Fifa bites back in Suarez saga

After Luis Suarez's bite on Giorgio Chiellini, Fifa moved to show their own disciplinary teeth by handing the Liverpool and Uruguay forward a lengthy ban.

Football's governing body suspended Suarez from all football-related activity for four months, which means he will miss the first nine Premier League matches of the upcoming season.

The 27-year-old has also been forced to leave the Uruguay training camp, and last night jetted out of Brazil as his World Cup came to a premature, and deeply controversial, end.

Friday, June 27, 2014 11:30

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Ronaldo lights up the World Cup...with a new haircut?

While Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Neymar have been lighting up the World Cup for Argentina and Brazil respectively, Cristiano Ronaldo has endured a frustrating tournament with Portugal.

The Real Madrid star has made just one notable contribution, a stoppage-time assist against USA, while Neymar and Messi have both leapt to the top of the goalscoring charts with four strikes each.

However, highlighting his enduring stardom, Ronaldo could overshadow his rivals' achievements merely by his latest trip to the barbers. The 29-year-old has gone for a dramatic new Mohawk hairstyle that could prove a welcome distraction from his nation's struggles. 

Thursday, June 26, 2014 12:30

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Third time unlucky? Suarez bites again

Luis Suarez shocked the world on Tuesday by appearing to bite the shoulder of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in Uruguay's must-win clash against the Azzurri.

The 27-year-old was supported by domestic club Liverpool the last time he was involved in such an incident, with the Reds standing by the former Ajax man during a 10-game ban for delving his teeth into Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

With Fifa now investigated his latest indiscretion, Suarez could be set for another lengthy ban, which would be a major blow to both the Merseysiders and manager Brendan Rodgers.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014 12:30

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Royal Rumble: Balotelli fails England

Mario Balotelli rallied English supporters on Friday, declaring on Twitter: "If we beat Costa Rica i want a kiss,obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen."

It seemed a fair trade, all told, as England's slim hopes of qualifying from Group D depended entirely on Italy winning both of their remaining group stage matches.

What a pity then - for Queen and country - that Balotelli missed a series of chances against Costa Rica as the Azzurri stumbled to a 1-0 defeat - eliminating England in the process. No royal kiss for Mario.

Saturday, June 21, 2014 11:56

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Neymar carries Brazil into last 16

Brazil and Barcelona ace Neymar has lived up to his billing as the poster boy for this summer's World Cup as his double against Cameroon helped the Selecao on their way to top spot in Group A and a place in the last 16.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men ran out 4-1 winners over the African side, with Neymar twice putting his side ahead in the first half before they romped to victory late on.

Neymar has now scored four of Brazil's seven goals at this summer's showpiece, topping the tournament's scoring charts, and if the home nation are to claim a sixth World Cup title then they are likely to do so on the back of their star player, who has carried the side into a last-16 clash with Chile.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014 10:00

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