Football news

Napoli have had the closure of parts of their ground as a penalty for the violence that marred their opening Serie A match at Roma reduced by 11 days on appeal.

The ruling means the end stands of Naples' San Paolo stadium, the parts of the ground frequented by the fans who caused the trouble, according to a sporting judge, will be shut until October 20, a period that covers three Serie A home matches.

"We the club are the victims. We'll appeal (again) to the Italian Olympic Committee," Napoli general manager Pierpaolo Marino told Sky TV.

Fowler joins Rovers on three-month deal

Robbie Fowler has joined Blackburn Rovers on a three-month performance-related contract.

The 33-year-old former Liverpool striker, a free agent after leaving Cardiff, is widely expected to make the squad to face Arsenal at Ewood Park today.

"I am pleased he has signed as he is a proven goalscorer. It is not so long ago he was banging in the goals at Anfield," Blackburn manager Paul Ince told English media.

"I believe he can still do it at this level. If he does well there is no reason why we can't extend the deal."

Warner hits out at Keane over Yorke

Jack Warner has accused Sunderland manager Roy Keane of "callous disregard for the rights of small countries" after striker Dwight Yorke was forced to miss Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against the US.

Warner, FIFA vice-president and a special adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF), released a letter to the Premier League club warning that Keane and Sunderland were choosing "a dangerous path to tread".

"Your continuing insensitivity and disrespect for countries such as Trinidad and Tobago are hereby noted," wrote Warner.

Sunderland responded: "We are disappointed that the Trinidad and Tobago Federation felt it necessary to distribute a copy of private correspondence to the media.

"This issue is a matter for private discussion between SAFC, Dwight Yorke and the T&TFF."

Clarke's resignation not accepted

Chelsea refused yesterday to accept the resignation of assistant coach Steve Clarke and declined to give permission for West Ham United to talk to him.

West Ham have asked to speak to Clarke with a view to him joining new manager and former Chelsea team-mate Gianfranco Zola.

"Chelsea can confirm that West Ham have made an approach with regards to talking to Steve Clarke. They have not been given permission to talk to him," the club said.

"Steve Clarke has tendered his resignation as assistant first team coach. We have not accepted his resignation. Talks are continuing."

Clarke, 45, has spent 20 years at the club as a player and coach and is hugely popular with the fans.

Beckham 'happy' to be in England squad

David Beckham no longer expects to play in every game for England and was happy to be in the squad for the 4-1 victory in Croatia on Wednesday inspired by a hat-trick by teenager Theo Walcott.

"I'm pleased for Theo and the team, and I am happy to be here with the squad, but I don't expect to play in every game anymore," the former captain said after England's convincing World Cup qualifying win put them top of Group Six.

"That's the way it is now," 33-year-old Beckham was quoted as saying in yesterday's Guardian newspaper.

Beckham was a late substitute in Saturday's 2-0 win over Andorra and against Croatia in Zagreb.

Progress in Giovinco talks

Juventus starlet Sebastian Giovinco is no closer to agreeing a new contract in Turin.

With a number of top sides, including Arsenal, closely monitoring Giovinco's progress, Juve are expected to tie him to a long-term contract this summer. But negotiations have started on a low-key note and reports suggest that there had been little progress in the first hours of discussions.

Agent Andrea D'Amico is reportedly disappointed about Juventus's first offer of just £400,000 per year until 2013.

D'Amico has demanded that Giovinco is "appreciated" and is looking for more than double that salary.

Laudrup named Spartak coach

Former Denmark international Michael Laudrup has signed an 18-month contract to coach Spartak Moscow, the Russian premier league club said.

"I received a very serious offer from a big club," Laudrup, 44, said.

He succeeds caretaker coach Igor Ledyakhov, who replaced Stanislav Cherchesov last month after he was sacked following Spartak's 8-2 aggregate defeat by Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League third qualifying round.

Laudrup said his task was to lead Spartak to the Champions League next season.

"We still have 10 league matches left in the season and we'll aim to finish in the top two to qualify for the Champions League," he said.