SOCCER SHORTS

A round-up of soccer news in brief.

FAI to meet Singh family

• ANTI-RACIST campaigners have joined the family of a 12-year-old Sikh boy who was ordered to remove his turban during a soccer match playing for Hillcrest in Ashbourne, Co Meath a fortnight ago.

The FAI told the family of Karpreet Singh and Sport Against Racism Ireland that they will meet them in the new year to discuss accusations that the referee ordered the boy to remove his turban and then refused to talk to Karpreet's dad about his alleged remarks after the game.

Surinder Singh said he was made even angrier by the referee's insensitivity after the game.

"Before the match the referee checked the two teams' boots and strips and the game began, explained Singh a former Hillcrest coach.

"He said nothing about anyone wearing anything on their heads — then 10 minutes into the match, he went over to my son and told him to remove the 'headgear'.

"Karpreet told the referee he couldn't take his turban off."

Inter dismiss Drogba links

• INTER MILAN do not want to sign Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, the Serie A club's sporting director said yesterday.

Inter coach Jose Mourinho hinted on Sunday that misfiring Brazil striker Adriano may be allowed to leave the Italian champions, sparking speculation of a swap deal with Drogba.

"There's no dream for Drogba. Inter already has a group of strikers covering the whole range of characteristics," said Marco Branca. "Drogba is a Chelsea player and for many years he has been doing well in London. We have our strikers who are doing just as well."

Argentine forward Hernan Crespo has been little used by Inter this season and Branca said he may be able to leave.

"We have realised that the number of injuries has been high but we need every player and we wont be putting any player on the market," he said.

Benitez undergoes minor operation

• LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez is to undergo minor surgery after being taken to hospital suffering from kidney stones.

The problem is not serious and the Spaniard is expected to be back at work before the end of the week.

A Liverpool spokesman said: "Rafa was admitted to hospital last night after suffering problems with a kidney stone. He will undergo a minor operation and is expected to return to work within two or three days."

• PORTSMOUTH and a players agent were both found guilty of breaking FA rules in connection with the transfer of Benjani Mwaruwari to and from the club, the FA said yesterday.

Portsmouth were fined €16,700 with a further €16,700 fine suspended for two years following the investigation by an independent regulatory commission.

Agent Willie McKay was given a suspended suspension of his overseas registration.

Da Silva makes a welcome return for Arsenal

• UNDERHILL may be an inauspicious venue for a player more used to pilfering in the six-yard boxes of Europe's most glamorous arenas, but Eduardo da Silva will hardly care as he strides out at Barnet in front of a smattering of supporters this evening.

Almost 10 months since he was carried from the turf at St Andrew's with his left ankle mangled and horribly distorted, the Croatia international returns to action for Arsenal's reserve side, with a return to the first team finally coming into view.

The Brazil-born striker is ready to take the next significant step in a long recovery. Eduardo has been chomping at the bit in training recently with his rehabilitation from the injury sustained in a challenge with the Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor back in February having progressed as smoothly as anyone could have hoped.

The 25-year-old has been upbeat throughout, amazing members of staff at London Colney with his optimistic outlook.