SPORTS TODAY
SATURDAY 10, MARCH 2012
Balotelli said: "I think supporters have to be like they were before.
But that soured with his apparent refusal to come off the bench at the Allianz Arena in Germany - and he then returned to his native Argentina without the club's permission.
Following a five-month stand-off, Tevez returned to the club in February and has reconciled his differences after apologising for his conduct.
He returned to action in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston, then scored on his first public appearance for the reserves against Bolton.
Balotelli, speaking to former Oasis man Noel Gallagher for the BBC's Football Focus, said supporters should forgive him.
The 21-year-old said: "I think everyone can make a mistake. Carlos is part of the team. He's just a part of the team, so everybody loves him."
Manager Robert Mancini says he has already forgiven Tevez and is looking forward to the striker's return to first-team football.
Watch the full interview on Saturday's Football Focus at 1215 GMT on BBC One and on this website.
You can also find out more about meeting Mario Balotelli by reading Dan Walker's behind-the-scenes blog.
Listen again to BBC Radio 5 live Sport's special on Mario Balotelli by downloading the podcast.
Robin van Persie will not be sold if Lukas Podolski joins - Wenger
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini said this week that he was interested in signing the Dutchman.
Wenger said: "Our plan is to keep Robin van Persie even if we buy any player."
Discussing Manchester City's interest in Van Persie, he added: "What is said of you by other clubs is part of the job.
"What is important is how much you want to win the next game. All the rest is basically not important.
"Robin is the leader of our club. He is under contract until 2013. You do your job, which he does very well, and enjoy your games."
The German will have to pass a medical and agree personal terms before any move can be completed in the summer.
Wenger said: "I don't have a lot to say about that because, if we sign a player, we will inform you. At the moment we have not signed anybody.
"There is still no agreement. Podolski is a good player. I wouldn't deny that."
The Arsenal manager told German media that he thinks highly of Podolski's passing and shooting ability - and is also impressed by the way he can integrate himself into a team's pattern of play.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Five of the goals were scored by Lionel Messi, who is so good this season that he is making the majority of human beings feel utterly unaccomplished by comparison. He has become the first player in the Champions League era to net five goals in a single game (he's actually the 11th to do it in the history of the European Cup, but the first since 1980). His first and third goals variations of his trademark sublime chip, while his second and fifth were powerful and impressive low efforts.
It's of no consequence to Leverkusen — who suffered the worst ever Champions League Round of 16 defeat — but the draw for the quarters will take place on March 16.
None of those players in that prop stack were any kind of an impediment for Brown, who cleared them all with ease after taking off two-footed from about 18 inches inside the free-throw line.
Yes, Brown leapt with both feet, like a long jumper. How he possibly elevated that high and far after taking off on both feet is an absolute mystery, but he did.
SATURDAY 10, MARCH 2012
Premier League
- Bolton v QPR 15:45
- Aston Villa v Fulham 18:00
- Chelsea v Stoke 18:00
- Sunderland v Liverpool 18:00
- Wolves v Blackburn 18:00
- Everton v Tottenham 20:30
Mario Balotelli: Carlos Tevez should be forgiven by fans
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has told the club's fans not to target Carlos Tevez with any abuse when the Argentinian forward returns to action.
Tevez has not played for City since boss Roberto Mancini accused him of refusing to warm up at Bayern Munich in September - but he has now apologised. Balotelli said: "I think supporters have to be like they were before.
Carlos Tevez stand-off
- September 2011: Mancini accuses Tevez of refusing to come on as a substitute in the Champions League game against Bayern Munich
- October: Tevez reports back to City after a suspension but is ordered to train alone
- November: Tevez fails to report for training
- December: City stop paying Tevez's wages - estimated at £200,000 a week - and fine him six weeks' wages for gross misconduct over his refusal to return from Argentina
- February 2012: Tevez returns to City, apologises in a statement and withdraws his appeal against a fine for gross misconduct
"If they make pressure on Carlos, they make pressure to all the team, so they should do nothing."
Tevez, 28, had become a firm favourite with the City faithful after helping the club win the FA Cup last season following a switch from rivals Manchester United. But that soured with his apparent refusal to come off the bench at the Allianz Arena in Germany - and he then returned to his native Argentina without the club's permission.
