Football news

The German Football Federation (DFB) are to investigate the rampage by Hertha Berlin fans through the Olympic Stadium after their team suffered an injury-time defeat to rivals Nuremberg.

Police made 30 arrests at Hertha's Olympic Stadium on Saturday and four officers were injured as fans reacted violently after Nuremberg striker Angelos Charisteas scored a 92nd-minute winner to seal struggling Hertha's 2-1 defeat.

After the final whistle, around 100 Hertha fans rampaged through the famous stadium where a crowd of 57,761 had watched the game.

Berlin are five points adrift at the foot of the table and look set to be relegated, but could now face sanctions with the DFB's disciplinary committee set to investigate.

Everton confirm Donovan exit

Everton confirmed yesterday that US winger Landon Donovan will return to Los Angeles Galaxy after they were unable to extend his loan spell.

A statement on Everton's website announced that Donovan had made his last appearance in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Birmingham.

"Landon Donovan has returned to LA Galaxy following his 10-week loan," the statement said.

"Despite attempts to extend Donovan's loan period at Everton, LA Galaxy have now recalled him to their squad ahead of the start of the MLS season on March 27."

Bayern were poor says Robben

Arjen Robben admitted his Bayern Munich side had been tactically poor before the Dutchman hit two second-half goals to seal a 2-1 win over Freiburg on Saturday.

The 26-year-old scored with a direct free-kick and penalty to spare Bayern's blushes as the hosts reclaimed top spot in the German league after Schalke 04 had temporarily taken over.

"We were tactically poor in the first half and rarely created space, although it's always tough against Freiburg," said Robben.

"They come here and defend with every man, so you have to be finding space. The fact they managed to score made it even more difficult."

Turnbull gets Ancelotti backing

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has given third-choice goalkeeper Ross Turnbull his backing ahead of tomorrow's Champions League crunch clash with Inter.

Injuries to Petr Cech and Hilario meant Turnbull was drafted in for his first Premier league start since his switch from Middlesbrough last year in Chelsea's 4-1 home victory over West Ham on Saturday.

Ancelotti said: "I don't think that Cech will be able to play on Tuesday but we have a good goalkeeper.

"He (Turnbull) was not involved a lot of time in the game (vs West Ham) but he did a good save in the last minute.

"There's no worry. He deserves to play this game because he trained very well in the last month, every day to improve his quality, we have confidence in him."

Beckham unsure of World Cup spot

David Beckham is far from certain to win a place in England's squad for the World Cup finals.

Beckham is England's most-capped outfield player and has played in three World Cups, but he knows even that wealth of experience may not be enough to persuade Capello to name him in the final 23-man squad.

"Am I banking on going to the World Cup? No, not at all," he said.

"I am not guaranteed to go to South Africa. I have to work hard and hopefully win my place.

"There are a good few months left and plenty of games to play, but hopefully I can carry on playing well and get in the squad."

Bougherra out of cup final

Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist has revealed injured defender Madjid Bougherra faces at least another three weeks on the sidelines - meaning he will miss Sunday's League Cup final against St Mirren.

The defender was expected to return for yesterday's Scottish Cup quarter-final against Dundee United but he failed to make the squad for the clash at Ibrox which ended 3-3.

"He has a small tear in his hamstring and he will be out for a minimum of three weeks," McCoist said.

"He is one of our top players, one of the top players in the country, so it's a disappointment that he's not able to play for us."

'Pool in talks with investment group

Liverpool are in talks with private equity firm the Rhone Group over a proposed £118.5 million deal to buy a significant share of the club.

The global investment group is looking to secure a 40 per cent stake at Anfield which, if it were to go ahead, would considerably strengthen the club's financial position.

Co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have been told by the Royal Bank of Scotland, as part of the refinancing package they agreed last year, they have to reduce the club's £237 million debt by £100 million this summer.

The offer from the Rhone Group would be used to slash the club's debt by half. That would have the effect of immediately making Liverpool a more attractive option for outside investment.