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A round-up of today's other stories in brief

South Korea coach says Park deserves to receive his medal

The South Korean soccer player banned from collecting his bronze medal at the London Olympics for waving a placard with a political message deserves to receive his medal, coach Hong Myung-bo said yesterday.

Hong slammed the handling of the row, which erupted after Park Jong-woo held up a sign referring to a territorial dispute between South Korea and Japan.

The incident happened after South Korea had beaten Japan 2-0 in the bronze medal game, prompting Olympic officials to ban Park from the podium.

“He was as big a contributor to the team as anyone,” Hong told a news conference in Seoul. “As far as I am concerned, he is a well-deserving bronze medallist. That should have been his moment to remember, and he never got that chance.”

The placard – which read “Dokdo is our territory” – helped inflame fresh controversy after a surprise visit by South Korean president Lee Myung-bak to the island two weeks ago.

Soccer’s governing body, Fifa, also opened disciplinary proceedings against the player, who was passed the sign by a fan and has yet to get his medal.

Italian tribunal reject Conte appeal

An Italian soccer tribunal yesterday confirmed a 10-month ban for Juventus coach Antonio Conte, rejecting his appeal against a verdict handed down earlier this month.

Conte, who led an undefeated Juventus to the Italian title in his first season in charge last term, was accused of failing to report incidents of match-fixing in two games in the 2010-11 season when he was the coach of then Serie B side Siena.

The matches that came under scrutiny were against Novara and Albinoleffe in May 2011. Siena has already been fined.

The appeals court modified the original verdict by acquitting Conte of wrongdoing in the game against Novara, but upheld the original 10-month sentence. Conte is now expected to launch a second appeal to another tribunal, to be heard in September.

AC Milan forward Antonio Cassano has officially joined Inter Milan with Giampaolo Pazzini moving in the opposite direction, the two clubs announced yesterday.

The length of Pazzini’s contract and financial details were not immediately available.

Sheedy to undergo surgery after bowel cancer diagnosis

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Kevin Sheedy has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. The 52-year-old Everton academy coach will undergo surgery later this week.

He is expected to be absent from the Finch Farm training ground for some time.

“It’s not ideal but I have to remain positive,” said Sheedy. “After a period of rehabilitation I will return to my coaching role at Everton,” he added.

A gifted left-sided player, Sheedy made 369 appearances for the Toffeemen, scoring 97 goals and was capped 46 times, scoring on nine occasions.

The most famous of those came against England at Italia ’90 when Ireland were 1-0 down to a goal by Gary Lineker when Sheedy scored a dramatic and crucial equaliser in Cagliari.

Sheedy was keen to highlight the importance of people being aware of getting an early diagnosis if they experienced any problems.

“There is a history in the family,” he admitted.“It’s so important that people don’t ignore the early signs and symptoms, and don’t be afraid to consult a GP.”

Cox is confident over partnership with Blackstock

Simon Cox has expressed confidence about his partnership with Dexter Blackstock at Nottingham Forest after scoring for his new club in Tuesday’s 1-1 Chammpionship draw at Huddersfield.

“Most partnerships take a little bit of time, but as long as you’re both willing to put a shift in there’s no reason it shouldn’t work,” said the Republic of Ireland striker, who looks certain to be included in the squad for the World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan when Giovanni Trapattoni names it tomorrow afternoon.

“We’re both clinical in front of goal,” he continued, “and we’re both comfortable with the ball at our feet. It should be a good partnership and thankfully I’m off and running now.”

EMMET MALONE

Sahin must go to England - Mourinho

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho does not mind which club midfielder Nuri Sahin joins on loan — as long as it is in the English Premier League.

Mourinho confirmed yesterday that Madrid had received a number of offers for the 23-year-old Turkey international, with Liverpool and north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham linked to the player.

Sahin has had little game time since making his move to the Bernabeu 12 months ago and Mourinho is eager to farm him out to continue his development.

And the former Chelsea boss believes the English top flight is the best place for his young midfielder, regardless of the club.

“The Premier League is a good place for players to pick up certain characteristics which he does not have,” Mourinho told a press conference ahead of his side’s Supercopa first-leg tie with Barcelona at the Nou Camp tonight.

“It is all the same to me, though, which club he goes to. I just hope that it happens soon for him, as it is best for him. Liverpool, Arsenal or Spurs — I have no preference.”