Torpedo: Torpedo Moscow must play two home matches behind closed doors because of the racist abuse aimed at Zenit St Petersburg forward Hulk in Sunday’s Premier League match. “Due to the offensive racial behaviour of the Torpedo fans towards Hulk we have fined the club 300,000 roubles ($4,900) and they will have to play two home league matches behind closed doors,” Russian Football Union disciplinary committee chief Artur Grigoryants told reporters yesterday. “If there is a repeat of this racial abuse there will be an even stronger punishment next time.”

Violence: The Bosnian cup quarter-final between Mostar city rivals Velez and Zrinjski was overshadowed by serious crowd trouble after the home fans invaded the pitch and clashed with police yesterday. Zrinjski, who share the Bijeli Breg ground with their opponents, won the second leg 2-0 to go through 4-2 on aggregate, but only after angry Velez supporters threw flares and invaded the pitch moments before the final whistle.

Lopes: Lille’s on-loan midfielder Marcos Lopes would be keen to stay with the Ligue 1 club beyond the end of the season if he is not sure of regular playing time back at Manchester City. Lopes, 19, is on a season-long loan with Les Dogues, making 19 appearances in all competitions to date. “When I came to Lille I was hoping to get playing time, but this season has gone beyond my expectations,” Lopes told a news conference, according to L’Equipe.

Everton: Everton will be without Kevin Mirallas for today’s Europa League last-16 second leg against Dynamo Kiev. Mirallas has not travelled to Ukraine due to a knock he picked up in the 2-1 first-leg victory last week.

Northern Ireland: Jimmy Nicholl has been named as assistant manager to Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill. The Cowdenbeath boss steps into the role vacated by Billy McKinlay in September .