Following a five-month stand-off, Tevez returned to the club in February and has reconciled his differences after apologising for his conduct.
He returned to action in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston, then scored on his first public appearance for the reserves against Bolton.
Balotelli, speaking to former Oasis man Noel Gallagher for the BBC's Football Focus, said supporters should forgive him.
The 21-year-old said: "I think everyone can make a mistake. Carlos is part of the team. He's just a part of the team, so everybody loves him."
Manager Robert Mancini says he has already forgiven Tevez and is looking forward to the striker's return to first-team football.
Watch the full interview on Saturday's Football Focus at 1215 GMT on BBC One and on this website.
You can also find out more about meeting Mario Balotelli by reading Dan Walker's behind-the-scenes blog.
Listen again to BBC Radio 5 live Sport's special on Mario Balotelli by downloading the podcast.
Robin van Persie will not be sold if Lukas Podolski joins - Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says they do not plan to sell captain Robin van Persie, even if Cologne forward Lukas Podolski joins the club.
Van Persie is yet to agree a contract extension beyond summer 2013, while BBC Sport understands Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Podolski, 26. Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini said this week that he was interested in signing the Dutchman.
Wenger said: "Our plan is to keep Robin van Persie even if we buy any player."
Discussing Manchester City's interest in Van Persie, he added: "What is said of you by other clubs is part of the job.
"What is important is how much you want to win the next game. All the rest is basically not important.
"Robin is the leader of our club. He is under contract until 2013. You do your job, which he does very well, and enjoy your games."
The German will have to pass a medical and agree personal terms before any move can be completed in the summer.
Wenger said: "I don't have a lot to say about that because, if we sign a player, we will inform you. At the moment we have not signed anybody.
"There is still no agreement. Podolski is a good player. I wouldn't deny that."
The Arsenal manager told German media that he thinks highly of Podolski's passing and shooting ability - and is also impressed by the way he can integrate himself into a team's pattern of play.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Lionel Messi equals record with five goals in Champions League match
Barcelona ran riot in the Champions League tonight, coming out 7-1 winners against Bayer Leverkusen at the Nou Camp, giving them an aggregate score of 10-2 and a place in the quarter finals.
Five of the goals were scored by Lionel Messi, who is so good this season that he is making the majority of human beings feel utterly unaccomplished by comparison. He has become the first player in the Champions League era to net five goals in a single game (he's actually the 11th to do it in the history of the European Cup, but the first since 1980). His first and third goals variations of his trademark sublime chip, while his second and fifth were powerful and impressive low efforts.
It's of no consequence to Leverkusen — who suffered the worst ever Champions League Round of 16 defeat — but the draw for the quarters will take place on March 16.
Georgia senior Bobby Brown throws down incredible slam over five players to win dunk contest
If one can make a career out of a particular show dunk, Lithia Springs (Ga.) High senior Bobby Brown may be well on his way to having a fine future, because he has got this leaping over people on a slam thing down pat.
On Saturday, Brown took his talent to a new level, clearing five hoops prospects, all of whom stood 6-foot-1 or taller (except for the middle schooler in front), on an incredible slam to win the ScoutsFocus Elite Showcase Slam Dunk Contest at USC-Aiken. Incredibly, one of the players Brown cleared stands 6-foot-10.None of those players in that prop stack were any kind of an impediment for Brown, who cleared them all with ease after taking off two-footed from about 18 inches inside the free-throw line.
Yes, Brown leapt with both feet, like a long jumper. How he possibly elevated that high and far after taking off on both feet is an absolute mystery, but he did.
HATIMAE PAUL POGBA AONDOKA MANCHESTER UNITED!!
SIMBA YAIKUNG'UTA KAGERA SUGAR 2-1
Mchezaji Freeman Nesta wa Kagera Sugar, akiuondoa mpira miguuni mwa Emmanuel Okwi wa Simba, wakati timu hizo zilipopambana katika Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom, Uwanja wa Taifa, Dar es Salaam jioni ya leo.
Simba ilishinda kwa bao 2-1
