The Sports Matrix: Wednesday 9 March 2011
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gill defends Glazer control at United
David Gill defended the Glazer family yesterday in front of a parliamentary select committee. He said that debt loaded onto the club by the Glazers did not affect the running of the team, and said that they were taking a “long-term” view. MORE
Broad sent home with side strain
Stuart Broad has had to withdraw from the World Cup with a side strain. The England bowler had to leave the Ashes tour with an abdominal tear, and described the two injuries as an “unfortunate coincidence”. He will be replaced by Chris Tremlett. MORE
Taylor hits New Zealand to success
A thrilling Ross Taylor century helped New Zealand to a big win over Pakistan. He hit 131 from 124 as New Zealand scored 302 for 7. They then bowled Pakistan out for 192, giving them a winning margin of 110 runs.
QPR beaten but Swansea stumble
Queen’s Park Rangers’ lead at the top of the table was cut to seven points as they lost 2-0 at Millwall, after goals from Steve Morison and Liam Trotter. Second-placed Swansea could only draw 1-1 with Watford, though, after Danny Graham’s late equaliser. MORE
English respect for Scotland queried
Scotland’s defence coach Graham Steadman has questioned England’s approach to Sunday’s Calcutta Cup. “Will England treat us with the respect we deserve?”, he asked. “I’d have to question that. I’m sure they’ll have one eye on the Grand Slam.” MORE
Robinho comes back to England
Robinho will return to English football tonight for the first time since he left Manchester City for Milan. He struggled to fit into English football, but has improved this season and has said that “every day I become more settled” at the Italian club. MORE
Hook given a new chance at fly-half
James Hook will have another chance to claim the Wales fly-half slot against Ireland on Saturday. “We wanted to give James another opportunity at 10”, said Wales coach Warren Gatland. “There wasn’t a lot of debate”. Stephen Jones drops to the bench. MORE
Redknapp doubts that Bale will start
Harry Redknapp was unsure over the fitness of Gareth Bale last night, with the Tottenham winger “struggling” with pains in his legs. Steven Pienaar may start on the left. Redknapp promised not to sit back and defend their 1-0 lead over Milan. MORE
Grands Crus a real threat to Big Buck’s
Grands Crus has the look of David Pipe’s first proper champion, just one, week before the Cheltenham Festival. Grands Crus has won all three starts this season without coming off the bridle, and could challenge Big Buck’s in the World Hurdle tomorrow week. MORE
Opinion: James Lawton
That it should be Cesc Fabregas who left open the Arsenal gate was as shattering as the fact that he had shown clear signs of being less than fully fit for his chance to influence the biggest challenge of his club’s season. MORE
Ten-man Arsenal eliminated by Barça
Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League last night after losing their last 16 second-leg tie 3-1 at the Nou Camp. For a brief second-half spell they were set to progress but Barcelona scored twice after Robin van Persie’s controversial red card, to eliminate Arsenal from the competition for the second consecutive year. Arsène Wenger started Van Persie up front, and Arsenal defended well from the start. They were close to reaching the break at 0-0 but in stoppage time Cesc Fabregas gave the ball away on the edge of the area, and Andres Iniesta found Lionel Messi, who clipped the ball over Manuel Almunia and volleyed in. Early in the second half Arsenal equalised when Sergio Busquets headed into his own net. But Van Persie was then sent off for a second yellow after kicking the ball away. Barça were dominant, and Xavi levelled the tie before Messi’s penalty won it. MORE
Shakhtar dominate Roma to progress
Shakhtar Donetsk qualified for the last eight of the Champions League with a 3-0 home win over Roma, winning the tie 6-2 on aggregate. They took an early lead last night through Tomas Hubschman. Willian scored a second before Eduardo added a late third.
Heidfeld: Red Bull can do even better
Nick Heidfeld said yesterday that Red Bull are not performing to their full capacity in testing, despite Mark Webber testing fastest last month. “I think they are still not showing everything”, said Heidfeld, “they still have something in their pocket”. MORE
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments