Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 21 January 2014

 

Tuesday 21 January 2014 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lugano lifts spirits at West Brom as Everton miss out

Diego Lugano scored his first goal for West Bromwich Albion last night as Pepe Mel’s side put a dampener on Everton’s European aspirations in the 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns.

Kevin Mirallas opened proceedings on an evening dominated by Nicolas Anelka but the Baggies’ defender replied with a powerful second-half header to give Mel a decent start to life in his new job. MORE

Anelka faces FA charge for gesture

Nicolas Anelka will be charged by the Football Association today over his “quenelle” gesture and will face a long-term ban if found guilty. West Bromwich Albion’s shirt sponsor Zoopla announced it would not be renewing its sponsorship this summer after the episode. MORE

Champagne won’t oppose Blatter

The campaign launch of the first candidate for the 2015 Fifa presidency descended into farce yesterday when Jérôme Champagne said he would not stand if Sepp Blatter decided to run for a fifth term. The former French diplomat does not think he could beat the 77-year-old. MORE

Next stop Mallorca for Blues star Eto’o

Chelsea’s hat-trick hero Samuel Eto’o has revealed he wants to leave in the summer and return to Real Mallorca. “I have signed on at Chelsea for the entire season and will try to enjoy it and later on, I will go to Mallorca,” the striker told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope. MORE

Allardyce facing the impossible

Sam Allardyce admitted it is “highly, highly unlikely” that West Ham will overturn their 6-0 Capital One Cup semi-final deficit against Manchester City in the second leg at Upton Park tonight. “You play it for pride, to try to get a result,” the under-fire boss said. MORE

Murray sets up Federer test

Andy Murray will play Roger Federer in the Australian Open quarter-final tomorrow after beating Frenchman Stéphane Robert 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-2. “It’s a big match for me,” said Murray, who has won 11 out of his 20 matches against the Swiss star.MORE

Old friend Bopara defends Cook

Alastair Cook, England’s beleaguered captain, was yesterday offered the unequivocal backing of his oldest friend in cricket. “There is no one out there who can do the job he can,” said Essex and international team-mate Ravi Bopara. MORE

Super Bowl looks a dream contest

The Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks, top seeds in the AFC and the NFC, have duly won their conference championships, setting up Super Bowl XLVIII as a strategists’ dream: the NFL’s best defense against its most potent offense. MORE

New funding opens doors for Steel

Gemma Steel admits that being placed on UK Athletics’ podium potential programme will improve her marathon potential. The 28-year-old, who has not received a penny in public funding before, recently ran the UK’s fourth-fastest 10k.

Jamaica bobsleigh team off to Sochi

The Jamaican bobsleigh team will end a 12-year absence from the Winter Olympics after securing a two-man bob place at next month’s Sochi Games. The country’s 1988 entry inspired the film Cool Runnings. MORE

Ian Herbert

You only need to consider how far Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool have travelled to know that perspective, not panic, is required where David Moyes and Manchester United are concerned. MORE

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in