week," Parry said. "There is a need for a degree of urgency but it is urgent to get it right, not urgent to come up with the wrong solution."

Juve youngsters in Amauri bid?

Juventus could acquire Amauri for £10 million plus youngsters among Domenico Criscito, Sebastian Giovinco and Paolo De Ceglie.

Milan, Roma, Inter, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea have all shown an interest in the striker, but according to the Corriere dello Sport, Juve are the favourites.

The report suggests they have offered £10m cash plus a selection of promising young players for a total value of £17m. Among those on Palermo's wish list are Under-21 internationals Criscito - currently at Genoa on loan - Empoli star Giovinco and Siena's De Ceglie.