Football news

Real Madrid veteran Raul is set to join the New York Red Bulls in the United States for next season, Marca sports daily reported yesterday.

The 32-year-old striker, who is Real's all-time leading goal-scorer, has already made it clear that he would be interested in running out his career in North America and the Red Bulls have expressed their interest in him.

Raul seldom starts for Real these days as 22-year-olds Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain fill the positions up front.

Petrov to bow out in 2012

Aston Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov is to retire from international football with Bulgaria after Euro 2012.

But he wants to end his career with his country on a high by finishing ahead of England in the qualifying group after the agony of failing to reach the 2010 World Cup finals.

Petrov, who will be 32 by the time of the next Euro finals in Poland and Ukraine, said: "No doubt people have noticed that Bulgaria are in the same qualifying group as England for the European Championships!

"I can confirm this will be my last international qualifying competition.

"The fact we will not be involved in this summer's World Cup will make us all the more determined to qualify."

Friendly abandoned after attack on ref

A friendly between Bulgaria's Slavia Sofia and Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala was abandoned on Wednesday after the referee was attacked.

Anzhi officials, led by their club president, rushed onto the pitch after substitute Magomed Magomedov, the president's son, was sent off for a second bookable offence after 58 minutes of the match in Turkey's Antalya resort.

Television footage showed the Ukrainian referee appearing to be pushed and struck after being surrounded by a dozen Anzhi officials and players.

Slavia coach Velislav Vutsov also appeared to be attacked after trying to calm the situation, the footage showed.

Arsenal, Hull fined over player scuffle

Premier League clubs Arsenal and Hull City were fined and warned over their future conduct yesterday for failing to control their players in a match between the two sides on Dec. 19.

Hull were fined £40,000 ($62,530) and Arsenal £20,000 after players from both teams became embroiled in a confrontation when Hull's Stephen Hunt clashed with Arsenal's Samir Nasri.

A statement on the Football Association website read: "Arsenal and Hull City were fined for failing to control their players during a match at the Emirates Stadium in December.

"Hull admitted the charge. Arsenal denied the charge but the commission found it proved."

Arsenal, who are third in the Premier League, won the game 3-0.

Ferguson scolds naughty Nani

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Nani has only himself to blame for missing the League Cup final.

The Portugal winger, who has been outstanding for United in the past weeks, blotted his copybook during the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, leaping into a tackle with Stiliyan Petrov after just half an hour.

Referee Peter Walton brandished the red card, meaning an automatic three-match ban that includes the Wembley showpiece with Villa on February 28.

"It was a sending-off," said the United boss. "It was a red card. It was a naive tackle.

"He is not a malicious player but he has gone in with his foot raised off the ground and we cannot complain about it."

Webb got it wrong - Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was left fuming after seeing his Liverpool side lose ground in the Premier League with a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates stadium on Wednes-day night.

Benitez believed his side were denied a penalty when Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas handled a free-kick from Steven Gerrard in the dying moments of injury time.

Referee Howard Webb waved away Liverpool's appeals and Benitez said after the game: "We are really disappointed with the decision of the handball. It was very, very clear. The players were on the line.

"During the game you do not realise how clear the handball was but watching the replay the referee was there."

Adiyiah thrilled by Milan move

Dominic Adiyiah has described his move to Milan as a "dream come true" and he can't wait to make his debut.

The young striker, who won the Under-20 World Cup with Ghana last year, joined Milan in January from Norwegian side Fredrikstad.

Speaking to Skysports.com, Adiyiah said: "I am a little boy in a dream world. Being here training with players of the calibre of Ronaldinho, Beckham, Seedorf, Inzaghi... It's incredible.

"Milan are a great club and they will help me arrive one day at their level. It's fantastic. I can't wait to start playing.

"I will learn a lot here. If I am not capable of learning then it means that I have a problem, there's no other excuse."