Football news

Hibernian beat city rivals Hearts 1-0 in the Scottish Premier League on Thursday night but the Edinburgh derby was marred by a pitch invasion as well as a coin thrown at a Hibs player.

Hearts fans ran onto the Tynecastle pitch after Derek Riordan's penalty winner in the 79th minute with Hibs defender Ian Murray struck by a coin in the aftermath of the goal.

Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen said: "I must say I felt there was quite a small number of stewards on that far side. I was surprised by that, knowing it is a derby match and a volatile atmosphere.

"It's disappointing to see that happening, player safety is the most important thing. Thankfully it was put under control very quickly."

Brown out for rest of season

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has indicated Wes Brown will not play again this season.

Brown has made only two substitute appearances since last October after sustaining a foot injury but seemed to be heading for full fitness again.

Ferguson was hoping to recall Brown for last week's game at Middlesbrough but had to rule him out after the England defender suffered a minor setback in training.

"Wes had a little setback during the week," Ferguson said.

"It is not major but the fact the season is coming to an end makes it difficult for him. We have Gary back fit so we are not too bad. But it is disappointing for Wes."

Brazil door still open for Ronaldo

Brazil coach Dunga praised Ronaldo's progress in his latest comeback and said the national team door was open for the 32-year-old striker.

Ronaldo has scored 10 goals in 13 games for Corinthians since recovering from last year's knee injury at Milan.

"It's the first time since 2006 that he has managed to play more than 10 games in a row, so the trend is for him to progress," Dunga said.

"Ronaldo has never stopped scoring goals," he added. "He knows his potential. There is one year between now and the World Cup for everyone to work and earn a chance."

Arsenal's Walcott signs long-term deal

England winger Theo Walcott lifted some of the gloom hanging over Arsenal yesterday when the club announced the 20-year-old had signed a new long-term contract.

"We are absolutely delighted that Theo has committed his long-term future to Arsenal," manager Arsene Wenger, who signed Walcott from Southampton as a 16-year-old, told the Premier League club's website.

"Theo is an intelligent player with amazing ability and speed, and has developed extremely well this season. Theo has huge potential for the forthcoming years and we are all looking forward to see him grow even more in an Arsenal shirt."

Adriano happy about Flamengo return

Striker Adriano said he was happy to be back with Brazilian side Flamengo after they re-signed their former star in the wake of his personal troubles with Inter.

Inter rescinded the player's contract last month after he returned to his homeland citing depression and the need for a break.

"I'm happy to be back - it was a life choice and that choice is Flamengo," explained Adriano.

"There's nothing better than being back with Flamengo. I didn't leave (Inter) because I didn't feel happy at the club but because I didn't feel good in the country."

Adding to his problems while in Italy was a recent separation from his girlfriend.

Man. City in bid for Raul - report

Manchester City have offered Spanish champions Real Madrid €40 million for their striker Raul, Spanish sports daily Marca reported yesterday.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the English side's billionaire backer, is willing to pay this amount plus any transfer fees to recruit the 31-year-old Spanish international, the newspaper added.

Raul, a five-time La Liga winner and three-time Champions League victor, has been strongly recommended to Manchester City by Brazilian star Robinho, who the English side recruited from Real in a shock move in August 2008.

Raul is under contract with Real until 2011. Earlier this year he became the club's all time top scorer and he has scored 18 times in La Liga this season.

Milan now linked with Puyol

Milan are reportedly preparing a bid for Barcelona captain Carles Puyol.

With Paolo Maldini hanging up his boots at the end of the season and Alessandro Nesta blighted by injury problems, Milan are looking to strengthen their defence and have already signed Thiago Silva and Felipe Mattioni.

According to Tuttosport, Milan want to bring in the experienced Puyol to play alongside Thiago Silva in central defence next term.

The Turin-based newspaper claimed that Liverpool's Daniel Agger was their original target before he renewed his contract at Anfield.

Palermo's Simon Kjaer was also on the club's radar but he failed to impress Milan scouts.