Soccer digest

Today's other stories in brief

Eduardo signs new long-term deal

ARSENAL were handed a double boost last night after striker Eduardo signed a long-term contract, while Kieran Gibbs was given the all-clear after it had been feared the defender had broken his foot.

Gibbs should be back in time to face Chelsea on 29 November after X-rays revealed he had suffered severe bruising during England under-21s’ draw in Lithuania on Tuesday.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger welcomed Eduardo’s new deal. The Brazilian, who suffered a potentially career-threatening injury last year, has scored 18 goals in 48 appearances.

“We’re delighted that Eduardo has signed a new long-term contract with us,” said Wenger.

“Eduardo is a special player with huge talent and natural goal-scoring ability. He is a human being full of courage, bravery and commitment. His full recovery from this injury is a testament to Eduardo’s character.”

Peterborough deny Fenlon 'offer'

PETERBOROUGH chairman Darragh MacAnthony has denied reports that Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon was offered the manager’s job at London Road before Mark Cooper accepted the position.

Fenlon, who has led Bohemians to two league titles, was interviewed for the vacancy at the English Championship strugglers but was not offered the job.

“It’s typical nonsense from every person associated with the job,” said MacAnthony.

“He was interviewed and, as I did with all the candidates, we spoke terms . . .. But the only person from the six I interviewed who was offered the job was Mark Cooper.”

Massive fine for Danish hooligan

THE Danish soccer fan who attacked the referee in a 2007 European Championship qualifying match between Denmark and Sweden must pay 900,000 kroner (€120,000) in damages to the Danish Football Association, Copenhagen City Court ruled yesterday.

The match in Copenhagen was abandoned after 89 minutes after the 31-year-old fan ran on to the field and assaulted Herbert Fandel.