Soccer Shorts

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

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

Bahrain's appeal rejected

Bahrain's attempt to have their World Cup play-off defeat by Trinidad & Tobago annulled has been rejected by FIFA. A late Bahrain 'goal' in the second leg was disallowed by Colombian referee Oscar Julian Ruiz Acosta for dangerous play. Bahrain lost the second leg 1-0 and 2-1 on aggregate, giving Trinidad a place in the finals for the first time.

A FIFA spokesman said Bahrain had been informed that an appeal could not be granted because their protest had not been filed in time under FIFA's regulations.

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No action against Mills

Danny Mills will face no action for his challenge on Morten Gamst Pedersen during Saturday's goalless draw between Manchester City and Blackburn. Mills clashed with the Rovers midfielder in an otherwise forgettable Eastlands encounter, leaving Pedersen clearly unhappy.

Raul out

Real Madrid captain Raul has suffered a complex knee injury that will require specialist treatment and is likely to be sidelined for around two months.

A scan carried out at the Ruber International hospital showed the 28-year-old striker had suffered a partial tear of the cruciate ligament in his left knee and also damaged the cartilage, the Primera Liga club said yesterday.

Raul sustained the injury when shooting during his side's 3-0 defeat against Barcelona on Saturday and had to leave the pitch early in the second half.

United fans face away ban

The Premier League will have the final say on whether Manchester United fans are banned by Charlton from The Valley.

The Londoners announced their wish to withhold the away allocation from United in the future after a visiting fan was charged with sexual assault against a female member of staff and a steward was injured during last Saturday's match between the two teams.

However, Charlton cannot act unilaterally and will need to agree any ban with the Premier League board.

A Premier League spokesman said: "Charlton Athletic will no doubt discuss their away allocation for Manchester United, along with stewarding and police arrangements, with their safety advisory group for any future matches "Any ban on away fans would have to be considered by the Premier League board."

Fog causes postponement

Birmingham's Premiership clash with Bolton last night was called off because of fog at St Andrews. Referee Phil Dowd completed an initial inspection of the ground immersed in fog but did not postpone the fixture until 6.55pm, just prior to gates opening for supporters.