The Sports Matrix: Thursday 17 February 2011

Uefa take action against Gattuso

Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Milan’s Gennaro Gattuso after he headbutted the coach Joe Jordan after Spurs’ 1-0 win in Milan on Tuesday. Gattuso was also involved in a fracas in the tunnel with Sébastien Bassong. MORE

Bangladesh on tenterhooks

The tournament opening ceremony is today in Bangladesh, with the first match two days later. It is the biggest sporting event the country has hosted since independence in 1971. Prime minister Sheikh Hasina said sport can “help brand a country”. MORE

England run close by...Canada

England recorded an unimpressive 16-run warm-up win over Canada yesterday. There remain doubts over injuries and the lineup, and Kevin Pietersen’s elevation to opener bore the hallmark of 11th-hour desperation. MORE

Bolton go through thanks to Klasnic

Ivan Klasnic struck to put Bolton Wanderers into the next round of the Cup at the expense of Wigan Athletic. This fourth-round replay was played in front of a sparse crowd, who saw the Croat break the deadlock in the second half to set up a trip to Fulham.

Wilkinson given special treatment

Jonny Wilkinson has been released from England duty to play for Toulon this weekend. The fly-half has been on the bench for the first two Six Nations matches. James Haskell and Tom Palmer, however, have not been released to play for Stade Français. MORE

Forest frustrated at Glanford Park

Scunthorpe ended Nottingham Forest’s 10-match unbeaten run in the league thanks to Chris Dagnall’s 19th-minute goal. Forest, battling for promotion, failed to find an equaliser and are now in fourth place, while Scunthorpe are second from bottom. MORE

Heidfeld replaces injured Kubica

Nick Heidfeld is to replace the injured Robert Kubica at Renault. Kubica is probably out for the entire forthcoming season after undergoing a series of operations following the serious injuries he suffered in an accident while rallying in Andorra 10 days ago.

Orient protest over Olympic decision

Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn will meet Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore tomorrow to voice grievances over West Ham’s move to Stratford: “I don’t anticipate a lot of support. I don’t like bullies and I don’t like being bullied.” MORE

Peddlers Cross on track for Hurdle

Peddlers Cross, one of the young pretenders for the Champion Hurdle, continues his Cheltenham preparations today in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso. Jockey Jason Maguire said that the six-year-old “seems 100 per cent at home”. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

One must doubt claims that Joe Jordan called Gennaro Gattuso an “Italian bastard”. Jordan adores Italy, its food, its wine, its culture and his closest friends include Franco Baresi, after two unforgettable years at Milan. MORE

Arshavin and Van Persie stun Barça with late comeback

Late goals from Robin van Persie and Andrei Arshavin gave Arsenal a dramatic 2-1 win over Barcelona in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the Emirates last night. The Spanish champions took the lead after 26 minutes when David Villa beat the offside trap. The hosts improved after the break, though, pinning back their illustrious opponents. With just 12 minutes left they equalised, Robin van Persie beating Victor Valdes at his near post. Five minutes later, on the counter-attack, Cesc Fabregas released Samir Nasri whose pass across the box teed up Arshavin to score the winner on a night to remember for Gunners fans. MORE

Dalglish ready for European debut

Kenny Dalglish leads Liverpool into his first European game as their manager tonight, against Sparta Prague. In his first spell the club were banned after the Heysel disaster. “It was right someone was punished”, reflected Dalglish. MORE

Armstrong retires for the second time

Lance Armstrong formally announced his retirement yesterday. The seven-times Tour de France winner, who returned to the saddle two years ago, says he is quitting for good to spend more time with his family and his charities. MORE