Football round-up: Luis Suarez must apologise to team, says Brendan Rodgers

Luis Suarez needs to apologise to his Liverpool team-mates and the Merseyside club before he can be reintegrated into the squad, Brendan Rodgers said last night.

The Uruguay striker has been forced to train alone due to his manager's anger over interviews in which he claimed Liverpool had reneged on a deal to allow him to leave this summer. Following his side's 1-0 defeat to Celtic in Dublin, Rodgers said: "Initially there must be a recognition that there needs to be an apology to his team-mates and the club," said Rodgers.

"I have seen him over a period of time, I know it is not the Luis Suarez we know and I have to protect the fans and the players because they deserve more. He has spent some days working on his own. The group has been separate to that and working very hard. When he is back from his international trip [Suarez will travel to Japan with Uruguay] we will assess it from there."

Rooney will not cause rift, says Hodgson

Roy Hodgson is adamant his selection of Wayne Rooney for England's friendly against Scotland will not cause a rift with Manchester United. The striker has hardly featured in his club's pre-season campaign due to hamstring and shoulder injuries but will report for duty ahead of Wednesday's game.

Rooney, who is a transfer target for Chelsea, said on Facebook last night: "Can't wait to join up with the England squad and hopefully play in a competitive match, they always are against Scotland. Big thanks to Roy Hodgson for selecting me and showing his faith and support, appreciate it."

It has been suggested United are unhappy about a player struggling for fitness being involved with England but Hodgson said yesterday: "The only problem is that my selection of him could be used as a wedge between David Moyes and myself. There's not going to be any wedges put between us two, we've been friends for a very long time. David understands the situation."

Rooney is not expected to be involved in the Community Shield against Wigan at Wembley this afternoon.

Dyke tips penalty reviews

Greg Dyke, the chairman of the Football Association, believes the Community Shield will come to be seen as a landmark day in the use technological aids in refereeing.

Today's match is the first major fixture in England to feature GDS (Goalline Decision System) but Dyke believes using technology to ascertain whether a shot has crossed the line is only the start. He said: "When we look back in 25 years' time we will say 'that was the beginning'. I think it is inevitable there will be more use of video technology to help referees. Personally I think penalties will be a no-brainer, but it will be down to the referee to call for a review."

Qatar turn up heat

Organisers of the Qatar World Cup last night hit back at the FA for urging FIFA to consider taking the 2022 tournament away from the Gulf nation.

Greg Dyke, the FA chairman, said on Friday that Qatar's extreme heat meant FIFA must either find a new location or reschedue to winter. But Qatar's organisiing committee said in a statement: ""Football is the most popular sport in the Middle East and the people of our region deserve the opportunity to have history made in their part of the world."

Riise released by Fulham

John Arne Riise, the Fulham defender, is leaving Craven Cottage after the club agreed to grant him on a free transfer. The Norwegian, 32, still has a year remaining on his contract but Fulham will allow him to leave without a fee. Bundesliga side Werder Bremen are among a host of interested clubs.

"It looks like I will be parting company with Fulham this summer," said Riise. "Fortunately there is an agreement for there to be no transfer fee, so let's see what the rest of the transfer window brings."

Henderson lifts Forest

Darius Henderson struck an injury-time winner as Nottingham Forest defeated Blackburn 1-0 at Ewood Park yesteday. The forward fired into an unguarded net after unselfish play by Jamie Mackie.

The win, which was only their second at Blackburn since 1977, puts Billy Davies' side joint-top of the Championship. Blackpool emulated Forest with a second straight victory courtesy of a last-minute goal. Scott Wiseman scored at the wrong end for Barnsley to hand Paul Ince's side a 1-0 victory at Bloomfield Road.

Valley of jeers for Charlton

Charlton were booed off at The Valley after Lukas Jutkiewicz's header for Middlesbrough condemned Chris Powell's side to a second straight Championship defeat. The striker took advantage of some poor defending to convert Grant Leadbitter's corner and secure a 1-0 win.

Also pointless are Sheffield Wednesday, who were beaten 2-1 at Burnley after conceding two first-half headers from Danny Ings and Sam Vokes. David Prutton pulled one back with 20 minutes left.

Britt earns reward for Peterborough

Britt Assombalonga scored for the second game running as Peterborough United continued their 100 per cent start to League One with a 4-2 win at Notts County. Tommy Rowe, Tyrone Barnett, Grant McCann were also on target.

Brechin broken

Rangers kicked off their Scottish League One campaign with a 4-1 home win against Brechin City. Chris Hegarty, Nick Law, Ian Black and Dean Shiels scored the goals.