User:rorynoonanDate:19/12/2012Time:14:12:33Edition:19/12/2012Wedwedecho191212Page:56Color:
Evening Echo
SPORT IN SPORT TODAY
See all of tomorrow’s racecards: P36-38
EE - V1
Rival managers told to cop on LEEDS and Chelsea players will be under instruction from police to be on their best behaviour tonight. The Capital One Cup quarterfinal at Elland Road is expected to be played in a heated atmosphere thanks to a long-standing rivalry between the two teams and bad blood between their respective managers, Neil Warnock and Rafael Benitez. Chief Supt Paul
LEEDS v CHELSEA, Sky Sports 1, 7pm Money, of West Yorkshire Police, said today: “I’ll ask the managers of both teams to speak to the players and ask them to avoid doing anything which may antagonise supporters from the opposition team. “We want the fo-
cus of the day to be action on the pitch – and for it not to be overshadowed by violence or disorder. “We want to see both sets of fans enjoy what will be an exciting match and I’d ask responsible fans, who make up the vast majority, to not allow the minority of fans to spoil it.” Warnock has previously said he will
Rafa Benitez, left, and Neil Warnock.
Rob must plan without Ireland players RUGBY
By SEAN McCARTHY
ROB PENNEY will be without the majority of his Munster frontline players — due to international requirements — for the game against Connacht on Saturday in the RaboDirect league.
Those who played in the Autumn series have to be rested this weekend. Only one, Donncha O’Callaghan will be available for what Penney believes will be a difficult evening against a team he said had made huge progress over the last couple of seasons. “I absolutely hope to be involved, it’s the best way of getting rid of that (Sunday’s defeat) out of the system,” Donncha O’Callaghan said. “It was a disappointing result, and particularly when you saw the amount of Munster people who turned up to support us. “Honest to God, at one stage it was like we were playing at Thomond Park with the noise they were making. “It was incredible, but they are incredible. But the thing is to park it now for the next few weeks. When we come back for the last two Heineken Cup games, we can make it up to them.” For now Donncha turns his attention to Connacht. “You always know what you are going to get when you go to the Sportsground. It’s a tough place to go and they are a stronger outfit now after a couple of years playing Heineken Cup. We saw what they did to Biarritz there, and I don’t imagine they have anything less planned for us.” Felix Jones is all but ruled out with a thigh injury, and Keith Earls will continue his re-
Donncha will fly green flag for Reds Donncha O’Callghan is the only Irish international available to Rob Penney, above, for Munster against Connacht on Saturday.
hab following a groin tear under direction from Declan Kidney, who brings together his international squad for training next week. “He is making good improvement. It was a grade one tear which is usually two to three weeks,” Rob Penney said. “He is three-quarters of the way through that process now so hopefully he’ll be able to do some more high-end activity
over the next week. “We’ll see how he bounces back after the Irish camp and when he is available for some footie. “He is really hopeful of being back for the Cardiff game.” Meanwhile, it appears Dave Kilcoyne, who missed out on Munster’s Heineken Cup loss to Saracens through illness, will be back in the frame for selection this weekend.
“never forgive” Benitez for fielding what he deemed a weakened team in Liverpool’s final away game of the 2007 season against Fulham. Managing Sheffield United at the time, the Blades needed Benitez’s Reds to get a result against Fulham, who were in the relegation zone. The Whites won the game 1-0. ● See P52, 53 for more.
Former Bord na nÓg president Tim passes away GAA THE death has taken place of former Bord na nÓg president, Tim Humphries, a member of the Glen Rovers and St Nicholas clubs. Mr Humphries was a valued contributor to the board before it ceased recently, being replaced by Rebel Óg, and, according to long serving chairman, Jim Harrington, Mr Humphries was an outstanding person. “He was a great Glen and St Nick’s man and was a great contributor to our board for many years. “He became our president about 10 years ago and he was a hugely popular and respected figure and he will be missed by all those who came in contact with him through the years.’’ “It was a great honour to have worked in Bord na nÓg with him.’’