Briefs

Sacked: Scottish Premier League side Hearts announced yesterday that convicted sex offender Craig Thomson would be leaving the club with immediate effect. “The club has considered all implications surrounding the issue and has decided to find a solution for the player to leave the club over the forthcoming days,” the club said. The 20-year-old defender was suspended last month by the club following his conviction for “lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour”.

Phillips: Kevin Phillips has joined Blackpool on a free transfer from Birmingham after agreeing a one-year deal with the option for a further year. The 37-year-old striker has joined the Seasiders in Portugal for their pre-season training camp.

Wellington: Arsenal’s highly-rated young Brazilian forward Wellington has rejoined Levante on a season-long loan deal. Wellington, 18, joined Arsenal from Fluminense last year and featured in two pre-season friendlies for the Gunners before spending the second half of the season with Levante.

Ze Roberto: Veteran Brazil midfielder Ze Roberto will continue his career with Qatar side Al-Gharafa after signing a two-year deal which will see him head from Bundesliga club Hamburg to the middle east. Ze Roberto, who turned 37 last Wednesday, joins Al-Gharafa on a free transfer.

Jailed: A Turkish court yesterday sent Fenerbahce’s president to prison to await trial in a match-fixing probe that threatens the club’s league title. Aziz Yildirim, 59, was the last to be questioned among 61 suspects who were detained a week ago, owing to ill health. Another 25 suspects have already been charged and sent to prison pending trial.