Milan defender Philippe Mexes has been banned for four matches for grabbing an opponent by the throat, the Serie A club said yesterday.
The French international was sent off following the incident involving Lazio captain Stefano Mauri in the closing stages of Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at the Olimpico.
It was the 16th red card of his career during which he has also played for Auxerre and Roma.
“I have to apologise to the club, the coach and my family,” he said.
“It was the wrong reaction and I am sorry because I left the team with 10 men.”
Lennon gives up on Commons chase
Bolton manager Neil Lennon has given up on signing Celtic forward Kris Commons this month.
The former Parkhead boss had hoped to use the uncertainty over the former Scotland international’s future to his gain and lure Commons south.
But he has now ruled out a late January move after Celtic made it clear the out-of-contract attacker will not be sold this month.
Lennon said: “Celtic have come out publicly and said he’s not for sale, he won’t be leaving and we haven’t pursued that any further.
“I’ve got a great relationship with Celtic and I don’t want to damage that.”
Fletcher can leave for nothing
Manchester United have told vice-captain Darren Fletcher he can leave on a free transfer.
Fletcher was a regular in Louis van Gaal’s team on the pre-season tour, but the arrival of Angel di Maria and Daley Blind has restricted his playing time.
Fletcher, 30, has only started four Premier League games this season and reports said yesterday the midfielder has been informed he is free to end his 20-year spell with the club if he wants to.
West Ham are said to be leading the chase for the Scot’s signature but Valencia and West Brom are also interested in signing the player, who was made United vice-captain last summer.
English FA set to support Prince Ali
The English FA is to throw its weight behind Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein’s campaign for the FIFA presidency, reports said.
FA chairman Greg Dyke is understood to have offered the association’s backing to the Jordanian prince and to nominate him to stand against Sepp Blatter.
Discussions have taken place between FA board members ahead of a meeting tomorrow and the decision has been taken to support Prince Ali, who has led calls for further reforms of the world governing body.
Dutch FA president Michael van Praag has also announced that he is to stand for FIFA president but that will not affect the FA’s decision.
Carver gets job until end of season
Newcastle United have put caretaker manager John Carver in charge for the rest of the season.
The 50-year-old has been at the helm for four matches since Alan Pardew left to join Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.
Newcastle, who are 11th in the table, extended Carver’s deal despite the fact he has yet to win a game.
Managing director Lee Charnley said: “Our goal for the season of a minimum top-10 finish remains unchanged and we are confident that John, supported by the backroom staff, will be able to deliver this.”
Newcastle travel to struggling Hull in the league on Saturday.
Solo’s World Cup status in doubt
US Soccer president Sunil Gulati said that goalkeeper Hope Solo, currently serving a 30-day ban from the national team, is at risk of being left off the roster for this year’s Women’s World Cup.
The two-times Olympic gold medallist was banned last week, two days after she was in the passenger seat when her husband was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol in Los Angeles.
The suspension came a week after Solo, 33, was cleared of charges in a domestic violence case.
“There are a number of things that Hope is being asked to do in that 30 days, and we’re not going to get into the specifics of that,” Gulati said.
“Then we’ll evaluate where things stand.”
Solo will miss friendlies against France and England next month.
Rangers lifeline
Rangers said yesterday they had struck a deal with Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct for a 10 million pound credit facility, giving the stricken former champions time to find permanent investment.
Rangers, who needed funding to survive beyond the end of January, said the 10 million pounds would be used in part to pay off a previous Ashley loan. The agreement is secured against the club’s assets but not their Ibrox stadium.
As part of the deal a 26 per cent stake in Rangers’ retail business – a joint venture with Sports Direct – will be given to the sporting goods retailer.
The stake will be transferred back to Rangers when the facility is repaid, the club said.