Sports

Thursday October 22, 2009

Keeper Kenny loses dope appeal

LONDON: Former Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Paddy Kenny promised to “bounce back” after his appeal against a nine-month drugs ban was dismissed by the Football Association here on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old Sheffield United shot-stopper – who has made nearly 300 appearances for the Blades since joining in 2002 – was handed the suspension last month after testing positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine.

Kenny, who won the last of his seven caps for the Republic in 2006, challenged the length of the ban but failed to have it reduced, even though officials accepted he wasn’t trying to deliberately enhance his performance by taking an ‘over the counter’ medicine for a chest complaint.

In a statement issued to Sky Sports, Kenny said: “I am devastated that an honest mistake on my part could cost me my career.

“I am positive I will bounce back, and I really hope that this experience will stop others from making the same mistake.” — AFP

Ronaldo to stay at Corinthians

SAO PAULO: Ronaldo wants to end his career with his present club Corinthians.

“There is no way to change history. I’ll stay with Corinthians forever,” he said on Tuesday in an interview with sports newspaper Globoesporte. “The fans have received me with open arms. I’ve responded by scoring goals.”

Ronaldo, 33, has played most of his career in Europe with PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan. He returned to Brazil after being released by AC Milan in 2008 following an injury to his left knee. He joined Corinthians 10 months ago.

There has been talk of Ronaldo moving to the favourite club of his childhood – Flamengo – but he said that’s no longer an option.

“Playing with Flamengo was a dream I had, but it’s over,” he said. — AP

Cosmi for Livorno

MILAN: Serse Cosmi is to become Serie A bottom side Livorno’s new coach, the former Brescia boss said on Tuesday.

“I am happy but aware of the difficulties ahead,” he told reporters after the club’s plan to recruit former Italy and AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi fell through.

Livorno sacked Gennaro Ruotolo on Monday while his tutor Vittorio Russo, who was brought in at the start of the season as Ruotolo did not have the right coaching badges, has also left. — Reuters

Colomba gets job

BOLOGNA: Italian club Bologna has fired coach Giuseppe Papadopulo and replaced him with Franco Colomba.

The club announced on their website that Papadopulo was dismissed late on Tuesday and immediately replaced him with Colomba.

Bologna are in 18th place in the Serie A standings, with six points from eight games. Last season the club only narrowly avoided relegation. — AP

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