Barton: Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has been fined £2,000 by the Football Association for lowering his shorts and exposing his backside to Everton fans. Barton, who admitted an FA charge of improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute, was also warned about his future conduct after the incident on Sept. 30.

Berbatov: Bulgaria's Dimitar Berbatov has been threatened with a fine after reacting angrily to comments made by Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) vice-president Iordan Lechkov. Lechkov made a controversial remark after Bulgaria drew 1-1 with the Netherlands on Saturday. "Some of the team leaders didn't give everything they can give," said Lechkov. Berbatov, who played the full 90 minutes against the Dutch, replied in uncharacteristic manner when he said: "If he (Lechkov) thinks so, we should let him play."

Ljungberg: Sweden's Freddie Ljungberg will miss today's Euro 2008 qualifier against Iceland in Reykjavik because of a calf muscle injury, the Swedish FA said yesterday. The Arsenal midfielder picked up the injury during Saturday's 2-0 win over Spain in Stockholm.

King: England defender Ledley King has pulled out of the squad to face Croatia in today's Euro 2008 qualifier due to a knee injury. King has not travelled with the rest of the squad to Zagreb for the Group E game.

Salgado: Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado has suffered a setback in his bid to return to action after a knee injury when he strained a calf muscle in training yesterday. The Spain right back was poised to return to action after recovering from an injury to his left knee but is now almost certain to miss this Sunday's league match against Getafe as well as next week's Champions League game against Steaua Bucharest.

Referees protection: The French parliament yesterday passed a law to give greater protection to referees in all sports from acts of violence. Under the new law, causing injuries to a referee resulting in a work stoppage of over eight days will be punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine of 75,000 euros. Last year, a French referee needed 10 stitches in his head and suffered a partial loss of his eyesight after being hit by stones.

U-21 play-offs: (second leg) Bosnia vs Czech Rep. 1-1 (Czech Rep. win 3-2 on aggregate); Sweden vs Serbia 0-5 (Serbia win 5-3 on aggregate); Germany vs England 0-2 (England win 3-0 on aggregate); Spain vs Italy 1-2 (Italy win 2-1 on aggregate).

Friendly: Brazil 2 (Fred 44, Kaka 74) Ecuador 1 (Borja 23).

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