De Jong: LA Galaxy midfielder Nigel de Jong has been suspended for three games and handed an undisclosed fine for a controversial tackle on Portland Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe. The Dutch international, who has earned nicknames such as “The Destroyer” and “Lawnmower” because of his aggressive playing style, was penalised for his strong challenge on Nagbe in last week’s 1-1 draw in Los Angeles. Nagbe suffered an ankle sprain.

Gutierrez: Jonas Gutierrez has revealed he received messages of congratulations from former Newcastle team-mates after winning his disability discrimination claim against the club last week. “They (former players) called me telling me congrats about the decision of the court,” the Argentinian said. “I’ve been talking with them, they can’t understand as well the way they treat me. When the courts announce (the verdict) they called me and say congrats.”

Cisse: A magistrate wished a Premier League striker good luck in a crucial relegation battle after endorsing his licence with four points and ordering him to pay more than £500 for motoring offences. Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse admitted the tinted front nearside window in his black Range Rover was too dark when police stopped him in the city centre in February 2015. It was so dark, police told him to drive with the window down.

Lenagan: Ian Lenagan is set to become the Football League’s new chairman after he was unanimously recommended by the organisation’s nomination committee. The Oxford director will replace Greg Clarke following the annual general meeting on June 10, when league clubs will be asked to ratify the appointment.

Gers woes: Rangers will have to take on Celtic in today’s Scottish Cup semi-final without four of their main attacking threats. Martyn Waghorn has had to admit defeat in his bid to battle back from a knee injury in time to feature, while Harry Forrester is out after suffering a fracture to a bone in his leg. Wingers Michael O’Halloran and Billy King, meanwhile, are cup-tied.